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There's a spicy, fatty, energy dense feeling to our hit list this week, which probably says a lot about the never-ending winter we're going through. Plenty of time yet before the season of less clothes starts, so we'll be bulking up on this lot for the foreseeable... 1) Hot Pep Danish, Elliot's When two icons collide. Elliot's are tipping their hat to Bambino with the new 'Hot Pep Danish', named after the slice shop's most famous pizza . Croissant dough is filled with ricotta, pepperoni, jalapeños and finished with hot honey, and it sounds like a recipe for a long queue outside. 2) The Big Matt, Hawksmoor We're unapologetic food snobs, with no time for fast food chains serving additive filled, copy and paste food, using intensively reared meat and 56 ingredients in their most famous burger. However, when one of the world's best steakhouses  does their own version of that burger, we're here and hungry for it. Hawksmoor 's "The Big Matt" was named the world's best burger in 2023, and it's just landed in Dublin. Race ya. 3) Butter chicken ramen, Soup DL Soup in Dun Laoghaire are known for Japanese ramen, not Indian curry, but their latest special is bringing both culinary wonders to the seaside suburb. Their new butter chicken ramen has a base of 12-hour chicken broth, with Indian style butter chicken, Bombay mix, crispy shallots, diced kimchi, fermented red cabbage, and spring onion. And as if all that wasn't enough, it's served with a side of poori bread. 4) Biryani, Adda, Clanbrassil Street There are few things worse than a dry, tasteless Biryani, and Adda 's looks like the opposite of that statement. You could go for the classic chicken yes, but we're loving the sound of the veggie one with paneer cheese, and if lamb is on as a special, obviously you order that. 5) Croissant cheesecake, Medialuna We've had this croissant cheesecake from Medialuna once, and this pic brought the creamy, crunchy flavours crashing back in our brains. This one is spiked with a red berry centre, and you'll find us sniffing out their following list on Instagram to search for stockists.

It's that time of the month where we tell you about the nine amazing prizes we've rustled up for ATF Insiders to thank them for keeping the ATF wheels turning. As an ad-free, invite-free platform, ATF Insiders is how we're funded and operate, ensuring everything recommended here has been paid for by us . and you're only getting honest, uninfluenced appraisals of where we eat. Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders by midnight on Monday 17th February will be entered into the draw, and winners will be picked and notified on Tuesday 18th February. Here's what we've got for you this month... 1) A "LegenDerry" food experience worth over €300 One of our very lucky Insiders is going to win a gourmet getaway to Derry, to celebrate LegenDerry Food Month taking place throughout February. The winner and their guest will be heading to the Ebington Hotel to relax in stylish surroundings, before heading out for dinner at El Tapas Grá , where Irish ingredients meet Spanish flavours. The adventure continues the next day at  Walled City Brewery , where you’ll embark on a tasting experience sampling craft beers paired with delicious bites that celebrate the best of LegenDerry ’s food scene. It's the perfect chance to experience the best of Derry and soaking up some of its famous hospitality. 2) A midweek escape for two at Kelly's Resort Hotel & Spa The legendary Kelly's Resort Hotel  in Wexford on the stunning Rosslare beach has been the scene of many great Irish holidays since opening in 1895 (wowza!), and it's now firmly on the foodie travel map with four different restaurants to dine in. We've got a midweek escape for two to give away this month, for a relaxing overnight stay with dinner in the award-winning Beaches Restaurant , access to the Aqua Club  and spa, and breakfast the next morning of freshly baked pastries, homemade preserves, and all the hot dishes you might want to start your day off. Kelly's is the perfect escape from reality, filled with relaxation, gourmet dining, and coastal charm, and we're very excited to send one of our Insiders  off for some RnR! 3) Two tickets for the "Ganbei" duck and wine pairing at Hang Dai Chinese worth €260 On Sunday 9th March, Hang Dai  will host Ganbei - the ultimate duck & wine pairing experience. Each course of the five-course, eight-dish tasting menu will be paired with wines picked by their in-house sommelier Laoise Dempsey,  who be guiding diners through each pour, and you can expect pairings like hoisin sauce and juicy beaujolais, and Sichuan pepper with a zippy Riesling. There are two sittings on the night and tickets for all food with the wine pairings are €130, but we're sending one of you with a friend FOC. Tickets for Ganbei go on sale Sunday 16th February at 15:00. 4) €150 voucher for Bar Italia   Bar Italia  is one of those IYKYK places, where the carbonara , cacio e pepe and Roman-style pinsas have their own cult-like following, but next month they're changing it up. Their famous daily specials are moving to a monthly menu change, meaning more time to get your hands on those one off dishes, and joining the core canon will be Ossobuco with risotto; fettucine with Curragh lamb bianco; and house focaccia with Wagyu bavette steak - you'll need to bring a gang to get it all on the table. After an incredible 26 years in business, they're having their latest renovation at the end of March, and have given us a €150 voucher to give away so one of you can head in and check out the changes. Check them out here . 5) A cookery class for two at Howth Cookery School Howth Castle Cookery School has just gotten a brand new kitchen in association with luxury appliance brand Gaggenau, and they've given us a cookery class for two to give away to celebrate! The cookery school offers a wide variety of hands-on cooking classes, from traditional Irish dishes to international flavours, suitable for all skill levels. They also host bespoke corporate experiences, including a Catch & Cook  where you can fish for your lunch out the back of Ireland’s Eye in Dublin Bay - what a day that would be. Check our their upcoming classes including Japanese street food and gourmet pizza here . 6) €100 voucher for Featherblade Featherblade , one of Dublin's best (and best value) places to go out for steak, have been quietly collaborating with the Droimeann Cattle Society , which has played a vital role in bringing the beautiful ancient breed back from the brink of extinction just a few years ago. Soon you'll be able to get a taste of the premium, well-marbled beef at Featherblade ! The farmer supplying them rears his 56-strong herd on a tiny island on Lough Ree which is entirely organic, and which supplies his herd with enough food to graze on and forage for that the herd is totally self sufficient. How amazing is that? We've got a €100 voucher to give away for Featherblade this month so you can have a taste of rare breed beef for yourself. 7) A seafood prize pack from Kish Fish Dublin-based fine seafood experts,  Kish Fish , founded in the old Dublin Fish Market nearly 60 years ago, have just rebranded and announced a collaboration with Guinness. The family-run wholesale seafood business, with three retail shops in North Dublin as well as Avoca Dunboyne, have developed a new Guinness Smoked Salmon. To celebrate, they've given us a voucher for lunch in Kish Café in Howth, plus a seafood hamper filled with their Guinness Smoked Salmon, Hake & Prawn Curry, Luxury Fish Pie, Seafood Chowder, Organic Smoked Irish Salmon, and more. Check out Kish Fish here . 8) €100 voucher for Ruchii, Blackrock Ruchii in Blackrock have been steadily gaining a reputation as one of Dublin's best restaurants to experience "true Indian food", with dishes coming from all sides of the subcontinent based on the "six primary tastes" - sour, salt, bitter, astringent, pungent, sweet. They're celebrating after a great review in the Irish Times last week, which said they have " the potential to elevate this neighbourhood spot into a genuine destination for Indian food enthusiasts ", and have given us a €100 voucher so one of our Insiders can head out to Blackrock to try their Chetinaad beef rib, mango coconut prawns and six-taste thali. Check out Ruchii here . 9) Brunch for four with cocktails at Slice, Stoneybatter Slice in Stoneybatter is the café that doesn't miss, with regularly changing specials like Cáis na tire leeks on sourdough; and beetroot achar with Ballyhubbock haloumi on toast, using the best organic veg from McNally Farm in North Dublin. They've also got the best drinks menu (boozy and non-boozy) of any café we've seen, and did you know you can get Slice all to yourself? They do private and corporate catering , serving canapés, sandwiches, salads, cakes and more for 10 people plus, and you can also hire the café in the evening for groups of 15-30 people - sounds like our kind of group dinner. We've got brunch for four with cocktails to give away this month so one of you can check out the food before immediately wanting to book Slice for your next event. Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders for February (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 17th February. You'll be supporting independent reviews and news 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.

