Where to eat in September

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. Tang'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.