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What should we know about Little Geno's? Fans of Los Chicanos  – read: anyone with good taste – will be licking their lips at the new sandwich shop from chef Scott Holder. Where that food truck’s inventions took inspiration from Mexican cooks he worked with in the US, Little Geno's takes its cue from New York’s bodegas, with a host of house-prepped meats and sauces bringing a local flavour to corner deli classics. What should we have? There are four signature sandwiches (plus a vegan riff on one) with a boldface “we don’t mess with our sandwiches” warning to anyone tempted to ask about swapping out ingredients - Subway this ain’t. Holder and co have put plenty of work into building their ideal combinations, and we respect the confidence and commitment of sticking to their guns.   The Reuben comes on traditional rye - a malty, nutty bread unfamiliar enough to Irish palates to be regularly replaced by plenty of cafés in the same sandwich. More’s the pity - paired with Little Geno’s delicately flavoured pastrami, piquant sauerkraut and punchy Russian dressing, it’s a well-balanced wonder topped off by a whopper pickle on the side. The sliced Swiss cheese can feel a bit lost in the midst, that’s more our own outlook on the classic combo, than any misjudgement on Little Geno's.   We had the same quibble with the Cubano - up against hard-hitting roast mojo pork shoulder, pickles and mustard aioli, few cheeses would stand a chance. The crisp grilled bread hides a soft crumb, while the mustard’s subtle heat plays well off the citrus and spice-infused flavour of the marinade – a little more meat would have been welcome, with notably more shoulder slopping out on Instagram  than in the flesh.   The Italian is the one we’d be least likely to revisit - for all the standout spice of its Calabrian chilli and tomato sauce (sell it by the jar plz) and the perfect ciabatta, the combo of pepperoni, fennel salami and smoked ham mostly just melded together in a meaty, oily mess that ran down our fingers. The more-is-more meat crowd might find this one more to their liking.   We couldn’t imagine anyone not loving the bánh mì though, vegans included - there's a mushroom-laden meat-free version – with its spillover shredded veg and perfectly crusty French baguette. The proportions of this one in the basket had our expectations lowered, but the burst of flavour from lemongrass-scented pork belly and spicy Vietnamese sausage quickly showed us size isn’t everything. Don’t pass on it. Cloud Picker are on board for coffee, with iced iterations flying out the door on the intermittently sunny morning we popped our heads in. Both chai and latté went down a treat – bank on seeing a lot of these around Stephen’s Green. Why should I go? If the salubrious surrounds of this building – it’s a members-only coworking space upstairs – don’t exactly scream small neighbourhood deli, the healthy balance of quality and convenience hit the mark head-on. There’s a simplicity and charm to Little Geno’s riffs on classics that will play well with the passing office trade out for a weekday lunch, or the weekend crowd looking to pimp up a park picnic.   Little Geno’s Grafter House, Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 instagram.com/littlegenosdeli

After a seriously rocky start, what with all that sheet rain in July, August has semi-sorted itself out - it's still a roll of the dice every time you leave the house but we'll take what meager pickings we're thrown. As our gift to you, we've rounded up a culinary blueprint of places that are popping off this month, from new openings to pop ups, outdoor dining to burgers on the beach... To welcome back an old friend: Coppinger, Dublin 2 We were devo when Coppinger Row got turfed out of their buzzy little namesake lane just off South William Street back in 2021. Sure, we were able to bide our time with Row (which we big-time dig ), but finally the balance has been restored with the original back in action. Giant prawns washed down with the best Bloody Mary's at a circular tables are once again some of the best fun you can have in this town - read our once over here . To soak up the last of the summer sun: Library Street, Setanta Place August is for cramming in all the summer stuff you have yet to tick off your list, and if you've been sleeping on your small plates and wine in the sun  box, use this as an excuse to make some plans. Library Street  has some of the best food in the city that can be enjoyed outdoors and their wine list is right up there too. They open from 15:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and it would be a crime against summer not to park yourself outside for a few heady hours. For the penultimate summer garden party: The Salt Project @ Roe and Co, Dublin 8 If you haven't had a chance to head into one of four Roe and Co's summer garden parties, we would enlist you in the "seriously missing out" camp, and this month, nomadic Irish food trailer The Salt Project is holding court. Led by Caomhán Di Bri, (ex chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin starred Maze), they'll be serving up Blaisíní - their version of small plates, all coupled with Roe & Co cocktails created especially for the menu. It runs from Thursday - Saturday from the 1st to the 24th of August, and you can book here . ( Socafro Kitchen move in for the last residency in September) For a one off summer tasting menu: Margadh RHA, Dublin 2 Margadh are smart cookies. They change their tasting menu every six weeks or so (almost as frequently as the Scottish scallywags off Dawson Street), and throw in guest chefs who want to make their mark. Their latest Late Summer Tasting Menu features French trained guest chef Louis Wishart, and whatever a Parmesan bonbon and lovage shot is, we want it - ditto for the cherry & white chocolate ‘Margnum’. If it's half as good as that play on their name we're sold. For brand new flavours in the 'burbs Daruma, Malahide Daruma has arrived to the seaside, ready to fill the much needed Japanese hole in Malahide. Unlike their sister restaurant/pub in Temple Bar, they describe themselves as "up casual" (we have no idea what that means), and menu additions include foie gras and eel maki; miso pork chops; and wagyu croquettes. There's also a BBQ grill option (only available outdoors) for €100 with A5 Omi Wagyu and all the bits. Definitely one to try with a group. For burgers by the beach: Puck Burger, Portmarnock The next worthy beach day we get, you'll find us out in Portmarnock, where Puck serve some of the best burgers and fries on the northside. They're open Wednesday - Friday from 16:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 13:00, and there's brunch in the form of breakfast brioche at the weekend too. With beef, chicken, veggie, vegan, and gluten free options, you can go with literally anyone - schedule a drive by and get yourself to Portmarnock beach before those skin on fries lose their legendary crispiness. For the biggest BBQ event of the year Big Grill, Ballsbridge Also known as Europe’s Largest BBQ Festival, Big Grill is having a great 2024 already, with their first overseas adventure to London in June a smash hit, AND it's their 10 year anniversary. You'll find loads of your favourites there like Hang Dai , Crudo , and Bahay , as well as private dining tasting menus as part of their Offside experiences. Cancel all plans between the 22nd and 25th of August and get a ticket that covers multiple days. For when everyone's on holliers and you can finally get a reso Uno Mas, Aungier Street Sure you can go to Bambino or The Gravediggers whenever you want, but getting a weekend reservation at Uno Mas is not an easy feat. August is one of those golden months where everyone in your city is in a different city, partaking in an activity they like to call "holidays", and often forget about the reservations they made months earlier, cancelling them once that reminder email comes in. Cue the foodies, sweeping in to hoover up all the good tables at the last minute. If ever there was a month to pick up the phone and try your luck, August is the one.

Summer flavours to celebrate the last few weeks of the season, a brand new cheese , and an all American kitchen sink of a dessert - these are the dishes we can't stop thinking about this week in the capital... 1) Tuna Tataki , Floritz Cool down in this heatwave (haha we wish) with some wild bluefin tuna from the Western Mediterranean. Flortiz are serving their Balfegó tuna tataki-style, with the oh so summery flavours of yuzu, ponzu, gari and daikon. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, here's a good excuse. Read our once over here . 2) Crispy Hen of the Woods, The Legal Eagle The Legal Eagle are very diligent at making sure that the veggies of the world have a good time too, and if you need proof, take a look at their latest main course to hit the 'gram. This ultra crispy Hen of the Woods mushroom is served fried chicken style, with bok choy, kimchi and a soy glaze - who needs chicken when you've got hens like this. 3) Tomato and Stracciatella Salad, Osteria Lucio The combination of summer tomatoes and cheese will never cease to amaze, and Osteria's Lucio's latest is a tomato and stracciatella reverie. Mixed summer heritage tomatoes and that creamy, string cheese are served with basil, and the very fancy Chianti-based winery Felsina's first press extra virgin olive oil. 4) Régalis Cesar Brebis, Sheridans Summer is for picnics and no picnic is complete without a cheeseboard, and no cheeseboard is complete without a blue. Sheridans have just introduced a brand new pasteurised sheep’s milk cheese from the French Pyrenees, Régalis Cesar Brebis, into their rotation. Milder than a Roquefort, think of it as a gateway cheese for those looking to dive deeper into the world of creamy blues. 5) Atomic Cake, Hawksmoor Steak legends Hawksmoor have just opened up their second Stateside location in the windy city of Chicargo (as your parents call it), and to celebrate, the iconic Atomic cake dessert has come to Dublin. Bakeries on the southside of the city started whipping it up in the 1950's, and it consists of three different flavoured cakes – banana, chocolate and vanilla – layered together with custard, cream, banana, strawberry jam and fudge sauce, and a Hawksmoor twist of roast-banana ice-cream. Stick that in your cone and slurp it.

What should we know about Le Petit Renard? Dublin’s new wave of wine bars just keeps on building, with Kimmage the latest suburban shore it’s lapped up on. Le Petit Renard comes courtesy of couple Romain Tessier and Suzanne Hodgkinson, one of whose four Artybaker outlets is right round the corner. It’s walk-in only so have a backup plan in mind if you’re not a local - D12's pent-up demand for a space like this had us turned away on our first few tries. We eventually got in through grit and determination. What should we have? With all but three of the wine menu’s selections available by the glass, Le Petit Renard lends itself better to casual sipping and snacking than full blow-out feast – especially given the wines are all available to buy at the owners’ grocery just two doors down. We started with a pet nat rosé from reliable Romanian producer La Sapata, light and dry with rich raspberry notes, as well-tuned to the humid tease of a Dublin summer evening as to the small pot of mini saucissons we matched it with. These dry-cured sausages – variously studded with chorizo, blue cheese and walnut – are mild and moreish, a solid snack to sample while the more substantial fare is put together. (Carrying on from this week's Instagram wine pour convo, they don't list the glass size on the menu, but we guessed 175ml - they felt generous) We passed on the chorizo, prosciutto and (more) saucisson of the charcuterie board and chose cheese instead. Strawberry, peach and kiwi added a seasonal touch to the all-French offering, though the board struck us as decidedly tilted toward fruit over fromage – better balance needed here, and perhaps a touch more variety too. There’s plenty to enjoy in the Brie, Camembert and goat’s cheese, but a blue for variety would have gone down well, and paired better with the plump fig chutney.   Given the Artybaker pedigree, bread is essential, and we indulged via the homemade roast red pepper dip. The crusty sourdough and light-as-you-like focaccia are a formidable pair for first scooping, than sponging every last drop of this concentrated burst of flavour. Expect to fall out over who gets to mop up the last of it. With those we drank the Crego e Monaguillo Godello, and found its well-rounded lemon, pear and minerality stood up well to the variety of flavours flying around. Vermouth over ice was too tempting to pass up at this time of year, and played well off a dessert of flaky sea salt and hazelnut-encrusted chocolate mousse. It’s not hard to see why this deceptively light dollop is the solo choice – its encore appeal is an exceptional way to cap off an evening, and evidence aplenty of where Le Petit Renard should have no trouble in attracting a loyal local crowd. Why should I go? If you’re anywhere nearby, this one’s a no-brainer – Le Petit Renard is the kind of new neighbour we're all ready to welcome. It's a lively space to start off or wind down an evening out, where you might spot a free table in passing and be sat at it before you can say un vin blanc s'il vous plaît . For those further afield, it’s worth taking your chances – just don’t say we didn’t warn you.   Le Petit Renard 6 Sundrive Road, Kimmage, Dublin 12 instagram.com/lprwinebar