Ireland has three new Michelin-starred restaurants, and two new Bib Gourmands, after the 2025 guide was released this evening. The three new stars went to T he Morrison Room in Kildare, Lignum in Galway, and the restaurant at Ballyfin Demense in Laois. New Bib Gourmands, awards for good restaurants offering refined cuisine at an affordable price, were given to Daróg Wine Bar in Galway, Baba'de in Cork, and Mr Deane's in Belfast. A star was awarded to The Morrison Room in the five-star Carton House in Kildare, and t wenty-eight year old head chef Adam Nevin, who took over in September 2023, after returning home from London where he was Head Chef at The Grill at The Dorchester . They were added to the Michelin guide in 2024, with inspectors praising the " breathtaking room " with a " menu matches it for opulence with an abundance of first-rate produce " and " strong classical technique but some wildcard flavour combinations ". The dinner menu is currently €110, with the tasting menu €140, but that may jump after tonight. The Morrison Room, Kildare Lignum in Galway finally got their star, after a five year wait in which they made it very clear that was the end goal. Chef proprietor Danny Africano and partner Molly Keane, the restaurant's GM, opened Lignum in 2019, and have been tipped for a star since year one, with each new release bringing great disappointment for their die-hard fans. The guide called it " immensely likeable ", with the wood-fired cooking lending " a delicious smoky dimension to the creative dishes ". The 10-course tasting menu is currently €145. Lignum, Galway The restaurant at Ballyfin Demense in Laois (famous for hosting Kim Kardashian and Kayne West on their honeymoon) was the third Irish addition to the one star list. Inspectors called it " a spectacular, lovingly restored Regency-era manor house that screams luxury ", with opulence continuing " into the dining room, where the chefs serve fittingly impressive dishes ... with bags of flavour ", completing " the rather special picture. " As one of the most expensive properties to stay and eat in in Ireland, this is one for the moneybags, but at least the restaurant is now open to non-residents, with dinner at €105 - €125 depending on the menu. Ballyfin Demense, Laois   Daróg Wine Bar 's Zsokt Lukás was awarded the Sommelier of the Year award, for his Galway wine bar with small plates, as well as a Bib Gourmand. The guide praised their " huge amount of passion" , as well as Lukács' " infectious enthusiasm for wine ", and sharing plates that are " exactingly executed, deliver on flavour and provide brilliant value for money ." Zsolt Luk às, Daróg Wine Bar Irish chef Luke Ahearne , previously at Campagne in Kilkenny, Corrigan's of Mayfair and Luca, won a star for Lita , the London restaurant where he's head chef. Here's hoping for a return home at some point in the future. Luke Ahearne, Lita The rumour mill was rife this year that next year's awards are going to be held in Dublin. Watch this space...

What should we know about Bloom's Café? We’ll always welcome an independent business swooping in to fill space vacated by a chain - Bloom’s Café ’s arrival in the Redmond Hill site that was previously a Costa is the kind of changeover we love to see. With pristine white walls emphasising its floral colour pops, and a patisserie range that stopped our scrolling dead in its tracks, this one’s already on course for a lot of Insta and TikTok attention. What should we have? Certainly nothing savoury - Bloom’s is pitching itself a brunch destination as much as an eye-catching cake café, but we found everything outside of the patisserie range sorely lacking. The sausage roll (€3.40) was a sad sight, short of any side salad, and all the more miserable on tasting – a fridge-cold centre dulling any taste inside, even as warm pastry alluded to a meagre microwave spin. There went our appetite. At least the ham and cheese croissant (€6.50) was heated all the way through and had some greenery to cheer things up - praise be for small mercies. Flaky, buttery pastry at least put our expectations back on course for some baking prowess at work behind the scenes, though the dish as a whole could have come from just about any city centre café. Over-soaked brioche brought the French toast (€12.50) texture closer to custard than we’d ideally have liked – a case of over-egging it. Some will rejoice in the souffle-adjacent style, but for our part this was just too soft and sweet, with under-acidic fruit and a nondescript raspberry sauce offering little reprieve. But it’s less the brunch (thank god) that Bloom’s has staked its reputation on than its head-turning confections, a dainty selection of picture-pretty patisserie and photorealistic faux-fruit in the Is It Cake? mould. Here we’re on much firmer footing -the painstaking detail of the coconut’s chocolate shell (€6. 80) is as impressive as the assertive intensity of real mango within – this is where the talent is. The pear’s a similar showstopper (€6) with a glazed green shell yielding white chocolate cream within, and a hidden treasure cavity of super-sweet stewed fruit. Slathered over a shard of oat shortbread base, the textures and fresh flavours are a delight, and rendered the sorry savoury plates a distant memory. Maritozzi are having a moment in Dublin and Bloom’s (€6) have gone in hard with a fast-changing choice of the cream-loaded brioche buns. We were beaten to the last of the pistachio so settled for strawberry instead. The delicate dough is a sweet feast of airy indulgence, so light it might dissolve on contact. We’re keen to see what seasonal variations might be in store here. The layered matcha cake (€6) is a must-have for die-hard fans of the green tea flavour, so shot through with its intense earthy notes you hardly sense the sweetness. If a little less showy than its neighbours on the shelf, it’s just as much a showcase of a top new baker in town. Why should I go? Steer clear of the box-ticking brunch menu and Bloom’s Café ’s confections have plenty to merit a visit - their social feed-friendly patisserie picks are more than just pretty pictures. Bloom’s Cafe 13 Redmond’s Hill, Dublin 2 instagram.com/bloomscafedublin

A brand new bakery making peanut butter and jelly Danishes, a new (to us) Southern Indian restaurant making a thali we can't stop thinking about, and the bao they tried to get rid of but the customers were having none of it. Here's what we most want to eat in Dublin this week... 1) Peanut butter and jelly Danish, Bold Boy Bakery Well they kept that one quiet didn't they? Two Pups unleashed a brand new bakery on the city last week that will be supplying both of their locations in Dublin 8 and Fairview, and you could say we're excited to try Bold Boy Bakery 's peanut butter and jelly Danish, and the bread and butter pudding, and the salted chocolate chip cookie... 2) Dulce de Leche cheesecake, Bakeology There's a time and a place for dulce de leche, and it's not very often, so when you're gona do it you've got to make it count. Bakeology in The Liberties never get it wrong, and their dulce le leche cheesecake is so beautifully piped it's just begging for that golden spoon to glide through it... 3) Pulled pork bao with togarashi, Soup DL Soup in Dun Laoghaire say they tried taking their pulled pork bao bun with gochujang mayo, fermented red cabbage and togarashi off the menu, but it did not go down well with customers, so now it's back and we've never wanted a bao more. 4) Non-vegetarian thali, Southern Spices Have we been the only ones snoozing on Southern Spices in Sandyford? Yet another restaurant dedicated to Southern Indian food like dosa, idly and vada, since chef Meeran Manzoor mentioned it in this article we can think of little else but heading off down the M50. This "Non-Vegetarian Thali" with lamb, chicken, prawns, dal, Potato, pulao rice and buttery Malabar paratha looks like the perfect introduction, 5) Panna cotta with clementines and pistachio, Volpe Nera On oldie but a goodie, Volpe Nera 's barley malt panna cotta is back, and have you tasted clementines in the past few weeks?? Off the charts. Get in and get this into you.

What should we know about Hong Kong Wonton? The latest string in the bow of Eva Pau, Asia Market ’s second-generation owner, Hong Kong Wonton opened last month in the Fade Street spot previously occupied by Duck, before they shuttered following a damaging FSAI report . The menu here is Hong Kong classics, with a bustling kitchen to the rear shipping out dishes to the fifteen-seat space at lightning speed. What should we have? We started with spring rolls, crisp parcels of satisfying satay chicken elevated by the fresh crunch of beansprouts. The dipping sauce on the side has the character of a smoked ketchup – we were into it, but found it slightly overshot some of the spring rolls’ subtlety. Congee is where things kick up a gear. The rice porridge, a popular breakfast dish across east Asia with a history of wartime rationing, might be tempting to skip – don't. HKW brew theirs with a rich chicken stock, breaking the rice down to a soothing softness, stirred through with shredded chicken, fresh ginger and a fried dough stick on the side. No wonder it’s often prescribed for the sick - this comfort bowl is the perfect thing to kick a cold. Given the name and literal ton of wontons the place claims to have gone through in perfecting their recipe, there’s no shortage of pressure on the in-house dumplings to deliver. Through a very full mouth we can confirm that they do - the thin but strong wrappers yield to reveal a bulging feast of prawn and pork, in a sea of steaming soup. We reckon HKW’s website’s copywriter must have been paid by the adjective – the understated broth can’t live up to the breathless narrative of ten-hour dehydration and savoury complexity we were promised, but as a vehicle for top-notch wontons it does the trick. The egg noodles’ back story is just as loaded, only to be undone by the reveal that they’re not homemade. Save the faff and go for a plate of wontons in chilli sauce, all the better to let these standouts sing. Ever the canny operator, Pau has called out TikTok trends   as a must-follow for anyone in the food biz, and the Hong Kong French toast here is tailor-made for socials – not a table dared skip it. The artery-clogging club sandwich is spread with peanut butter and smothered in golden syrup, loose threads of crisped egg batter overspilling its edges - much like your gut might soon overhang your belt. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a death wish, this is for you. What about drinks? The flagship Hong Kong milk tea had too much concentrated tannin taste for our poor Irish palates, only slightly offset by the stirred-through evaporated milk. Coconut red bean was an experience of its own, nutty sweetness shot through with the grainy texture of beans – it’s a different sensation, but plays well off chilli sauce. Why should I go? Quality, quick food isn’t always easily available in the heart of the city, and while Hong Kong Wonton’s pitch is simple, it delivers. Some of the menu could use more work, but t here ’s a lot of invention packed into this petite place. Hong Kong Wonton 15 Fade Street, Dublin 2 hongkongwonton.ie

