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As you sit trying to remember what the sun looks like, and wondering whether you'll ever have dry shoes again, just think - we could be dropping into your inbox with a brilliant prize this Wednesday . If you're already an Insider , you’re automatically entered into our monthly draws, with nine of the best prizes handpicked by us, from some of the best restaurants, hotels and food businesses around. February’s draw will take place on Wednesday 18th , with the winners announced on social media and contacted directly by email. If you’re not an Insider yet, you can join before midnight tomorrow, Tuesday 17th and you’ll be in the running too! Along with other benefits like getting access to exclusive content, weekly insider intel, invites to the best restaurant events in Dublin and more. Here’s what's up for grabs this month… 1) €200 voucher for The Stapleton The Stapleton has just opened in Powerscourt Townhouse on South William Street (where Farrier and Draper used to be), and while the street has no shortage of places to drink, they're not trying to compete on noise. The handsome two-floor bar has been built for people who want to enjoy "Georgian elegance with modern mixology", and their signature cocktails include the Cantaloupe Vodka Smash, and the Fig Bourbon Old Fashioned. It works just as well for a quick pint as it does for a long evening that accidentally runs late, and while the main bar is walk in only, you can book into the lounge upstairs if you've got a cocktail-worthy occasion coming up. Winning a €200 voucher to spend there would be the icing on the margarita cake. Check out The Stapleton here . 2) Weekend roast for two at The Shelbourne There are roasts, and then there's The Shelbourne 's roast. Served in The Saddle Room , the main event is served from a trolley and carved tableside, for old-school theatre in the best possible way. With all the comforting excess you’d hope for from a grand hotel dining room, we're talking about the sort of lunch that encourages you to cancel any ambitious plans for the rest of the day, i.e. our perfect Sunday (or Saturday as they serve it both days). We've got a weekend roast for two with a bottle of wine to give away this month, and if you're feeling tempted you can check out the menu here . 3) A Chinese New Year feast for two at Kaizen Kaizen is marking the Chinese New Year with a one-night, eight-course tasting menu designed for lingering, on Thursday 26th February. Expect refined Cantonese cooking, thoughtful dishes, and an evening that feels like an occasion without the formality. Starting at 18:00, the €60 tasting menu includes a glass of Prosecco and live Chinese harp music, and reservations can be made before Wednesday 19th February by calling them on 01 824 3388. Check out the menu here . 4) A supper club experience for two at Overends Kitchen in Airfield Estate Overends Kitchen at Airfield Estate , Dublin’s only working urban farm set across 38 acres in Dublin 14, is launching their new supper clubs this March, with a carefully curated menu led by what the land is producing that month. Starting on Saturday 14th March, tickets are €80 for a three course menu including a welcome drink, with ingredients sourced from their farm, dairy and vegetable gardens, alongside some other carefully chosen local producers. There are also optional wine pairings and a cheese course, and the restaurant's team will be there to guide guests through the evening. Tickets are limited and available through Eventbrite , but we've got two to give away for the March event worth €160. Check out the Overends Kitchen website or follow them on social media for more. 5) A €100 voucher for Twist Bakery Twist is a brand new bakery in the middle of Temple Bar, focusing on handcrafted pastries, laminated viennoiserie, and specialty coffee. Everything in here is homemade, even the syrups for their coffee, and there's also gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, so no one's left out. Founded by Cleidiane and Patrick, the star bakers in house are Marija Lacic and Laura Munroe, both bringing years of skills and pastry knowledge to Dublin's newest addition. We've got a €100 voucher to give away this month so someone can head in for the full Twist experience. See what they're up to on Instagram here . 6) A Premium AeroPress worth €190 The AeroPress  has long been a favourite among coffee lovers for good reason -it's fast, forgiving, and consistently excellent. The French Press alternative now has a premium version, keeping the same clever simplicity but adding glass and metal components to make it feel reassuringly substantial .  It's ideal   for anyone who likes only the best coffee without the complicated rituals, and a great present for any coffee drinker. We've got a Premium AeroPress  to give away to one lucky winner this month, and you can check it out here . 7) Al Dente pasta at home experience for two Al Dente ’s pasta kits are essentially a very good excuse to stay in and cook something much nicer than normal, at a fraction of the price of going out. Fresh pasta, proper sauces, tiramisu, and even the tools to put it together, all designed to recreate the sort of meal that reminds you why Italian food is so hard to beat. This month's prize includes fresh lasagna sheets; ravioli filling; a wooden-handled ravioli cutter; a signature sauce; two jars of tiramisu, an Al Dente tote bag, and recipe instructions for the full Italian dining experience at home. They're throwing in a €50 voucher too so you can throw in some add ons of your choice. Check out their shop here , 8) €100 voucher for patisserie from The Sugar Dealer Caketopia ’s cakes prioritise flavour over theatrics, which is the correct order of things, although who could argue with their looks either? These are the kinds of cakes people remember eating — bright, balanced and unexpected — and having tried their Christmas selection, we can honestly say we were WOWED by what was on the inside. We've got a €100 voucher to give away to one lucky Insider this month to spend on anything you'd like from their shop , and this could be a very useful prize with Mother’s Day approaching. 9) A Dublin Food Chain hamper worth €120 Dublin Food Chain  was created to champion and encourage the flourishing Co Dublin food sector, with all four Local Enterprise Offices involved in showcasing and supporting the county's most innovative new food producers. They've hand-picked a hamper full of products for one of our Insiders this month with a value of €120, featuring brand new drinks, ethically crafted bean-to-bar chocolate, traditional Mexican salsas, authentic West African cooking sauces, award-winning sweet treats and more. Check out Dublin Food Chain here . If you want to be in the draw you know what you have to do - sign up to ATF Insiders  by midnight on Tuesday 17th February. We’ll be picking winners on Wednesday 18th February , so keep an eye on your inbox, and if you’re not an ATF Insider yet, this is your sign to jump on board. If you are an ATF Insider , then keep your fingers crossed . Sign up here .

While it was a night of big celebrations for Forest Avenue in Dublin and The Pullman in Galway, the only two new stars for Ireland in the 2026 Michelin Guide, it was otherwise a damp squib of a ceremony, for a country certain that its time in the spotlight had come. There was widespread feeling across the industry that the guide holding the culinary industry's most prestigious awards in Dublin for the first time was symbolic, and that it was going to be a bonanza year for our little island. Instead we walked away with our worst result in years, and a feeling that yet again the playing field between us and the UK's mainland restaurant is nowhere near level. Last night's new UK and Ireland Michelin award winners

