Caroline Boyle Dimitrova, Owner Of La Casa – Tapas & Wine

In December 2023, a cozy corner of Claremorris welcomed a new chapter in its dining landscape- La Casa Tapas & Wine. The brainchild of Caroline Boyle Dimitrova and her husband, Alex Dimitrov, the restaurant quickly became a beacon of culinary excellence, offering a refreshing take on Spanish Tapas. For the power couple, La Casa Tapas & Wine represents more than just a business venture- it is the culmination of their shared passion for Spanish cuisine, particularly the art of Tapas, and their dedication to delivering a unique dining experience.  With decades of extensive experience in the gastronomy industry, Caroline and her husband introduce a fresh gust of culinary innovations that redefined hospitality with passion and purpose.

A Journey Rooted in Resilience

Caroline’s passion for Spanish cuisine did not blossom overnight. Neither did it come without a heavy price. It was born from a time of financial crisis, during the economic downturn in Ireland. In 2008, Caroline took over the oldest Spanish tapas restaurant in Dublin, a move that involved immense personal risk—she had remortgaged her home to finance the venture. With the recession looming large, survival became her prime focus. She reflects, “We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. It was tough, but failure was not an option.”

The turning point came in 2011 when a talented chef from Granada, joined the team. When Alex (now Carolin’s husband) eventually joined as head chef, the duo’s combined creativity and business acumen created a recipe for success. “When you have the team that you have always meant to work with it just clicks,” Caroline says, reflecting on how the trio’s synergy opened doors to new skills and creativity. Their experience in Spain, where they researched and rediscovered their culinary offerings, laid the foundation for a vision that would eventually lead to La Casa Tapas & Wine.

Bringing Spanish Flavors to Claremorris

The decision to relocate from Dublin to Claremorris in 2022 marked a new chapter in Caroline and Alex’s journey. Before La Casa Tapas & Wine, Caroline and Alex carved out a stellar reputation in Dublin’s dining scene, winning awards and accolades for their innovative take on Mediterranean cuisine. Their crowning achievement came in 2019 when their restaurant was named the overall Best Restaurant in Ireland, building upon a streak of four consecutive wins as the Best Mediterranean Restaurant in the country. Yet, they knew Claremorris held something special for them.

“We moved with the intent of bringing the same passion and love for Spanish tapas that had earned us such a strong reputation in Dublin,” says Caroline. When the perfect location on Dalton Street became available, the stars aligned. They saw an opportunity to create something fresh yet familiar. Eventually, La Casa Tapas & Wine evolved as a space designed to transport guests to a land of culinary delights, where they could savor authentic flavors with a modern twist. 

“Local people knew our reputation from Dublin and have been incredibly supportive. They expected Spanish tapas, and we were determined to give them an even better experience than before,” Caroline reaffirms. The couple’s decision to integrate local Irish produce with imported Spanish ingredients further solidified their commitment to quality. Their motto, as Caroline likes to remind Alex daily, is “We can do better.”

A Unique Dining Experience

Under Caroline’s discerning leadership, La Casa Tapas & Wine prides itself on delivering an exceptional and impeccable world-class service that elevate both the culinary and experiential aspects of dining. Her interest in culinary artistry coupled with her expertise in hospitality guarantee a dining experience that captivates both the palate and the imagination.

From the carefully curated décor to the expertly sourced wines, every detail has been meticulously thought out to provide guests with an unforgettable gastronomic journey. “We wanted to design a place that would make people feel like they were in any city in the world the moment they stepped inside,” Caroline explains.

The restaurant’s wine list, heavily influenced by Spanish vineyards, also includes Cava, Sangria, and a selection of beers, such as Estrella Damm from Barcelona. The result is a cosmopolitan setting that blends rustic warmth with global satisfaction, appealing to both the local and international visitors. 

But beyond aesthetics, it was the innovation and creativity in the kitchen that turned heads. Alex’s diverse cooking experience dished out special recipes while staying true to its Spanish origins. “Our interpretation of Spanish tapas has been well received, and we’re thrilled to see people return, again and again,” shares Caroline.

Overcoming Challenges with Tenacity

Launching a restaurant is no small feat, especially in a smaller town. But, for Caroline and Alex, Claremorris provided both challenges and opportunities. With the lease secured in 2023, the pressure was to open La Casa Tapas & Wine before the holiday season. “We had less than three months to get everything ready,” Caroline recalls. “The design, the renovation, sourcing suppliers—all of it had to be done in a short window.”

Their experience in the industry, coupled with an unyielding determination, helped them overcome the inevitable hurdles of opening a new business. Blessed with a brilliant team the couple started everything from scratch and built something extraordinary. 

The Power of Partnership

Working alongside her husband for over 12 years has been a defining element of Caroline’s entrepreneurial journey. Together, they have navigated the highs and lows of the industry, from the exhilaration of winning awards to the challenges of keeping their business afloat during the pandemic. “We respect each other’s roles, and that’s what makes our partnership work,” Caroline shares.

Their relationship extends beyond the professional—together, they are also parents to a young son, who serves as their greatest source of inspiration. “He is our driving force. Everything we do, we do for him,” Caroline reveals with a smile. 

Together, they find balance by taking short breaks to reset and rejuvenate. “Some of our best ideas have come from simply enjoying a walk together,” Caroline notes.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Caroline’s journey is marked by resilience, innovation, unwavering faith in purpose, and passion. For anyone considering their entrepreneurial path, Caroline’s advice is embedded in her year-long wisdom and experience. The leader emphasizes staying true to one’s dream and knowing a business inside-out before embarking on a new venture. She exclaims, “There are no shortcuts.”  

One of her proudest moments came during the pandemic when she and Alex pivoted their business model by creating “Tapas boxes” for delivery. “It was a light bulb moment,” Caroline remembers. At that time, they also launched a pop-up in her then-local village of Castleknock in Dublin, offering food for click-and-collect, further expanding their reach. “We didn’t just survive—we thrived by thinking outside the box,” resonates Caroline.

Shaping the Future of Fine Dining

For Caroline Boyle Dimitrova, the journey is far from over. Looking ahead, Caroline hopes La Casa will inspire new diners to embrace different flavors and experiences, particularly in smaller communities like Claremorris. “People are well-traveled and willing to try new things. Our goal is to keep inspiring them with our food,” she says. 

As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the hospitality industry, Caroline’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision and purpose. Her story continues to inspire us to follow our dreams to achieve big, no matter how daunting they may seem.