While our nights are generally spent in search of good food, a good drink to start is usually an important part of the experience. Cocktails in this town don't come cheap, so when you do treat yourself to a pre or post-prandial sip you want it to be worth the extra expenditure. Here's our latest list of where to go when you want only the best cocktails, to start or end your night off right... THE SWANKY ONES The Collins Club, Mount Street Celebrity restaurant Jean-Georges might have stolen all the limelight in the recently opened Leinster Hotel on Mount Street in Dublin 2, but the crimson-covered, Georgian glam-themed cocktail bar on the ground floor also deserves your attention. Named after Irish-born restaurant architect David Collins, The Collins Club would be just as at home in New York as in Dublin, has live music from Thursday - Friday, and a cocktail menu that takes a very different riff on classics - like the "kumquat" - their version of a martini with gin, vodka, vermouth, kumquat brine, and frozen pickled grapes instead of olives. The Terrace @ The Shelbourne Hotel, St. Stephen's Green The Shelbourne Hotel 's top-shelf 1824 bar may only be open to residents these days, but The Terrace next door is open from Wednesday - Sunday until the end of September. This year it's sponsored by Laurent Perrier Champagne, so you can drink it by the glass (with serves of caviar if your pockets are that kind of deep), or work your way through their Champagne cocktails - we loved the French 1824 with Angostura bitters, pomegranate liqueur, lemon juice, sugar, and that all important Champagne. 9 Below, St. Stephen’s Green From the group behind House, 37 Dawson Street and The Gables in Foxrock, 9 Below  is the sophisticated sibling of the Nolaclan group, hidden in the former basement of the Hibernian Club off Stephen’s Green. Bunker down in one of four rooms, all with a dimly-lit speakeasy vibe, and sip on drinks with less common additions like bergamot liquor, Champagne bitters and tarragon vinegar. The Sidecar @ The Westbury, Dublin 2 It's glamour all the way at The Sidecar  in The Westbury Hotel, the Art Deco-style bar which feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street (and the Gallery lobby space outside). They have a dizzying array of G&Ts, a martini trolley, and a cocktail menu worth studying up on in advance. They also give you a little glass of bubbles while you wait for your chosen drink, and between this and the nuts and olives they provide, it's relatively good bang for your buck. The Curious Mister, Wellington Quay The Clarence Hotel  has several bars and restaurants, so it might take you a minute to find The Curious Mister . The former 'Octagon Bar' is now a luxurious, quirkily shaped cocktail lounge, with drinks designed to hit all five tastes - sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. The "curious" theme extends to cocktails like the "mushroom", the "red pepper", and the "Guinness/Hibiscus" - plenty for the more adventurous drinkers, but they'll make you the classics too. The Mint Bar, College Green Located in an underground bank vault, The Mint Bar in The College Green Hotel has an old world feel, and while we'd love to see it get a bit of a facelift to bring it into 2024, a drink in here is definitely a more sophisticated start or end to your evening than most of the options across the road in Temple Bar. Cocktails include signatures like their pumpkin spiced martini and blood shot margarita, as well as all the classics, and they have a very good N/A selection too. There's live music from 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays if you're looking for somewhere to settle in after a meal. The Rooftop @ The Marker Easily the city’s best view, The Marker Hotel 's rooftop is a pre-dinner drink worth getting into a lift for. Their Irish G&T menu is robust if expensive, and the cocktail list ranges from classics to seasonal sips to new creations. A seat up here for those rare sunny summer sundowners feels like hitting the jackpot. Peruke & Periwig, Dawson Street Once the coolest cocktail spot in town, Peruke & Periwig  is still a great choice for a pre-dinner drink, especially if you like a bit of theatre with service. The cocktail list is huge, with sections on signature, classic, modern and unknown cocktails, and there's a decent sized food menu for sharing plates to pick over. Reservations are a must. THE UBER COOL ONES Bar 1661, Smithfield We will use any excuse to visit the talent-filled Bar 1661 , just off Capel Street. Voted ' Bar Of The Year ' in 2022, their tagline is "staunchly independent", with a menu that's uniquely Irish. You'll find Poitín as well as an impressive range of Irish-made gin, whiskey, vermouth and apple ice-wine, and because they're not tied in with a spirits conglomerate, their bartenders have carte blanche when it comes to getting creative. The bar to beat. The Sitting Room, Camden Street This aptly named bar above Delahunt restaurant was the ‘good room’ for the family who used to live here, and the team have worked hard to keep the mid-century feel, with vaulted ceilings, wood-panelling, and a bay window overlooking Camden Street. It's a small space and walk in only, but anytime we’ve visited we’ve been able to get a seat, and the cocktails are masterfully made. Note, Fenian Street Note has quickly become one of our regular haunts, ideal for a last drink before a train home from Pearse Street station. The natural focused wine list is the big draw, as are the creative bistro-style plates, but it’s also the perfect place to pop into for a cocktail loosener before or after dinner. Look out for their seasonal specials, like the strawberry and dill margarita. Fidelity Bar, Smithfield Fidelity might be known as one of the city's best place to sink some craft beers, but the cocktails here have been crafted with the same care. Try the "Ready, Aim, Fire" with mezcal, jalapeño & habanero honey syrup, pineapple juice, lime, and habanero bitters; or the "Yuzu Haiboru" with yuzu sake, Malfy gin, lemon, sugar syrup, grapefruit bitters, soda water, and you'll know what we're talking about. THE ONES WITH SECRET DOORS The Blind Pig, Suffolk Street The Blind Pig  speakeasy opened with all the hype, helped in part by having to book a table before they'd give you the address. Descending a set of stairs beside Pacino's Italian on Suffolk Street, you've got to pull on a pig's snout, before the bookcase opens letting you in. It hasn't lost the novelty factor, and the drinks are still amongst the best in the city. Vintage Cocktail Club, Temple Bar Hidden behind a very discreet door in a very non-descript black building, only the three stickers with VCC on them would alert you to what's inside this three floor space in Temple Bar - complete with roof terrace. Ring the bell outside the Vintage Cocktail Club and step inside a 1920's-style space, with trinkets, antique furniture, an open fire and art everywhere. If you're out for a drink alone, you could spend the whole evening reading the menu complete with a history of cocktails, and it could take hours trying to choose from the mammoth menu, so best to ask the mixologists for a steer. Pen & Player, Harcourt Street Ring the doorbell on the Georgian door connected to The Green Hotel on Harcourt Street, and you'll be welcomed into Pen & Player , one of the city's newest places to sip cocktails based on storytelling. Try a 'Cabaret Highlight', with Patron silver tequila, spicy mango, tomato water, saline solution and citric acid; or their signature 'Ink Drop', with Teeling whiskey, honey, angostura and chocolate parfum, and stout beer and banana syrup. They're certainly not playing it safe. El Silencio, Clarendon Market What is it about secret doors that get us so giddy, and will we ever grow out of it? We hope not because by the time you enter this little venue hidden inside Pablo Picante on Clarendon Street you're already primed for a great night out. El Silencio  is one of the best places in the city to drink Mezcal, if that's your thing (it's ours), and the margaritas are a must. There's tacos too, and when do we ever not want tacos. THE PUB ONES Caribou, Stephen Street Lower The team behind Caribou , Bonobo in Smithfield and Kodiak in Rathmines are some of the best at doing bars in 2024, and the former P Macs site had a major overhaul when they moved in earlier this year. As as well as an interior that looks like something out of an interior design mag, the drinks are reliably A1, with a spicy margarita the group is famous for, and house creations like the 'clarified rhubarb sour' luring drinkers out of their comfort zones. Kodiak, Rathmines See also Kodiak for more of the same plus pizza. This huge space is great for meet ups with a gang, and the pizza doesn't play second fiddle to the drinks. We know you're going for cocktails but you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not dip a toe into their epic craft beer selection, Juno, Dorset Street Dorset Street pub Juno is the local we all wish we had. Brilliant bar food , an outdoor terrace catching the evening sun, and a very fun cocktail list. Try a blood orange and rosemary margarita, or a melon and jalapeno sour, and don't take it all too seriosuly - it's just cocktails. Lucky's, The Liberties The Liberties can be a tricky spot for a pre-dinner/Vicar Street drink over and above your standard boozer, but Lucky's serve great cocktails from friendly faces, seven days a week. Their VERY local whiskey list features Teelings, Pearse Lyons, Powers, Dublin Liberties Whiskey, and Roe & Co all made within 850m of their front door, and it's always welcome to see decent non alcoholic options. Pawn Shop, Dame Street Pawn Shop replaced what used to be Berlin Bar, and has proved a hit thanks to DJ sets and spicy margaritas. Their version of an Espresso Martini comes with Teelings small batch, Stillgarden Coffee Amaro and tonka bean (no messing around here), and Doom Slice is just outside if you're hungry (you can bring it in). The Big Romance, Parnell Street Located on Parnell Street, The Big Romance is a mecca for music lovers due to their vinyl-only policy, custom sound system and casual vibe. They're known for their outstanding craft beer selection, but their cocktails are also tops, with Danish super splits and marmalade whiskey sours. It's the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink, or post if you want to catch their guest DJs. Did we miss your favourite place for cocktails? Let us know by emailing info@allthefood.ie

NYC-style sambos, a lobster roll that says peak summer, and the most buttery, sugary French pastries in town are just some of the things we want to get our chops around in Dublin this week. Here's the full five... 1) The Cubanos, Little Geno's The humble sandwich is having a moment in Dublin, and the opening of Little Geno's in Grafter House , a new members-only co-working space on St. Stephen's Green, couldn't have come at a better time. Inspired by the bodegas on almost every corner in NYC, Scott Holder (who also owns Los Chicanos tacos ) opened Little Geno's where Topshop used to be on St Stephen’s Green (RIP), and their menu is a line up of rockstar sandwiches from around the world. There's a reuben, an Italian and a bánh mì, but we're going for the Cubanos - roast mojo pork, smoked ham, pickles, and a mustard aioli on Cuban bread. 2) Soft-Shell Crab , 3 Leaves It's not a secret that we (and the rest of the county) are big fans of what 3 Leaves are doing out in Blackrock, and their latest soft shell crab dish scattered with edible flower petals looks like the perfect summery seaside starter. Book in advance as their tables go like hot cakes/hot crab. 3) Lobster Roll, Salty Buoy Food Truck Niall Sabongi's legendary lobster rolls with house pickle and Old Bay seasoning are a non negotiable in the summer, and this insta post may change the course of your weekend to include a trip out to Skerries. The Salty Buoy Food Truck is currently operating outside of Skerries sailing club every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 - 20:00. Sea you in the queue.   4) Kouign-Amann, Una Bakery The multi-layered pastry from Brittany in France directly translates from the regional Breton language as "Butter Cake", and in it you'll find layer after layer of buttery, crispy, caramelised pastry. Una Bakery in Ranelagh hand roll them from Tuesday - Sunday, and if you haven't tried one, are you actually living your one wild and precious life... 5) Strawberry & Rhubarb Pastry, Fable Bakery Tucked inside Sprout on Dawson Street, Fable Bakery is one of the city's top bakeries, and if you needed convincing of that, take a look at their latest seasonal bake. They've filled Danishes with strawberry, rhubarb, basil and pistachio, and having already had this one (twice), we can say with assurance that you should too.

