Search Results

Stuffed brioche that screams Italia, your last bite at lobster for the season, and you'll need to get prepared if you're hoping to snag a November pecan pie. Here's what's been consuming our brains in Dublin this week... 1) Hare à la royale , Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen The Irish hospitality industry has been rocked with three-star rumours since Michelin announced last week that the 2026 awards are going to be held in Dublin next year. Absolutely nothing is a given with these fellas, so we would not be jumping the gun, but what we would be doing is booking into two-star Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen for this Hare à la royale with quince and alba white truffle from the Autumn menu. No stars, one star, two stars or three, this is an experience worthy of anyone's bucket list. 2) Lobster garganelli, Angelina's We're right at the end of lobster season, so it's your last chance to indulge, and we're looking pointedly at this lobster garganelli with bisque butter from the current menu at Angelina's . Seafood pasta + wine + heated terrace overlooking the water = a happy end to October. 3) Black pudding Scotch egg, Hera A mainstay of gastropub Hera 's menu from the start, their latest Scotch egg version comes wrapped in black pudding with a house brown sauce, and we can't stop thinking about pulling up a seat at the bar for this and a pint of plain. 4) Pistachio and strawberry-stuffed brioche, Olivier's Bread Okay this one needs a bit of work but bear with us. Olivier's Bread , famous for their Finglas bakery vending machine, suggested we served brioche stuffed with pistachio cream, strawberries and chocolate chips for a bank holiday treat, but why save this for a bank holiday? They'll supply the brioche, you supply the other bits, and anyone you serve this to is guaranteed to feel the love. 5) Pecan pie, No Messin' Bakery Okay so we can't eat this for a few weeks, but you'll need to get organised now if you want in on No Messin 's November pie sale - i.e. the pecan pie to beat all others in aid of that US holiday Thanksgiving. Expect the email to come into subscriber inboxes in around two weeks, and jump fast if you want a piece of this nutty, deeply caramelised, crumbliest pastry filled piece of happiness in a foil container.

While 2025 marked the entry of plenty of great new restaurants to Dublin at both ends of the market, and one or two that opened and shut again so fast they felt like we dreamt them , there’s no doubt it’s been slower going than previous years. But like horse-mounted reinforcements riding over the horizon, here comes the Christmas season and a whole host of glitzy new arrivals to beef up the year’s output. From major chains making their mark in Dublin, to beloved homebirds branching out, from upmarket empires’ latest additions to back-to-the-future reboots of old areas, here’s everything of note coming soon to the city...   The Hoxton, Exchequer Street After what’s felt like years’ worth of work and scaffolding making it a pain to stroll up George’s Street, boutique hotel brand The Hoxton is making their Dublin debut in the former Central Hotel. As well as a new lease of life for the much-missed Library Bar , the development will include two new restaurants - Cantina Valentina , an all-day Peruvian picanteria with ceviche and saltado that’s proved a hit in their Brussels branch, and Dollars , a New York sandwich shop by day and natural wine bar by night. While the former’s novel enough to stand out in this stretch of the city, the latter’s up against some stiff and growing competition of late – time will tell. It’s all opening up on November 20 th .

What’s the story with Pronto?   With no end of interest in our rundown of Dublin’s best pub grub  as people look for thriftier ways to eat out well amidst the ever-tightening squeeze, we’ve had our eyes open for more outlets that might make the grade. Good word of mouth and an offering that goes above and beyond the usual fare are two of the quickest things to rouse our interest, and there’s no shortage of both about Pronto , inside   Moss Lane on Pearse Street. Previously seen slinging their handmade pasta and Neapolitan-style pizzas out of a food truck, and briefly in the Bernard Shaw’s Eatyard, they took over the former Trinity Inn’s little kitchen for a 2022 pop-up and never moved out.   What’s on the menu?   Italian olives (€5) are at the upper end of the basic bar scale, but then they’d want to be at these restaurant prices. Nice, not necessary. Meatballs (€10) are a more advisable entrée, whisked out sharpish while you wait for the main event. Depth of flavour defines the evidently well-simmered arrabiata sauce, though we’d have welcomed a spice level more in tune with the angry translation. Middling meatballs often mask dry texture in an excess of sauce. Pronto’s just-right dousing tells you they’re confident – rightly so. A sprinkle of sharp grana padano seals the deal - who needs a cherry on top with cheese like this.   As a starter pack stalwart for pub grub all over Ireland, we thought carbonara (€15) the fairest place to pass judgement on the pasta. Purists might cry foul at pancetta in place of guanciale, but fret not – there’s not so much as a splash of cream in sight. This is the real deal, crisp browned belly bits crowning a mound of al-dente spaghetti, all bound in a silky sauce with cheese quality clear to taste, and the gentle heat of a generous grind of black pepper. This may not be Dublin’s best carbonara, but between the rare treat of homemade pasta in casual surroundings, and a price point well below most of our top Italian spots  about town, it’s in with a solid shout of being the best value.   The modest little counter oven we craned our necks to gape through the kitchen door doesn’t look all too special, which makes even more impressive the results they get out of it – leoparding like this doesn’t come easy. The hot sweet pepp (€17) is a hit, the modest heat of pepperoni and hot honey tempered in a rich mess of mozzarella and the pickled pop of sweet drop peppers. Prices clock in just a bit above the average for the strongest competition in a fifteen minute radius, but if you’re headed here for the pasta and need to keep a pizza fiend happy, there's no way they'll feel hard done by.   Why should we go?   The premium on handmade pasta is real, and our recent  efforts to find   good value in this space have not proved fruitful. Pronto happily bucks the trend, with proper homely stuff at seriously sensible prices. We’ll be back.   Pronto Moss Lane, 37B Pearse Street, Dublin 2 instagram.com/prontodublin

From new and improved barm brack, to Dracula pie, pumpkin spice cocktails to pan de muerto, here's where to plan a visit this week if you're out to celebrate Halloween or Día de los Muertos in Dublin this week... Barm brack with Earl Grey custard, Hera We're more used to sticking fingers in the barm brack to try to figure out where the ring is, than sliding spoons through Earl Grey custard and dabbing it with clotted cream, but this October special from Hera has us feeling all grown up   Mini barm bracks with whipped brown butter, Two Pups Another barm brack deserving of a reinvention award are these little beauties from Bold Boy Bakery at Two Pups , filled with WHIPPED. BROWN. BUTTER. Never has a pre-Halloween need been so high.   Pumpkin pie croissant, Bread 41 Pumpkin pie seems to appear more in Dublin in coffee syrup form than solid food form, so praise be for Bread 41 bringing all the specials, including this pumpkin pie croissant. We'll want a pumpkin spice latté on the side, natch.   Bram Stoker 'Robber' pie, The Shelbourne The Shelbourne ’s Bram Stoker “Robber” Pie is back for another year, alongside two spooky cocktails - the Black Orchard and the Bloody Mary. The pie, inspired by Dracula, has braised beef cheek, bacon lardons, Bourguignon, roast peppers, and puff pastry, and paired with the black or red cocktail of your choice, it's the ideal pairing to that horror movie you're planning on seeing for the week that's in it.   Zombie cocktails, Hawker Hawker x Hang Dai 's Zombie cocktails have risen from the dead and are back for a limited time only. Be warned, the tropical, rum-based concoction is Lethal (which anyone who visited the Hawker pop up of summer 2021 can testify to), so proceed with caution.   Hocus Pocus, Caribou Somewhere else getting in on the Halloween cocktails is everyone's favourite bar right now, Caribou . They're describing their 'Hocus Pocus' as an earthy, tropical cocktail with a house rum blend, pumpkin seed, thyme, lemon and honey.   Halloween cookies, Slice You can always trust Slice in Stoneybatter to jump on a seasonal trend, and they've been very busy icing these Halloween butter cookies? Find them on the bar all weekend, and don't let their hard work go in vain.   Pumpkin spice sour, Amai by Viktor Considering the cocktails were one of our favourite things about Amai by Viktor , it's one of the only places we would ever consider combining pumpkin spice with alcohol. Count us in for Autumn aperitivo hour.   Banana chocolate muffins, Green Straw Green Straw in Swords have gone all out with the spooky Halloween posts featuring in house witch Sally, who is spending her days freaking out customers and apparently baked these banana-chocolate muffins. No word on Sally's baking skills but they look the part. Pumpkin spice latté, Food Game The first rule about pumpkin spice club is that the syrup has to be homemade, and here comes Food Game to the rescue with this spicy little number. Ditch your regular place with the big brand syrup and divert yourself here instead.   Pan de Muerto, El Grito It's only available once a year, and you have to pre-order it, so El Grito 's Pan de Muerto takes some planning, but this citrussy flavoured, enriched bread is a celebration in itself. Pre-order them for €4 each before the 29th of October, and collect on the 31st Oct or 1st November.