Yesterday was officially the bluest day of the year, so we're going sweet treat and carb heavy in the capital this week to help get us through what feels like the month that will never end. Picturesque pastries, the prettiest tarts, and a crab sandwich destined to make you forget it's still very much winter out there.... 1) The specials, Blossom Artisan Bakery Ballymun bakery bastions Blossom have finally returned after what felt like the longest three and a half weeks ever, meaning that we're more jazzed than normal for their new specials. Can we have a moment of silence for how beautiful the blueberry matcha pain Suisse looks on the bottom right? See also the affogato Kouign Amann (top left), apple puff (top right) and macadamia nut and orange Danish (bottom left). 2) Black forest mikado, The Bakery by The Cupcake Bloke The Cupcake Bloke's Graham Herterich has reinvented a childhood classic with the Mikado part of their retro biscuit range, and the latest flavour is Black Forest (screams). A chocolate shortbread is topped with vanilla marshmallow, dark chocolate and cherry, all topped with chocolate vermicelli sprinkles. Find it at The Bakery by the Cupcake Bloke  in Rialto. 3) Rhubarb and pistachio tart, Sorn Although it might not quite be quite rhubarb season, that doesn't stop us fully swooning over Sorn’s latest Tart. The sweet pastry base is filled with a pistachio and rhubarb compote frangipane and topped with chamomile yogurt and rhubarb that's been poached in a hibiscus and spice blend. Bring on the pink! 4) Campfire cocoa indulgence, Amy Austin Yes it's another sweet treat, and you've clocked it, the second mention of marshmallow on this list, but it's dark and dull out there, we need it. Amy Austin's latest scroll stopper is made with a chocolate ganache, crème Diplomat (a lighter version of pastry cream), and marshmallow fluff. Could there be a more perfect dessert for a cold, blustery evening in the city. 5) Crab sandwich, Bar Pez Bar Pez’s  crab sandwich is the little slice of sunshine we all need to break up the January blues - enough so to break our sugar-filled run this week. Hand picked crab bound with an apple and celeriac remoulade is served on a hyper local Fumbally  sourdough, bringing a bright, zesty hit of summer to even the dreariest January day. Pair it with a glass of Jura Chardonnay, and for a moment, you might just teleport straight to Spring.

What a WHOPPER of a line up for this month's ATF Insiders giveaways to start the New Year off with a bang! ATF Insiders is ou r premium service which offers added extras for our readers, allowing us to operate ad-free and ensure everything recommended here has been paid for by us . Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders by midnight on Friday 17th January will be entered into the draw, and winners will be picked and notified on Saturday 18th January. Here's what we've got for you this month... 1) An overnight Ballymaloe dining experience at the 5-star Castlemartyr Resort worth €380 We're sending one of you off for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the luxurious 5-star Castlemartyr Resort in Cork! On Thursday 6th February, Ballymaloe House Hotel ’s Executive Head Chef, Dervilla O’Flynn, will cook an exclusive dinner in the Canopy Restaurant, with a menu showcasing the simplicity and richness of Irish cuisine. There'll be farm-to-table seasonal cooking, as well as Ballymaloe House Hotel  classics, and you'll be staying overnight in 5-star surroundings with breakfast the next morning. See full details of the amazing value overnight package here . 2) Denim overall from Abito worth €240 We featured Abito 's Long Apron in our ATF Christmas Gift Guide , and it elicited all the love heart eye emojis from our readers, so we're pleased as punch to have one of their denim overalls worth €240 to give away this month. In a world of Sheins and Temus, this is a garment made to last generations - look after it and you'll be passing it onto your grandkids - how cool would that be? Its uses range from workwear, to gardening, to studio work, or just as the most stylish utility jacket on the market. Follow Abito on Instagram here , and shop the stunning range here . 3) Dinner for two with wine at Jean-Georges @ The Leinster Jean-Georges at The Leinster has two new dining concepts coming to Dublin in January, parachuted straight in from NYC. First up a menu from abcV , his plant-forward restaurant that was named 14th best restaurant in the city 2024 by New York Times critic Pete Wells. An abcV inspired menu runs from Wednesday 9th - Tuesday 28th January at lunch and dinner time. THEN from Wednesday 29th, a special Chinese New Year menus lands straight from The House of the Red Pearl - another of his NYC restaurants famous for a modern take on Chinese cuisine. To celebrate we've got a three-course meal for two with wine to give away this month, which can be used for either of the special menus, or for the regular à la carte. 4) €100 voucher for Berlin-style kebabs at Chiya   We've been spreading the good gospel about Chiya 's Berlin-style kebabs, that you all need to try STAT, and we're going to make that easier for one of you this month with a €100 to try the whole menu at your leisure. Marinated mixed chicken and beef for the win, and the courgette fritters are another must-try. Read our two minute review of Chiya here . 5) A fermentation class at Fairmental New Year, new food habits? We're sending one of you off to Fairmental to learn about the fascinating world of fermentation. They provide everything you need in their Saturday classes to make your own jar of ferments to take home, while learning the skills and techniques to increase the health benefits of your food, and how to use ferments in every meal. You'll also get to try lots of different ferments, as well as snacks and drinks. Check our Fairmental's fermentation class dates here , and follow them on Instagram here for updates. 6) Two limited edition pizza kits from The Dough Bros & Lucky Saint Alcohol free beer Lucky Saint has joined forces with The Dough Bros for a juicy January collab , with none of the hangover. Their limited edition pizza kits (€49.99) include everything you need to make four pizzas, with toppings including Gubbeen chorizo, nduja sausage, and Lucky Saint beer-braised onions, along with their signature pizza sauce, basil, mozzarella, parmesan, and a beer ranch dip. You'll find two cans of Lucky Saint  lager in there too - voted Trustpilot’s #1 alcohol-free beer - and it's sugar-free, at under 59 calories per can. The limited edition pizza kits are available to order until Tuesday 21st January for delivery on Friday 24th. We're sending two to this month's lucky winner - get one here before they're gone.   7) A Sunday roast for four at Searson, Baggot Street What we need in temperatures like these is to hunker down on a Sunday with a very large roast, some very nice wine, and all the papers (ideally in physical form, remember those?) Searson's on Baggot Street is set up for Sundays like these, and we're sending one of you plus three pals in for a Sunday Roast for four with wine, live jazz, and a choice of Hereford beef, rotisserie free-range chicken, or a nut roast. Does the day of rest get better than that? Check out Searson's here . 8) Tickets to an oriental-inspired cocktail class at Asia Market Asia Market always marks the Lunar New Year in style, and this year Dublin's go-to Asian grocery store has a series of experiences to celebrate the ‘Year of the Snake’. As part of the festivities, they've teamed up with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin - a brand whose journey began in China - for a cocktail making experience on Thursday 30th January, and we've got two tickets to give away. The ‘Snake In The Glass’ class takes place in J.T. Pim’s, where you'll learn how to make two different Asian-influenced drinks with gin and whiskey, and after making, shaking and enjoying your creations, you'll be treated to sweet and savoury canapés. You'll then hand-pick your own botanicals, with your favourite flavours infused in a teapot and added to your gin for a personalised cocktail. Get tickets here . 9) €100 voucher for The Cow Pub and Kitchen, Ballsbridge What was The Chophouse in Ballsbridge has been taken over by new management and reopened as The Cow Pub and Kitchen . They're keen to keep things business as usual, with staff, chefs and suppliers remaining the same, and all The Chophouse favourites like seared King prawns, dry-aged rib-eye and slow-cooked lamb shank staying put. They're also planning renovations and upgrades for early 2025 to make the drinking and dining experience even better. Check out The Cow here . Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders for January (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 Friday 17th January. You'll be supporting independent reviews and news 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.