Those of us consumed by food like to incorporate it into every celebration we damn well can, and sometimes on special occasions (like not seeing your best pals for a week, getting a break from the July rain, or Molly Malone day ) you don't want hushed tones, tablecloths and sommeliers. You want tunes, neon cocktails and the possibility of dancing from a height as the night goes on (we can't guarantee this in all venues). Here's where to go for dinner when you want to have fun... Sister7, Smithfield No one was more ecstatic than us when BigFan  announced their collaboration with Fidelity Bar  in Smithfield. Similar to Hang Dai, Sister7  is a bonafide audiophile bar with one of the best sound systems in the country - and the food's right up there too. As well as the BigFan classics (jiaozi dumplings, bao, enoki fan, prawn toast), you'll find special dishes made with spent brewery products from Whiplash, and the dining room feels like you've been teleported to a swish spot in London or New York. Read our once over here .   Row Wines, Dublin 2 For small plates, natural wines, and a diverse vinyl collection, Row Wines  has been vaulting up the popularity stakes since opening on Coppinger Row, just off South William Street last year. The team took inspiration from Tokyo’s Japanese style listening bar, and their top of the range sound systems spin tunes from old classics to disco, jazz and house. But we're not going anywhere just for the music. It also happens to be one of the most exciting places to eat and drink in the city right now - try the Kilkee crab flatbread or the beef tartare rosti, with heaps of natural wine and expertly mixed cocktails. Amuri, Dublin 2 Sicilian brothers Andrea and Luca Licciardello of Amuri  on Chatham Street are the ultimate Italian hosts - their cheeky chappy chatter and cheery service create a fun, welcoming atmosphere guaranteed to liven up anyone's evening. The Sicilian food is some of the the most authentic in the country, and according to our records there's no better way to end a meal than with a shot of limoncello on the house. Bah33º , Dawson Street For a full on interactive Brazilian BBQ experience, Bah33 º  serve their menu Rodizio style - a method said to have been introduced in the 30's by Gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) who used swords to serve their all you can eat meat. As a homage to the boys back home, waiters walk by with BBQ meat that's been roasted over an open fire, allowing diners to hand pick their dinner, and there's a salad bar to balance out all the beef. It's €56.90 per person, half-price for kids ages 5-11, and free for under-4's, so it's a good option for family fun too. Bootleg, Dublin 2 Veteran fun time restaurateurs  from BigFan , Bow Lane , and Sprezzatura  teamed up to create Bootleg  - Drury's street's very own Disco Lounge, with a lot of vintage wine. Disco balls and DJ booths complete with small plates and a cocktail list dedicated to the Negroni - Bootleg is the definition of lively. With pumping tunes, boozy drinks and more gildas than we knew existed, you couldn't not have a good time. Read our once over here . Hawksmoor, Dame Street Hawksmoor has one of the most jaw-dropping dining rooms in the city, in the former national bank, complete with cast iron dome, stone carvings and cast iron lamp posts. Come for a blow out dinner with pals, get the massive steak platters to share, drink the cocktails, and get the nice wine - you won't regret it, and in a dining room this big you can be as loud as you want. Read about the 27 menu items we tried here . Hang Dai, Dublin 2 Hang Dai on Camden Street is a buzzy neon fever dream set in an ethereal Chinese subway train, with great food, killer cocktails and banging tunes. Listed as one of the Top 10 audiophile bars in the world , they are serious about music and have a custom built sound system, isolated DJ booth, and if you tilt your head back you'll see the dance floor (it's on the ceiling). With set menus for groups that make life so much easier, it's a great spot for a party. If it's good enough for DJ legends LCD Soundsystem and Irvine Welsh to spin records in, it's good enough for your next gathering. Tippenyaki, Rathmines Tippenyaki in Rathmines is probably the most fun you can have at a Dublin restaurant while having your dinner cooked in front of you, by a chef who puts on a show. The literal translation is to "grill on a metal plate", and at Tippenyaki there's plenty of things flung on there, from fillet steak to rack of lamb, duck to seabass. It's a great spot to go with a group, or with someone you don't know too well when you're worried conversation might stall - "Oh look he's juggling the spatulas. Is that a heart made out of omelette? I think your eyebrows may have just been singed..." 777, George's Street When 777 opened up back in 2012, it was quickly dubbed "very loud" and "ear busting" by the boomers (and let's be honest, millennials too) so you know you're in for a lively time here. Blaring beats, boozy margs and Mexican food perfect for sharing are all on the agenda, with group menus, tequila flights, and promotions throughout the week (best value is their €7.77 Sundays). It's the closest you can get to a full on fiesta in a restaurant. Arriba! Lucky Tortoise, Temple Bar If you're bored of people making the food for you in restaurants, Lucky Tortoise run dumpling classes where you can do it yourself. Their dumpling making classes run every day for groups of four or more (you need to book in advance via email), or two and above on Tuesdays that can be booked via Eventbrite . At €59 a head, it's supreme value, and you won't be leaving hungry. Grab your mates, show off your skills, and compete for the title of "supreme dumpling pincher".

(Irish Times)   - The brand new and improved Coppinger opens this Friday, and reservations are now open . This article  from the Irish Times this weekend details their fight to get it back   - New NYC-style sandwich shop Little Geno's , from the same owner as Los Chicanos tacos, has opened in Grafter House on St. Stephen's Green. We're eyeing up the Cubano   - Handsome Burger  are coming to Dublin (outside of the airport). They're opening their first city centre venue on South William Street this week   - One Society are opening a second location, Hidden by One Society , in what looks like Dublin 1. Enter their competition  to guess where and you could win brunch or pizza for a year   - What was Zaatar in George's Street arcade, Dublin's only spot for Manakeesh (like Middle Eastern pizza), has turned into the much more mainstream sounding Seemo's , promising "Dublin’s best wood-fired pizza". We're told the Manakeesh is staying, but they're focusing on pushing pies with Cashel Blue and mushrooms, rather than Mohammarah and cheese   - Oakberry have brought their bowls to Swords - açaí bowls are without doubt the new doughnuts   - Ukiyo is 20 years old . Do you feel old?   - And one of Dublin's best wine shops Lilith in Stoneybatter is turning 3 ! On Wednesday 31st July there's 10% off everything in store, and on Thursday 1st August they're taking over Hynes bar across the road to pour their favourites including some rare and exclusive bottles   - Cloud Picker have won an award for Europe's best airport coffee shop  at the Fab awards in LA - how fab   - Reminder that the lovely Nick's Coffee in Ranelagh offers free coffee  for over 65's   - Praise be - those lovely people behind Pilgrims (formerly in Rosscarbery, Cork) are opening a new daytime venue in Leap  next summer!   - Poor Leo can't go anywhere without getting set upon   - And in other "where do celebs eat" news, Damien Dempsey went for dinner in Lotus Eaters  before playing the Iveagh Gardens last night. Absolute rage we missed him   - And what's a week without a celeb getting accosted for pics in Rasam - NYT food critic Pete Wells is leaving the highly prized gig he's held for 12 years. He explains  how it's affected his health and how he's just not that hungry any more   - Irish writers give good tips on how to avoid getting bad meals abroad   - We need one of The Dough Bros XL tote bags   - When in doubt, order the second cheapest wine   - How to use your coffee grounds to make fertiliser    - This is how cherries are harvested   - We love burrata, but this is bleurrgghh   - Caper brine martinis  - we bet Anna Jones is onto something here   - You food shopping   - The best thumb tacks  ever created The best bargains in Dublin right now   - Feeling pinched from every angle? Achara's new €15 lunch menu  is a purse-friendly way to try their food   - 31 Lennox have a new boozy brunch  every Saturday and Sunday from 15:00 - 16:30. €35 will get you a brunch main⁠ with bottomless cocktails, pints and drinks⁠   - Lottie's are doing €10 corkage all day Sunday, so a great excuse to break out some heavies. Their early evening menu is also available Wednesday - Friday with two courses for €29 or three for €35   - Kildare based but in case you're shopping, Dunne & Crescenzi have a new early bird menu  with a family-style pasta, spritz and a tiramisu to share for €25pp   - Volpe Nera  have a new summer offer available for counter dining or on their terrace. Their "Taste of the Med" involves a Flaggy Shore oyster, fried courgette flower with ricotta and garlic honey, and Mandola dei colli (a type of salami), along with a chilled glass of Gramona ‘Mart’ Rosé for €28 per person   - Get to Chimac for Poutine Tuesdays  - a bowl of Canada's favourite fries with a glass of Prosecco for €15   - Kids get free chicken tenders and chips  at Cluck Chicken every Sunday - one for each eating adult   - There's a new Friday lunch deal at Wallace's Asti in Drumcondra with two courses for €25   - Cinnamon in Ranelagh and Monkstown will let you BYOB wine on Friday and Saturday nights for a bargain €10 corkage   - The Dunmore in Rathmines has a new neighbourhood/early bird menu  from Monday - Thursday, with two courses for €29 or three for €32. You could get in and out for €100 for two if you stick to a carafe of wine   - Mani's new meal deal means you can add an Aperol Spritz to your slice order for €9 from Monday - Wednesday   - Spicy margaritas  at Eleven in Loughlinstown are now €10 for "the season" (we presume that means summer)   - There's a new three-course menu for €30  at Zampas in the Hard Rock Hotel, available Sunday - Thursday with vegan and veggie options   - All tacos at Agave are now €2  from Monday - Thursday   - Krewe have a new  'Taste of NOLA' sharing grill  available from Monday - Wednesday for €60, and it looks like you won't be leaving hungry   - Cocktails are half-price  all day Sunday at La Bodega in Ranelagh, and the garden gets the sun all afternoon (unless it's obscured by cloud)   - There's 40% off the wine list at Wallace's Asti in Drumcondra if you want to  take a bottle home . It's basically just retail price, but handy if you've been sipping on something you list   - Margaritas at the bar  in Dillinger's are just €10 on Saturday night   - The Turk's Head in Temple Bar have reduced the price of pints  (except Peroni) to €5.50 from Monday - Wednesday   - Ukiyo have a load of €10 or under  student specials  from 12-4pm Monday - Friday   - The Crafty Fox just off Wexford Street is now selling pints of Guinness for €5   -  All coffees are €3  at Mimi's on Westmoreland Street, and here's a sweet story  about how they got their name   - Dash Burger have a great student deal of a  smash burger and fries for €9.95   - If you're a student who likes a late lunch, Neon will feed you a main and an ice-cream for €7  from 2-5pm, Monday - Friday   - Piano Piano (formerly Denj) in Rathgar are doing all pizzas for €14 every Tuesday night  (usually €16 - €22)   - One Pico's set dinner  with canapés, bread and three courses for €69 really cannot be argued with, and it's available all night Tuesday - Thursday, and until 18:45 Friday and Saturday. There's a set lunch  for €39 too   - Café and florist Lullabelle & Co. in Dun Laoghaire have started offering free porridge , with toppings a reasonable €2 each for some post-swim warming up   - Get a pizza and a glass of wine for €20  in 30 Church Street on Wednesdays   - Fade Street Cocktail are doing 2 for 1 on classic cocktails  from 4pm - 7pm, Sunday - Wednesday   - Yves @ Brother Hubbard  is offering corkage for just €10, and they're right next door to wine shop Redmond's   - Note's €32 three-course lunch  from Thursday - Saturdays is one of the best deals in town   - Vice are doing a midweek lunch special  of a toastie, San Pellegrino, and either a bag of crisps or a piece of fruit for €10   - If you head to Lennan's Yard on Friday for a long lunch, stretch it out to 5pm and they'll reward you with a complimentary cocktail   - Beer bar Tapped are serving  two margaritas for €16 every Monday