What’s the story with Dollars?   After being impressed by the Peruvian plates at The Hoxton’s Cantina Valentina , we were quietly curious if daytime deli Dollars  could repeat the magic. With New York deli counter culture a dime a dozen in Dublin these days there’s no novel niche-filling here – especially with so much local competition about. Add to that all those years we had to walk through the ugly hoarding outside, and these would want to be good.   And?   There are worse sandwiches you can get around these parts, but few with the gall to charge these prices. One bite of the Got Beef (€13) provoked deep sighs of disbelief – a kinda-riff on a reuben, its generous mounds of slow-cooked salt beef are layered over what the menu claims to be sauerkraut. Our taste buds beg to differ - sir, this is coleslaw. But at least it was there . Online they list this one at €14 with Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing. In person, neither were included. Given that both, or the ingredients to make them, were evident in abundance around us, we can’t begin to comprehend what happened here. Rudy Giuliani would be more welcome back in NYC than this sandwich.   And no pickles? What gives!? You can get a side of the house pickles for ANOTHER €3. We’d wanted those either way, but all the more so in absentia . At least they’re in the Piggy Bank (€14), as well as literally in jars all over the walls . Between this and the other absent but in-sight ingredients, we started to wonder where hidden cameras would come from. That elusive Swiss showed up here mildly more molten than poor Joanne Cronin’s , with over under-assertive mustard but solid slices of porchetta and honey-roast ham. It’s as good as it gets here, but with Little Geno’s  comparable Cubano a ten minute stroll (and a €3 saving) away, it ain’t good enough.   The promise of a Dillisk seaweed chicken salad had us hurtling for The Hu$tler (see what they’ve done there? We wish they didn't), but you’ll have sensed by now what Dollars’ word is worth. That prime Irish ingredient’s deeply savoury, salty notes are entirely absent, in tune with the sad slivers of bacon. Let's not get started on “heirloom” tomatoes in February, please. €14? Nope.   There’s happier news where coffee’s concerned, courtesy of economies of scale and The Hoxton’s 3-year contract with UK-based Origin roasters - a big part of the business model that’s seen more and more chains claim space in the city of late. Our latte and mocha (€4) undercut much of the competition, and washed our mouths out well.   Why should we go?   If you take your tips from gluts of #gifted reccs, we guess. Dollars’ four-cheese toastie certainly looked the stringy part in the post-opening Insta crush, and the adjacent bar space has the fitout to make the evening wine offering to wash them down with sound mighty tempting, but a deeper dive into this menu leaves a lot to be desired – half the advertised ingredients, to start with. This is prime real estate, and prime prices, and little more.   Dollars The Hoxton, George’s Street, Dublin 2 instagram.com/dollars_dublin

If you didn't leave the house last week thanks to the slightly inclement weather we've been having, we wouldn't blame you, but it's a new week and it's time to get back out there. We're thinking tiramisu oats for breakfast, buffalo chicken bowls for lunch, and all the gildas for dinner. And maybe a black forest dessert...? 1) Black Forest mousse, Orwell Road Black forest anything has been severely under-represented since the 80's, amiright? Orwell Road in Terenure agree, and are righting this wrong with a 70% chocolate mousse topped with Amarena cherries. Find it on their regular dinner and two/three course neighbourhood menu, and you can also BYO on Tuesdays for €10! All the reasons to book in. 2) Korean chicken bowl , Carved Are we the only ones so hypnotised by Carved 's legendary sandwiches that we didn't realise they did bowls too? Last week's special was a Korean Chicken number with sesame chicken, Asian pickled cucumber, red cabbage, spring onion, honey and gochujang mayo, and while we're hoping they'll keep it on a bit longer, any of their combos on salad makes a welcome break from bread. 3) All the gildas, La Gordita Gildas aren't going anywhere, and La Gordita have taken Dublin's obsession with the olive, chilli pepper and anchovy combo and come up with FOUR different versions on one plate. There's the Anchoas de Santoña, tetilla cheese, white anchovies, and blue fin tuna, and you'll need one of each per person, because gildas are one of the few foods that are absolutely not for sharing. 4) Buffalo chicken meatball bowl, Honest to Goodness We have been thinking about Honest to Goodness 's new buffalo chicken meatball bowl since they trialled it (and teased it) at the end of 2025, and finally it's landed! Think of all the things you love about buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce, but so much better for your bod. There's roast cauliflower, turmeric brown rice, pickled celery, chopped kale, sweetcorn, golden sultanas, blue cheese and Frank's dressing, and we won't rest until we've experienced it IRL. 5) Tiramisu oats, Nutbutter Tiramisu, but make it breakfast. We're very into Nutbutter 's new overnight oats with whipped mascarpone, cashew butter mousse and added protein, topped with coffee caramel, hazelnuts and a cocoa nib crunch. God knows we need a lil treat to look forward to in the mornings. It's here for a good time, not a long time, so get in there before it's gone.

New Michelin stars and Bibs you should be racing to book; the sushi trend we can't get enough of; and the most aesthetic coffee shop that looks like it feel out of a design magazine. Did we mention there's bagels too? Here's where we suggest spending your cash this month... For the brand new Michelin star in town: Forest Avenue, Dublin 4 While last night's awards overall left Dublin feeling down in the dumps, the one bright spot was Forest Avenue finally getting a Michelin star after 13 years of toil. It goes without saying that they woke up to an inbox full of new reservations this morning, so get your bookings in now before it's too late. Lunchtime and midweek are your best bets for the next few weeks, or you can go on standby if you have a Michelin star worthy occasion coming up.   For the brand new Bib in town: Borgo, Phibsborough   Not many restaurants get awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand within six months birth, but Borgo isn't your average new opening. From the same zeitgeist-understanding team behind Hera, Achara and Crudo, the Dublin 7 'Osteria Locale' took off like a rocket thanks to cold cuts, handmade pasta and Lambrusco by the glass, and it's hasn't slowed an inch. Take any table you can get and see what all the noise is about.   For the coffee shop everyone's talking about: Volumes When we heard that Dublin Coffee Guide author Paddy Kirk was opening new café Volumes near Tara Street station with As One's Mark Cashen, we presumed that high end, drip coffee would take centre stage. We weren't expecting homemade bagels, breakfast rolls and hash browns to be part of the package - and that;s not a complaint. The space is design-led and jaw-droppingly stunning, and we're just waiting for the buzz to die down just a little before heading in for some candied bacon and a flat white.   For the hottest new small plates on the block: Vada, Stoneybatter   Former café-only Vada 's head chef Hannah O'Donnell has put them on the map as an evening eatery to take seriously - this was signed, sealed and delivered when Michelin added them to their Dublin guide in December. Her cooking feels unique and distinctive, far from the copy and paste playlist so many neighbourhood wine bars cook from, and the natural wine list sets off the plates perfectly. Read our once over here .   For a major restaurant refresh: Bang Kicky's' Eric Matthews and Richie Barrett have pulled Richie's family restaurant Bang out of the corporate doldrums and breathed a bit of San Sebastien into its bones. The interiors have had a very sharp update, and the menu is a what's what of Northern Spanish cooking. The tortilla "cal pep" already has a legion of fans, and opening prices feel more reasonable than their sister restaurant. This one's very busy so you'll have to plan ahead. Read our once over here .   For celebrating Chinese New Year in style: Kaizen, Blanchardstown   Chinese New Year starts with the second new moon after winter solstice (i.e. February 17th), and if you want to get involved in the celebrations this year, we'd advise you book into Kaizen on Thursday 26th for their special 'Year of the Horse' celebration. Tickets are €60 for an eight-course tasting menu, a glass of prosecco, and live Chinese harp music, and reservations can be made by calling them on 01-824 3388 . The cut off for bookings is Wednesday 19th February, so don't put it on the long finger.     For brilliant sushi boats: Sushi & Go   We really weren't expecting to love Sushi & Go as much we did, but it turns out there was a huge gap in the market for onigiri and inari before they opened their doors on Montague Street. At €3.50 per sushi boat and €5 per onigiri it's the ultimate accessible food stop, and while the flavour combinations might seem wacky, we promise you'll be convinced at first bite. Read our two minute review here .