Whether you're doing Dry January or in it for the long haul, more and more people are embracing the low to no alcohol movement, and it looks like the sober life is only going to gain a bigger following in 2025. Lucky then that there's an ever increasing number of places in Dublin embracing the alcohol-free buzz, with really good N/A options for beer, spirits, wine and cocktails. With this line up now available on the town, there's no excuse to accept the sugary mocktails of sad days gone by... Peruke & Periwig, Dawson Street Quite frankly some of the best value non alcoholic cocktails currently on offer in the city, Peruke & Periwig  have released a special January menu for those on the dry this month. For a mere €7, they're shaking up a Berry Sour, a Peach and Coconut Cooler, and a Pistachio Iced Coffee, so no need to feel like you’re missing out when you’ve ditched the hooch. Featherblade, Dawson Street With a whole section on their menu dedicated to the non alcoholic beverage, Featherblade  have some very decent options including sparkling, white, rosé and red alcohol-free wines from Hollow Leg, along with beer, cider, mocktails, and even a CBD infused fizz. Finally there's no need to miss out on that glass of (alcohol free) red with your steak. Board, Dublin 8 Even if they did introduce alcohol to their menu back in November, Board  in Harold's Cross is still the flagship non alcoholic bar in the city. Celebrating the driest month of them all with Dublin’s only legal Happy Hour, they're serving €5 Guinness 0.0 and €10 non alcoholic cocktails (usually €6 and €12 respectively) for the month of January on Thursdays and Fridays between 17:00 - 19:00. Their impressive mocktail list features house made cordials and premium non alcoholic "spirits" from Lyre , Clean Co and Fire&5th . As an extra booze free bonus, they're hosting a dry-namic cocktail making class on the 15th. Tickets can be bought here . Bar 1661, Dublin 1 Swiftly moving from a predominantly non alcoholic bar to a very alcoholic bar, Bar 1661 shake up some of the best cocktails around, so you know you’re in good hands when it comes to perfectly made mocktails. We like the look of the Chez Nous, with mango, lemongrass, white chocolate and lime, and we can guarantee you won't miss the booze with drinks from bartenders this good at what they do. The Old Spot, Dublin 4 The Old Spot is a sober friendly spot. With one of the most varied selections on this list, they have Nozeco sparkling wine (geddit) , a solid selection of beers, and a whole non-alcoholic cocktail menu, that also includes low abv cocktails. Lots of options whether you want to dial things back, or skip the hangover altogether. No. 27 Bar & Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin 2 Probably not on most people's N/A radar, No. 27 Bar & Lounge at The Shelbourne  is the ideal place for those off the grog. With a dedicated booze free cocktail list taking advantage of Lyre's   non-alcoholic spirits, Lucky Saint craft beer, and a couple of 0% wine options, this bougie hotel makes not drinking a breeze. D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 In one of the finest tasting menu restaurants in the city, you won't have to sacrifice the full dining experience if you've cut out booze. As part of their 13-course tasting menu, D'Olier Street offer a full non alcoholic cocktail pairing to complement each course. What a time to be alive. Variety Jones, The Liberties Dinner bills are always cheaper sans booze, so take the opportunity to try the non-alcoholic pairing with Variety Jones's six course tasting menu. Their family style menu is €95 a head, with the alcohol free pairing another €45. Sure, this place is more on the spenny side, but is worth every penny in our books. Just because you're on the dry, doesn't mean you can't dine out proper. Mamó, Howth If you find yourself Howth side, Mamó  not only have exceptional grub, but they've given the non drinkers proper consideration. With booze free spritzes, an N/A German sparkling wine, as well as proper alcohol free beers, there's no need to feel like you're missing out at lunch or dinner in one of Dublin's best. Hawksmoor, College Green We're starting to think "what don't Hawksmoor do well", because of course they have a full menu dedicated to delicious drinks without the proof. From pineapple sodas and Lucky Saint beers to a mocktail list that includes Nogronis, Maiden Mules, and a Cornflake Milkshake, who says not drinking can't be wild. Did we miss somewhere with a great non-alcoholic drinks list? Let us know by emailing info@allthefood.ie .

It's safe to say a lot of people will have eating out way down the priority list this month, with all the over-spending, over-socialising and over-stuffing ourselves in December. If you're attempting to cut back on costs and calories, and cook more at home in January, we've pulled together 10 of our favourite, never fail recipes, that are inexpensive to make, fit in with a month of healthier eating, and massively over-deliver on flavour... Kimchi udon with scallions - Bon Appetit There are few recipes cooked (and loved) as universally among the ATF team as Bon Appetit's kimchi udon - otherwise known as one of the greatest recipes on the internet. This spicy, creamy, chewy creation topped with peppery spring onions and a raw egg yolk could not be improved upon, and we come back to it over and over. See why we're so obsessed here . Grill halloumi and mango slaw with coconut tahini dressing - Madeline Shaw If you're looking for a salad that will blow your tiny mind, here it is. We've been fans of Madeline Shaw's super-charged on flavour recipes for a long time, and this salad from her book Ready, Steady, Glow , will have every taste receptor in your mouth firing. The squeaky cheese, the sweet slaw, the Thai inspired dressing, the chilli and cashew nut toppings - the whole thing is inspired, and packed with good stuff your body will thank you for. The recipe says it feeds four, but we would split it between three as a lunch or dinner. Find it here . Lentils with caramelised onion aioli and crispy chilli oil - Ixta Belfrage Another recipe we lie awake at night thinking about is Ixta Belfrage's lentils with caramelised onion aioli from her book Mezcla . The onions are a bit of a pain, and involve standing over the hob for a very specific (and accurate) 22-26 minutes, but the rest is easy peasy, and just wait till you try the finished product (please don't skip any of the additions like lemon juice or crispy chilli oil, they're all vital). Find it here . Chicken and lentils - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Sounds boring right? We first tried this from River Cottage Light and Easy as we had chicken thighs in the fridge, red lentils in the press, and a rosemary bush in the garden, and were not expecting what emerged from the oven. Who knew red lentils could get so crispy that we'd be fighting over the scrapings around the dutch oven. The juicy chicken with its crispy skin that stays above the stock is also key to its deliciousness, and it is one of the least laborious in our repertoire - just cook the onions, fling it all into the pot and into the oven for an hour while you get on with other stuff. We like it with a green salad. Find it here . Grilled courgette, tomato and bean salad - Riverford We first made this from one of veg-focused Riverford's brilliant cookbooks as a barbecue buffet side, and haven't stopped making it since. Griddled courgettes are the best courgettes, and between their smokiness, the juicy pops of tomato, the creamy beans and that lick your fingers basil dressing, it's also a perfect lunch or dinner in its own right when you're trying to up your nutrients with no sacrifice on taste. Add some chicken or fish if you want to increase the protein. Try it here . Braised aubergine with pork - Gok Wan You might not expect a former fashion stylist to be pumping out the best recipes, but we were bowled over by the dishes in Gok Wan's first and only Chinese Gok Cooks Chinese . Every one we've cooked has been knockout good, but one we come back to over and over is this braised aubergine with pork. It's cheap, it's fast, and we always make a double portion to have it over a few days - it seems to taste even better after a day in the fridge. Check it out here . Almost empty peanut butter jar overnight oats - Hazel Wallace We find it very hard to break the habit of Hazel Wallace's overnight oats from her book The Food Medic , made in an almost empty peanut butter jar (and while it's satisfying to use up a jar, y ou can make it in any container and swirl the peanut butter in the next morning). The recipe doesn't seem to be online but it's just 50g oats, 1 tbsp flax or chia seeds (we use plenty of both), 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder, 1 tbsp honey or agave (we use less if using sweetened protein powder), and 250ml of any milk. Top with banana, peanut butter, cinnamon, frozen fruit, nuts or anything else you want in the morning. It's up there with our favourite breakfasts, and ideal if you're running out the door in the morning and need something on the go. Gochujang-glazed celeriac with black beans & green salsa Celeriac season lingers on into April, and we've found few better uses for the root veg than this gochujang-glazed version from Rosie Birkett c/o BBC Good Food. It was an unlikely addition to our batch cook repertoire in 2024, with that fresh and punchy apple salsa giving it just the lift most leftovers lack. Roast chicken with sumac and red onions (Mussakhan) - Yasmin Khan The national dish of Palestine has become one of our most tried and trusted things for feeding a crowd ever since Cork's Izz Cafe left us *needing* to know how to make it. Yasmin Khan's relatively hands-off recipe's marinating time buys you the space to whip up some fresh flatbread, perfect to mop up every last drop of sumac-spiced goodness. Buy Zaitoun here , or get the recipe here . Caramelised shallot pasta - Alison Roman Sheer density of flavour keeps us coming back to this Alison Roman pasta in the NY Times, worth every second of the stirring the shallots demand. The pro-tip is to make a mountain and keep a jar or two handy in the fridge - when you've only got fifteen minutes to spare but want something truly delicious, you'll be glad you did. Check it out here .

