Choosing where to eat is hard. So many options, so many conflicting opinions, so little money - thanks inflation. So each month we're going to narrow down the options for you. These are places that are particularly good right now - whether it's because the food has never been better, or it's the perfect vibe for the time of year. Here's where we think should be on your October eating list...
For when you want a cosy Autumn space and the best wine:
Green Man Wines, Terenure
The wine bar at Green Man Wines is back open, ready to shield you from the cold and rain of Autumn/Winter 2023, with small plates like Goatsbridge trout rillette, chicken liver mousse, and Scotch eggs, from chef Dan Smith (previously at Airfield Estate). But the best bit? You can drink anything from the shelf for €10 corkage, meaning you can drink Rafael Palacio's gorgeous Louro (made from Godello grapes) for €31 + €10 corkage, as opposed to the €60+ it'll cost you in restaurants around town. If you're in more of a pick and mix mood there's always loads to love by the glass, and their knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to talk you through them all.
For when you refuse to give up on summer eating:
Shaka Poke, Baggot Street
Sometimes a grey day needs a splash of colour, and that's when you need a bit of Shaka Poké in your life, for Ahi tuna, spicy salmon, and Tahiti tofu bowls. You'll get your five a day in one sitting, and enjoy a brief departure to Cali climes, before braving our umbrella-breaking weather once again.
For when you're very ready to dive into winter eating:
Nomo Ramen, Dublin 2
Other than sitting beside a fire drinking an Irish coffee, one of our favourite ways to warm up is with a steaming hot bowl of ramen, and Nomo is where you'll find some of the city's best. As well as their OG, Shoyo and San Diego ramen, they're now serving Mazemen (soupless ramen), and kaarage curry rice, for added spice. Pull up a stool in the window and look pityingly at all the ramen-less people braving those Autumn winds outside.
For a bread and pastry adventure:
The Rock Bakery, Skerries
We do love an excursion in the name of food, and while you might be more drawn to Skerries in warmer months, The Rock Bakery's new location has given us a reason to make the drive year round. Their menu changes each month, and October's features blackcurrant granola bear claws, custard and apple buns, and a "Samhain slice" with squash purée, Taleggio, honey and pumpkin seeds.
For cold weather seafood:
The Seafood Café, Temple Bar
Proving that seafood's not just for summer, The Seafood Café in Temple Bar are flying the flag for cold weather fish dishes, with crab BLTs, seafood chowder and torched oysters with harissa butter and crispy shallots. Just because it's cold out there is no excuse to skip on your Omega 3s.
For when it's more about the drinks than the food
Bar 1661, North City Centre
When we think of all the places we'd like to be huddled up on a chilly Autumn day, Bar 1661 is right at the top of the list. Start with a (cold) Belfast coffee and work your way through their award-winning, "staunchly independent" cocktail list. The simple bar food list of oysters, pâté, cheeses and meats is just enough to keep you sated while you concentrate on the real stars of the show.
For an advance reservation to look forward to:
Uno Mas, Aungier Street
In case there was any question about it, we're here to tell you that Uno Mas on Aungier Street is as good as it's ever been, and the tortilla, prawn rice, and flan de queso are just the antidote for a dreary October day, when summer is but a distant memory and Christmas feels like ages away. The clever ones book in here for a late Friday lunch and spend a very happy (usually tipsy) afternoon eating all the food and drinking all the sherry/Chardonnay/sparkling wine.
For a drive out of Dublin:
Grangecon Kitchen, Wicklow
If you're heading Wicklow way this month (or Kildare as it's on the border), plan a diversion beautiful bakery and café Grangecon Kitchen, for roasted plum porridge, Turkish eggs, and free-range roast chicken sandwiches, in their lovely garden tent. Premium coffee and pastries join the line up, and they also do dinner on Friday nights, as well as takeaway pizza. It's the perfect country café and will make the drive well worth it.
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