What’s the story with Sushi & Go?   A few weeks ago, breathy posts started appearing on social media about new grab and go sushi on Montague Street. Sushi & Go 's website only has limited information (find their Insta here ), but there was enough different here to colour us interested. Most of Dublin's sushi places have nothing major to set them apart, but Sushi & Go has come in with Onigiri (stuffed Japanese rice in the shape of a triangle), and Inari (sweet, savoury, stuffed tofu pockets) - two points of difference that had us heading for Montague on a wet, soggy day. Staff confirmed it's from the same owners as Zakura , CN Dumpling  and Sushida , none of which we're die hard fans of, but open mind and all that. Is there seating? Just seven counter seats, but this is fast food (in the best way) so people shouldn't hang around long. They're a take away first, with all packaging single use - a bummer if you're eating in. Plastic lids were added to everything, so ask for them to be left off if you're sitting down. Want to go full eco-warrior? Bring your own container. What should we eat?   You'll find norimaki, futomaki and special rolls at the grab and go counter, but they feel expensive at €3 per piece (online they're a bit cheaper for larger portions). Stick to the inari and onigiri for better value and more of the fun factor. Onigiri come in chicken, salmon, tuna, prawn and veggie options, all €5. We've had these before with just a dot of filling at the top and nothing but rice within, but these are stuffed, and brilliantly seasoned. We've spent many a moment reliving the chicken curry - this is peak grab n' go snack territory. We thought we'd find at least one dud from the five inari we tried, but whoever came up with these ingredient and flavour combos has serious kitchen skills. Ingredients like passion fruit and linseed look like they're more for effect than taste, but every bite of these sweet savoury pockets had us bowing further down. Stupidly delicious, all of them, but our favourites were spicy tuna avocado, mango chilli chicken, and olive garden - sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese and mixed seeds might not be de rigueur in Tokyo, but boy it tastes good. We also grabbed some spicy cucumber and kimchi from the fridge, which were fine, but you won't be missing out if you skip them. We tried a couple of futomaki too, the California roll and the Kyoto fish roll with deep-fried cod. You can get similar in a plethora of other sushi restaurants around town, but the taste and care here is superior to most.   Anything for a sweet tooth?   There were a couple of mochi in the fridge, and while they'll never hit the peaks of the freshly made ones, the sesame was a lovely post sushi treat.   Why should we go?   It's rare that sushi in Dublin gets us excited, but Sushi & Go have come in with something genuinely different. It's cheap, it's fast, it's open seven days a week, and the taste is off the charts. Sushi & Go 4a Montague Street, Dublin 2 sushingo.ie

We’re long-time sceptics of ever venturing into a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, an occasion second only to the Christmas season for souped-up set menus charging through the nose for a strictly time-limited table. But we recognise that not everyone has the kitchen confidence (or, let’s be real in Dublin these days, kitchen access that’s not shared with far too many others) to whip up a show-stopper meal that says what no Hallmark card ever could. So here’s our loving gift to you - top tips for delicious dinners that won’t rinse or rush you – and that aren’t already booked to the rafters. Yet. Be quick...   Gursha, Poolbeg Street With a name that literally refers to the act of lovingly feeding another with your hands, Gursha couldn’t be any better suited to the corny couple moments that make Valentine’s play like The Purge  for PDAs. All gag reflexes aside, this excellent Ethiopian spot is one of the best places around town to try out East African food, with mixed plates of five (meaty) or six (vegan) dishes mopped up with deliciously airy injera flatbread. Book here .

Six months on from Christmas and with nine years still to go to the start of spring, it’s fair to say this January has been an endless, soaking slog we can’t wait to be rid of. All that’s keeping us going is sneaking in whatever catchups we didn't get around to at Christmas, but with everyone’s bank balance still hurting from the festive season, value options are key. Here's our best bets for treating yourself while feeling smug about the minimal outlay involved...   Chiya, Dame Street   Somehow still coming in under the €10 mark in this day and age, Chiya ’s Berlin-style döners stand out first and foremost for their crazy cheap cost, but their belt-bursting value is just as much a story – you will not be needing sides (but don’t skimp on extra pickles). With three outstanding veggie options it’s a fail-safe fallback for finnicky mixed groups, and there’s enough green goodness in the salads buried beneath charred mounds of meat to make every option in here seem passably healthy.   Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer Street   Our hats are off to anyone still persisting with Dry January (our thinking caps too – see our no-and low-alcohol guide here ), but for us, a little wine to while away the dark and gloomy nights goes a long way. Fallon & Byrne ’s wine cellar charges just €1 corkage on anything purchased in-store Sunday to Tuesday, meaning for less than €20 a head you could be getting all the latest over a shared bottle of fizz and a charcuterie board.   Bolt Burger, Patrick Street   If you don’t mind a Monday outing (how better to start the week), The Fourth Corner’s Bolt Burger  will dish you up a double smash and fries for €12 (an even better €10 for students) – that’s a steal even before we get to the FX Buckley beef they’re using. The cosy bar’s various nooks and crannies make for an ideally private perch for whatever colourful catchups you might have in mind, especially on these quieter nights.   Shaku Maku, Ranelagh   One group who might not mourn these dark and dreary evenings is Muslims – an earlier start date for Ramadan means fewer daylight hours to fast through. Even so, the full spread sunset feast that is iftar doesn’t hold back in its fast-breaking indulgence, and where better to sample the buffet bounties than Palestinian-owned Shaku Maku . They’re taking €30 a head bookings for Feb 17 th online now .   Row Wines, Coppinger Row   We needn’t only confine ourselves to the cheap and cheerful in our hunt for late-winter value – Row Wines  are classing things up with their midweek meal deal of any two plates for €25, plus a glass of wine for an optional €5 too. It runs all night (!) Tuesdays to Thursdays so you can share in their famed Kilkee crab rosti or beurre blanc mussels without a sharp price shock when the bill lands down.   Sano, Temple Bar & Ranelagh   If you can get in before 6pm Monday to Thursday, Neapolitan-style Sano  have a steal of a deal in both their Dublin branches. For just €20 you can choose from their classic or signature pizza menus (no specials), add a beer or wine, and throw in dessert too – with some of their 12” creations touching on €16 a piece, that’s a solid saving. Make sure you buy a voucher online  to avail.   Hawksmoor, Dame Street   There’s precious few days left to take advantage of Hawksmoor ’s January €25 rump steak and side special – depending on which side you plump for, that’s anything up to a €10 saving on the price you’d pay any other time of the year. With extra courses also on offer at €5 a piece, it’s a solid bet for when you want to eat well without breaking the bank, and it's very possible (if difficult) to swap the chips for salad.   Suertudo, Ranelagh   After pausing for the festive season, Suertudo  have brought back their Lucky Tuesday offering, with individually-priced tacos allowing you to sample a mix-and-match of slow-cooked meat, fresh seafood, and assorted veggie specials (from €3.50 - €6 for as little or as many as you'd like). It’s a great way to right-size your bill and your portion, and if you’re not on the dry January train those €10 margs sound very tempting.   Coke Lane, Rialto & Liberties   Generously doing their bit to beat the January blues, Coke Lane ’s D8 branches in Rialto’s The Circular and Meath Street’s Lucky’s are offering a pizza and pint combo for €15 every day of the week for what’s left of the month, as long as you get in before 18:30 – sounds like a perfect post-work or weekend plan to us. That there’s no strings at all on which of each you can choose either, which is especially good music to our ears.   Andhra Bhavan, Marlborough Street & Abbey Street   Deceptively filling dosa is one of our go-to choices when we’re feeling a little light in the pocket but still craving a night out, and nobody does them better or more varied than Andhra Bhavan . Most of their 20+ takes on the fermented chickpea pancake come in at under €15, with the onion rava and gunpowder masala among our favourites after many a visit. If you’re feeling flush, the dozen-plus dish taster thalis for €30-€40 are the way to go.   Nan, Stephen Street Lower   An upmarket Chinese with a €55 lobster section on the menu might not scream cheap night out, but we were shocked on a recent visit to Nan  to find ourselves full to bursting with dim sum for less than €20 a head. You’d need a spell in rehab to get over their pork-salted turnip cakes, while adventurous eaters will revel in the spicy chicken claws and beef tripe. A steaming big bowl of pork, beef, or chicken congee will only set you back €9 too.   ATF Perks, Everywhere   Happy to spend a bit more but still want to feel like you're saving? Grab yourself an ATF Perk , with offers like free cod chips in Mamó , 25% off in One Pico , and a free snack and Irish coffee to finish in Mr Fox . ATF Perks are exclusively available to ATF Insiders - if you're not already signed up to our premium service, see everything you could be taking advantage of here .