It's mid-July, which means we've got nine new prizes to give away to the people that keep the wheels turning around here! This month you could win a tasting menu for two in one of our favourite openings of 2024, lunch on an Amalfi-style gin terrace in the city centre, and a spa trip to try Majken Bech Bailey's new drinks range, to name a few. ATF Insider s is how we operate with no ads , pay for all of our meals , pay our writers , and operate independently to give you the only advice you need about eating out in Dublin. If you enjoy our content, we would be so happy if you signed up to support it. Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders by midnight on Monday 17th July, will be entered into the draw, and winners will be picked and notified on the 18th July. Here's what we've got for you this month... 1) The Full Tasting Menu for two with drinks at Floritz New opening Floritz in the Townhouse On The Green Hotel on St Stephen's Green has been one of our favourite openings of 2024 - for once a glitzy setting to lounge around in that actually over-delivers on the plates. We're deeeelighted to be sending one of you into Floritz for the 'Fuller tasting menu' from head chef Matt Fuller, with a welcome cocktail and a bottle of wine chosen by their sommelier. Read about what we ate (read: inhaled) here . 2) A table for four at The Salt Project @ Roe & Co The Summer Garden Experience at Roe & Co Distillery is back, with Street by Sunil in situ for July, and The Salt Project moving in for August. Each restaurant creates a tasting menu for their residency, working with the talented team at Roe & Co to create a whiskey cocktail pairing with big and diverse flavours. Kildare-based chef Caomhán de Bri's tasting menu has been designed to showcase locally grown and artisan ingredients from small producers in different regions, and dinner at The Salt Project costs €45. We've got a table of four to give away, which should help to ease those end of summer blues. You can book a table for all of the Roe & Co food residencies here . 3) Two Whole Hog tickets for Big Grill 2024 This summer  Big Grill BBQ and Food Festival celebrates its 10th year (um, how!?), returning to Herbert Park in Ballsbridge from Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th August. Showcasing some of the biggest names from the BBQ and grilling world, flying in from London, Paris, New York, Newfoundland, Montreal, Texas and more, they describe it as " a food festival led by the finest ingredients and fed by fire ". We've got two Whole Hog tickets to give away to Europe's largest BBQ & food festival, giving you access to all four days. V isit  www.biggrillfestival.com  for tickets. 4) Early evening dinner for two with cocktails on the terrace at Lottie's, Rathmines Never let it be said there's no value left in Dublin - case in point, the early evening menu in Lottie's, Rathmines . Book from Wednesday - Friday from 17:00 - 18:00 and you can nab two courses for €29 or three for €35, and there's no scraping the barrel for cheaper ingredients - the picks are all from the regular à la carte, with picks like seabream ceviche; chargrilled chicken thigh with corn and nduja; and raspberry parfait. We're sending one of you in for a three-course menu for two with two cocktails each on their new terrace, and you can choose what you'd pick here . 5) Try Majken Bech Bailey's new juices and infusions with a spa package at Velvære Majken Bech Bailey  made a name at two-Michelin starred Aimsir for her juices, elixirs and infusions, with her non-alcoholic drinks pairing as much of a highlight as the wine. She's just launched a new range  of health-boosting bottled drinks, debuting them at Velvære , the award-winning spa in Dublin 8, and we're sending one of you in for a facial or a massage while you try them. Drinks will change every few months, and will also be available to purchase from reception on your way home. Spa packages at Velvære including two of Majken's drinks start from  €150 - see full details here . 6) Lunch for two on the Malfy Gin Terrace @ Café en Seine Café en Seine are doing their best to bring those Amalfi Coast vibes to Dawson Street, with their new  Malfy Gin terrace . Their summer spritz menu features all four gins - Original, Rosa, Arancia and Limone - served al fresco amidst all the greenery. The Malfy Gin terrace is open for lunch from Monday - Friday and brunch at the weekends, and we're sending one of you in for a two course meal with two Malfy spritzes each ( valid until the 18th August ). Book your table here . 7) A €100 voucher for 31 Lennox to celebrate their new pizza dough sambos We think 31 Lennox in Portobello are the first ones to bring pizza dough sambos to Dublin, and that's something worth celebrating. They've taken their 48-hour proved pizza dough, brushed it with garlic herbed butter, and stuffed it with fillings like Ambrosi burrata with confit cherry tomatoes, fresh pesto and basil leaves; and slow-cooked Irish ham hock, vintage cheddar, dijonnaise and truffled onions. We've got a €100 voucher for 31 Lennox to give away this month so you can work your way through the lot. 8) €100 voucher for Wallace's Asti to celebrate their Friday lunch deal Wallace's Asti in Drumcondra has a brand new Friday lunch deal, with two courses for €25 - and with the €100 voucher we're giving away to one of you this month you can take three pals to kick off your weekend early. Pick from dishes like bruschetta; pizza diavola; and spaghetti with courgette cream, olives and sausage, and wash it down with a bottle from their extensive Italian wine list - including a separate one just for Sardinian wines. Book a table here . 9) A Disaronno prize pack We love a low alcohol spirit, perfect for summer sipping without getting too heady, and amaretto Disaronno (which incredibly dates back to 1525 in Saronno, Italy) fits the bill. The Disaronno fizz adds lemon juice, a dash of sugar syrup and soda water for maximum thirst-quench, or we're very partial to a sour. We've got a Disaronno prize pack to give away this month including a bottle of Disaronno; a bottle of Disaronno Velvet; 2 Disaronno minis; Poacher's Soda Water; plus glassware and a bottle opener. Everyone signed up to   ATF Insiders   for July (new and old) will be automatically entered into the prize draw - you don't need to do anything. If you're not signed up yet join here  before midnight on Wednesday the 17th July to be in with a chance of winning. You'll be supporting independent content in Dublin and beyond, and be able to get answers to all of your burning questions about eating out, here and abroad, directly from us.

Classic restos doing zeitgeisty rebrands, Michelin-starred chefs returning home with their magic in tow, and two new openings for a seaside village that's stuck in the past when it comes to eating out. Here's what's new in Dublin and what's coming soon... Lotus Eaters, Nassau Street After bringing Korean brioche toasties to their downstairs space on Nassau Street, the guys behind The Pig's Ear have gone full zeitgeist rebrand, closing the concept that's been doing the business since 2008, and relaunching it as Lotus Eaters . A Japanese-inspired charcoal grill is the name of the game, with wagyu hamburgers and crab or mushroom omelettes (with optional add ons like caviar, truffle and soy egg yolk) the main draws on a short menu. You can go all in on a chef's selection for €60pp, or order what you want. Bookings are still being taken through the old Pig's Ear channels here . Comet Supper Club Irish chef Kevin O’Donnell worked in Bastible before he left Dublin six years ago, moving to Denmark to work at Restaurant Kadeau . He ended up as head chef at their one Michelin-starred restaurant, and head of development for their two star in Copenhagen, so lucky old us that he's decided to move home and start cooking here. Along with partner and ex-Kadeau Communications Manager Laura Chabal, they've started Comet Supper Club as a testing ground while they look looking for a permanent home. Find them in the Fumbally Stables on the 28th and 29th of July, and follow their Instagram page for more dinner dates. Mini India, Sandyford Mini India , your one-stop-shop for vada pav on the go, traditional Indian sweets and freshly pressed sugar cane juice has just opened a third site in Sandyford, adding to Westmoreland Street and Cabinteely. Although there's no sign of a deli yet (everything crossed for future additions), you will find everything necessary for all of the recipes in Sunil Ghai's brilliant cookbook Spice Box , as well as Indian mangoes (the very best), and jaggery tea. Check them out here . Neighbourhood Wine, Baggot Street After self-described " blood, sweat and bucket loads of tears", Neighbourhood Wine have opened a third location, smack bang in the city centre on Lower Baggot Street opposite Toner's - excellent news for the next time you're in town and in need of a bottle (or six). We're hoping they get some events going too. Coming Soon... Coppinger, Coppiner Row We can't remember the last time a relaunch/reopening/rebrand was teased as much as the new Coppinger (the old Coppinger Row), due to open any day now. Details are sparse, but based on what these guys have done with Row Wines on the same street, we're quietly confident this is going to be haaawt. Parilla, Ranelagh After chef Jules Mak 's Mexican pop up Gabo's in Ranelagh almost two years ago, it seems he's ready to go all in, with his next restaurant Parilla due to open in August. They're calling it an "authentic Mexican grill", and we're only a few weeks away from bring able to get in the door and find out what it's all about. Daruma, Malahide We liked Daruma in Temple Bar (a Japanese pub with yakitori skewers, sushi and small plates) when we visited , so the residents of seaside village Malahide should be very pleased that they're getting their own Daruma where Fish Shack used to be. Work is underway on the site right now but we're expecting news in the next couple of weeks. Sushida, Malahide And in a stunning week for the chronically dull to eat in village, a Sushida sign has gone up where Cape Greko used to be. More when we have it. Little Washer, Glasnevin In even MORE uplifting Northside news (and yet another addition to the city's wine bars), The Washerwoman in Glasnevin are opening Little Washer next door - a " wine bar, pizzeria, Italian nibbles and general craic hub". The build is happening as we speak but here's a sneak peek.