Here at ATF we've been complaining for YEARS about the lack of a restaurant group dripping in glamour with stellar food and drinks to match. Finally it seems the hospitality Gods have shone their light on Dublin, as the Big Mamma Group are moving in. Gloria Osteria , an homage to 1970's Italian glamour opens on Westmoreland Street at the end of November, and we've got exclusive access to a THREE DAY soft launch with 50% off food for ATF Insiders . The group, known for vibrant, authentic Italian trattorias in jaw-dropping settings (with the most stunning tableware), opened their first Gloria Osteria in Milan two years ago, before following suit in Barcelona. Now it's Dublin's turn for a piece of that sky high lemon meringue pie. They're in the middle of creating a sprawling Milanese palazzo in the 19th century, former bank building on Westmoreland Street, with Italian-made timber joinery, scarlet chandeliers, and a 10-metre long marble bar. The burgundy dining room is filled with vintage trinkets and fashion handpicked from Italian markets, and if you're looking for something more private, the Salottino private dining space (due to open in the New Year) will seat 22 - and you know how much we love a PDR. We're still waiting for a look at the final menu, but head chef Davide Migallo (from Gloria London ) has plans to amp up loved Italian classics with the best ingredients sourced directly from Big Mamma ’s Italian suppliers. They've dropped burrata Caseificio la Murgia; sweet Mazara del Vallo red prawns, and 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano made by Famiglia Gennari, and we're listening. You can try their one-meter-long spaghettone in truffle sauce, or go more classic with Veal Ossobucco slow-cooked in Guinness, and a soufflé al ciccolato or that lemon pie is a non-negotiable to end on. We're also hearing whispers of a triple Negroni tasting experience, and a top list of Brunello Di Montalcinos and Barbarescos. Between the food, the drinks and the decor, we might just move in. ATF Insiders will have exclusive access to the Gloria soft launch from Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd November with 50% off food , and this time you can book a table for up to six people . We'll send the booking link directly to everyone signed up to ATF Insiders at 1pm on Tuesday 28th October - if you're not signed up yet what are you waiting for - click below.

Season of the witch? Season of the GIVEAWAYS more like, with our paying subscribers , going in the draw for day of the dead dinners, restaurant vouchers, and fancy food and wine hampers. Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders goes automatically into the hat, you don't have to do anything else to enter. As an ad and invite-free platform , ATF Insiders is how we're funded, ensuring that recommendations are made without influence, unblemished by invites and free food. Everyone who signs up for ATF Insiders by midnight tomorrow, Friday 17th October will be entered into this month's prize draw, and winners will be selected on Saturday 18th October. Feeling lucky? Of course you are... 1) An immersive cocktail experience in Pig’s Lane, Killarney, with dinner and an overnight stay Killarney's first and only underground drinks spot, Pig’s Lane , has been racking up the accolades, recently awarded 1 PIN by The Pinnacle Guide - described as the Michelin guide for bars. We're sending one ATF Insider down there to settle into a nook, sip expertly-crafted creations from their world champion mixologist Ariel Sanecki, and don’t leave without checking out the distiller’s whiskey den lined with more than 400 rare, quality bottles. You'll enjoy a cosy dinner for two in the O’Donoghue Public House , before retiring to the Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre for a night of rest in one of Ireland's most picture-perfect towns. Check out Pig's Lane here . 2) Two tickets to the sold out Day of the Dead dinner at Picado worth €180 From Wednesday 22nd October to Sunday 2nd November,   Picado Mexican   at The Loom on Cork Street in Dublin, will be celebrating  El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) , with a series of culinary experiences and workshops designed by Picado founder Lily Ramirez-Foran and a collective of Mexican migrant women. There will be a traditional   altar de muertos , seasonal foods like  pan de muerto  and Mexican hot chocolate, cookery workshops, storytelling evenings, and a children’s workshop   with paper flowers and face painting. We've got two tickets to their sold out Skull & Bones supper club  on Saturday 25th to give away this month worth €180, and you can see details of all the events that are still available on their website .   3) €150 voucher for Rei Momo, Drury Street Since making the swivel from wine and cocktail bar Bootleg to buzzy Brazilian Rei Momo , this Drury Street restaurant and bar has been quietly building a loyal following, with plates from chef Bruno looking and sounding better by the week. Irish crab and Gruyère coxinhas? Oxtail pastels? Woodfired pichana with chimichurri? You see where we're going here, and we haven't even gotten to the six different types of caipirinhas. We've got a €150 voucher to give away for Rei Momo this month which should get you through much of that menu with enough drinks to send you off happily into Drury Street. 4) €100 voucher for Sea Shanty, Blackrock Seafood and wine bar Sea Shanty is on a roll since moving above Conway's pub in Blackrock, with great reviews in the Irish Times and the Irish Independent under their belt. They love oysters in here, but there's huge variety in their small plates, with flavours ranging from Asian to Latin American, African to European. We're big fans of their wine list, with always interesting bottles like skin contact and pet nat, as well as exclusive wines they import directly from small wineries. This is Sebastian Sainz and Elena Segura's baby, so you'll always find them manning the stoves and front of house, and we're sending one of you in to meet them with a €100 voucher to try whatever takes your fancy on the night. 5) An Autumn early bird for two with wine at Intercontinental Dublin There's a new three-course Autumn Early Bird in The Lobby Lounge at Intercontinental Dublin , and from 5-7pm Monday - Friday, you can get three courses like Caesar salad, chicken saltimbocca and sticky toffee pudding, for just €39. With views of the garden and natural light streaming in pre-sundown, it's a lovely place to sit for sustenance in D4, and you never know who you'll spot in five-star surroundings. We're sending one of you in for the Autumn early bird for two and a bottle of wine, and you can book yourself in here until the 21st November. 6) Two tickets for Fondita Mestiza's immersive dining experience Fondita Mestiza is a "cultural project" aiming to create a bridge between art and food, from Mexican couple Erick Gustavo Carrillo Ortiz, and Andrea Flores Gutierrez. Their pop ups are quietly becoming a thing of Dublin legend (have you been yet?), and their next one on the 25th October, “ This Is Not Authentic Mexican Food ”, looks incredible from the previews. We've got two tickets to the immersive dining experience in Temple Bar Gallery + Studios to give away, featuring a four-course menu inspired by Mexican dishes shaped by migration. Expect mole negro, tacos de canasta, and house salsas, as well as an art installation. Check out their upcoming workshops here . 7) Lunch for two in the 5-star Fitzwilliam Hotel Looking for somewhere to set your bags down during a Christmas shopping marathon? The five-star Fitzwilliam Hotel , just at the top of Grafton Street, is the perfect place to take a break this festive season, with no enforced three-course menus in sight. Bubbles and a five-star curry chip sounds like the perfect pick-me-up to us, or dig into signature cocktails, wines, or low or no-alcohol options. With velvet couches, twinkling décor, and all the people-watching, your only problem is going to be getting back up again. We're sending one lucky ATF Insider in for a luxurious three-course lunch for two with a cocktail each. See more including menus here . 8) A three-course meal for two to celebrate Suesey Street's 10th birthday Suesey Street is celebrates its 10th Birthday this October, and they're keeping the celebrations going all month. There's a specially curated 10th Birthday Menu , bringing back 10 of their most loved dishes from the past decade, including roast turbot with lemon potato; duck terrine with apple; and pan-seared scallops with yuzu purée, and even a one off 10th Birthday Cocktail created for the celebration. We're sending one Insider in for a three course meal for two plus a birthday cocktail each (or a bottle of wine after October). Valid until 31st March 2026 9) A food and wine hamper from Eat Spain Drink Spain Eat Spain Drink Spain is in full swing, and to celebrate the month long event celebrating the best of Spanish food and drink, we've got a hamper filled with Spanish goodies to give away! Throughout October, Ireland’s best wine shops, retailers and restaurants are showcasing the best of Spanish food and drink, from wine dinners to gourmet products to tapas-inspired menus. There are events, giveaways, competitions and promotions all month, and you can check out what's on in the events section here . This month's lucky winner will get a delivery of wines, olive oil, premium tinned seafood, Iberico ham, and other Spanish essentials from importers including Castillo de Canena, Sarah & Olive, Taste of Sol, Verafoods, Fallon & Byrne and more, perfect for hosting your own tapas night at home. Everyone signed up for ATF Insiders in October (old and new) 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 October. Your support promotes independent reviews and news in Dublin and beyond, and allows you to get answers to any dining questions directly from us.