We're nearly there people. The longest month since time began has only five days left (still another five!?), and we're plodding our way through with thoughts of fresh fig pizza, balsamic mushroom and comté pastries, and stuffed brioche buns that look like they've landed straight from a Bologna sandwich shop. Here's this week's eating hit list... 1) Mortadella, stracciatella and pistachio brioche, Elliot's Praise be for Elliot's doing the actual Lord's work with this mortadella, stracciatella and pistachio brioche. We were in a literal spin last week doing algebra equations on travel times to D7 divided by the chance of any being left on their Arran Street East counter by the time we got there. Find it (hopefully) weekdays from 12pm. 2) All the pizzas , La Strada La Strada say their pizza toppings are "getting wild in 2026", and they're absolutely % flirting with us via this shot of their elevated Mortazza (hello pistachio cream), and swipe across for the nduja with fresh figs. We'll be having one of each. Okay love you bye. 3) New small plates, Green Man Wines Green Man Wines in Terenure have some new plates on the go for a new year, and have no shame in admitting how many times we've gone back for a goo at the Yellow Fin tuna tartare with Abercorn Farm fennel and citrus, and the grilled Abercorn Farm leeks with miso butter, hazelnut and cured egg. Flying the flag for genuinely in season produce, surrounded by the best wines available on the island - so many reasons to make a booking. 4) Garlic balsamic mushroom pastries, Fable We almost included Fable's new Chai Bun this week instead, but their new savoury pastry won out by a whisker. Garlic balsamic mushrooms, herby béchamel and Comté cheese will be on their Dun Laoghaire counter for the rest of the month, and we're willing to bet any money that it's going to deliver on those big promises. 5) Thai chicken baos, Park 27 If you've yet to pay Tallaght's Priory Market a visit, might we suggest that homemade bao buns filled with Thai-style chicken is as good a sign as any that now's your time. Park 27 are fully committed to the cooking from scratch bit, and are piling their fluffy buns high with that chicken, picked veg, tamarind mayo for a citrussy kick, and a chilli nut crumb. Sounds like an awesome assortment of flavours and textures.

A new year means a brand-new set of ATF Insider giveaways - and we’re starting 2026 as we mean to go on. If you're an Insider , you’re automatically entered into our monthly draws, with nine brilliant prizes handpicked by us, from some of the best restaurants, hotels and food businesses around. January’s draw will take place on Sunday 18th January , with the winners announced on social media and contacted directly by email. If you’re not an Insider yet, you can join before midnight on Saturday 17th and you’ll be in the running too, along with getting access to exclusive content, weekly insider intel, invites to the best restaurant events in Dublin and more. Here’s what you could win this month… 1) The Chef’s Menu + Welcome Cocktail + Bottle of Wine for Two at Kaldero It's been a huge week for Kaldero who were added to the Michelin Guide for the first time, and for Richie Castillo and Alex O’Neill (of Filipino pop up Bahay), who've turned the South King Street dining room into one of the city’s most exciting kitchens. Rooted in Filipino flavours and thoughtful sourcing, they've brought Kaldero a long way from its initial format , and to celebrate the much deserved listing, we've got the Chef’s Menu for two , plus a welcome cocktail  each and a bottle of wine to give away to one lucky Insider . 2) Dinner for two at Hawksmoor worth €250 January can feel bleak, but Hawksmoor has the cure. Those cocktails, those blackboard steaks, that grand dining room, the €5 corkage on Mondays! Name a better location for a mid-winter date night. Plus all month they’re serving a €25 Irish rump steak with a choice of sides like butter lettuce and herbs (virtuous), or beef-dripping chips (less virtuous), until 18:00 Monday - Friday, and 17:30 on Saturday. If you're throwing the baby out with the bath water, the molten mac and cheese and sticky toffee pudding should be on your order sheet. One Insider is heading in for  a very bougie dinner for two  up to the value of €250 to enjoy all of it. 3) A €200 voucher for dinner at Nutbutter, Dundrum Nutbutter have just opened their third restaurant in Dundrum Town Centre, and it's a biggie. With 110 seats outside and another 50 outside overlooking the water (hello summer), it's the bright, open space with life-giving food that's the respite you need from crowds and shops. With a menu designed for plant-lovers and carnivores, their affordable, flavour-packed food is available from 11:30 - 21:30 daily, and this one has Dundrum-only exclusives like cocktails and açaí. One Insider is going to win a €200 voucher  to try it all, so start thinking about what friends you'd bring. 4) €100 voucher for The Old Spot and a copy of their cookbook Kaldero weren't the only addition to the Michelin Guide this week. The Old Spot in Dublin 4 were re-added to the guide for the first time since 2023, under Head Chef Mark Ahessy. The guide praised the kitchen's " immensely satisfying food ", and made a point of saying that " desserts are a real highlight ", so ensure you save room on your next visit. To celebrate the news, we've got a €100 gift voucher for The Old Spot to give away, as well as a copy of their award-winning cookbook . 5) A €100 voucher for the new China Hunan in Ranelagh China Hunan , the new opening from the team behind China Song (formerly China Tang) in Monkstown and Nan Chinese in the city centre, is opening very soon in Ranelagh, with the aim of bringing the bold flavours of Hunan - along with dishes from other regions - to another sleek dining room. From handcrafted dim sum to roast meats and signature Hunan dishes, everything will be freshly prepared by their team of chefs from across China, and we've got a €100 voucher  for China Hunan to give away so one of you can head in and explore the menu. 6) A €100 Voucher for Glas on Chatham Street Veganuary or not, Glas makes plant-based eating easy, satisfying and fun. Led by Head Chef Malte Half, the team transforms Irish vegetables into thoughtful dishes highlighting textures, seasonality and above all else flavour. It’s the perfect place for anyone with a 2026 resolution to eat less meat, or who just wants to be surprised by what a talented kitchen team can do with vegetables. We've got a €100 dinner voucher to give away for Glas this month, and for maximum value we suggest using it on their early or late bird menus . 7) The Gaucho Rodízio BBQ for two at BAH33º BAH33º are lessening the financial load of January with 15% off their Gaucho Rodízio BBQ at lunchtime from Monday to Thursday, so if you've never tried it consider this your sign. You'll find more than 15 premium cuts from 100% Irish meat, slow-roasted over charcoal and carved tableside in real Brazilian style, and you've got two hours to consume as much as you can handle. Don't miss their signature Costela Gaúcha 12h (beef ribs slow-cooked for 12 hours) and the Picanha (Rump Cap), and t here's salads, hot dishes and starters too - all unlimited. Check out BAH33º here . 8) A Three-Course Meal for Two at Tenters for ‘Pie January’ Tenters in the Liberties is leaning into comfort season with Pie January, a collection of savoury pies made for cold evenings and midweek catch-ups. The rotating pie menu is packed with pub classics done properly, with options like slow-braised beef and vegetable pie, to chicken curry, or chicken, mushroom and leek. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available, making it an easy choice for all, and to celebrate pie season we've got a three course meal for two with a drink of your choice to give away this month. For more information visit the website or follow them on Instagram here . 9) Two Tickets to A Wine Idea's “Exploring the Classics” tasting A Wine Idea are back with a new schedule of their carefully curated tastings (held in Bewley's on Grafton Street), and if you're looking for somewhere to start, you won't go wrong with " Exploring the Classics ", delving into the classic regions and bottles every wine lover should know. It's relaxed, informative, fun and perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge without feeling adrift, and we've got two tickets  to give away for the next one at the end of February. Check out all of their upcoming tastings here . So there's nine very good reasons to feel a bit brighter about January. We’ll be picking winners on Sunday 18th January , so keep an eye on your inbox, and if you’re not an ATF Insider yet, this is your sign to jump on board. If you are an ATF Insider , thank you for supporting independent food writing in Ireland. It keeps us doing what we do best - eating absolutely everything so you don’t have to. Sign up here .

