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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Entertainment
Brian Dillon

The full story of the legendary Liberties chipper that has fed generations

The Liberties is home to many an establishment loved by locals of all generations.

An area that is so packed with history, culture, and diversity is bound to be bursting at the seams with places full of stories and memories - one of which is Fusco's Cafe on Meath Street. Fusco's is a true family affair with founder Filippo Fusco's daughter Norina still working at the now iconic establishment.

She spoke to Dublin Live about the story behind the chipper's opening and its legacy as a truly beloved Liberties business.

Read more: 'I travelled from Dublin to UK to try famous Binley Mega Chippy - and it wasn't what I expected'

She revealed: "My father left Italy when he was 15 years of age and he went to Paris for about three years but there was no real work there. So he came to Ireland where some cousins were.

"He started working in Rialto for about a year, then he found this shop and he opened it with my mum and his sisters. So they all moved over from Italy and have stayed here ever since.

"Meath Street is his life. Meath Street is his second family, or maybe his real family at this stage. He opened this takeaway and sit down soon after [finding the shop]."

Meath Street in The Liberties, Dublin (Karen Morgan)

Norina also described the business' strong connection to the local community. She said: "Before, you would get the old woman with her grandchildren coming in.

"Now, those grandchildren are grown up and have families of their own and they continue to come in."

So, what's the most popular dish at Fusco's Cafe? Well, it could be anything but when there is fresh ray, that tends to sell out in a matter of hours.

In fact, Fusco's Cafe is said to be one of the last chippers in Dublin to sell ray. One thing that is guaranteed at Fusco's Cafe is a no-frills, proper Dublin chipper experience.

But unfortunately due to rising costs, the business has had to stop giving away free chips with some of their dishes. Norina said: "For 60 years in this shop if you buy a sausage or a burger, we always throw in a couple of chips.

"That might have to change, and I am really sorry to say that. It is all these little extra touches that will disappear eventually if things don't change."

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