Contrary to what you can see out the window, it is in fact the middle of summer, and just because the weather hasn't realised it, doesn't mean you shouldn't go out and act like you're living your best summer life. From revolutionary menu changes to summer snacks, and exciting new openers you need to get to stat, this is where we recommend getting your butts to this July. For the glow up no one was expecting: Lotus Eaters, Dublin 2 The ever reliable Pig's Ear is going through a serious rebrand. Last month Toast popped up downstairs in Silk Purse with these Grade A sambos , and now upstairs where The Pig's Ear was they've done a complete reset with Lotus Eaters - a Japanese inspired charcoal grill restaurant with a very interesting sounding menu . Their specialty is a wagyu hamburger with additions like bone marrow, truffle, and caviar (swit swoo), as well as crab omelettes and grilled scallops with pig's head. They open Tuesday - Saturday from 17:30-21:00, with a lunch service on Saturdays. For the glitziest new opening in town: Floritz, St. Stephen's Green Flortiz opened up just above Cellar 22 in June with an Asian-inspired menu (that seems to have markedly decreased in size since we visited last month). The luxe dining room is akin to an opulent indoor jungle, inspired by adventurer Thomas Lighton - a former tenant of the building - and it's not often a glitzy setting like this delivers the same premium standard when it comes to what's on the plates. Led by chef Matt Fuller, former owner of Boqueria in Stoneybatter (RIP), it's up there with the most exciting new opening of the year so far. Read our once over here . For the groundbreaking new menu addition: Bunsen, various locations When Bunsen announced their earth shatteringly big reveal , we honestly could not contain the anticipation. Was it finally a burger for the veggies? A crazy collab? Chicken nuggets?? So boy were we surprised when it was literally just a slice of bacon. Jokes aside, Bunsen have long made one of the best burgers in the city, so this is just another excuse for a visit to remind yourself of that. For the ultimate summer snack Rolls, Howth Summer pop up Rolls has popped up outside Nicky's Plaice on the West Pier in Howth, courtesy of the A1 team at Mamó . Serving summery lobster rolls with a crunchy celery salad on toasted brioche, along with smoked monkfish bánh mís, they're open from 11:00 - 16:00, Wednesday to Sunday, and have been selling out so don't delay in joining the queue. See yas on the DART. To ring in Bastille Day on the 14th: Piglet, Cow's Lane Alliance Française call Bastille Day the largest French event in Ireland - and it would be rude not to celebrate with the Frenchies of Dublin on their national independence day in none other than Piglet on Cow's Lane. We love their truffle devilled eggs, beef tartare, and tonka bean crème brûlée, not to mention their wine list, which is très intéressant. For getting a shout out in the New York Times: Grano, Stoneybatter Last week the New York Times published a piece on how to spend 36 hours in Dublin , and if you ask us they got it pretty spot on. Pasta bastions Grano were one of the places getting a well deserved shout out, described as "drawing inspiration from Dublin's shifting international identity" . It's always hard to get a table here and this article will not help our struggle, but we're prepared to slip in whenever we can grab an opening, and you should be too. For fire-filled Thai flavours: Achara, Dublin 2 We recently welcomed another charcoal-grill restaurant from the folks behind Happy’s and Crudo . Achara is all about Thai flavours booked over a charcoal grill (custom made by Smokin' Soul in Wexford), using premium Irish produce like Salter's free-range pork and Glenmar seafood. Our ATF Insiders got first access to their soft launch last weekend which was a smoking success, and now it's open to all. Book here . For Filipino summer feels: Bahay, Hen's Teeth This summer, Hen's Teeth have teamed up with the brilliant Bahay to feed all of their events as well as hosting pop up dinners each weekend. Usually paired with a DJ night, you can party on down in Blackpitts with banging beats and banging eats, Filipino style. At least you'll have one decent memory from summer 2024. Check their website for upcoming dinner dates.

Caviar toasts on the side, a sandwich for the people, and crème brûlée beignets are just some of the things we most want to eat in Dublin this week. Here's the five we've narrowed it down to (with difficulty)... 1) Halibut with a smoked beurre blanc, D'Olier Street D'Olier Street are back with another Picasso on a plate - this time a summery halibut dish with smoked beurre blanc (all kinds of naughty), lemon, and a caviar toast - because what else would you put on toast. 2) Young Buck and fig sandwich , Daddy's Daddy's know what the people of Dublin want, and the people of Dublin want blue cheese and fig sandwiches. Chunks of Young Buck , fresh fig, grilled plums, and toasted hazelnuts are finished with oregano oil and McNally's organic leaves, all on organic sourdough. Just imagine it... 3) New sharing plates , Orwell Road Orwell Road have just launched their new menu and we've got it bad for their new sharing plates. Cured sea bream with apple and jalapeno; BBQ pork belly with white onion purée; chicken butter croquettes with crispy skin - better bring the whole gang because how could you choose between this lot.   4) All the Cookies, Meltdown This pop of colour from these cookies has grabbed our attention with both hands. Meltdown 's newest treats come in four flavours - creamy pistachio; lemon pie; berry and chocolate; and coconut and pecan praline. One of each in a paper bag please, don't delay. 5) Creme brûlée beignet, Bread Man Walking A speakeasy for bread lovers - Bread Man Walking is the viral micro bakery that Gerry Godley operates out of his gaf in Rialto. His latest creme brûlée beignet has us thinking twice about going out Friday night so we can be first in the queue on Saturday morning.

It feels like not a day goes by lately without another Dublin café announcing a pivot to small plates and wine by night, and as much as we’re on board for more choice, it’s getting harder to discern where's worth your precious time and hard-won cash. We’re here to help. The city was starting to see an increasing glut back when we published our first guide in 2019 , but you-know-what put a sharp halt to all of that soon after. Now with the pace picking up rapidly once again, here’s the latest ATF guide on where to drink great wine in Dublin...   Row Wines, Coppinger Row An instant hit when it opened last summer, Row Wines marked a distinctly on-trend pivot from the Bereen brothers’ sadly shuttered (but soon to reopen) Coppinger Row , with one of the nicest new spaces to hit the city in a long time. Despite losing talented young chef Paddy Maher to London a few weeks in, it’s continued to throw up killer dishes like Kilkee crab rosti to match its more affordably pitched wine list. Try their €10 flatbreads for one of the city’s best lunch deals. Read our Row review here .   Fish Shop, Benburb Street D7’s best is now so close to our heart it feels like it’s always been there – and like we’re always going there. Fish Shop ’s simple name sets out its stall, but their best-in-class fish and chips and seafood small plates are no more a thing of simplicity than the impeccably curated wine list with themes like Island and Alpine and great selections of grower Champagne and sherry letting you tour the world from the comfort of a stool on Benburb Street. Walk-ins have been known to happen but it’s not worth the heartbreak of being turned away – this is one to book ahead.   Bar Pez, Kevin Street A more casual counterpoint to its older sister Fish Shop, Bar Pez joined the family about this time last year and has maintained a bustle and buzz ever since with its Spanish bar vibes. The deep wine list is even more eclectically themed than its sibling, with the upper end of things offering excellent value if you’ve got something to celebrate. Be sure to double-check timing if you’re heading out hungry – a pared-back bar menu is sometimes all that’s on.   Piglet, Cow’s Lane Closing in on ten years in business, Piglet  was among the very first city centre wine bars to get us properly excited when it popped up in Temple Bar in 2015. This long-standing industry fave has a bottle list studded with interesting stuff, so bringing a gang of open-minded friends is the way to go. There are few places we'd rather be on a sunny evening than at one of the outside tables sipping a white port and tonic.   Loose Canon, Drury Street Uber-cool Loose Canon  has become an integral part of the Drury Street scene since kicking off the last wave of wine bars back in 2018, and bringing natural wine to the Dublin masses. Their by the glass rotation regularly throws up some of the best value going in town, and the bottles (with €15 corkage if you’re drinking in) give even more variety – ask about their chilled red options right now. Their toasties also happen to be some of the most satisfying city centre snacks going.   Note, Fenian Street We’ll credit Note  with firing the starting gun on the post-Covid wine bar boom. Since opening its doors in October 2021, this sleek space has built a rightful reputation for great wine and top-quality seasonal cooking, with the three-course €32 lunch menu one of the hottest tickets in town. Grab one of the seats out front for an evening vantage point that's as good as it gets in the city centre – if the sun ever plays ball. Frank’s, Camden Street The full-on fanatic’s choice, joining Frank’s  gigantic marble slab table can feel like taking a seat at the altar of wine. With a focus on minimal intervention, and a regular schedule of producers stopping by to give the inside track and share their best wares, this ever-buzzy space is worth regular pitstops to see what’s new and interesting. Ex-Clanbrassil House chef David Bradshaw serves up a rotating cast of small plates, with his partner Katie Seward the expert on all things wine.   Cellar 22, Stephen’s Green A lower-key alternative to high-end Floritz  upstairs, this basement bar in the new Townhouse on the Green hotel has a commendable total of forty BTG options. There’s loads at Cellar 22  to pair with their house charcuterie boards, but a Suduiraut Sauternes with Boyne Valley blue is our top tip. Read our once over here .   Two Faced, Montague Street Surely one of the most en trend of the latest entries, Two Faced ’s thumping tunes and spillover crowd can’t but catch the ears and eyes of passers-by on the rapidly-livening Montague Street. While the food menu is solid (it’s more pitched towards snacks and soakage than a full-fledged meal), the real draw is a chatty, chirpy atmosphere to enjoy as you work your way through the fifteen or so BTG options on a well-considered list. Read our once over here .   Bootleg, Drury Street We’re still slightly scratching our heads at the mix of things going on in Bootleg , but its ability to attract the Drury Street crowds would suggest it’s carving out a niche fine all the same. If an evening of enjoying Italodisco beats over a vintage bottle list spanning back to the 1960s is your vibe, look no further – otherwise, the short BTG list has some solid options to pair with their must-try swordfish skewers.   La Cave, Anne Street South Respect your elders - old-school La Cave  is the longest-standing of Dublin’s wine bars, a French-style throwback to a time when we weren’t nearly so spoiled for choice. On a cold winter's evening the cosy downstairs bar decked in red from top to bottom is a great place to shelter. They do a cracking crémant by the glass, and the bottle list is full of diamonds, if you know what to look for. Ely, Ely Place Refocused on the D2 original after its more corporate-oriented IFSC branch shut up shop, Ely  is one of the OG stalwarts of the Dublin wine scene. In the past their by the glass list has been a bit safe for our liking, but its made progress in recent years with some interesting sparkling and sherries. The hugely extensive bottle list is where it's at so it might be worth arriving early for a full peruse.   A Fianco, Stoneybatter The date night pick par excellence, A Fianco is the one vineria on this list we’ve found ourselves returning to time and time again. A sophisticated older sister to Grano next door, its regional Italian wine list is a joy to work through (and we’ve been working hard), while the food is a smart mix of ever-shifting seasonal creations and perennial favourites – their meatballs are the best, bar none.   H2G Wines, Botanic Avenue We will be reliving the recent summer evening we spent sipping on the H2G Wines terrace all through the winter. This store-bar hybrid from the previous operators of Honest2Goodness market is a godsend to locals of Glasnevin and surrounds, and well worth a trip for those further afield. Corkage is €10 from anything on the well-stocked shelves (€15 at weekends), while the rotating open bottles number about seven at a time.   Brut Wine Bar, Drumcondra  On Friday and Saturday evenings, Nelly's in Drumcondra turns into organic and biodynamic wine bar Brut , with an all-star list of natural lovelies. There's a food menu ranging from terrines and antipasti to grilled chicken thighs and gratin, and we do love dining and drinking by candlelight. Green Man Wines, Terenure Part award-winning shop, part much-lauded wine bar, Green Man Wines nails the best of both worlds with a €10 corkage charge on anything off the shelf, making it one of the best value places in the city to drink the really good stuff, and all to tempting to trade up. The selection in here is second to none, and people travel from across the city to Terenure to buy and drink wine in Green Man.   64 Wine, Glasthule Another suburban diamond, 64 Wine makes wine fiends everywhere severely jealous that they don't live in Glasthule. The shelves are crammed full of the best bottles currently available on the Irish market, and the staff are always dying to tell you the stories behind them. Corkage on anything off the shelf is €15, which is increasingly better value the more expensive your taste. Just try to leave here without draining your bank account - we've yet to manage it.   September, Blackrock The focus of this week’s once over is a feather in the cap of the current wine bar explosion. September is the new venture from the folks who ran D4’s Leroy’s up until only this week, and the move to bigger and better things is to everyone's benefit. We’re hoping they beef up the BTG choice a bit in the months to come, but the bottle list’s focus on natural and organic producers has some really excellent options to match with their delicious array of small plates.