Pity the poor Italians. Whether it’s down to economies of scale or speed of service, the pizzas and pastas that form the foundation of cucina Italiana  have been mangled beyond recognition in cheap joints across the world. Dublin is no different, and in more than one recent outing   we’ve been reminded of just how easily the ethos of quality ingredients cooked with simplicity and skill gets strayed from. Know where to look though and you’ll find a feast of top-tier classics, regional specialties and rarely sighted dishes, just ready to offer you la dolce vita...   Grano, Stoneybatter Dragging Dublin’s Italian scene into the social media age back in 2018 came Grano , and its deserved popularity has barely waned since – there’s not a single table at all  available right through the end of the year. Calabrian owner Roberto Mungo’s mamma flew in to teach the team how to whip up proper pasta and returns on the regular to check they’re still up to snuff. This is the real deal.   A Fianco, Stoneybatter Grano’s grown-up sister site with small plates and an excellent Italian wine list is easier to get into, with off-peak walk-ins not unheard of. Polpette, and scalanduja are among the few dishes they share but there’s usually no pasta in sight at A Fianco  – vitello tonnato, stuffed pork neck bombettes, and grilled octopus are more the different, delicious vibe. Lena, Portobello One of this year’s most keenly-awaited openings came from the restaurateur trio behind Uno Mas , and their collective skills and experience are on full display here. Taking over from much-loved Locks (another owned by one of the three), Lena  revamped the prime space and menu, with both Insta-omnipresent suppli al telefono and cacio e pepe pici becoming instant hits. It’s as buzzy as ever but midweek tables have started to get easier to come by. Read our once over here .

What's the background? Alumni Kitchen Table opened in July 2022, a tiny eight-seater restaurant with rooms in the Kildare countryside. It's owned and run by husband and wife Philip and Kathy Mahon, him the chef, her the sommelier and front of house, and is designed to be a luxury dining experience, with the option of staying overnight. It's obvious the end goal here is a Michelin star (with star-level prices already in place), and the chef admitted as much here . A new, exclusive opening like this should have garnered national attention, but in the three years since opening they haven't had one national newspaper review (just this semi-review up of an invite , which should have been clearly labelled as such by the newspaper). They have gotten a listing in the Michelin Guide , but no star yet. Many of you have asked us if it's worth the trip and expense, looking for critical reassurance outside of online diner reviews (which are overwhelmingly five-star), so when our next special occasion hit we booked in to give you the full, and fully paid for, lowdown.

What’s the story with Sando Paradiso?   The suspenseful month between tease and soft-launch, built expectation and appetite for Sando Paradiso , Hen’s Teeth’s first return to full food service since Killian Walsh packed his bags for Bastible . Shokupan is at the heart of this more casual concept, with seven stuffed sandos showcasing the thick and fluffy appeal of Japanese milk bread.   What’s on the menu?   Come hungry - between brick-thick slices and fillings that don’t hold back, you won’t want to be popping in here "just" peckish. Katsu chicken (€12) has taken an early lead as their best-seller, and we weren't far into the first bite before clocking why. Thick fillets of breaded breast sit among rocket and rainbow slaw, with Kewpie mayo and tonkatsu sauce bringing duelling sweet and tangy flavours. Swaddled up in the bread this is chewy, chunky goodness - that crisp panko crunch is all we missed.   White pud weirdly isn’t listed on the veggie breakfast (€12) ingredients, so it arrives in like a shock MVP – on blind taste test we’d struggle to tell it from the genuine article. Playing off the big flavours of smoked vegan bacon and sharp tomato relish, this is a candidate for the best breakfast sandwich around for non-meat eaters. Slightly flat veggie sausages are bulked up with a hash brown and some tofu scramble that will see you through to dinner.   Given the soaring cost of seafood, it’s no shock that the Glenmar-sourced fish finger sando (€14) is the priciest, but the mid contents of this one left us feeling short-changed. The fish was generous enough, if more fillet than fingers, but the ratio of crumb crunch to flaky fish felt all off in parts (and a far cry from what was teased ). A too-scant spread of mayo left things on the dry side, and absent that rich base, the acidic kick of pink pickled onions and capers felt over-assertive.   Sides have the air of an afterthought, with the seaweed fries' (€6) seasoning so subtle as to seem almost absent – promised crispy onions were omitted entirely. We wound up wishing the wasabi mayo was too, with the dull heat of processed paste too evident. An inspired chilli crisp ketchup (€2.50) is all that helped us get through them - we’ll be mixing this up at home.   Karaage chicken (€7) came out dry and near-squeaky to the bite - better brining, shorter cooking, or thicker thigh pieces would have gone a long way to improve things. Who could have expected cauliflower (€7) to save the day? Given the same soy-ginger marinade, the al dente florets were all that the chicken was not - tender and juicy to the last, lush bite.   Why should we go?   Veggie options and excellent coffee from Groundstate will be preaching to the Hen’s Teeth choir, but whether the wider sando selection can evolve to become an essential destination is still up in the air. Since Smartbear packed up for Bray (and now appears to have disappeared completely) we’ve been hoping to see shokupan back in Dublin city - here’s hoping this high-potential spot and specials to come   can level up to fill the gap.   Sando Paradiso Hen’s Teeth, Blackpitts, Dublin instagram.com/sandoparadiso

An at home kit from one of the best taquerias in Dublin, a brilliant looking burger that's been hiding on a lunch menu, and we're getting our (better than ever looking) Halloween toffee apples in early... 1) Raw beef larb, Achara The Achara team recently went on their travels to Thailand, and say some of the dishes they were most amazed at were the raw ones. Fast forward a bit of development and this raw beef larb has just hit the menu, with shallots, coriander stem, toasted rice powder, roasted chilli flakes, fish sauce and lime juice. It's served with shrimp crackers and fresh herbs, and good God can we think of little else this week. 2) The burger, Coppinger Ummm excuse us - where exactly have Coppinger been hiding this burger? Their lunch menu is the answer, but with panetta, caramelised onions, aged cheddar and pickles, we think this should be a permanent fixture day or night. 3) Fritto misto, Crudo Crudo can do no wrong in our eyes, and just LOOK at the crumb on this fritto misto with crispy gambas, squid, mussels and cod. A squeeze of lemon is all this plate needs, but that black garlic and lemon aioli on the side is the cherry on top. 4) Take home carnitas, Tacos Lupillo Want to assemble some of the city's best tacos in your own kitchen? The answer is obviously yes. Tacos Lupillo do take home kits of either 1kg (€50) or 1/2kg (€30) of meat along with s picy salsa, fresh guacamole and tortillas to wrap it all up in. You can collect in Inchicore between 12 and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, and orders can be sent to +353879789608. See you in the collection line. 5) Toffee apple cruffin, Bold Boy Bakery It's toffee apple season, and we're not heading to the supermarket for their finest sugar-covered imports on a stick, we're heading to Two Pups for this Toffee Apple Cruffin from in house bakery Bold Boy . If our five-year-old selves could see us now...