Christmas and New Year's are done and dusted, and the bleakness of winter has finally set in. This week we're after comfort classics, fresh as we can get shellfish, and robust veggies to get the nutrients back into our souls. Here are the five dishes we most want to eat in Dublin this week.. . 1) Pumpkin Lasagna, Hera New kids on the block Hera are busy elevating Dorset Street's food scene - clearly seen here with this pumpkin and Toonsbridge scamorza “lasagna”, served with a hazelnut and cavalo nero pesto. Lord knows we need a few solid weeks of veggies after the past meat-filled month. 2) Dublin Bay Prawns, Fish Shop Fish Shop are kicking off 2025 with this mic drop of a dish. These Dublin Bay Prawns / Langoustines / Lobsterettes are on the menu for the foreseeable. Coming from the Porcupine Bank in the West of Ireland, they're grilled up and served with fresh basil, olive oil and a lemon dressing. At €14.50 for five halves, they suggest calling up in advance to reserve a portion for your booking, as no doubt they will sell like hell. 3) Melanzane Parmigiana, Gigi's In weather this cold we need food to warm up with, and we need it now. Gigi's in Ranelagh have the ticket with their Melanzane Parmigiana - shallow fried layered aubergine with tomato sugo, basil, fresh mozzarella and parmigiano. Another warming veggie dish to restore and reset us for a New Year where absolutely none of our habits will change. 4) Fidelity Fried Chicken, Sister7 Probably one of the most insulated rooms in Dublin thanks to their audiophile ways, we'd like to cosy up in Sister7 this week with their Fidelity Fried Chicken. Marinated chicken thigh is fried in a Whiplash and brewery grain batter, and served with honey mustard dip for a tangy finish. 5) Pork Belly Flatbread, Coppinger We loved everything Coppinger  put in front of our eyes in 2024, and 2025's off to a strong start with this crispy pork belly on a soft flatbread. Topped with fresh fennel slaw and zesty salsa verde, it looks like another winter warmer to knock the city chill from your bones.

With all the drinks in this month's ATF Insiders giveaways you'd definitely know it's Christmas, but there's also the obligatory new openings, high end grocery vouchers, and a New Year's Eve hotel package worth €500! ATF Insiders is ou r premium service offering added benefits for readers, that allows us to operate ad-free and independently, with everything featured and recommended here paid for by us . Having your name put in the hat for nine brilliant prizes every month is just one of the benefits. Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders by midnight on Tuesday 17th December will be entered into the draw, and winners will be picked and notified on Wednesday 18th December. Here's what you could win this month if you're in the club... 1) The NYE Experience at The Club Hotel at Goff's, Co. Kildare worth €500 How would you like to ring in 2025 with an overnight stay, dine and spa escape at 4-star boutique hotel The Club at Goff's in Kildare? You'll be treated to a five-course dinner paired with wines, Champagne for the countdown, live music, a deluxe paddock-view room, and breakfast in bed the following morning. They're also including a late checkout, and you'll have spa access to relax on The Deck – their new outdoor hot tub and sauna facilities overlooking the paddock. Check out the package here . (If the winner can't make NYE they can opt for a January Escape instead) 2) Glendalough Whiskey tasting dinner at Charlotte Quay and gift pack worth €270 We don't go in for Dry January around here, it's a depressing enough month as it is, so we're going to brighten up the longest month of the year for one Insider with two tickets to a Glendalough Whiskey tasting dinner at Charlotte Quay on Friday 24th January. You'll enjoy Glendalough cocktails on arrival, food pairings with some of Wicklow-based distillery’s best whiskeys, and a hamper to take home with some of their best whiskeys and glassware to drink it out of. For updates and information on Glendalough Distillery ’s festive offerings, visit their website , and follow them on Instagram here . 3) €100 voucher for Hera, Dorset Street   When Juno on Dorset Street announced they were closing for a revamp a few weeks ago we weren't sure what to expect, but they've just reopened with new gastropub Hera attached and we couldn't be more eager to get in and see what the guys behind Crudo and Achara have cooked up now. Fried Tallegio with pear and ginger mustard; sourdough with chicken and mushroom butter; a €30 Delmonico rib-eye with green peppercorn sauce and pickled onion rings - sounds like ex-Bastible chef Joe Smith knows exactly what the people want right now. Check out Hera and Juno here . 4) A mega cocktail hamper from Dublin Cocktail Lab If you want to make your life easy this Christmas when it comes to drinks, Dublin Cocktail Lab should be your first port of call. Christmas isn't actually Christmas without their mulled wine and hot whiskey syrup , and we've got a bumper package of some of their best drinks to give away this month, including mulled wine; a mix to make your own; lemongrass and habanero spritz, their new N/A version of the same, a wild nettle and smoked pear old fashioned, and the full Whitebox cocktails gift set. That's easily enough to see you through to the New Year without the cocktail shaker needing to come out. Order online here or find them in loads of great off-licences. 5) A dine in and drink at home prize pack from Galway Bay Brewery We're not sure how Galway Bay Brewery find time to come up with so many new beers, from this year's sell out Two Hundred Fathoms , to the Wild Ale series , to Imperial stouts aged in Bourbon barrels , and we're sending one of you a hamper filled with some of their best to celebrate with this Christmas. They're also throwing in a €50 voucher to go and eat in one of their pubs, including the newly opened Molly's Bar on Francis Street in Dublin 8 (see all of their bars here ). To maximise your visit you could always head in Monday - Thursday for their 2-for-1 Christmas burger deal . Follow Galway Bay Brewery on Instagram here . 6) €100 to spend on dim sum at Nan Chinese Nan Chinese around the corner from Stephen's Green are the only restaurant serving Huaiyang cuisine in the country, and their new dim sum series is now served all day. It's all handmade in house by their chefs, very well priced and made for sharing, making it an ideal Christmas shopping stop when you want to lay down your bags and refuel with soup dumplings, steamed pork ribs and golden buns with char siu pork. We've got a €100 voucher to give to someone this month so you can work your way through all the deliciousness. 7) €100 gift card for Fallon & Byrne and a Julienne Bruno gift box To celebrate the arrival of JULIENNE BRUNO to the Food Hall at Fallon & Byrne Dublin, one ATF Insider is going to win a gift box plus a €100 Fallon & Byrne gift card, just in time to stock up for Christmas. Stocked everywhere in UK from Harrods to Wholefoods, and across 800 hospitality locations including The Wolseley and Soho House, JULIENNE BRUNO 's plant-based, dairy free products  launched in  Tesco stores nationwide, online and now in the Food Hall at Fallon & Byrne Dublin. Made from soya, they're naturally fermented to create a range of fresh, creamy and versatile soft cheeses, and after a taste you'll see why chefs and home cooks have been going crazy for them. Check them out at juliennebruno.com . 8) The full range from The Boatyard Distillery Located on the banks of Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh, The Boatyard Distillery is the first B Corp distillery in Ireland. Distilled in Fermanagh and poured in many of the best bars around the world, this Christmas The Boatyard team have given us one of everything in the range to enjoy at home with your nearest and dearest. The original vision was to create an award-winning gin made with Martinis in mind, with a double hit of juniper to stand up in a delicious Gin & Tonic too, but they've now expanded to four spirits - Boatyard Double Gin, Boatyard Vodka, Boatyard Sloe Boat Gin and Boatyard Old Tom Gin. S hop the range and find out more about the tour experience at boatyarddistillery.com . 9) A Powers Whiskey Irish Coffee Gift set Tis the season of Irish coffees, and this year the guys in Powers Whiskey collaborated with Brady's Coffee to barrel age their coffee beans in Powers barrels for 12 weeks. The end result is Powers whiskey infused coffee, and we hear it's rather delicious. They've just released a limited edition gift box containing the coffee, a bottle of Powers and two Irish coffee glasses (RRP €65). We've got a gift set plus a bottle of Powers Three Swallows to give away this month, to make it a very merry Christmas. Buy the gift set here . Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders for December (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 Tuesday 17th December. You'll be supporting independent reviews and news 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.