With the festive season’s wallet and waistline-busting indulgence maxing most of us out in more ways than one, January tends to be the quietest time of the year on the restaurant scene with plenty of places keeping their doors closed into mid-month. But between offers looking to lure people back out, healthy specials studded with stuff that’s good for your gut, and just plain-old piping-hot winter warmers to put some life back in your frozen soul, there’s plenty out there to tempt even those of us most fervently watching our belts and budgets. Here's your January hit list... BARGAIN DEALS   Hawksmoor, Dame Street Their now-famed rump steak and side special has become something of an annual tradition for Hawksmoor , tempting punters in the door with a €25 price tag. Depending on which side you plump for, that could be anything up to a €10 saving on the price you’d pay any other time of the year – the perfect chance to see what the meaty fuss is all about. With extra courses also on offer at €5 a piece, it’s a solid bet for when you want to eat well without breaking the bank, and it's very possible (if difficult) to swap the chips for veggies.   Bah33°, Royal Hibernian Way With the constant demand at their original home just off Dawson Street, it’s no big surprise Brazilian barbecue joint Bah33°   are opening a second branch in Dundrum Town Centre. If you’re hungry enough, there’s serious value to be had at their sword-served, all-you-can-eat, slow-roasted meat buffet, and if you visit at lunch, you're guaranteed not to need dinner. Usually only served from Thursday - Sunday, they're going seven days a week in January, with 15% off for midweek lunch bookings (that's €50.92 instead of €59.90).   Bell Pesto, James's Street You could save a full €15 if you order smartly at Bell Pesto this month – their weekend deals on two or three courses can work out really good value if you play your cards right. This under-the-radar Thomas Street Italian celebrates a different region of the country each month, and takes us to the little-known Molise this time, with spicy squid, lamb cutlets and Strega-soaked pannocchio among the highlights.   Suertudo, Ranelagh After pausing for the festive season, Suertudo  are bringing back their Lucky Tuesday offering, with individually-priced tacos allowing you to sample a mix-and-match of slow-cooked meat, fresh seafood, and assorted veggie specials (from €3.50 - €6 for as little or as many as you'd like). It’s a great way to right-size your bill and your portion, and if you’re not on the dry January train those €10 margs sound very tempting.   HEALTHY OPTIONS   Glas, Chatham Street If your new year’s food resolutions include cutting down on meat, there’s no better place to open your eyes to the possibilities than Glas . The jewel in the crown of Dublin’s plant-based scene, it’s leaning hard into Veganuary with a firm focus on seasonal, sustainable cooking. The sound of stuff like quince ketchup and candied artichoke coffee ganache would have us running, even before you factor in their early and late bird discount deals.   Honest to Goodness, The Liberties Health-centric café Honest to Goodness revealed recently they’re often busier in January than December (that’s despite their Christmas wrap making the top grade in our rankings ), and it’s small wonder with the bang-for-buck value packed in their generously-sized salads and sandwiches. Ahead of a menu revamp pending for February, they’re taking customer soundings on which favourites they should keep on the go – now’s the time to get in and have your say.   Tang, Abbey Street Middle Eastern-inspired Tang moves dinner service (Thursday and Friday nights only) across to Abbey Street from their sunnier Cumberland Place hub for the winter months - all the better to accommodate additional indoor demand, which there’s rightly plenty of. What better than a Mediterranean diet to help you shed those seasonal pounds with precisely zero sacrifice on flavour. The €13 to €18 price point for all their plates is also a major appeal at this time of year.   Fairmental, Grand Canal Street If you had even a small fraction as many Christmas sandwiches as we did over the last month, you’ll be in need of a serious gut health boost by now. Praise be for Fairmental and their probiotic slaws, krauts, kimchis and hot sauces to bring your digestive system back into balance. Getting a bit of preserved colour at one of the drabbest points of the year for fresh produce is a major plus in this place – you might even be motivated to book a fermentation class or take up a subscription while you’re at it.   WINTER WARMERS   Hong Kong Wonton, Fade Street “The only therapy you need in winter” won’t be true for an awful lot of people fresh from a family Christmas, but it gives a solid sense of just how comforting the congee in Hong Kong Wonton  can be. The standout dish from our first visit this time last year, this savoury rice porridge stewed in chicken stock and served with a soft dough stick, is just the ticket to throw off the worst winter chill – and all for only a tenner.   Dosa Dosa, Rialto After years of serving up top quality takes on various Indian street foods (not least of course the namesake so good they said it twice), we were thrilled to see Dosa Dosa settled down in a permanent bricks and mortar home in Rialto. They’re celebrating the Hindu harvest feast of Pongal all this week with a special thali platter, so there’s never been a better time to get in and give it all a go.   Nomo Ramen, Charlotte Way Nothing, but nothing, shakes off the kind of in-the-bones cold we’ve had the last week like a bone broth and nobody, but nobody, does them quite like Nomo . Pimp soup season with these piled-high bowls of intense flavour, with one vegan and three chicken options (all €17.50) available for you to slurp your way through all season long.

Our 35 hottest list features the most talked about restaurants in Dublin right now, based on column inches, Insta love and the general pain involved in getting a booking. There are the restaurants with all the buzz, in alphabetical order, with four new entries for 2026... (It might also be useful to read our guide on how to tables in the top ten hardest to book restaurants in Dublin) * This list doesn't include cafés or lunch-only options, everywhere here is open for dinner at a minimum Achara Where: Aston Quay, Dublin 2 Northern Thai BBQ-inspired Achara on Aston Quay, from the same owners as Crudo in Sandymount and Hera in Drumcondra, has felt like just what Dublin needed. The chilli caramel fish sauce wings, Killary Fjord mussel skewers, and whole chargrilled fish have the young and old lining up in tandem, and the premium cocktail and wine lists have them hanging around long after the food's gone. Read our review of Achara here . Allta Where: Grand Canal Dock Allta found its fourth and (they're hoping) permanent home in Grand Canal Dock, with their short-lived "bar and bottle shop" next door recently closing - a new seafood bar is coming soon in its place. Expect carefully sourced Irish produce in both, cooked for maximum flavour, in modern spaces designed to very high standards. Read our Allta Bar once over here . Amai by Viktor (New) Where: Harry Street, Dublin 2 Few brand new Dublin restaurants have ascended to fame as quickly as Amai by Viktor . After opening above The Corkscrew last July, a reader told us we had to go asap. We take those orders seriously, and couldn't believe what we stumbled upon. Other reviewers followed, as did Michelin, adding them to the guide in October - three months post opening! All eyes are on them for a potential star when the awards come to town in February. Read our our once over here .

