Italian food in Dublin

As I watched people outside rush by the window, trying to take cover from the rain, I wondered where each person was headed to and who may be awaiting them at their destination. Were they Dubliners rushing to get home or to meet a friend? Or were they tourists wandering the city hoping this was the street their hotel was on?
We were sitting in a local Italian restaurant, Da Pino, a few blocks away from our hostel, too exhausted to carry on much of a conversation. The restaurant was warm and softly lit, a very comfortable setting. I was dreading the moment we would have to bundle up and step into the rainy night, wind whipping our faces.
There were only a few other customers in the restaurant besides ourselves. A couple nearby, nuzzling each others necks in an almost nauseating way, a party of three sharing some pizza that made my mouth water as we waited for our dinner, and another couple. Although as I watched them split up the bill, I figured they seemed more like old friends catching up than a couple.
My stomach burned with hunger and my attention kept finding itself on the people passing outside the window. Some were surprisingly in no rush at all despite the drizzly weather. Others hurried by, covering their face with whatever they could, a hood, a hat or even a newspaper. Some were alone, talking on the phone or absorbed in their own thoughts. Others shared an umbrella with a friend or loved one. I found myself mesmerized by the streaks of light that the cars and buses created as they whizzed by, bright colors against the darkness of the night.
I found my thoughts turning to our trip, mentally listing the sights we’ve seen and the things we’ve done. We had visited Kilmainham Gaol, the National Gallery of Ireland, Newgrange and had seen several other sites along the way. I couldn’t believe it was nearing the end. When we’d first arrived it seemed as if home was years away. Now, as the 13th day came to an end, it was right around the corner. I felt myself experiencing mixed feelings of not wanting the trip to end, but missing my family more each day. Despite my clashing emotions, the warm and comforting atmosphere took advantage of my exhaustion, and wrapped me up like a favorite blanket. I felt my thoughts melt away and just sat, absorbing and taking in the sounds and sights the evening, as the waiter placed our dinner before us.