We're weeks away yet from the big day, but already we've had to open our belts out a few notches. As well as the mountains of Christmas sandwiches we've chronicled and covered so far across the city, there's puds and pies, burgers and slices, sweets and treats aplenty for your seasonal delectation. Here's the festive fare that's got us excited lately... Mince pies, Fable Bakery We’re glad someone out there takes mince pies as seriously as we do. Fable's fantastically fun behind-the-scenes video peels back the curtain on the Mince Pie Manifesto and months of flavour that kicked off all the way back in October - now that’s dedication. You can get them solo or in boxes of six over the next few weeks, and you'll be wanting more than one visit for these. Tiramisu choux, Sorn Bakehouse Newcomer home bakery Sorn missed a trick not following Allta’s lead and calling this a tiramichoux, but a quick read through this description has us feeling forgiving. The cracked crust of cardamom craquelin looks just as good as it sounds, while we can only imagine the flavour bomb of mascarpone mousse and white chocolate ganache. They can be ordered in boxes of 8 for delivery or collection. Christmas pudding, Scéal Fear not: you needn’t trek all the way out to Greystones to get your mitts on what must go down as the most tempting Christmas pud we’ve seen so far this season. Scéal are selling their family recipe-based dessert centrepiece out of Drury Street’s Irish Design Shop right through to the big day. Treacle texture and a healthy measure of Guinness are more than enough to have us running right over. Quince pies, Elliot’s Mince pie connoisseurs have long held up Elliot’s as one of the best in the city for their delicious quince-studded specimens; this year they’ve gone all in and just called them quince pies. Clementine marmalade is an extra touch of December decadence, and once you’ve tried an oat and brown butter crumble topping you’ll never look back. Christmas alfies, Bakeology Meath Street bakery Bakeology does a great trade in Argentinian delicacy alfajores year-round, but rarely are as prettily presented as this. These dulce de leche-filled cookie sandwiches have been fashioned into festive shapes and covered in coloured icing, and they’re available by the box for collection on Sundays – there’s a gift we wouldn’t mind getting. Mince pie bagels, FatBaby Bakes It’s invention aplenty this festive season but not much out there is as enticingly original as the latest special from FatBaby Bakes . Christmas bagels - things you never knew you needed. They’ve also got a cranberry and walnut variety newly added to the menu. Orders are taken twice a week for collections in Ringsend on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Christmas pizza, Coke Lane We have to wonder what the Italians would make of this one – or the Christmas traditionalists for that matter. Whatever the purists might say, we’re all aboard for trying the combo of confit duck and brussels sprouts in any form, not least a pizza. Coke Lane have the combo, together with mozzarella and pomegranate to cut through it all, available in both branches. Christmas Clucker, Cluck Chicken ‘Tis the season to be giving, and this one’s giving a LOT, in calories as much as charity. Cluck have brought back their seasonal special and this time out they’re donating €5 from every sale to homeless charities. Mulled wine glaze and a pulled ham and cheese croquette had us sold on this one already, but with a cause that good we’d better go ahead and get two. Mince pies, No Messin’ It’s good news for us all that No Messin ’ are making more than ever of their in-demand mince pies, though we’re going to guess that won’t prevent some still being disappointed this year – these always fly out the door. It’s not for nothing they’re so popular: from the perfect provenance of each and every ingredient to the classic crisp puff pastry crust, these are as good as it gets. Christmas slice, Mani Mani were too busy finding their feet after an early December opening last year to get in on the seasonal special games, but that’s a market they’ve easily elbowed into since. Their first Christmas slice is a showstopper, with house sausage and roast sprouts playing off a Hegarty’s bechamel and guanciale and herb stuffing for a helluva festive feast. Mince pies, Honey Truffle Given the standard out there and no shortage of choice, it takes something special to turn our heads where the humble mince pie is concerned. Caramelised whiskey bites are that something special in the case of Honey Truffle . We reckon they also take the prize this year for the prettiest ones around town.