* Update : On Tuesday 30th September, six days after the original news articles were published, Entrecôte Dublin owner Paul McGlade confirmed to the Irish Independent that " Entrecôte Dublin is not associated with similar L’Entrecôte / Entrecôte restaurants around the world ... while we were keen to convey the influence of the well-known concept on the offering, Entrecôte Dublin is an independent business. " A few weeks ago this Instagram page appeared, announcing a " world famous French bistro " was coming to Dublin. Ears were pricked, and questions abounded about exactly which " Entrecôte" was coming to Ireland (many people seem to be under the impression that there is just one French restaurant called 'Entrecôte', when there are at least four). Some background The restaurant ‘ Le Relais de Venise: Son Entrecôte ’ was opened by Paul Ginsete de Saurs in 1959 in Paris, serving a fixed menu of steak-frites with his "secret green sauce" that set the restaurant apart from other bistros. There was a starter of green salad with walnuts, and a main of slices of entrecôte steak and fries, with a butter sauce that had a secret combination of herbs and spices. The only choice given to customers was how they want their steak cooked, and the restaurant took no reservations, so you had to queue. The founder passed away in 1966, and the concept was split into three very similar restaurant groups by his three children. Relais de Venise founder Paul Gineste de Saurs There's Le Relais de L'Entrecôte , from daughter Marie-Paule Burrus, with locations now in France and Switzerland. There's the more modern looking L'Entrecôte from son Henri Ginsete de Saurs, with locations across France and one in Barcelona. And then there's the most international of the three, Le Relais de Venise: "Son Entrecôte" from daughter Helene Godillot, with locations in Paris, Monaco, New-York City, London, and Mexico City. And to confuse things further, there is a FOURTH restaurant in Paris with Entrecôte in the name -   L'Entrecôte de Paris , which has no connection to the other three. But if we were getting a Dublin outpost connected to one of these these groups, why didn't they specify which one, and why was the branding for the Irish one different? The logos for the various Entrecôte restaurants Media coverage The day before opening, the Instagram page Dublin Social posted a preview stating that the " world famous steak frites culinary institution Entrecôte " was opening in Dublin this week. Lovin' Dublin immediately jumped on the bandwagon stating that " Beloved French restaurant Entrecôte are opening a Dublin restaurant TOMORROW ". No one thought to ask "which Entrecôte?" Lovin Dublin; Dublin Social Neither of these platforms are known for their scrupulous fact-checking, but most people wouldn't expect the Irish Independent , Irish Times and Business Post to publish the same unchecked story on their website (as well as Radio Nova , Breakingnews.ie , Evoke.ie , FM104 and more). The Irish Independent; The Irish Times None of these outlets appear to have looked into which "Entrecôte" restaurant group this Dublin opening was part of, even while commenters on the various Instagram posts were chiming in with comments like " this doesn't look like the original, the sauce isn't even the right colour ", and " It's a rip off ". The absence of the famous green sauce has particularly riled those who have visited one of the three French brands. L' Entrecôte Toulouse, and the famous green sauce that all the restaurants are known for Other comments on their first Instagram post made it clear that few people know there are different Entrecôte restaurants across France, presuming they are all one and the same. " We queued for 2 hours to try the one in Bordeaux last year! It was amazing 😍😍 delighted its in dublin ." " Epic!!! This is so cool. Hope the queues aren’t as crazy as Paris 😅Can’t wait to check it out! 🥩🍟🍷" " One of my favourite spots in Toulouse and Lyon. Delighted 😍 " The press release We got our hands on the press release issued from the restaurant's PR company, which hadn't been directly sent to us. These are some of its contents:   "Beloved French institution Entrecôte today announced it will open a Dublin restaurant tomorrow on Clarendon Street, Dublin 2. Since its inception in 1962 in Toulouse (this was L'Entrecôte ) , inspired by the original Le Relais de Venise in Paris, this classic French brasserie concept has expanded to cities like Paris, Tokyo, London and New York and now Dublin marks the group’s next opening." (Only Le Relais de Venise: L’Entrecôte  has expanded to London and New York, and there is no Entrecôte restaurant that we can find a record of in Tokyo). "... the Entrecôte group has become a firm favourite among food lovers worldwide thanks to its no-menu approach and signature secret sauce. Traditionally, the group operates with exactly the same set menu wherever it goes, but Dublin will mark a notable twist ... setting it apart from every other Entrecôte restaurant globally, with a touch of the best of Ireland ... we’re adding a uniquely Irish chapter to the Entrecôte story.” "In keeping with the group’s global format, the Dublin restaurant will operate on a  first come first served basis with walk-ins only , which honours the brand’s trademark queues of eager diners spilling out onto the street." Entrecôte Dublin press photos, missing the famous Entrecôte green sauce Looking for answers It's pretty clear right? The French restaurant group Entrecôte is coming to Dublin. But which one? We put this question to the PR company and this was their response: "Paul McGlade ( one of the owners ) has struck a deal with the Entrecôte guys - I know he was flying over and back for it." Again we asked, which one? There are three separate restaurant groups and a fourth standalone restaurant. And why is the branding unlike any of them? "So I believe that's all part of it... Different branding etc... But all share the same format and same 'secret sauce', etc that they're so loved for. Paul has just asked if you can please give him a bell and he'll explain?" We politely declined the option of a phone call and asked for written clarification of what exactly the link was to which Entrecôte restaurant. The PR team repeatedly refused, saying that the owners would only speak on the phone, and then in person, and were unwilling to put anything in writing. If they've licensed the format from one of the French groups, what's the big secret? We looked through Entrecôte Dublin 's official press pack and found this image of Le Relais de L' Entrecôte in Paris in there, so mystery solved? But this is not the group that has expanded to London and New York, that's Le Relais de Venise: "Son Entrecôte" . Confused yet? Le Relais de L' Entrecôte, Paris Le Relais de L' Entrecôte (pictured above) have confirmed to All The Food that they have nothing to do with this new Dublin opening, saying " It is not one of ours! We are informing our competent team. " Okay so maybe it's international Le Relais de Venise: "Son Entrecôte" and they got the image wrong? Nope. They told us: " We do not have any operation in Ireland so no it is not from our group. It is a copy place if it pretends to be us. " Could it be connected to the international Le Relais de Venise restaurants? The London operator told us " It isn't connected to us. " There's only one left - L'Entrecôte , founded in Toulouse in 1962. The press release says " Since its inception in 1962 in Toulouse" , so this checks out right? Unfortunately not. They said " I confirm that this restaurant does not belong to our management. We are located in TOULOUSE, MONTPELLIER, NANTES, BORDEAUX, LYON and BARCELONA ." This isn't the first time that incorrect information has been published about the restaurant group behind Entrecôte Dublin . T heir " Strawberry & Co " summer pop up was widely reported as being a temporary pop up from the Borough Market stall that went viral for cups of strawberries covered in melted chocolate. The stall in question is Turnips , which has no connection to the Dublin pop up, but that didn't stop RTE from writing " London's most viral food spot has opened a pop-up in Dublin ". The article reads: " Strawberry & Co, a longtime seller from London's iconic Borough Market ... has just opened a temporary pop-up in Dublin at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. " There is no Strawberry & Co at London's Borough Market, and a correction of the piece was not sought. Strawberry & Co, a summer pop up from the same group Their Powerscourt Pizza restaurant Little Pyg is continuously described on their website, social channels and in press communications as " Michelin guide pizza ". The claim comes from their hiring of consultant chef Enzo Coccia to help create the menu. The renowned pizza chef is based in Naples, but travels around the world consulting for and opening new restaurants. He was last reported to be heading stateside . Coccia's Naples restaurant La Notizia 53 is Michelin-recommended . Little Pyg is not. (Although that didn't stop the Irish Independent stating otherwise at the end of this article ) So is the Dublin Entrecôte connected to a French restaurant with the same name? We can't find any proof that it is, but will update this article if new information comes to light. This potentially misleading opening is one thing, but the bigger question lies in the the fact that not one national or local publication (apart from us) found the time to check that the big claim they were printing was correct. If you also like your news to be factual instead of copied and pasted press releases, maybe you'll consider supporting independent Irish journalism , instead of another mass appeal steakhouse. As of publishing, and after we started questioning the story on Instagram, the Irish Times has edited their article removing the connections to the French chains, and the Irish Independent has removed their article completely. Many other articles linking Entrecôte Dublin to the French restaurant groups remain live.

We didn't plan on uttering the C word at the end of September, but you're already asking us where you should go for your work dinner/friend meet up/family meal out, and we live to solve your dining dilemmas. Here are 20 places we would go for a group night out during the festive season, with private rooms, private areas, and just generally group friendly spaces... * Bear in mind that many venues increase menu prices in December and enforce group menus for Christmas gatherings, so the details in this article might change. To avail of better value book your gatherings for pre or post-December! Private Dining Rooms The Wine Cellar at Amai by Viktor, Dublin 2 You know we love the food at Amai by Viktor , but did you know they have a private wine cellar downstairs that's just screaming out for your next group dinner? They can seat 20, or cater for up to 30 standing, and can tailor the menus and wines to your gang and budget. Sign us up for a cellar lock in. Library Street, Dublin 2 Possibly the loveliest private dining room in the city, Library Street 's PDR lies underneath the main restaurant, sits 6-10 people, and feels totally removed from the buzz upstairs. You can put on your own playlist or listen to their perfect choices, and the group dining menu with a bit of everything is €89 - they'll happily work around dietary requirements too.   Hawksmoor, Dublin 2 Hawksmoor is PDR heaven, with two closed off rooms at the sides seating up to 14 and 18 people. There are proper man cave vibes in here, with dark walls and tan leather chairs, and if you have non-steak eaters, there's always a good fish and vegetarian option. The three course group lunch menu is €45, while a three course dinner is priced from €65 - €103 depending on the number of courses and what you want to order. Check out the menus here .