From glitzy new arrivals influenced by far East adventures, to seaside snacks just in time for summer, Korean-style brioche loaf toast to breakfast rolls but not as you know them, this mixed bag melange of all that’s new in the city’s food scene shows one thing for sure – Dublin’s not short on delicious new ideas... Floritz, Stephen’s Green Big flavour and bold energy is the defining vibe at Floritz - the new arrival in the former Cliff Townhouse space above Cellar 22 , and the latest feather in the cap of the new Townhouse on the Green boutique hotel. They’ve put a lot of stock into the building’s former role as the home of far East adventurer Thomas Lighton, with Asian flavour influences abundant across the menu’s vast array of small and large plates, from sushi and crudo to charcoal grilled goods aplenty. For all the bells and whistles, this is something truly new for Dublin, and it's this week's once over - read the full review here . Le Petit Renard, Kimmage Next up in the seemingly endless explosion of wine bars in Dublin is Kimmage’s Le Petit Renard , from the couple whose Artybaker outlets have now expanded to four locations. That hasn’t left them spread too thinly if this latest venture is anything to go by - with a relaxed neighbourhood vibe, they’re serving up simple small plates along with Artybaker bread. It’s gone down well this side of the city too, with busy local crowds keeping us from nabbing a table on several occasions so far – a walk-in only policy means you might need a backup in mind if you’re travelling. Rolls, Howth Lobster rolls to go from the Mamó team? A thousand times yes. Our hearts skipped a beat at the word of short-term summer pop up Rolls , and the first glimpse of the good stuff only got us more aflutter. Golden brown brioche rolls loaded with lobster chunks in lobster mayo, topped with a crunchy celery salad and heaps of crispy shallots – if there’s anything we’d rather eat while basking in the seaside sun, we’ve yet to hear of it. They’ll be slinging their wares from Nicky’s Plaice on the West Pier from Wednesday to Sunday lunchtime. Toast, Nassau Street It’s new beginnings all round on Nassau Street as the Silk Purse café has followed the cue of its sister outlet The Pig’s Ear upstairs (currently rebranding to The Lotus Eaters after 16 years in business) and given itself a facelift. Gone are the Bread 41 pastries and sandwiches from upstairs, replaced with a foursome of Korean-style brioche loaf toasties and a wall’s length of wine. Big flavours in bulging bread are the name of the game here, with options ranging from a spiced marie rose shrimp cocktail to a marinated tofu with peanut rayu, and we’re big fans of the very fair €5 corkage price. Our first visit  was a wow and won't be our last. Proper Order, Smithfield Crossing Smithfield square from its petite prior home to one of the more substantial spaces in the many new developments around the area, Proper Order has gotten a long overdue expansion, and has the ambition for it. They’ve pitched this place as more “coffee bar” than café, a space to step outside of the day-to-day grind and come back down to earth. The interior is big, bold and bright, the seating is smart and spacious, the pastries are some of the city's best from the No Messin’ team, and the coffee will undoubtedly remain some of the best in Dublin. Poulet Bonne Femme, Dun Laoghaire Just a short time on from celebrating their 15th birthday, Poulet Bonne Femme have made their way back to their original Dun Laoghaire site on George’s Street to open what’s now their seventh location – talk about a success story. The rotisserie experts are all about quality control, with strictly Irish free range chicken from farmers that know their sole preserve - that hand-marinated, slow spit-roasted technique that brings out the best in every bird. They’ll be piling that, along with their signature porchetta and other meats, high on sandwiches, wraps and salads from 09:00 to 18:00 daily. Sunbird, Leopardstown Good news for the ever-growing office space scene in and around Leopardstown as Sunbird (from the same owners as Umi Falafel and Shaku Maku ) has flown in to spice up the midweek meal options. The lunch menu is dominated by flatbread wraps and build-your-own bowls, while the healthy but hearty breakfast options sound right up our street - we're going to need a sujuk breakfast roll ASAP. The Palestinian-owned outlet (named for the national bird) ticks off Lebanon and Morocco in a wide-ranging menu influence that isn’t above adding in waffle fries – sure why not. They’re opening weekday office hours to start, and colour us jealous of anyone working in the vicinity. Pan Eile, Stoneybatter If ever there was a sandwich you didn’t know you needed it might be the panuzzo, and how glad we are that there’s now a dedicated place in Dublin for everyone to discover it. This Neapolitan mashup of a pizza and panini is the stock in trade at Pan Eile , from the people who brought us Rustic Pizza , and it's been installed right beside it at Stoneybatter’s Cowtown food market. With five panuzzo varieties from wild smoked salmon, to caprese and porchetta, served alongside a selection of hot and iced coffees, a choice of Bretzel Bakery pastries only sweetens the deal. Coming soon... Achara, Dublin 2 We can't wait to get a look at the new charcoal-grilled Thai restaurant from the folks behind Happy’s and Crudo – so excited in fact that we’ve teamed up with them to offer ATF Insiders first access to their soft launch this weekend, and bagged you 25% off food and drinks while they find their feet. Here's how you can be there. Little Geno’s, Stephen’s Green We’re long-time fans of food truck taqueria Los Chicanos , so word those folks were opening an NY-style diner on St Stephen’s Green serving up reubens, cubanos and bánh mìs had us eager to know more. It looks like that day is coming soon, as the team is just weeks away from opening. Coppinger Row "Fine wines and good times" coming July 2024 is the promise of the reborn Coppinger Row , and anyone who remembers the glory days will know both are guaranteed. Things have been up in the air for a long time since the prior version shuttered after the landlords opted to redevelop, and the Bereen bros’ focus on the neighbouring Row Wines had us thinking this might never come back – we're glad to be wrong.

Snacks stopping us in our tracks, a super fun sundae, and a stunning summer salmon plate - here's the alliteration-worthy dishes wowing us this week... 1) Rice Chips, Floritz One of the newest openings in the city, Floritz are at 22 St. Stephen's Green (just above Cellar 22 ), and describe themselves as "a contemporary, Asian-inspired dining experience". Their menu is trés exciting with options like Balfegó tuna, wagyu beef tartare, and lobster bao - but these rice chips with dragon sauce look ridiculously crispy, and we're kicking ourselves that we didn't try them for this week's once over . Guess we'll just have to go back.... 2) Barbecued Organic Salmon , Asador We're well into BBQ season and this barbecued organic salmon from Asador served with tomato, olive, caper and basil salsa is giving us all the inspo to get the grill fired up. Or you know, head to Asador's terrace instead and not have any of the mess... 3) Spicy Calamari , Brighton Road Summer is just an excuse to eat all the seafood, and this spicy calamari starter from Brighton Road  is the dream reason to make the trip out to Foxrock. That lightly spiced batter, those tentacles, the touch of samphire on top - all it needs is a cold glass of white wine.   4) Elderflower Posset, Craft Bistro This Elderflower posset with strawberries, bee pollen and honeycomb, from Craft in Harold's Cross, is a hayfever busting dessert if we've ever seen one - get that pollen down your gullet instead of up your nose - it's basically medicinal. 5) Alfajores sundae, Bakeology Alfajores (or alfies for short) are a soft cookie sandwich with a dulce de leche filling, and taste as delicious as that description. Bakeology are now suggesting we "break away from the traditional" and have them in an ice-cream sundae, and we don't be arguing with them. Go for dulce de leche with alfajores, or dulce de leche with oreos - either is a guaranteed good time.

There's a new Thai BBQ grill coming to Dublin, and fans of London's Kiln and Smoking Goat will have all the high hopes for Achara . The guys behind Crudo and Happy’s are very hyped up for their new opening in the former Happy's location, featuring Thai food centered on a charcoal grill (custom made by Smokin' Soul in Wexford), using Irish produce. The menu aims to emulate the grilling culture in Northern Thailand, with dishes like chilli chicken wings with fish sauce caramel; whole chargrilled seabass with nam prik seafood; and waterfall bavette steak with papaya and hot mint salad. The team say they've been obsessed with Thai food since their first travels across South east Asia - "The flavours, the smell of grilled meats walking around Chiang Mai, the hustle and bustle of the night markets, that first pad Kra Pao after an 12 hour night train to Surat Thani." They say they want to show there's a lot more to Thai food than traffic light curries and pad Thai, and showcase the food they loved from their travels. They say to expect a regularly changing menu, variations on authentic dishes, depending on what they can get their hands on, and local sustainable suppliers like Salter's free range pork, Glenmar Seafood, and Market Gnomes for herbs. As well as what's shaping up to be an excellent wine list, there'll be a signature cocktail menu and a "whiskey soda" menu, which anyone who's travelled to Thailand will be familiar with.  Achara are offering ATF Insiders first access to their soft launch this Friday 28th and Saturday 29th with 25% off your whole bill for food and drinks, and feast your eyes on what you'll be eating and drinking if you get a table (menu subject to change). Tables for Achara will be available from 18:30 on Friday and 17:00 from Saturday, and we'll send the booking link to everyone signed up to ATF Insiders at 20:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 25th June. If you're not already signed up you can fix that here .

