Top 10 places to visit this autumn in Dublin

Located on College Green in the heart of Dublin, The Bank is a favourite among locals and tourists alike – and with good reason! Serving seasonal, locally sourced, farm-to-table food is the order of the day at the Bank Bar & Restaurant, and as impressive as the food is the setting within which you can enjoy it. The interiors are inviting and beautifully ornate, with mahogany dining tables, hand-carved plasterwork, and a stunning stained-glass ceiling. The menu changes seasonally but strives always to find that perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary Irish cuisine. This autumn try the Creamy Seafood Chowder to start, before the star of the show that is the Fresh Battered Dingle Hake with Hand Cut Fries and Mushy Peas. You won’t be disappointed!

For some of the finest autumnal cookery, head to the Castleknock Hotel – an establishment that works hard to celebrate all that Ireland has to offer. Sourcing ingredients from its doorstep in North Dublin, from the arable fields of Wicklow and Wexford, the Castleknock team are renowned for transforming traditional ingredients into something cutting edge, using contemporary cooking methods. Their main aim? To let the true flavours of the seasons shine through and offer a “truly Irish artisan food experience”. What screams autumn more than their lip-smacking, prune-stuffed pork loin, served with braised red cabbage, potato soufflé and celeriac purée? Or indeed, the umami-packed pancetta and minestrone soup? Surrounded by views of gardens, (golden trees, falling leaves and all) and sinking into one of the restaurant’s plush velvet booths, you’ll instantly feel at home. Coupled with the welcoming and friendly service – and maybe a spoonful or two of the Castleknock’s warm chocolate and orange pudding – it’s hard to imagine a better place to relax into the cooler months.

For many, autumn is the time to ditch those ice-cold glasses of pale rose that go hand-in-hand with summer, and replace them with the more seasonal glass of red. But whatever wine your autumn evening calls for, the extensive wine list at Piglet has you covered. This little gem in Temple Bar offers lots of choice when it comes to food too, serving up both light tapas bites and bigger, more hearty dishes. The menu is always seasonal with special boards that change daily based on what fresh ingredients are on the market. In autumn, this includes crispy garlic spuds, and in our opinion, there isn’t a dish or a drink that they don’t complement!

Just as the name suggests, Marrakesh by Mindo brings the warm flavours of Morrocco to Dublin’s Capel Street. Much of the food at Marrakesh is cooked with seasonal Mediterranean vegetables making it not only a friendly option for vegetarians, but also the perfect spot for a good, hearty feed this autumn. Spices are in high supply, as is the Moroccan way, and you’re likely to find hints of harrissa and paprika in whatever dish you try. For the most traditional Moroccan experience we recommend the tagine, which is a Maghrebi dish named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked. Choose from slow-cooked lamb or saffron beef, kofta meat balls or slow-roasted chicken, each as mouthwatering as the next. Couscous and pita bread are the best sides for soakage, while a traditional, orange-perfumed Milk Pastille is the perfect closer.

Nestled within the city’s heart, Forest Avenue beckons with its sophisticated charm and seasonal culinary masterpieces. This chic gem boasts a reputation for utilising locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Autumn’s essence is captured in every dish, from a comforting bowl of sweetcorn velouté paired with artisanal sourdough bread, to the rich and indulgent dry aged suckling pig that dances with flavours. With an exciting wine menu that focuses on smaller producers, Forest Avenue promises an idyllic haven to savour the autumnal wonders.

Town Yard in Malahide offers a coastal dining experience away from the busy city centre, and a respite from the changing weather as summer fades from view. With its scenic seaside views and art deco inspired interiors, Town Yard strikes a perfect balance between cool and sophisticated. The ever-evolving menu at Town Yard is packed with autumn delights such as the vegetable-packed Monkfish & Prawn Curry served with spiced basmati rice, and the Crisy Roasted Loin of Lamb with pumpkin puree. There’s Peach Almond Tart with sweetened cream for dessert, or the Chef’s Cheese Selection with apple chutney for foodies of a more savoury palette. Town Yard is all the wholesomeness of comfort food with all the glamour of fine dining, and a must-visit this autumn in Dublin.

Ayurveda is an alternative medicine philosophy rooted in India and based on a deep understanding of the human mind, body and spirit. A relatively new concept to Ireland but not to the people behind RUCHII who, through the concept of six-primary tastes, bring their Ayurvedic-inspired menu to Dublin. The menu changes with the seasons, and come autumn you can expect all your Indian favourites like warm curry bowls and tender lamb flatbread, chilli paneer and potato-filled samosas, all expertly marinated and cooked to perfection. There’s a carefully-curated wine and beer menu to complement the food, including Indian wines like the spicy and fruity Akluj Merlot. Autumnal flavours and spices are at the heart of the RUCHII menu, so get booking for a culinary experience like no other.

Whether you’re after an early lunch, a late-night dinner or a Sunday roast, the Chop House is the pace to be in autumn. At this Dublin 4 gastropub the focus is on high-quality dishes using the best of Irish produce, and as a result, comfort food takes centre stage. Think Braised Irish Lamb Shank, Corn-Fed Chicken, Sticky Toffee Pudding; all those warm, hearty dishes that are perfect for savouring the season. There’s a vegetarian and vegan menu too, with seasonal favourites such as Roast Plum Tomato Soup and Pea & Leek Risotto. The portions are generous and the seasonal vibes are immaculate. What more do you want when it comes to dining out in Dublin in autumn?

The Botanic Restaurant in Glasnevin has a whole menu dedicated to Home Comforts, which is just what we crave as the seasons change and the air outside grows crisp. On this menu you’ll find the joint of the day served with creamy mash and honey-glazed root vegetables, as well as Spicy Beef Pasta with a generous helping of parmesan shavings on top. There’s a Gluten Free Menu and a Farm to Fork Vegan Menu, both of which offer tasty comfort dishes that capture the essence of autumn. What we’re really here for though – lets be honest! – is the Loaded Cheescake Menu! There’s Biscoff, Kinder Bueno, Crunchie and Ferrero Roche. So don’t forget to leave some room for dessert!