A seafood twist on the steak-frites commotion, a bulging platter of Brazilian meats, and a supergreek salad for when you're not quite ready for Autumn soups and stews. Here's what we're thinking about too much this week... 1) Seafood-frites, The Seafood Café Bualadh bos for The Seafood Café capitalising on all the steak-frites drama with their own stamp on the French (or not) classic. Their swordfish au poivre-frites has just hit the menu, as well as a Thai curry moules-frites. Both are available at lunchtime priced at € 14. 50 , and for genuine, un-copied food this sounds like a steal. 2) Smoked pork and anchovy ragu bianco gnocchi, Hera Everything that comes out of the kitchen in Hera in Drumcondra lately seems to be gold, and the latest dish calling us back to D9 is this hand-rolled gnocchi with smoked pork and anchovy ragu bianco. Has a Dorset Street pub ever served a more compelling list of ingredients... 3) Chapa Mista, Rei Momo Meat fiends assemble. Rei Momo 's 'Chapa Mista' features everything from the churrasco (wood-fired grill) section of their menu for €50 a head (minimum of two people). We're talking peri peri chicken, moqueca prawn skewers, picanha steak with chimichurri, lamp chops, pork chops with pineapple and more. Did we mention the caipirinha menu too? Ours is a coco verde. 4) The SuperGreek salad , Sprout Sprout 's super fans all have their favourite salad, but we think this new Greek unveiling might convince them to take a punt on something new. There's roast chicken, lemony rice, cos lettuce (from their farm), tomato & cucumber salad, pickled courgette, feta, crispy pita chips and a charred red pepper & olive salsa, and while it doesn't come this beautifully assembled in real life, we bet the taste will take you back to Sifnos. 5) Caramelised apple mille-feuille, Library Street Tis the season for pumpkin carving and apple bobbing, and we'd quite like to bob for the caramelised ones in this new mille-feuille at Library Street . The thinnest, crispiest pastry is also sandwiched with white chocolate, tonka bean namelaka, and a green apple and lime sherbet. We don't quite get how the engineering here stops the pastry from collapsing onto itself - we'll need to take a closer look in person.

What’s the story with Mrs Reid’s?   It’s not only the name, paying tribute to co-owner Kristin Rowe’s grandmother, that gives Mrs Reid’s  café a certain old-school sensibility. It’s the dust-flecked crowd of construction workers outside too, the no-fuss, no-frills ingredients spread behind the counter, the crusty soft rolls from Liberties institution Catherine’s Bakery up the way. Intrigued by Rowe’s mission to serve up the best breakfast roll in D8, we’d been meaning to get in here for a while before the sight of a Sloppy Joe special  pushed us over the line. What’s on the menu?   Not that Sloppy tragically – we’ve learned we need to pounce quicker next time - but if we half-heartedly bit into the breakfast roll (€8) with a sad sense of second choice, what sweet reprieve it made. This is every inch a main event in its own right, a loaded lump of a thing we wolfed down in record time. Spreadable white pudding is a big part of what makes D10’s Ger’s Deli our IYKYK go-to in the breakfast roll stakes, and it’s slathered on here too with such relish that we may have a new challenger. There’s literal relish to boot – homemade too – spiking the meaty monster with just-right peaks of tartness and sweetness. Washed down with a cup of the fresh, full-bodied Upside Coffee they've switched to   in recent months, it's as good a start to the day as we've had in a while. If breakfast rolls aren’t your thing, firstly seek help, and secondly try the brisket (€11). We didn’t know whether to gaze lovingly at the juice oozing out of this or lap it up off the paper, so natch we did both – this is overflowing flavour not to be missed. Peppery kicks from plentiful rocket and Dijon mayo cut through the sweet richness of slow-cooked beef and a caramelised onion jam. This is indecently messy stuff, and we’re here for it every step of the way.   Buffalo chicken (€10) needed just as many napkins, with gushing gluts of house hot sauce and garlic aioli leaving us streaked – a business lunch venue this place is not. It’s the spicy slaw that gives this one the edge with that crisp cabbage crunch, a fresh foil to the overflowing excess of punchy, creamy sauces. With either of these two a side of just-right roasties (€4.50) is a must to mop up all that mess. It’s only the meatball sub (€10) we’d skip on return – for all the layered flavour of the rich red pepper and tomato sauce they’re simmered in, these mixed pork and beef blobs were too dry and drab to hold a candle to anything else we tried. That’s especially as contrasted with the white pudding-studded sausage roll (€4), one of three varieties available, loaded with more of that relish and deliciously juicy through every last, flaky bite. Why should we go?   With hyper-local sourcing (meat also comes courtesy of Meath Street) and a cheerily casual vibe, Mrs Reid’s sits pretty on this street corner like the kind of good neighbour we could all do with a few more of. These are top-tier sammidges, plain and simple.   Mrs Reid’s Kevin Street Upper, Dublin 8 instagram.com/mrsreidsdeli_dublin8

What’s the story with Tang #4?   It would be an easy argument to make that Tang is Dublin's favourite café, with their sites on Dawson Street, Abbey Street and Cumberland Place known for having crowds most business owners dream of. This is site #4 in the Windmill Quarter near Dublin's docklands, and a big deal because there's an on site bakery facing out onto the street, and a development kitchen where loads of Tang's food prep is being moved to. Like Abbey Street and Cumberland it's a modern, minimalist, high-ceilinged space with plenty of glass to let the light in, but this one has a warmer feel with blush walls and warm wood floors. Counter seats are along the windows, there's a long table in the centre of the room for groups, and other tables are for two or four. Is the menu different?   Breakfast, brunch and lunch menus stay the same across all sites, with seasonal specials popping up, weekly changing salads, and new baked goods often appearing on the counter.   Coffee is from Upside in Fairview and we've never had one that faltered - no change in Windmill Quarter. We went for breakfast and have had almost all of these dishes before so can recommend it all, but we have a long-time love for the granola and pancakes.   Swerving the sweet, and because Tang's Executive chef Keith Coleman has been showing off his hummus skills, we went for hummus eggs (€12.75), and this is the silkiest, smoothest hummus you could possibly picture. It comes topped with zhoug, feta, nut dukkah, spring onions, chilli and two North Wicklow free-range eggs, with hunks of toasted, fluffy sourdough. Eggs on toast ( €8. 95) is similar, with the major differences being no hummus or feta (tahini instead), and Lebanese pesto instead of zhoug (although the green sauces looked identical). This is feel good food, packed with flavour and nutrition at good prices - it doesn't take a hospitality consultant to work out why Tang is so popular. Don't resist the harissa, honey and feta babka (€3.50) if you see it, because this sweet and spicy knot is a counter star. Tang's gluten-free fudge brownie with tahini and halva (€3. 95) is another good choice, and would only be improved with a quick burst in the microwave. The chocolate chip cookie (€3.25) is a win too, crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, but the banana bread (€3.95) was dry and dense. Toasted and slathered with butter it would be a different story, but naked by the slice we want something soft and squidgy. Lunch is a mix of filled flatbreads or a selection of salads, and they never fail to hit their marks - the fact that you can get either for under €10 in the current climate is another large reason why these guys are killing it. Why should we go?   Tang are showing everyone that it's possible to serve responsibly sourced food, leaping off the plate with flavour, at fair prices, from staff who seem very happy to be part of a growing food movement, and that soon to be up and running window-fronted bakery space is just going to draw in even more passing customers. Tang (Windmill) Windmill Quarter, Dublin 2 www.tang.ie