Food and drink lovers tend to be quite "particular", people who know what they like and don't like, and aren't afraid to let people know (in other words they can be pretty hard to buy for). As we are also those awkward people, we've done the leg work for you this year, and let you into what we'd like to find under the tree this Christmas... For the Cocktail lovers: Craft Cocktails' Christmas Collection, from €17.50 Every year we look forward to Craft Cocktails’ Christmas collection , with flavours like 'Gingerbread Punch', 'Festive Old-Fashioned', and 'Mistletoe Margarita'. €12.50 gets you a double serve or it's €35 for a bigger bottle that serves seven. They also offer a personalisation service where you can add your message to the label on any cocktail. Order by 13th December for personalised orders, or by 19th December for non-personalised orders, or you can collect from Cuckoo Lane until 12:00 on 23rd December. Keep Her Lit Candles, from €15 These handmade candles from Dublin based couple Alex and Dan are the perfect gift for your cocktail comrades (or Guinness girlos). While they're currently fulfilling Christmas orders, keep an eye on their instagram , or catch them at the Bohemia Flea Market in Phibsborough on the 14th of December. Coffee Cocktails, Vice Coffee Inc, from €22.50 Vice know a thing or two about Irish coffee, so treat your gift receivers to the best in the 'biz with Vice's Christmas drink kits. Choose either the OG or espresso martini (decaf versions also available) - a welcome kitchen addition for anyone during the madness that is December. Find them in Vice. For the Wine lovers: The ATF x Lilith Wine Club, €100 After years of talking about it but wanting to get it just right, we've finally launched our ATF Wine Club with our favourite wine shop, Stoneybatter's Lilith . All the love is going into these monthly cases, with the number one objective to get people more excited about wine - what could be a better gift for the wine lover in your life to unwrap on Christmas morning. For the Foodies with a Sweet Tooth: Bon Chocolatiers Chocolates, from €16 Bon Chocolatiers are be the best Irish chocolates we've tried so far, and if any time of the year is worthy of a splurge on treats, it's Christmas. The Festive Treats collection features Christmas spiced s’mores and Cointreau and blood orange, and a twelve piece, four flavour box costs €31.50. Currently sold out (!!) while waiting for them to restock, we're ordering the cute as a button Rockin' Robin Irish Hazelnut (€16) - a multilayered treat in the shape of a robin made with Irish hazelnuts from Glenidan farm in Westmeath. For the Foodies that have everything: Araucaria Ceramics, from €15 Dan Woodsmith is Ireland's it boy when it comes to pottery. Based in the Dublin mountains, you might have seen Araucaria Ceramics in places like Scéal Bakery , Woodruff , Dede at the Customs House in West Cork, or even the Michelin starred Kol in London. The butter dishes (€65 or €95) are a minimalist's dream, as are the salt pigs (€40), and you can never go wrong with a solid mug (€35). Each item is hand thrown using stoneware clay as well as local, hand dug Irish clay. Catch Dan at Killruddery market on the 14th and 15th of December from 10:00 to 16:30, or order on his website . The Long Apron, Abito, €53 Quite possibly the coolest apron on the market currently is Abito I Live's latest long apron . Made from 100% cotton duck (a heavy, woven cotton fabric), the heavy weight cloth can be worn whichever way you like, with two deep pockets to carry all your kitchen essentials while cooking. Cookbook Stand, €69.95 One of those useful items that you could never justify buying yourself but would actually really love, this solid ash cookbook stand from Caulfield Country Boards in Kells is available on nookandcranny.ie - perfect for your pals that are a bit of a whizz in the kitchen. Gefu Meat Thermometer, €37.95 Similar to above, a meat thermometer is not something you would think about treating yourself with but they are such a game changer when it comes to cooking, especially if you are on turkey duty. This handy one has a magnet on the back so you can monitor the temperature easily. Get it here . Dublin Food Tour, Devour Food Tours, €79 Give the foodie in your life the gift of experience with a food tour around our fair city, complete with a morning of sausage rolls, seasonal pastries, Irish cheese, icon-status toasties and the freshest seafood at some of the best spots in the city curated by your friends here at ATF ​. You'll get an injection of history and culture too as you walk through St Stephen's Green, Trinity College, Central Plaza, past Molly Malone and through Dublin's Victorian Architecture. Starting back up in March, it's a gift for their springtime selves. ​ For the ones that love a good hamper: Christmas Hamper at Gannet Fishmongers, from €25 Gannet Fishmongers in Galway aka eatmorefish.ie are doing god's work by encouraging this island with incredible fishing grounds to eat more fish. Their website is like ASOS for fish fans, (a tad bit more chaotic) with a plethora of tinned fish as well as fresh and frozen Irish fish. For Christmas, they're assembling customisable hampers which you can choose yourself by selecting the hamper option on their website and filling up your cart with a selection of tins. It's then packed up nicely, with a personalised card, and sent off to the foodie of your choice. Folláin Christmas Hampers, from €11 Folláin's Christmas selection hampers are a great one stop shop for the cheese and / or jam lovers in your lives. With 50% of all online sales going straight to the Simon Community, this one is a no brainer. A West of Dingle Sea Salt Gift Pack, €29 We are low key obsessed with West of Dingle ’s salts. The whiskey smoked adds a deep layer of umami to everything, the smokehouse rub makes every dish taste like it's come off a charcoal grill, and the lemon and rosemary have taken our oven roasted vegetables from satisfactory to showstopping. Gift the four-pack  to your favourite at-home chef. For the Whiskey Lovers: Irish Whiskey puzzle, €45 A 1,000-piece, hand-drawn jigsaw puzzle all about Irish whiskey, its flavours and traditions. Learn about the uisce beatha passively; perfect for passing the time during that void space between Christmas and New Years when no one knows what day it is. Glendalough Distillery Gift Pack, €50 Glendalough's single grain double barrel whiskey comes in this neat little set with a whiskey tumbler. Matured in flame-charred ex-Bourbon American oak, and finished in Oloroso casks from Montilla, this whiskey won gold at the 2024 New York International Spirits Competition. Available from their website or Dublin airport, which is a handy one if you are travelling this Christmas. For the Subscription nuts: ATF Insiders, €55 Not to toot our own horn or anything, but the perfect gift for the ultimate foodie who wants access to exclusive events, and loves a bit of Insider info, is an ATF Insider subscription . At only €55 per calendar year, it includes entry into nine giveaways a month, event invitations, exclusive content and direct access to our team to ask all and any of their pressing questions about eating out. The Little Cheese Shop monthly subscription from €42.50 For the Irish cheese fans, The Little Cheese Shop in Dingle choose four cheeses of different textures and strengths that are sent at the end of each month complete with crackers, chutney, and tasting notes. From €42.50 per month , there's the option to send a one off, or treat your foodie friend to a whole year of cheese. Brack Club, The Cupcake Bloke, from €65 We are devo each year when barm brack leaves the shelves once Halloween is over, but lucky for us, Graham Herterich (aka the Cupcake Bloke, aka the Brack Angel of Ireland) has given the people what they want with his Brack Club memberships . (Does anyone remember the time he paired it with blue cheese ? Mind = blown). Starting from January 2025, give the gift of fruit bread from the Gods with three or six month subscriptions of the good stuff. For the Book Worms: The Old Spot Cookbook, €35 Marking a decade on Bath Avenue, The Old Spot Cookbook brings together the greatest hits from its award-winning gastropub. Recipes include their mussels pil pil, short-rib lasagne, and their deep fried mac and cheese. The Blasta Book Collections, €58 Blasta Books   are now gearing up for series three of their lovely collections of cookbooks (to be released in 2025), highlighting Irish authors and chefs. Each specialises in a different type of food, from Bahay's 'Masarap', to Lily Ramirez-Foran's 'Tacos', and cost €15 for one or you can buy a bundle of four for €50. Pre-order books 13-16 the next collection for recipe joy delivered throughout 2025. The Story of Tayto, €19.95 Tuck into a bag and get stuck into the history of Ireland's self appointed mascot - Mr. Tayto. Read about the weird and wonderful backstory of our nations crisp - how they changed the snack game globally, their interesting marketing tools, and how Frank Kelly (aka Fr. Jack) was the voice of a Tayto record player made out of cardboard in the 70s. The Story of Tayto has gotten great reviews and the Irish Times are calling it " genuinely entertaining ". An Irish Food Story: 100 Foods That Made Us, €25 Jp McMahon's latest book tells the story of Irish history, culture, and identity through 100 foods that shaped the nation. With entries from barley, milk, and stout, to crispy pancakes, Ribena, and jambons, An Irish Food Story is a delicious reminder that what we eat says everything about who we are. Irish Food History: A Companion, €45 For the serious food nerds out there, this absolute beast of a leabhar goes in depth into the history of Irish food from the Ice age to the present day. A whopping 850 pages, it won best Food and Drink Book at the 2024 A Post Irish Book Awards .

Half the halls aren’t even decked yet but that hasn’t stopped the starting gun being fired on the annual Christmas sandwich scramble. Like Mariah Carey kicking down the doors at the first whiff of winter, we spotted the earliest entrant on this list back on November 5th! Here’s everywhere in Dublin you can get a taste of Christmas in the north and southside suburbs. Check out the city centre, Smithfield and Stoneybatter here , and read our verdicts here . It’s beginning to look a lot like… indigestion. (Note, we've added a 🥬  emoji to anywhere with a veggie option, and we'll update this list over the next few weeks)

Half the halls aren’t even decked yet but that hasn’t stopped the starting gun being fired on the annual Christmas sandwich scramble. Like Mariah Carey kicking down the doors at the first whiff of winter, we spotted the earliest entrant on this list back on November 5th! Here’s everywhere in Dublin you can get a taste of Christmas in the city centre, Smithfield and Stoneybatter. Check out the north and southside suburbs here , and check out our verdicts here . It’s beginning to look a lot like… indigestion. (Note, we've added a 🥬 emoji to anywhere with a veggie option, and we'll update this list over the next few weeks)

December is definitely Decembering and no doubt you'll find yourself in town at some stage this week or next mooching around the shops or meeting up with pals. From goodbye doughnuts and fluffy French toast, to all the truffle and a very good value Sunday roast, here's what we've been scoping out this week... 1) Hong Kong-style French toast, Hong Kong Wonton Popping up any day now in the spot where Duck used to be on Fade Street, Hong Kong Wonton have been putting out all the social media teasers for this new and (hopefully) improved opening from the same owners as Asia Market. The Hong-Kong-style peanut butter filled French toast is top of our list, and if their countdown is accurate, doors should be opening in a little over a week. 2) Sunday roast, Bootleg Bootleg have jumped in just in time (the Christmas shopping is mounting and our funds are dwindling) with a very good value Sunday roast. Serving from 12:00 - 18:00, you get a choice of turkey, beef cheek, nut roast, or their pie of the day. It comes with all the sides and trimmings for €25 a head, Bloody Marys are €8, and you can also go bottomless on Malbec for €25. 3) Drunken chicken, Lotus Eaters We're loving the constant unveiling of new additions to the Lotus Eaters menu, and the latest is this drunken chicken with black vinegar and all the truffle. Could there be a more ideal plate for tucking into while gazing out over Trinity and everyone feeling baltic outside. 4) Spiced pumpkin cake, Craft This spiced pumpkin cake from Craft over in Harold's Cross is taking centre stage on their Christmas menu, arriving to the table with pumpkin namelaka, whiskey raisins and vanilla ice cream. Why shouldn't Christmas last all of December? 5) Doughnuts, The Morning Bakery It's the last week for The Morning Bakery  before they close for good on Sunday 15th, and they're promising lots of doughnuts in their last few days. If ever there was an excuse to head down and give them a proper send off, freshly fried and filled doughnuts is the one.