New year, new us, right? Not likely. If you're looking for us we'll be hoofing coppa and crescentina, eating more Semlor than is recommended, and slicing into a Galette de Rois with abandon, but we will balance it out with veggie sambos so all isn't completely lost... 1) Coppa & Crescentina, Borgo It's no secret that we're big fans of all things Italia around here, and this Antica Coppa with Crescentina Fritti from Borgo is the best looking one we've seen outside Bologna. If you've never had the pleasure of light and airy deep-fried pastry pockets, draped in Italy's best cold cuts (with obligatory picked veg on the side), taking a bus to Phibsboro will be cheaper than taking a flight. 2) Semlor , Elliot's It's the most wonderful time of the year - Semlor season. The sweet Swedish buns are traditionally eaten on 'Fat Tuesday', as one last blow out before Lent, but more recently bakeries have started making them available just after Christmas. If you've never had the rich, creamy, almondy buns, get yourself to Elliot's in Dublin 7 - the clock is ticking. 3) Galette de Rois, Bread 41 There aren't many places in Dublin that you can get your hands on a Galette de Rois, but Bread 41 isn't your average bakery. The puff pastry pie filled with almond frangipane and one whole almond to crown your King or Queen always appears on the counter on the 6th of January (Epiphany Day), but those kind souls are making it available for the whole month of January in all locations, so plenty of time to get your slice. 4) California Bagel, Junior's It's been ages since we had a really, really good bagel, so this from Junior's turned our heads. They're filling a toasted Bretzel bagel with crispy bacon, avocado, tomato, rocket, a fried egg, relish and chipotle mayo, and you can get it seven days a week for breakfast (Monday - Friday) or brunch (Saturday - Sunday). 5) Onion bhaji sandwich, Urbanity On a 2026 quest to eat more veg? Start with your sambos. Urbanity have come to the table with this "bangin' bhaji" number with crispy onions bhaji; carrot, cabbage and coriander slaw; mango chutney; pickled chilli; coriander aioli; and rocket on Tartine sourdough, and we're embarrassingly excited at the thought of getting seven a day in one sitting.

If the fate of Dublin’s few no-booze bars in recent years is anything to go by, an all-or-nothing approach to alcohol just isn’t going to cut it. We admire (from afar) those who stick firmly to a truly Dry January, but there are just as many out there who find this time of year the most amenable to a stiff drink. So whether you’re booking for a crowd who want solid options either side of the low ABV mark or just (sober) curious to check out something more considered than 0% draughts, here are the best spots in the city to stay dry(ish) this January... The Collins Club, Mount Street Don’t let being dry keep you from getting swanky – if anything, the cheaper bill you’ll rack up on N/A cocktails is all the more reason to go full fancy. The Leinster Hotel’s red-decked Collins Club offers four options at €10 a pop, a full €6 cheaper than the alcoholic alternatives, even with top-quality N/A spirits included. The spicy blueberry sour and passionfruit sgroppino sound like our kind of way to raise a toast to smart choices. Gloria Osteria, Westmoreland Street The maximalist vibe of newcomer chain Gloria Osteria doesn’t extend beyond the décor into the drinks menu too - there’s tons of stuff here for those taking it easy. Their six virgin cocktails all clock in no higher than the €10 mark, with a wide range of big and bold flavours to ensure you don’t feel left out of the fun. Three low ABV cocktails made with quarter proof spirits are a welcome addition to things too. Board, Dublin 8 After the initial wave of interest that met their opening back in January 2024, Clanbrassil Street’s Board  struggled to keep up the custom – their smart pivot to regular drinks and an additional low alcohol focus broke them out of their teetotal niche and saw them survive where the likes of The Virgin Mary did not. Dry January partakers are particularly well-catered for with the five N/A spirit cocktails named by flavour, while we can vouch for the solid quality of their pizzas.

What’s the story with Street Frites?   After the short-lived (much loved) Vi's House  closed after a year of trading, 21 Duke Lane sat empty for much of 2025. Former fans were a flutter when the lights went back on before Christmas, hoping that Vi was making a comeback, but it was something new. Street Frites is "Belgian-style fries using the best Irish potatoes", from commercial grower Meade Farm in Navan, with chips cut and sauces made in house. They've got on-the-go cones complete with sauce hatch at the back, 'gourmet fries', 'gourmet bites', and "street shakes". Is there seating? Just four tables for two, so you're not coming here with a gang, but there is a toilet so you won't have to schlep to BTs afterwards to wash the smell of chips off your hands. What did you have?   Cones come in original (ambitiously priced at €6.95), truffle (€8.95 with all the truffle oil, so nope), or funky (€7.95 with chimichurri, garlic, chilli and shichimi - our pick). There are 11 sauces, but we kept it classic with Belgian mayo, which is slightly sweeter. Fries were hot and crisp with a spicy, herby flavour, and we always like to see Irish chips served skin on (fibre goals), but as they cooled they became quite dry, and plenty of water was needed to wash them down. Kids (and adult kids) will love the cone's novelty factor.   There are five 'gourmet fries' - a veggie (Jakarta curry), two chicken, a beef, and a prawn. 'Yo Mama fries' (€12.95) come with fried chicken in a peanut glaze, kimchi mayo, sesame seeds, crispy shallots, chives, and unbilled chilli and peanuts. Chicken was tender and crisp, but there's no provenance information - staff had no clue and enquiries to the company have uncovered little. The sweet and spicy flavours were pleasant, but again the fries were hard to get through, needing plenty of sauce.   Tempura prawn fries (€13.50) come with saffron aioli, wakame, nori salt, red chilli and lime, and were like fresh scampi, in a top tempura batter. We loved the saffron aioli and seaweed, and it felt like it had marginal health benefits to offset some of those fries.   The 'gourmet bites' are the same as the gourmet fries, without the fries, and the Korean chicken bites with a clever wasabi and miso mayo (€8.95) were again well cooked, but the Korean flavours were off, with more gochujang needed and a burnt sugar taste, like treacle.   'Street shakes' are made with ice cream from The Milk Parlour in Northern Ireland, and while we couldn't stomach most of the diabetes in a cup combos (does anyone over five want salted caramel, oreo crumble and chocolate popping candy in liquid form?), we tried the 'Fla'mango'. Turns out mango, candied jalapeño, agave and lime is very delicious, especially when you get a mouthful of tajin and lime zest.   Why should we go?   It's just off Grafton Street, it's fast, it's easy, and kids and fast food lovers will be happy. Be aware though if you're taking the fam, prices will add up fast - gourmet fries and a shake each for four and you'll be down €85.   Street Frites 21 Duke Lane Upper, Dublin 2 streetfrites.ie

We thought last year was peak Christmas sandwich hysteria, but each year it seems to shift into a new gear. This year's seen Japanese sandos, off piste meats like duck and beef cheek, and "pigs in blanket gildas" being served on top, which clearly we were straight off to try. Last year we said it was getting impossible to find a Christmas sandwich under €10, this year a lot are edging towards €15 (one was €17.50!!), so it's even more important that you know where is worth your time and money after all that build up. Here are our final verdicts on the 30 we tried... ( and here's a more extensive list of where to get one )