We're officially here to uplift your September, with a giveaway of nine more great prizes for our paying subscribers , including all the restaurant experiences! Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders goes automatically into the draw, you don't have to do anything else to enter. As an ad and invite-free platform , ATF Insiders is how we're funded, ensuring that recommendations are made without influence, unblemished by invites and free food. Everyone who signs up for ATF Insiders by midnight tomorrow, Wednesday 17th September will be entered into this month's prize draw, and winners will be selected on Thursday 18th September. Are you feeling lucky? 1) The chef's menu for two with drinks at Kaldero Chef Richie Castillo and Bahay partner Alex O'Neill wasted no time ripping up what came before them at Kaldero once they were handed the reins (read this week's once over for more on that), and their latest addition is a brand new chef's menu, along with updated wine and cocktail lists. It's a supremely tasty way to see what they're all about, with star small plates, a choice of mains, and sides and dessert to share, and we're sending one of our ATF Insiders in with a buddy to enjoy the lot, along with drinks on arrival. Book Kaldero here . 2) €100 voucher for Amai by Viktor We've been harping on about this one a lot over the past few weeks between reviews , reader take-overs and special ATF Insider offers , but now we're going to throw a €100 voucher out to one of you too! It's enough to get you the full tasting menu and a caipirinha totally FOC, and once you've experienced Amai by Viktor for yourself, you'll get why the buzz is so big right now. 3) €100 voucher for dim sum at China Tang The Peking duck might have stolen all the headlines at China Tang in Monkstown, but don't sleep on their dim sum brunch. It's served daily from 12PM to 5PM, with everything from delicate Har Gow to savoury Xiao Long Bao to golden Crispy Croissant Egg Tarts freshly made in house by their expert dim sum chefs. We've got a €100 voucher for China Tang to give away this month so you can stick a serious upgrade on your avo toast. Check out the menu here . 4) A steak dinner at FX Buckley to celebrate their wine award F.X. Buckley has just gotten a big award for its wine list from one of the most influential wine publications in the world! Wine Spectator has given their collection its " Best of Award of Excellence " for the third year running, marking it out as one of Ireland's leading dining and wine destinations (feast your eyes on a sample list here ). We've got a two-course meal at The Bull & Castle Steakhouse in Christchurch to give away this month to celebrate the award, with a sharing steak, all the sides, sauces, a bottle of their exclusive Webersburg red wine , desserts, and Irish coffees to send you on your way. 5) €100 voucher for Bread Naturally   Bread Naturally in Raheny is having an exciting few months, between moving space to a larger location next door , and owner Simon May handing over the reins to his two former employees, Niamh McHugh and Hayley Caprani. The girls are determined to keep growing and building on the 10-year old bakery's success, and we're hoping that means a few more outlets coming soon. We've got a €100 voucher for Bread Naturally to give away this month, which will get you a lot of pain Suisse, pistachio croissants and stuffed brioche. 6) €100 voucher for Keshk Restaurant Open in Dublin 4 since 2008, Keshk 's locals were dismayed when they closed their Mespil Road location at the end of 2023 after 15 years serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food with FREE corkage - always a big draw. So there were whoops and clears when owners Mustafa and Aneta announced they were reopening in a new location on Merrion Road just last month. The menu is the same, the BYO policy is the same, and the welcome is as warm as ever. Check out Keshk here . 7) Dinner and drinks at Clash Bar and Bites NYX Hotel Dublin Portobello is opening a brand new bar and dining concept on Portobello Harbour - CLASH Bar and Bites . They're promising an eclectic menu with dishes like BBQ chimichurri wings and crispy bacon flatbreads, a curated drinks list with riffs on the classics, and a steady rotation of live music, DJs, and local artists. Their  Bottomless Brunch Series   is coming back too on select Sundays, and to celebrate the opening we're got a three-course dinner for two to give away, with either two cocktails each or a house bottle of wine. 8) A Grazing Board worth €140 from 'By Addie' Is there anyone on earth who doesn't love a grazing board as one of their main meals? After 15 years in the restaurant industry, Addie knows what makes a food experience memorable, and that was the driving force behind ' By Addie '. She takes care of all of your charcuterie, cheese and sweet grazing needs, while making her own pesto and hummus, and sourcing from Irish suppliers like Sheridan's, Healy's Honey and The Punnet. We've got one of her large grazing boxes to give away which will comfortably feed 12 people, with cheeses, cured meats, dips, breads, crackers, fruits, and sweet bites, perfect for your next party. Check out 'By Addie' here . 9) Two tickets to the opening night of Fired Up's Oktoberfest Fired Up Pizza in Goatstown is bringing the Bavarian buzz to Dublin this autumn, with Oktoberfest taking place every Thursday - Sunday in October. There's going to be German-themed pizza specials with bratwurst, sauerkraut, beer cheese drizzles and pretzel infused crusts, as well as warm pretzels, currywurst, beer-battered onion rings and other German bites. There'll be steins of beer, craft bottles and special cocktails, and each weekend will have live music, competitions and games to get the party started. We've got two tickets to the invite-only opening night party to give away, with all of your pizza, pretzels, drinks and cocktails included! Reserve your table here . Everyone signed up for ATF Insiders in September (old and new) 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 17th September. Your support promotes independent reviews and news in Dublin and beyond, and allows you to get answers to any dining questions directly from us.

Fine dining deals you can't turn down, Swedish buns, and oysters on overload are just some of the things you'll find us running for this month. Here's where's on our monthly hit list for September... For a brand new bakery in town: Tang, Windmill Lane   One of Dublin's favourite cafés has opened location number four, and this one has a bakery attached. Tan g 's latest café and restaurant opened yesterday in the Windmill Quarter, a couple of streets over from Pearse Street station, with a bakery out front so you can see all the action, and a development kitchen at the back. They say it's going to give them even more scope to level up their food offering, and we are chomping at the bit to get in there.   For the most unique dining experience you've had in ages: Amai by Viktor, Harry Street Amai by Viktor appeared across from The Westbury Hotel perfectly formed just seven weeks ago. We were shocked at how polished our experience was, so much so that we rushed to take a lucky group of ATF Insiders back with us for an unforgettable evening . If you haven't been yet now is the time, before the hype builds even more, and with ATF Insiders getting 15% off the whole bill on Wednesdays in September, how could you need any more convincing.   For following in celebrity footsteps: Alma, Portobello   Have you been in to Alma 's new location on Curzon Street? Harry Styles has. He booked in under a pseudonym on his recent trip to Dublin - he must have heard about the dulce de leche pancakes and choripan Argento. The new site looks very London, with beautiful seating inside and out, and there's mimosas and bellinis too if you're easing yourself into Autumn.   For food plus fashion: Arket Scandinavian clothing and homewares brand Arket has come to Dublin, but the thing we're most interested in is the in-store vegetarian café . Buns are big in Arket, and generally in the concept of Swedish fika - a cultural ritual which involves taking a break with tea or coffee and something sweet, while spending time with friends or colleagues. Arket have cinnamon, coco dulce de leche, apple, and a new cherry almond bun on the counter, and some Autumn browsing following by some fika sounds right up our street.   For indulging in oyster season: The Shelbourne   September is oyster month, and if you're going to do these things, you might as well go all in. The Shelbourne has long been one of the best places to go big, and this year their No. 27 bar will have daily specials with fresh oysters, Bloody Mary oysters, or tempura truffle oysters if you prefer yours cooked. They're also doing a spin on the famously rich lobster dish "Dublin Lawyer", with "The Shelbourne Lawyer" featuring half a dozen oysters with Liscannor crab and a Green Spot whiskey glaze. They recommend pairing with a classic gin martini or a glass of Champagne, and we think that sounds like a marvellous idea.     For BYO in an old favourite: Keshk After announcing two months ago that they were coming back ( with this odd AI-generated video ), Keshk is back on Merrion Road, after shuttering their previous Dublin 4 location. To say their fans were thrilled is an understatement, and to their relief, while the address might have changed, the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern menu hasn't. The reasonable prices and NO corkage charges on beer and wine make this a no brainer for an inexpensive meal out.   For even more matcha: Matsukawa Matcha Café   We were not expecting superior Smithfield sushi restaurant Matsukawa to jump on the matcha train, but that's what last week brought to George's Dock, next to the CHQ building. Matsukawa's " second chapter " is " a space dedicated to the quiet elegance of Japanese matcha ", with the team saying they want to bring the depth of this Japanese tradition to Ireland. It's hard to say when the green tea bubble will burst, especially with Japanese growers unable to meet global demand , but if you're going to drink it, you may as well get it from the professionals. Read our two minute review here .