It's June, which means nine new prizes for our biggest and best supporters! This month we've giving away some of the best restaurant experiences in the city, a prize pack from Stanley Tucci's favourite gin, and a bumper lot of tickets to an end of summer food festival. ATF Insider s is how we operate with no ads , pay for all of our meals , pay our writers , and operate independently to give you the only advice you need about eating out in Dublin. If you enjoy our content, we would very much enjoy if you signed up to keep it going. Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders by midnight on Monday 17th June, will be entered into the draw, and winners will be picked and notified on the 18th June. Here's what we've got for you this month... 1) A €100 voucher for Row Wines Folded flatbreads , summer ceviche , disco drag dinners - is there anything Row Wines can't do? The Coppinger Row wine bar and restaurant has brought an injection of colour and energy to this laneway off South William Street, with their outdoor seating some of the best in the city centre - if you like stupidly tasty food, eclectic wines and excellent tunes (read our once over here ). We're giving away a €100 voucher for Row Wines this month, which should let you cover most of their endlessly delicious menu. 2) Dinner for two with wine at Tang Tang at Cumberland Place have just started sprinkling their Middle Eastern magic on Thursday and Friday night dinners, and wait until you see the outdoor courtyard  you could be eating in. Pick from nibbles, plates and sides like sesame seed focaccia with harissa butter; lamb kofta with lemon and pickled plum; and baby carrots with labneh and chimichurri, and there's a lovely contingent of natural wines to complete the package. We're sending one of you in for dinner for two with wine - check out the menu here  and book here . 3) €100 to spend at Nan Chinese's new Dim Sum Brunch Nan Chinese , the only restaurant (we know of) serving Huaiyang cuisine is bring a brand new brunch to the city centre, and there's going to be a lot of dim sum. On the menu you'll find pork xiao long bao (soup dumpling), golden buns with char siu pork, and puff pastry egg tarts for afters - who needs granola and avo toast anyway. We've got a €100 voucher for Nan to give away this month so you can run the brunch gammut (and order anything else you want too). Read our Nan Chinese once over here . 4) €100 to spend on Korean toasties and Champagne at Toast Korean-style toasties and Champagne - we've found our new favourite combo. Toast is the new pop up at Silk Purse on Nassau Street, from the guys behind The Pig's Ear and Spitalfields, and in our humble ATF opinion you NEED to try these - we left veeerrrryyy happy . We've got €100 for one of you to spend on toasties, cheesecake and drinks, either in repeat visits or on one shrimp cocktail and Champagne filled blowout. Check out Toast here . 5) €150 voucher for Pichet Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Pichet is celebrating an amazing 15 years serving Irish food with a French accent in the centre of Dublin, and we've got a €150 voucher to give away to celebrate their landmark birthday. Use it over drinks and snacks at the bar, or over a long lunch or dinner in the award-winning Trinity Street restaurant, from founder and chef Stephen Gibson and Head Chef Harry Quinn. 6) €120 voucher for H2G Wines We recently landed (and loved) an outside table at H2G Wines in Glasnevin , feeling more like we were on Greek island Delos than on a suburban street in Dublin 9. The brother and sister-owned wine importer's full range is on show in the shop and bar, and the perfect for grazing small plates have been planned and prepped with quality up front. We've got a €120 voucher to give away for H2G Wines this month that can by used in the shop or on food and drinks in the wine bar. We recommend the sparkling Carricante with a Mediterranean plate for starters. 7) Bottomless Brunch for four at The Porthouse Cava The Port House Cava on Camden Street has just launched its new wine bar on the ground floor, open for all the drinks and mini wine topper charcuterie boards - which come free with your glass of wine for the month of June. To celebrate we've got a bottomless brunch for four people to give away, where you can pick between veggie and meat boards, with bottomless cava, sangria and cerveza. It's served every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00, and we think summer is the time to hit it. 8) A Tanqueray gin prize pack Stanley Tucci's favourite gin Tanqueray are making their debut at this year's Taste of Dublin festival, with complimentary masterclasses, tips on cocktail making and ‘pick your perfect martini’ activities. Whether yours is a ‘Gingle Bird’ pineapple, a ‘Tiny Ten’ grapefruit serve, or a classic Negroni, is there anything gin can't do? We've got a bottle of Tanqueray London Dry, a bottle of Tanqueray 0.0, and a Tanqueray branded ‘La Boujie’ candle to give away to one of you this month. 9) Eight tickets for Taste of Kildare Taste of Kildare is back at Naas Racecourse this September, with some of Kildare’s leading chefs cooking all weekend, including Derry Clarke from The Club at Goffs; Gary O’Hanlon from The K Club; Sean Smith from Cliff at Lyons, Natalie Collins from The Japanese Gardens; and Duro Vdovic from Fallons of Killcullen. Other restaurants cooking over the weekend include Two Cooks, Ely Wine Bar and The Ballymore Inn, and buses go directly to the race course from the centre of Dublin. Taste of Kildare is on from the 20th - 22nd September, tickets start at €17 for entry, and we're sending one of you off with seven pals for a brilliant food-filled day out. Check them out on Instagram here . Everyone signed up to   ATF Insiders   for June (new and old) will be automatically entered into the prize draw - you don't need to do anything. If you're not signed up yet join here  before midnight on Monday the 17th June to be in with a chance of winning. You'll be supporting independent content in Dublin and beyond, and be able to get answers to all of your burning questions about eating out, here and abroad, directly from us.

It's officially summer, and while we're waiting on that heatwave to arrive, we recommend hitting places that will give you all the holiday feels this month, as well as some brand new arrivals to the city, and an excuse to hop on the train and head for the seaside. Here's where you should be eating in June... For something brand new: Daalo, North Frederick Street East African/Somali food isn't something we see a lot of in Dublin, so new Northside opening Daalo has been getting a lot of interest in foodie groups, with early reviews praising their beautiful food, big portions and warm welcome. Try the lamb haneeth (slow roasted lamb), injera with tibs (Ethiopian flatbread with stir-fried beef), or ugali with hilib (cornmeal with goat meat). For a shiny new update: Proper Order, Smithfield Coffee obsessives Proper Order opened their brand new, substantially larger space in Smithfield yesterday, meaning a lot more room to enjoy some of the most premium pour overs in the city, alongside some of the city's best baked goods from No Messin' . This isn't just another café, it's a five-star coffee and pastry experience... For all the holiday feels: Crudo, Sandymount Whether you're counting down to your summer holiday, or kicking yourself for not booking one, you can get all the Roman/Venetian/Sicilian feels at Crudo in Sandymount. Their scampi risotto has been Irish-ed up with a Dublin Bay Prawn bisque, and the prawn oil and crème fraiche on top are the cherries on a truly lovely plate. Get similar holiday feels with the bruschetta with marinated Datterini tomatoes, and the pappardelle with slow-cooked meat sauce and aged Parmesan. For the hit of the summer: Row Wines, Coppinger Row We don't think anyone is capturing the food and drink zeitgeist right now like Row Wines . Practically every day we see another plate or glass that makes us want to rush in, with seabass ceviche, folded flatbreads, and peach, parma ham and ricotta salad keeping that terrace out front nicely busy. Join the cool kids and reserve a table here . For a tasting menu train adventure: Ingredient, Skerries Andrew Kelly and Kate Kettle have been shaking things up in Skerries with their pop-up restaurant Ingredient , currently operating out of Olive Deli. Their six-course tasting menu is €70, or there's an à la carte with nibbles, snacks, small and large plates, like scallops with truffle foam and pickled shimeji mushrooms. If you want a taster of what they're up to you can take a table outside with some snacks and a few glasses of natural wine, which we think sounds like the ideal ending to a day at the seaside. For not your average sandwich: Toast @ Silk Purse, Nassau Street The Pig's Ear team have been putting a multitude of ideas through their paces in their Silk Purse space underneath the restaurant, and the latest is Toast - a wine bar with Korean-style brioche sandwiches. There are four flavours to choose from - pork bulgogi; shrimp cocktail; egg and cheese; and marinated tofu, and they're serving the famous Pig's Ear ch eesecake for dessert. Swerve your usual ham and cheese for one of these. For the mega menu update: Amy Austin, Drury Street Chef Victor Lara from Amy Austin has just launched his brand new menu at the Michelin Bib Gourmand wine bar on Drury Street. If you thought what we ate when we reviewed it sounded god, wait till you hear about the prawn agua chile with blue corn tostadas; Iberico pork cheek with a gooseberry glaze; and white asparagus with black garlic aioli. We might need a do-over.