Okay maybe you're REALLY organised but you totally forgot someone, or there's been a last minute addition to the table on Christmas Day and you can't greet them empty handed. Well everyone has to eat, and lots of restaurants have gift vouchers available online for immediate download, so you don't even have to battle the shops - hurray! Whether you're dealing with someone who knows their restaurant onions, or a family member who likes to play it safe with the classics, here's a list of where we recommend... (And if you REALLY love them you can also buy them a digital gift voucher for ATF Insiders ...) For the food adventurers Comet - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Library Street - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Lena - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Uno Mas - read our (sort of) review here . Get a voucher here . Etto - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Amai by Viktor - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Mister S - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Host - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Kaldero - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Gloria - read more here . Get a voucher here . Top row: Comet; Library Street; Lena. Middle Row: Uno Mas; Etto; Amai by Viktor. Bottom row: Mister S; Host; Kaldero For the star chasers Variety Jones - read our review here . Get a voucher here . D'Olier Street - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Chapter One - read our review here . Get a voucher here via The Blue Book. (Chapter One only do postal vouchers) Bastible - read our review here . Get a voucher here . The Morrison Room, Carton House - read more here . Get a voucher here . Clockwise from top: Variety Jones; D'Olier Street; The Morrison Room; Bastible; Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen For the city centre avoiders Volpe Nera - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Borgo - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Crudo - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Lottie's - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Orwell Road - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Mamó - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Woodruff - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Clockwise from top left: Volpe Nera; Borgo; Crudo; Lottie's; Orwell Road; Mamó; Woodruff For the play it safers Coppinger - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Amuri - read our review here . Get a voucher here . The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne - read more here . Get a voucher here . Bar Italia - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Featherblade - read our review here . Get a voucher here . The Dunmore - read our review here . Get a voucher here . The Pig's Ear - read our review here . Get a voucher here . One Pico - read our review here . Get a voucher here . Top row: Coppinger; Amuri; The Saddle Room; Bar Italia. Bottom row: Featherblade; The Dunmore; The Pig's Ear; One Pico

We've got to end the year with a bang right? Well BOOM as Paul would say - here's the nine outrageous prizes we've got up for grabs for our premium subscribers in December. Everyone signed up to ATF Insiders goes automatically into the draw, you don't need to do anything else. As an ad and invite-free platform , ATF Insiders is how we're funded, ensuring that the recommendations we give you are 100% genuine, without PR influence, and untainted by invites and free food. Everyone who signs to support our content via ATF Insiders by midnight on Wednesday 17th December will be entered into this month's amazing draw, and winners will be picked on Thursday 18th December. Here's what early Christmas presents could be landing in your lap... 1) €250 voucher for dinner at Cantina Valentina Safe to say we were very happy to see The Hoxton Hotel 's new Peruvian restaurant Cantina Valentina come to town, and we were even happier once we'd eaten their fried calamari ceviche, chicharrónes and carapulcra (one of the best veggie dishes we've had in a while). Have we mentioned the perfect Pisco Sours? Or Peruvian wine? If you've never had the pleasure, we've got a whopper of a €250 gift card to give away to one very lucky Insider this month, and you need to order All The Ceviche. Ideally sitting at the raw bar with a view of your dinner being made. (N/A on bank holidays, NYE and Valentine's Day) 2) An overnight stay with dinner at The Hat Maker, Dungarvan The Hat Maker in Dungarvan is the stunning 16-bedroom boutique hotel you need to know about for your next Waterford stay. The old building (once used to make hats) has been given a new lease of life by its current owners, husband-and-wife team Rebecca Queally and David Burke , championing the handmade alongside contemporary comforts, all with an aesthetic you couldn't not love. One of our lucky readers is going to be heading down to the Copper Coast for a luxurious overnight stay at The Hat Maker , with breakfast, cocktails on arrival, a charcuterie board created with local producers, and a bottle of wine in their gorgeous café-bar, so you can just park up and soak up everything Dungarvan has to offer (if you can bear to leave the hotel). 3) A €200 voucher for Coppinger/Row Wines/Orwell Road/Charlotte Quay The Bereen Brothers group have just launched a new gift voucher covering all four of their venues, letting your recipient pick their favourite. They could choose waterside dining at Charlotte Quay , neighbourhood charm at Orwell Road , music and wine at Row Wines , or the all the energy at Coppinger . To celebrate we've got a €200 voucher to give away, so you can go large in one venue, or spread it across a few. Check out their One Voucher, Four Venues gift cards here . 4) An overnight stay in the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel with dinner at Ember What better way to get through the drudge of January than with a night away, so we're sending one of you off to Kilkenny for a stay in the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel with breakfast, and dinner in their neighbouring restaurant Ember , which specialises in food cooked over fire. Located right in the city centre,  in the original Hibernian Bank building, you won't get a better location for exploring The Marble City, and with live music in the Hibernian Bar every evening, it's the perfect place to escape back to after a day of sightseeing. Check out the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel here . 5) Dinner for two with wine at Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, at Anantara The Marker Luxury hotel Anantara The Marker , in Dublin's Grand Canal Dock, is one of the Leading Hotels of the World . If you want a taste of the good life without splurging on an overnight stay, book yourself in for dinner at their fine dining restaurant, Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins , featuring loads of Ireland's best produce, cooked in front of you from their open kitchen. We've got dinner for two to give away this month, with three courses and a bottle of wine chosen by the team, and if you're heading to the Bord Gáis Theatre for Moulin Rouge, this is the ideal place for a bite to eat before settling into your red velvet seats. 6) An overnight stay with breakfast at Barnahown boutique B&B in Cork Barnahown , the award-winning boutique B&B in Mitchelstown, Co Cork is the idyllic getaway you need in 2026, with views of the Galtee mountains and dairy pasturelands for miles around. It's also dog-friendly, with private patio access for pooches, and direct access to roam the one-acre site. Its three new guestrooms open in March, all leading onto the Barnahown   herb courtyard and sunset patio, ideal for sundowners after a day exploring, and did we mention the solar-powered hot tub? B reakfast showcases free-range eggs from Barnahown ’s hens, alongside a banquet of foods and produced within a 20 kilometre radius, and we're sending one of you down to Barnahown  for an overnight stay to enjoy all of it. 7) A three-course dining experience at Ely Wine Bar Is there a cosier place in Dublin to eat, drink and be merry than Ely's iconic basement wine bar ? Just a stone's throw from St Stephen's Green, you can pick from à la carte, sharing or private dining menus, or just prop up the bar with drinks and snacks, and we're sending one of you in for a festive giveaway (or save it till the New Year when you need cheering up). One lucky Insider will be treated to a three-course, à la carte dining experience for two, with a surprise on arrival. Check out Ely Wine Bar  here. 8) Dinner for two at Saba with signature cocktails Saba want to help you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with unforgettable dining experiences, festive decor, and their signature buzzing atmosphere. They've giving us a three-course meal for two to give away this month, paired with signature cocktails, at your choice of either South William Street or Baggot Street. It's the perfect way to end the season, but you've got six months to use it in case this time of year is too crazy. Check out their Christmas offerings here . 9) A food and wine hamper from The Station House The Station House Hotel in Kilmessan, County Meath, is known for the little touches included in your stay, like treats and tasty snacks from Thelma’s kitchen and garden, so it's only right that they've made these available as part of their Christmas gift range. Filled with jams, chutneys, biscuits, Christmas pudding logs, wine and more, The Station House 's hampers are available for pick up or nationwide delivery, and we've got their Station House Christmas Collection   gift box worth €120 to give away this month, including Bordeaux wine, Thelma’s jams & chutneys, Thelma’s Christmas Pudding Log, and three local Boyne Valley cheeses. Check out the gift shop here . Everyone signed up for ATF Insiders in December (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 December. Your support promotes independent reviews and news in Dublin and beyond, and allows you to get answers to any dining questions directly from us.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – if three long days in the kitchen is your idea of fun. It's ours, but we appreciate (begrudgingly) that not all those who love food necessarily love cooking it as much as us, and once you layer on the various veggie, vegan, coeliac, halal, et al diets that may feature among your family and friends, well a little help can go a long way. So for those who haven’t already prepped their colour-coded kitchen optimisation spreadsheets for the big day, here are the best ways to buy your way out of Christmas cooking stress... Fallon & Byrne's everything Whatever kind of cavalry you might feel the need to call in can be found at Fallon & Byrne , whose absurdly extensive range runs the gamut of soups, desserts, pre-prepped trimmings, and every main imaginable from your traditional turkey and ham, to porchetta, lamb, wagyu beef, duck, goose, guinea fowl and even the Champagne of chicken that is Poulet de Bresse – and it's far from that you were rared. You’ll rack up quite a bill with this build-your-own basket, but at least it’ll land in a very calm kitchen.   Lotts and Co's sides, snacks and cheese From Fallon to colcannon, the battle of the fancy groceries is on – if Lotts and Co  can’t quite compete with its rival’s impressive array of main events, its sides certainly have a convincing edge, with green beans almondine and a bacon and cabbage bake quick to catch our eye. As opposed to Fallon they’re keeping things classic where the main event is concerned, but their brimming cheese and charcuterie board boxes look like a great way to spare yourself the stress of starters or late-night nibbling (and their cheese selection is consistently one of the best in the city).   Morton’s platters, meats and festive drinks Dessert, snack, and starter platters are a major draw at Morton’s , as well as festive quiches – if you wanted to knock a course or two off your list in a jiffy, you could do a lot worse. The full feast is of course on hand if needed, with a solid selection of sides to accompany the (optionally, if expensively, pre-sliced) turkey and ham. Some very tempting flasks of cider, eggnog and mulled wine might just find their way into your basket too. Donnybrook Fair's full feast If even all that picking and choosing business sounds like too much to handle, make for Donnybrook Fair , where the only decision to be made is whether it’s mushroom or vegetable soup to start. For €395 you’ll have an all-in five-course feast for 8-10 people with reheating all that’s required. There’s add-on options of a Christmas wine box or spirits of Christmas gift set too – don’t mind if we do.   Sally Ann Luykx's Christmas boxes and canapés Christmas comes but once a year, so why not really lose the run of yourself and turn to caterer Sally Ann Luykx . Her Christmas All Wrapped Up boxes start at €480 for six people with all kinds of mouth-watering add-ons that could easily see you to three figures a head if you’re careless – or just a Christmas glutton. Standalone canape platters are a less spenny way to get a helping hand. Cornucopia's veggie mains Juggling everything in the kitchen is challenge enough without having to stress about nailing a second set of mains for veggie guests too – when you don’t want to take your eye off the turkey, there’s no better bet than Cornucopia’s mains . From the more traditionally-inclined Seitan ballotine with chestnut stuffing, to the left-field choice of tofu fillet on peanut polenta, these four options (all €14.50pp) should keep your plant-based pals from feeling short-changed. But hurry, two of the four have already sold out.   Old Street's desserts Malahide’s Old Street   have taken a step back from the full Christmas dinner feast package for the first time since the pandemic this year, but they’ve decided to continue slinging desserts. You can book a signature Christmas pudding (€26) or chocolate and orange yule log (€36) for collection and ensure your work is done once mains are on the table. A bottle of their boozy mulled wine   (€29) is an optional add-on - go on, really put your feet up.   Velvet Café's Rudolph cake Who has the time for piping chocolate icing in the midst of all the madness? Velvet Café have cooked up the cutest Rudolph cherry chocolate fudge cake so you can make a festive impression, without making a festive mess. Now there’s a shortcut to a centrepiece to remember. They’re taking orders over WhatsApp.   Bread Naturally's biscuits and panettone If a Christmas Eve collection from Bread Naturally in Raheny sounds like a smart way to get ahead of things, you’re not the only one to think that – five of their festive dessert options have already sold out. The Florentine biscuit box set (€17.50) and mini panettone trio (€16) are still available, and we’d be pouncing on them quick if we were you. Cakes by Emma's Krispmas Tree We'd be pointing this out for the pun alone even if it didn't look half as pretty at this. Balbriggan-based home baker Emma O'Hanrahan has these genius bakes available for collection all the way up to Christmas Eve. An extra-indulgent festive twist on a Rice Krispie cake, it's layered with Mars caramel, topped with Maltesers and milk chocolate, and polished off with pops of Christmassy colour. Farmhouse Cafe's chocolate biscuit puddings Now here's a festive dessert that's really dressed to impress. Farmhouse Cafe ' s chocolate biscuit puddings really look the part with their crisp shell drenched and dribbling in white chocolate ganache, topped off with glacé cherries and green glints of mint. Inside, there's layers of Belgian dark and milk chocolate with chunks of Digestives and Mars bars. No you're drooling. Pera's custom Christmas cakes A Turkish mangal might not be a natural first port of call for Christmas cakes, but if Pera 's confections taste half as good as they look (and as all the savoury stuff we scoffed on our visit ) you'll be well on your way to delicious dessert. They're happy to customise any of these to suit your needs, the better to make it look like you did it yourself. We won't tell, promise.