Christmas sandwich hysteria has gone up another gear this year, with everywhere trying to outdo each other, but the prices have taken a leap too. It's more or less impossible to get a Christmas sandwich for under €10 any more, and the most expensive one we've seen so far is €19! So once again we're cutting through the dross, and highlighting the best. Here's what we think of the first 14 we've taste-tested, available in 22 locations across the city... (we'll be added more as we get through them) (Note: we've been finding the service times and availability of Christmas sandwiches quite erratic. We've also tried to get into Pitt Bros, Vada and Bang Bang but either they were sold out or are only serving them on weekdays, so if you're really craving one in particular, check before you go that it's definitely on that day)

Reggie's , the new neighbourhood pizzeria in Rathmines from Reggie White (founder and former owner of Pi on George's Stree t) opens THIS WEEKEND, and we've convinced them to let ATF Insiders in for a first look on Thursday 5th December, with 50% off food while they find their feet. Anyone who agreed with our review of Pi back in 2018 , and who tried his pizza at Little Forest  in Blackrock, will understand why we've been on the edge of our stools to see what Reggie does next. It's in the old red-brick Sprezzatura site, and while Reggie's   passion has always been pizza, the opening menu also features snacks like cacio e pepe arancini with Parmesan custard, ricotta meatballs with sourdough focaccia, and what we're promised will be a killer Caesar salad with smoked bacon (full menu and pricing below). Reggie's  is aiming to be a restaurant that delivers for the neighbourhood and the local community, where everyone can eat dishes they recognise, done to the highest standard, using the best produce possible. They're describing it as "a big hug of a restaurant", delivering a superior casual dining experience, and you can expect to find the main man there the majority of the time. Reggie's  are inviting ATF Insiders  to a soft launch this Thursday 5th with 50% off food, while the front of house and kitchen get used to a full service in a new space, and they'd love your feedback on the experience. Here's what you'll be eating if you get a table. A booking link for the soft launch of Reggie's  will be sent to everyone signed up to ATF Insiders  at 10:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd December.   Each ATF Insider can book for them plus one guest. If you want a bigger table, you'll need more Insiders.   If you're not already signed up click here .

If you're into eating out in Ireland and you're not hitting up Cork city on the regular, what are you at? Cork may claim to be the real capital of Ireland, but officially it gives Dublin and Galway a good run as another food capital. From Michelin-rated seafood to pizza slice shops (yes they have them too), here's eight places you shouldn't miss on your next trip... The Glass Curtain, MacCurtain Street A restaurant to rival any in the capital, The Glass Curtain  on MacCurtain Street was opened by Cork-born chef Brian Murray in 2019. A buzzy dining room that offers both a sharing style menu and a tasting menu (including one for veggies), start off with the Cashel Blue martini for a truly special opening. If you're going sharing style, don't skip any of the snacks - they're bite size, you can take on all three, we believe in you. For mains they offer sharing size plates - either a larger cut of meat, a whole fish, or individual vegetable dishes. It's the cherry on Cork's dining scene. Goldie, Oliver Plunkett Street Aishling Moore's Goldie  has made some serious waves in the country, let alone the city. Dubbed a "gill to fin" restaurant, Michelin were on the money awarding them a Bib Gourmand , and we wouldn't be surprised if that turned into a star some day soon. Their menu changes daily depending on the fish they can get, but oysters are always topped with the most delicious granita, and whichever fish gets to be schnitzeled comes with a wonderfully tangy gherkin and celeriac remoulade - the crushed colcannon is also non negotiable. The wine list is small but they offer plenty by the glass, and there's no argument that this is one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. Paradiso, Lancaster Quay Paradiso  on Lancaster Quay has been a staple in Cork city for over 30 years, which is seemingly impossible for a fully veggie fine dining spot. Led by Spanish chef Miguel Fru­tos, they operate a tasting menu only, with their six course menu coming in at €68, and a natural wine pairing for a further €35, which in today's culinary climate is quite the bargain. Vegetables don't get better than this. Miyazaki, Evergreen Street You've probably heard of Miyazaki , Japanese chef Takashi Miyazaki's takeaway with a few counter seats in Cork city, but it's as good as it ever was, so make sure to pay them a visit on your next trip south. The specials are where it's at, but the OG Tatsuta Don bowl featuring succulent chicken fried perfectly overtop fluffy rice also needs a mention. In the evening if the counter is full, order it to go and enjoy it in O'Sho  pub around the corner - an experience in itself. Also whatever sando is on for lunch, just get it. In fact, don't leave Cork without trying it - perfectly fried fresh fish in a fluffy milk bun will make you rethink any fish sandwich you've ever had. They don't have a website but you can find the menu and daily specials on their Facebook page . Elbow Lane, Oliver Plunkett Street Part of the Market Lane group (Goldie is also in this gang), Elbow Lane  is an exciting microbrewery/smokehouse who are passionate about their suppliers (they have a very  detailed list  on their website). Their meat forward menu is cooked on an open-fire Ox Grill in front of your very eyes, and between killer cocktails, smoked meat, and craft beer made on site, what's not to love? Book well in advance. MacCurtain Wine Cellar, MacCurtain Street Sean Garango and Trudy Ahern met in Dublin while working in the restaurant scene. Trudy, originally from Cork, managed Etto, while Sean is a sommelier who did wine lists for The Legal Eagle. They opened up MacCurtain Wine Cellar in 2022, a wine shop turned wine bar at night with a focus on sustainable, natural, and organic wine. Their snacks are what girl dinner dreams are made of - cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish and crostinis. Bonus points for being able to pick up a bottle to go on the way out. Frankie's Slice Shop, South Mall Boardwalk If Bambino, Doom Slice, and Mani had a baby, it would be Frankie's Slice Shop . Intentionally not wanting to be bound by any particular convention or style - they blend the larger than life flavours inspired by NYC and Detroit, with the fluffy focaccia style of a Roman slice - try the Roman pepperoni and hot honey. Set in a glass box on the South Mall boardwalk, their dough game is strong - springy and chewy slices, with all the best toppings. Good Day Deli, Nano Nagle Place In the beautiful gardens of Nano Nagle Place, Good Day Deli serves up a feel-good, "so fresh it's almost jumping off the plate" menu of predominantly vegetarian food, but their Kai Moana fish tacos will never be allowed to leave the menu. There's a big focus on sustainable eating and living, and a nicely curated list of natural wine, organic tea and West Cork coffee, as well as unmissable homemade cakes. Did we miss your favourite place in Cork? Let us know for our next visit by emailing info@allthefood.ie .

With December approaching thick and fast, Christmas themed foods have entered the chat. From festive pizza and fancy ramen, to once a year desserts, here's what we're day-dreaming about eating this week in the capital... 1) The Christmas slice, Mani Mani are coming in hot with their latest menu addition, and how better to start silly season than with a Christmas slice of pizza. Topped with their house sausage, roasted sprouts, a Hegarty’s cheese bechamel, Guanciale and herb stuffing, all drizzled with a Ballymaloe Cranberry sauce, this fluffy Roman slice is served with a side of gravy, just in case you thought things couldn't get better. 2) The Christmas bowl, Sprout and Co. For a lighter festive alternative than massive Christmas-dinners-between-bread, Sprout and Co. have just launched their seasonal bowl packed with herb roasted chicken, sweet potato, miso glazed sprouts and pickled cabbage, topped with a cranberry vinaigrette and crispy stuffing. We expect the queues to be out the doors at lunchtime for this bowl of yuletide yum. 3) Grilled gambas, Woodruff Amidst the slew of all the Christmas food content that's starting to pop up like crazy, this bowl of grilled gambas from Woodruff in Stepaside is a brain cleanser. Served with taramasalata and katsuobushi on a kimchi pancake, it's a welcome diversion from all the turkey and ham we're about to overdo. 4) Truffle wagyu shoyu ramen, Nomo Ramen We weren't sure a bowl of the good stuff could get this fancy, but it has. This warming bowl of truffle wagyu shoyu ramen (an upgrade on their shoyu ramen menu staple ) is available only from Fridays to Sundays at Nomo Ramen this festive season, so plan accordingly. 5) Mont Blanc '24, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen's pastry kitchen is one of the strongest in the country, and those who are lucky enough to be enjoying the Christmas tasting menu (we are all very envious) will be treated to this beauty of a dessert. Their version of the Parisian-born "Mont Blanc" is slightly more sophisticated than a pile of chestnut purée topped with whipped cream, but what else would we expect.