With Leaving Cert Weather™ right around the corner, you're going to be looking for all the excuses to go for lunch - ideally as close to the Irish Sea as possible - and how better to travel than by Dublin Area Rapid Transit and make a day of it - 10 points if you hit them all. You've got from now until the first week back at school (aka our Indian Summer). Go! North of the city centre Mamó, Howth (six-minute walk from Howth DART station) We're kicking off the list with one of our favourites - Mamó , the pearl of Howth's clam shell. Husband and wife Killian and Jess run a tight ship, meaning the food, wine and service is always faultless. The cod chip always floats our boat, and try your hardest to get a table by the window for a view of Howth harbour. Lunch runs from Thursdays to Mondays, or book in for dinner and watch the sun go down. Kajal, Malahide (three-minute walk from Malahide DART station) Kajal are known for serving up some of the best Pakistani food in Dublin, so good in fact that we would travel to the very end of the DART line for their chargrilled lamb chops. On weekdays they serve a two course lunch menu for €28, and on weekends their two course lunch menu plus an adult drink is €34. They also have nan wraps to go for €14.95 if you're looking for something to eat in the marina, looking out at all the boats you can't afford. Just Chubbys, Clontarf (eight-minute walk from Clontarf DART station) Barry Stephens of 147 Deli opened up Just Chubbys outside Lotts and Co. in Clontarf back in 2022 and the tacos have been flying out of the truck ever since. Open from 12:30 on Saturdays and Sundays, we suggest you pick up a couple of tacos, a chilly bottle from Lotts and Co. and head across the road for the picnic to end all others. Read our two minute review of Just Chubbys here . South of the city centre Crudo, Sandymount (ten-minute walk from Sandymount DART station) Tucked away in Sandymount village you'll find Crudo , run by Jamie McCarthy & Sean Crescenzi (the son of the Dunne and Crescenzi empire). Open every day for lunch, sit in and enjoy their baseball sized crayfish and lobster bisque arancini, gambas with focaccia, and hand-rolled ravioli. They also have robust paninis including the "Hot Beef" inspired by TV show The Bear - take one to go and enjoy by the strand, where you'll also find exercise machines if you want to burn it off afterwards. Read our Crudo once over here . 3 Leaves, Blackrock (ten-minute walk from Blackrock DART station) Recent winners of " Best World Cuisine Dublin " at the Irish Restaurant Awards, 3 Leaves serve a walk-in only lunch from 12:00 Thursday - Sunday. During the week they do the choosing for you (music to our ears) with a meat or veg Thali taster, or there's a daily changing curry and dhal. Weekends there's more choice with an additional street food menu, and it's worth whatever the waiting time is for a table. That's Amore, Monkstown (four-minute walk from Salthill and Monkstown DART station) The impossible to get into That's Amore in Monkstown is definitely worth the journey if you're organised enough to secure a reservation (and there's no online booking so you'll have to pick up the PHONE). Serving food from 16:30 Monday - Saturday, you'll find all the Italian antipasti, zuppe and pasta you could want, before being handed a heart-shaped blackboard featuring dessert specials. Seapoint beach is calling your name, either beforehand to work up an appetite, or afterwards to shift that tiramisu while the sun goes down. 64 Wine, Glasthule (four-minute walk from Sandycove & Glasthule DART station) If you're looking for a lazy lunch with all the wine after a scenic train journey, you can pick up any bottle from wine shop and café/bar 64 Wine in Glasthule and drink it in there for €15 corkage. It also happens to have one of the best selections of the good stuff in Dublin. On their daytime menu you'll find salads, sandwiches and sharing boards, and the friendly staff are always on hand to make recommendations - and there will be many. Lunch is served Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 14:30. Cavistons, Glasthule (five-minute walk from Sandycove & Glasthule DART station) Cruising along our coastal coach course (aka the DART line) demands a stop at a seafood establishment on the Southside, and we're pegging Cavistons as the one. Their fresh seafood heavy menu changes on a regular basis, but don't be surprised to see Kilkeel scallops, wild Atlantic prawns, brill and swordfish, with a handful of veggie and meat options for those who aren't feeling fish. Lunch is served Thursday to Saturday from 12:00, and Sunday from 13:00. Oliveto, Dún Laoghaire (seven-minute walk from Dún Laoghaire DART station) We like to make excuses to get out to Dún Laoghaire as often as possible for two reasons, and they're both in Haddington House . Oliveto 's outdoor, sea-facing tables have some of the best views in Dublin, only matched by their homemade pasta and chargrilled meats. They open for lunch every day with a midweek set offering two courses for €27.50 or three for €32.50, as well as full à la carte all week. Their Parlour Bar (reason #2) opens from 14:00 at the weekend, and from 16:00 during the week, but you could easily make that long lunch slip into late afternoon cocktails. The Grapevine, Dalkey (three-minute walk from Dalkey DART station) Once you've have your fill of looking for Bono's gaff in Dalkey, head to the Grapevine and secure a spot outside on their south facing terrace. The menu is a catch all of things like pasta, burgers and seafood, but the stars are on the shelves. Pick from an ever-interesting wine list, or ask the staff for a recommendation. Lunch runs Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00. Nine, Bray (one-minute walk from Bray DART station) The closest spot on this list to a DART station is Nine in Bray, and it's worth the jaunt across the border to Wicklow. The kitchen is led by chef Ciara O'Leary, formerly of Brookwood and Pearl Brasserie , and they serve brunch/lunch until 15:00 from Wednesday to Sunday, with bangers like steak and eggs, truffled mushrooms on toast and Korean fried chicken buns. Coffee is 3fe , and they offer a full wine list if it's one of those lunches. Daata, Bray (five-min walk from Bray DART station, and also in Blackrock, Glasthule and Greystones) If you're looking for lunch with a view, Daata in Bray have a rooftop terrace that is straight up vibes for days. Their brunch/lunch menu runs from 11:30 - 14:30 and has fun options like Burrata chicken and anda masala - savory chopped boiled eggs served with a buttery flatbread. The signature dish is their "Famous Afghani Chicken" - a creamy and spicy chicken curry with tomatoes, fenugreek, black pepper and lemon. If it's good enough for Gordo , it's good enough for us. Scéal, Greystones (thirteen-minute walk from Greystones DART station) Yes it's the longest walk from a DART station, and at the very end of the line, but we would travel the entire DART line ten times for anything that's come out of Scéal 's kitchen . Each month their seasonal pastries kill us (full on skull emoji) and we find ourselves scrolling Daft.ie to see if Greystones property prices have come down at all (they haven't). They're open seven days a week, but on the weekends be prepared to queue. Did we miss somewhere great on the DART line? Let us know by emailing info@allthefood.ie .

What should we know about Pickosito? With a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it entrance tucked inside and above Wayback Burgers, Pickosito Taqueria popped up off Capel Street in the middle of May. It’s run by a trio of Northern Mexican women whose longing for their home cuisine, and the lack of an authentic answer in Dublin, led them to take matters into their own hands. The name comes from the fruity, savoury Mexican hot sauce the owners love so much. What should we have? Those not familiar with regional variations might struggle to see the substantial differences in the menu here, but the wheat and cattle-heavy plains of El Norte are known for their bounties of beef and flour. That's why their full-size tacotons (€8.90 - €9.90) are on flour tortillas, but keen to try as many of the eight fillings as possible, we mixed four mini corn tacos instead (€14.50). The best was chorizo. The ground pork mix, like all the tortillas and sauces, has been made in-house to an old family recipe, and its spicy succulence had our eyes flaring up as well as our nostrils. This is where Pickosito sets itself apart. Chili con carne packed just as much punch, even if, like the grilled beef and caramelised onion asada, it felt as though its flavours might better assert in the bigger tacoton.   Adobo sauce-marinated pork had the crisp char of rendered fat, but also the dried texture and flat taste of too long on the grill – the only real disappointment. A lot of things here come with a handful of fries, and while we're not sure why, and they're not homemade, they're of a decent quality. Sliders (€4.50) are another chance to try out a smaller portion, so we tried the barbacoa. The soft, chewy bun falls somewhere between bap and bao, a good vehicle for tender, slow-cooked shredded beef. Its quality comes closer to the asada than the chorizo, with more pleasing depth of flavour than any novel knockout kick.   Enchiladas (€15.90) offer a more substantial option for those who arrived hungry. Packed with shredded chicken and baked with a green tomato and chili sauce, they’re served over tomato-rich rice in a well-balanced dish that's just a bit stodgy. Pickosito nachos (€8.50) are an oozing mess of cheese sauce and sour cream hiding nuggets of sliced jalapeno and sweetcorn. The tortilla chips aren’t homemade, but they’ve gone with good quality, and as a sharing starter to keep hunger at bay they do the job nicely.   Neither tres leches nor arroz con leche desserts were on for our visit, so we half-heartedly plumped for a cheesecake instead (€5.90). Lucky us in the end - the creamy cake’s semi-sweetness is elevated by an intense guava syrup we lapped up every last drop of. It’s the dessert we didn’t know we needed, and a parting reminder of where Pickosito hits the high gear. Why should I go? In a part of the city where Mexican food’s more often handy high-turnover than anything homely and heartfelt, Pickosito has arrived with flavours that mean business, and prices (it undercuts all the chains) that prove an authentic touch needn’t come at a premium. This might be quick and casual dining, but there's quality here too.   Pickosito 62 Mary Street, Dublin 1 instagram.com/pickosito.taqueria

The best of Irish ice cream meets a cookie, a pizza slice with an insane amount of pineapple, and a beef tartare that summers are made for - here's what we most want to eat in Dublin's fair city this week... 1) Frank's beef tartare, Piglet Piglet on Cow's lane is always a reliable stop for French classics to go with all that wine, and their latest insta post has reconfirmed that. Their "Frank's beef tartare" (no we don't know who Frank is) is served with anchovy mayo, egg yolk and house pickles. This, on a sunny day, on their terrace, is currently top of our to do list. 2) Peach & blackberry galette , Bread Naturally This summery peach and blackberry galette on a crisp pastry with a demerara coated crust from the bread boys at Bread Naturally is what weekend mornings were made for. Add a flat white and a stroll around St. Anne's Park for peak pastry enjoyment. 3) Pancetta & pineapple pizza, Doom Slice Not only is the "pineapple on pizza" debate incredibly boring (it's allllll the talk on dating apps), it's also the correct thing to do. It's a superior topping on the right kind of pizza, bringing a splash of zingy sweetness to salty meat and cheese, and Doom Slice are illustrating our point perfectly with their Detroit-style "pancetta and pineapple". Tell us you don't want this. 4) Tofu bánh mì , The Streets at Hynes' Bar We didn't think Hynes' in Stoneybatter could get any cooler, but when The Streets set up shop at the end of January it gave us another reason to brush up on our cúpla focal and head to Cowtown. Their salt and chilli tofu bánh mì comes with cucumber, pickled radish, and fresh coriander, and when it popped up on our feed we immediately cancelled all of our plans. 5) Ice-cream cookie sandwich , Murphy's It's the season of maximum ice-cream ingestion, and one of the many ways we'll be getting our weekly quota this summer is in sandwich form - where the bread has been replaced with cookies. We love the look of this effort from the Dingle crew, and plan to recreate that photo the next chance we get.

From ceviche to crab rolls, and Sake meets Tiramisu, we're officially gagging for an al fresco meal in the sun, inhaling all of this. These are the five things we most want to eat in the capital this week, and if you too are gagging for a meal with the sun's rays hitting your arms, check out our comprehensive guides to eating outdoors in Dublin here and here ... 1) Leek Tarte Tatin, Bread 41 It's said that the Tarte Tatin was invented accidentally just south of Paris by a female hotelier back in 1880s, who left her apples cooking too long and tried to rescue the situation by throwing the pastry on top and flinging it in the oven. So maybe we have Stéphanie Tatin to thank for this oniony artwork from Bread 41 . Their leek tarte tatin is available from 11:30 on Saturdays and Sundays, and if you brave that queue you better leave with at least one. 2) Ceviche & shortrib, Row Wines Row Wines have dropped their new seasonal menu and summer just got a little more interesting. Summer is ceviche season, and the Row Bros are bringing it with this seabass, burnt pineapple, and habanero combo. Their orange crusted pork croquettes with burnt apple puree sound like a winner to us, and we haven't even mentioned the shortrib with caramelised celeriac, pickled walnuts and a spiced crumb. One (at least) of each please. 3) Apple cake, Milo's Dropping this weekend at Milo's is this burnished apple cake given the summer treatment with a large scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top. They lace it with the same legendary salted caramel that's used in their caramel lattes, and as we'll be using all and any excuse to eat Ice cream for the next few months, this feels like a good place to start. 4) Crab rolls, Charlotte Quay Crab and lobster stuffed brioche rolls are a summer right of passage around here, and this crab roll with pickled cucumber and fries from Charlotte Quay has us pleading for the good weather to stick around. Eating this on the waterfront at Grand Canal Dock needs to be ticked off our summer bingo card. 5) Sake Tiramisu, Gopan This Sake Tiramisu creation from Japanese bakery Gopan is our kind of drink. Based in Bray, Michiko Ishimoto's bakery operates on a pre-order basis only (to combat food waste) twice weekly and delivers to Dublin. Japan meets Italy over dessert - what's not to like.