Silly season has landed, and while we prefer to hibernate over all the partying at this time of year, us gals and guys still have to eat. So IF we were out on the town this week, THIS is what we'd be racing for... 1) All the winter treats, OMMA OMMA matcha bar in BT's have just launched a new winter treats menu with chef Maeve Scully and wait till you get a load of this. Toasted miso banana bread with mascarpone cinnamon cream and miso caramel; Matcha white chocolate almond brownies; Mandarin daifuku with rice coating; and Dorayaki pancakes filled with red bean paste. There's also hojicha and matcha basque cheesecakes from Coconut and Moo Moo , and there's no way you'll be able to pick just one so go hungry and not on your own. 2) Salt & chilli chicken skin , Chubby's There is not enough standalone chicken skin on Dublin menus, and Chubby's are attempting to right that wrong with this salt and chilli chicken skin that they trialled last week. Served in a little takeaway bag "for cuteness" they say it's banging and hits the menu proper this week. You do still have the Herculean task of getting a table though... 3) Hot honey chicken burger, Soup DL Soup in Dun Laoghaire might be better known for ramen than chicken burgers, but this temporary special went down so well it's just gone permanent, and that's enough to pique our interest. The crispy chicken burger is basted in hot honey sauce, with Gouda, fermented red cabbage, baby cos lettuce and gochujang mayo, and is served with togarashi spiced fries. They had us at hot honey... 4) Croquetas de carne mechada, Table 45 This time of year can get very samey when it comes to food (we've well and truly had our fill of Christmas sandwiches at this stage), so if you're feeling jaded with all the turkey and ham around, head to Table 45 for one of their "non-traditional Christmas specials". Their croquetas de carne mechada are filled with slow-braised Irish beef and served over frijoles refritos (refried pinto beans) with cheese foam and shredded carrots for all the texture, and none of the cranberry sauce. 5) Lambay crab claws with smoked tomato, chilli and garlic, Mister S Mister S are never.not.bringing.it . and their latest thirst trap is these Lambay crab claws with smoked tomato, confit chilli and garlic butter. The butter is actually infused with house-smoked tomato water, roasted red pepper, garlic and chilli, lifted with lemon juice, sherry vinegar and espelette pepper. Have you ever heard a more beautiful description?