In Ireland especially, it’s always so hard to let go of summer – not least because it never seems to last as long as advertised. As with so much else in life, we turn to food for consolation, so as the evening light dwindles and the mercury plummets precipitously, we take solace in all the good that autumn brings. From an early glimpse at game season to a first peek of pumpkin spice, tons of tomatillos to a feast of fresh figs, here’s where to go to fully embrace autumn’s onset... Burrata with figs and grilled courgettes, Brighton Road We sometimes like to think of the seasons as a kind of relay race, with produce that spans the gaps handing off to each other in a constant, comforting cycle. Courgettes and figs are are a prime example, and as the former’s peak season comes to a close, the latter is just starting to be at its best. Brighton Road  celebrate them both with a big ol’ ball of burrata.   Scallops and salsa verde, Sea Shanty The giddy yelp out of us at first spotting tomatillos at the farmer’s market in recent weeks must have resounded all around Dublin - nothing eases the passage from summer into autumn quite like them. Sourcing theirs from Abercorn farm and pan-searing before the salsa verde treatment, Sea Shanty  serve them with scallops and a mango puree. We don’t need a wine pairing to twist our arm – but it helps.   Venison Loin, Richmond It’s early days yet for game season but Richmond  are quick out of the traps with this roast venison loin. Pumpkin puree amps up the autumnal airs of things, with a bone marrow mash (surely no better trio of words exists) adding to the comfort food vibes as the nights close in. All we’re short of is a roaring fire and a large glass of red.   Autumn focaccia, Scéal The sensual squidge of focaccia is a year-round treat we never deny ourselves, but something about the plummeting temperatures bring its comforts to the fore. Scéal ’s thin-sliced and crisp-edged potato slices layered over tangy taleggio make for the exact indulgence we need at this time of the year.   Pumpkin spiced halloumi melt, Tír Deli Just when we thought we’d reached peak pumpkin spice, along comes Tír Deli  to bring us right back to the table. Toonsbridge halloumi goes a long way to help, studded amidst a squash and pumpkin pâté (!) and roast mushrooms, slathered with fermented hot honey. Nobody does veggie sambos quite like these guys, and while you're in there be sure to grab a pumpkin spiced latté - we've yet to find better.   Courgette and aubergine parmigiana, Urbanity One of our favourite things about season-spanning produce like courgettes and aubergines is seeing their use slowly transition from lighter summer salads to heavier autumn fare, and what better dish to sum it up than Urbanity ’s parmigiana. We can practically taste this from the intensity of colour alone.   Fig and burnt honey danish, Elliot’s Rapidly rising up the ranks to become one of the most cited bakeries in our seasonal surveys is Elliot’s , and with drops like these it’s really no wonder. We would stuff our faces with any one of these pastries, but sweet lord above - that fig and burnt honey Danish may have triggered the most indecent yelp of pleasure out of us on sight.   Thai sausage and tomatillo relish, Chubby’s Barry Stephens’ gleeful embrace of each season’s givings has long been a hallmark of his cooking style, and with the glitzy kitchen fitout at latest venture Chubby’s he’s getting to really let loose. Look at the skin blistering on that smoked tomatillo and tell us you’re not dripping drool down your chin. It’s for reasons like this there’s not a single table to be booked as we write, but look out for the weekly releases of late-night tables.   Kelly’s native oysters, The Seafood Café The old adage that months with an R are the only ones to eat oysters in only holds true for wild ones (praise be for farmed gigas to get us through the summer), so when September rolls around we can’t get our greedy hands on Kelly’s natives quick enough. Rightly famed the world over for their distinctive taste, we’re very lucky to have these plump beauties right on our shores, so get shucking. Apple hand pies, Bread Naturally Nothing says autumn like the scent of Irish apples wafting from the oven, and we’re big on bringing in the season with simple treatments. Bread Naturally and their staff favourite hand pies seem to feel the same – with ingredients this good, who needs anything more than flaky pastry and a little Demerara sugar coating to make it sing.   All things Autumn, BaaBaa Chapelizod café BaaBaa  lean into every seasonal change with admirable aplomb, and this new menu drop is delightful - boughs weighed down with ripe-and-ready apples, burnt-edged wedges of spaghetti squash, bulging blackberries topping thyme and walnut tarts. Fresh figs heaped on their chai spiced waffles seal the deal - here’s the place to hurtle headlong into harvest season.

What’s the tea on Matcha Matsukawa?   We’ve really reached peak matcha when a second  dedicated café is opening up… is what we’d think if any other name but Matsukawa  was above the door. Figuratively, that is - they opened this so quick the signage isn’t even in yet. The people behind Dublin’s first omakase experience  revitalised the bang-average image of sushi you’d be forgiven for getting from the city’s erstwhile offerings two years ago, now here they come again to wrest back a Japanese cultural icon from the TikTok trend that’s trying to commodify it beyond recognition .   Is it really any different?   With bold colours and health benefits that cater to the visual and body-image nature of quick-cut social media, it’s small wonder matcha’s popularity has exploded so intensely that it’s threatening the very culture  that kick-started the trend to begin with. Stepping into Matcha Matsukawa feels like turning back the tide, less the crass craze cash-in of all the matcha lattes about town than a reclamation of the reality all this is spun out of.   That starts with the Japanese hospitality, so forthrightly friendly it makes the prized Irish welcome seem cold by contrast. We practically leapt out of our skin with fright at the five figures that together chanted MORNING at us on our opening time arrival – if you’re groggy first thing, this is sure to wake you. So’s the tea, with three hot potted varieties (€5.50) on offer beside the (hot or iced) lattes (€6.50), all organic and prepped fresh before you in sadō ceremonial style.   Steamed sencha is most popular in the morning, with the highest caffeine content and a bitterness to boot; genmaicha is mixed with roasted rice for a more muted midday cup; the roasted hojicha bears a subtle sweetness best for evenings or alongside a treat. With plenty of desserts coming we opted for the latter and found its mellow, caramelised flavours so soothing we’d easily have slipped back off to sleep again.   And we might well have been dreaming with desserts like these, picture-pretty with that pop of green. The tart (€7) is a top tip for the matcha sceptic, its earthiness balanced out with the sweetness of piped cream and the zing of fresh berries, all cupped up in a delicate crisp casing. The more adventurous should make for the mille crêpe (€9.50), with more assertive flavour nestled among the dainty pastry and cream layers. Tiramisu (€8.50) is one for the matcha-mad only, with soaked sponge, infused cream, powder dusting, and sharp shocks of jelly going all-in on umami flavour. We loved it, but not everyone will.   Why should we go?   If the less convincing iced latte and strawberry sandwich (€7) feel like concessions to the craze, we’re willing to allow it for the effect Matcha Matsukawa might have on those lured in. You ’ve seen the memes, now relish the reality. In its emphasis on ritual, from the multi-stage prep that plays out before you to the tantalising tea timer whose slow-sinking sands preach a patience and presence in the moment, this little ceremonial oasis in the heart of the IFSC is an escape we’re all in need of. Matcha Matsukawa Unit 3, George’s Dock, Dublin 1 instagram.com/matsukawa_matcha.ie

Brand new sandos, crack chicken burgers, and crab flatbreads - it's all go on menu for Autumn! And here's what we can't stop staring at this week... 1) All the sandos at Sando Paradiso They've been teasing it for a month, but Hen's Teeth's new Sando Paradiso pop up is finally opening this weekend. We've got our eyes on the free-range egg salad sando with kewpie mayo, and the chicken katsu sando with tonkotsu sauce, but you can see the full menu here . 2) Crab flatbread, Angelina's There's a new brunch menu at Angelina's in Dublin 4 since Daniel Hannigan took over the kitchen, and this crab flatbread is top of our wish list. It comes with romesco, marinated red pepper, poached eggs and dashi hollandaise, and you can try it at their brunch event this Sunday from 10am-3pm, where there'll also be an oyster station and a new Bloody Mary menu. 3) Ali's Crack Chicken Burger, BuJo Bujo are describing their latest creation as "if a neon Bangkok backstreet and a classy Dublin burger joint had a baby" - we're sold. Fried chicken comes with kimchi mayo and sticky fish sauce caramel in a charcoal bun, and we see burnt scallions and chillies in there too. Find it at Bujo until the start of November. 4) Irish tuna with pickled watermelon, Osteria Lucio We first spotted this eye opener at Osteria Lucio in early summer, and it's just about hanging in there if you want one last bite of the cherry/watermelon. Irish caught tuna comes with pickled watermelon, kohlrabi and Fèlsina olive oil, and if you sit in the windows out front you might get lucky with some autumn rays. 5) Sloppy mince, Mrs Reid's It might not have the most appealing name, how how good does roasties topped with mince, house cheese sauce, scallions, siracha and lemon mayo sound? Like taco fries, but all grown up. Mrs Reid' s in Dublin 8 are known for next level flavour combinations, and this tasty bowl looks like just the ticket for our next chilly day around town.

If you're one of those people who equates sherry to little old ladies sipping from miniature glasses on Christmas day, you need to extinguish that cliché from your mind and get up to speed on one of the most fascinating drinks in the wine world. Whether you're ready for a deep dive or not, Spain's "sherry triangle" of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Jerez de la Frontera, and El Puerto de Santa María is a step back in time to old Spain, far far away from seafront resorts selling inflatables and English breakfasts. Sanlúcar de Barrameda, (c) Cadiz Turismo Apart from the chance to nerd out on one of the regions wine lovers get most fanatical about, this trio of towns is an oasis of fried shrimp fritters, tuna fresh from the boat, and ice cold manzanilla (which costs less than juice). There's no flurry of tourists crushing past, you'll hear little English from the Sanluqueños , and the prices? It's like going back twenty years. Jerez might have a few more headline-grabbing restaurants, but we think Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Spain's gastronomy capital for 2022), has the most going for it, When to go Spring or Autumn is the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid sweltering temperatures and having to stay out of the midday heat. May and September are ideal, but Sanlúcar is a great place to visit at all times of the year. Getting there You'll need a rental car (or be prepared for numerous changes in transport). Fly to Seville and it's 1 hour and 15 minutes away, or just over two and a half hours from Malaga airport. We'd recommend a two stop holiday, incorporating either of the cities you land in - both are incredible places to spend a few days eating, drinking and taking in all the sights. Where to eat and drink Casa Balbino Plaza de Cabildo with its palm trees and large fountain at the centre is the focal point of Sanlúcar, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and ice-cream shops, with outdoor seating covered by canopies, complete with misting machines for those hot summer days. There is nothing as relief-giving as a cooling mist to the back of the neck in 30c while you crunch on tortillitas de camarones - the dish Casa Balbino are famous for. They're known for no reservations but it's a huge space inside and out, and the food comes fast, so don't be put you off. Those shrimp fritters should be your first order (and maybe your second, and third), and we're still thinking about the patatas aliñadas (potatoes marinated with vinegar and tuna) and adobo de pescado (fried dogfish marinated in vinegar). Go inside and look in the fridges if you want some tapas inspiration, but it's all good. Everyone is drinking very chilled Manzanilla, and at €1.70 a glass, so should you (a pineapple juice is €1.80). Our greedy lunch bill for four with four sherries and two juices came to €61.40. That is not a typo. Casa Bigote Another Sanlúcar must is Casa Bigote which has been open down at the seafront since 1951. The more casual standing/high stooled tapas bar (La Taberna) faces the ocean, while the more formal restaurant with its high-ceilinged dining room sits just behind it. Both are an altar to the region's tuna, with endless ways to try the rich, meaty fish. Try red tuna tataki, fillets in Amontillado sherry sauce, or grilled tuna ribs. The taberna focuses on fried fish, small portions of stews, and plenty of seafood specialities, while the restaurant has larger, more refined plates like white prawn carpaccio and those famous Spanish red prawns (carabineros) sold by weight. Wines are local and staff are lovely, and whether you go casual or formal you won't go far wrong. Doña Calma Gastrobar If you're looking for somewhere to escape from the beach for a lazy lunch or a post sun-bathing dinner, Doña Calma Gastrobar is the one. It's known as one of Sanlúcar's most contemporary food options, daring to serve dishes like tuna tacos, cuttlefish empanadas with lime aioli, and tuna tartare with bone marrow served in the hollow of a massive bone (you'll be thinking about this until you're dead). Nothing here is a gimmick, everything has the kind of flavour you'll be trying to recreate long after your meal - utterly beautiful to look at and to eat. Drinks are local, simple and once again Manzanilla reigns supreme, and the glass covered, air-conditioned wrap around space is a heavenly retreat from the heat. El Espejo For something that's more adult night out/special occasion territory, book a table in the plant-adorned courtyard at El Espejo , in the Posada de Palacio hotel. It has a Bib Gourmand for good value cooking, but at €18 for a Carabinero prawn and €50 for a beef chop this isn't exactly bargain territory. The contemporary cooking is however in delicious territory, with the ingredients local, and a stellar sherry list to match. (c) El Espejo Mirador de Doñana A few doors down from the always thriving Casa Bigote you'll find Mirador de Doñana , which as the name suggest offers expansive views across the Doñana national park across the water in front . Sanlúcar prawns, lobster gratin and red shrimp tartare are all must orders, and the terrace outside has the tables to grab if it's not too warm, but the upstairs dining room has equally good views. (c) Mirador de Doñana Entrebotas, Bodegas Hidalgo la Gitana Set in the courtyard outside renowned sherry bodega Hidalgo la Gitana , Entrebotas is one of those rare occasions when the winery restaurant is as much a draw as the winery. The " Sanlúcar DNA" menu is a seafood extravaganza for €65 including drinks (water, wine and sherry), or slum it with some tapas and a sherry tasting at the bar. Tours of the bodega are also available and recommended. (c) Entrebotas Taberna der Guerrita Taberna der Guerrita , in the Bajo district, has become a place of pilgrimage for sherry lovers. On entering it might looks like your average spit and sawdust tavern, but ask to be taken to the rooms in the back and you'll find bottles piled high on shelves from floor to ceiling, with some you won't find anywhere else in the world. It's like a sherry museum, and you can spend more than you thought possible on some of the old and rares, or just ask for more affordable recommendations. The bar food out front is wholesome and simple and just waiting for a special bottle to be plucked from the shelves to enjoy with it. Dessert Helados Toni Toni has been selling ice-cream in Sanlúcar since 1896, and if it's taken that long to achieve something this perfect, it was worth the wait. The family run business is now in its fourth generation, run by sisters Lorena and Rosana, and this has to be some of the best ice-cream in Spain, let alone Sanlúcar. There's two on Plaza de Cabildo, but go for the one nearest the corner for the widest selection - and we mean wide. You'll need 10 minutes just to read through all the flavours. (c) Helados Toni Mr Cheesecake A cheesecake break is a must while exploring Sanlúcar, and Mr Cheesecake has the good stuff. From cheese-based flavours like the goat's cheese Payoyo or the sheep's cheese Roquefort, to countless options for those with sweeter teeth like fig, lemon and pistachio, you never know what you'll find in the fridge, so multiple trips are easily justified. (c) Mr Cheesecake Wineries to visit The bodegas best set up for visitors and online booking are Hidalgo La Gitana (home to Entrebotas above) and Barbadillo, both in the city centre, and both offering various tours and tastings. Visit La Gitana starting at €20 six days a week, while Barbadillo has a Manzanilla Museum you can walk around at your leisure (everything's in Spanish so you may need Google translate), with guided tours and tastings taking place six days a week, also starting at €20. (c) Bodega Hidalgo le Gitana For more boutique options check out Bodegas Yuste , with visits and tastings ranging from €15 - €85 depending on how serious your interest is. Bodega Argüeso is another great choice, estimated to be over 250 years old, and Delgato Zuleta , which claims to be the oldest winery in region.

Do you feel the chill in the air? We weren't sure we were ready for what's been a stunner of a summer to end, but we think we can get on board with the promise of whiskey-smoked pork sandwiches, hun bun chicken burgers, and Autumn walks with a coffee in one hand and a pain au raisin in the other. Here's what's been raising our eyebrows this week... 1) Smoked Trout, D'Olier Street Need a little treat? Something to set yourself up for a September reset? (Mentally, not diet wise, obvs). Book yourself into Michelin-starred D'Olier Street for their €135 tasting menu, with dishes like this smoked trout with heirloom tomato, yuzu kosho and basil. It's been a tough summer of outdoor dining, beach trips and clocking off early from work. You've earned it. 2) Brioche de Bogavante, La Gordita La Gordita threw this lobster brioche thirst trap out there before casually announcing they were off on holidays for a week - how rude. So you'll have to wait until next week to get your hands on this brioche de bogavante with salpicón, prawns, cucumber, shallots and goatsbridge trout caviar, but we reckon the anticipation will make it all the sweeter... 3) Hog & Hen Hun Bun, Cluck Chicken Cluck Chicken 's monthly hun bun is a special one this month. The "Hog & Hen" comes with double fried chicken thigh, BBQ sauce, bacon jam, slow cooked pulled pork, American cheese, lettuce and chipotle mayo, on a toasted, seeded sour dough bun from Coghlan's bakery. The most important thing though, is all hun bun sales from this week (total, not profits) are going to this lovely little girl who's fighting a brain tumour. Find it in their Walkinstown location for the month of September. 4) Pain au Raisin, Bread 41 We've been sleeping on the pain au raisins with all the ultra glam pastries available around town these days, but Bread 41 are showing us what we've been missing. Theirs has tea soaked raisins and almond cream wrapped in the most buttery sourdough pastry, and it's available in all locations, every day. Firmly cemented on our Autumn eating list. 5) Whiskey smoked pork ciabatta, Tír Deli Tír Deli seems to appear in this feature every other week, and can you blame us with them throwing these kinds of shapes? Their new Autumn menu has a ciabatta with smoked pork shoulder that's been cured in Spot Whiskey for five days, along with pork crackling, a whiskey glaze from the marinade, Abercorn Farm cucumber pickle and Irish greens. This one's a monthly special running for September, but we bet if it's a hit they'll keep it around longer.