Summer holidays are just beyond our reach at present and whether you plan to staycation or brave the airlines (depending on government restrictions), holiday food is one thing we can certainly experience while at home. While we may not be lucky enough to enjoy a mezze platter under the sun in some far-flung idyll, there are plenty of top-notch restaurants serving delicious holiday inspired food right here at home.

Should you be dreaming of summers in La Belle France, La Maison on Dublin’s Castle Market is open for dinner collection and the food here is quite simply exquisite. There is a selection of freshly baked French breads available to order, along with French rustic favourites such as salade nicoise, Coquille St Jacques and traditional coq au vin. The meal for two is outstanding value and includes a starter, cote du boeuf for two, Tarte Tatin for two and a bottle of Bordeaux for €85. La Maison are open for collection from Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 7pm and you can order online: www.lamaisondublin.com.

Staying in France, Bresson in Monkstown have reopened much to the elation of its many loyal clientele with a special menu for collection. Confit duck, Roquefort and striploin a lá bourguignon, Bresson has everything you need to spend an evening in a French bistro without leaving home. Try dimming the lights and playing Edith Piaf on loop and you will hardly notice the difference. www.bresson.ie

For those who are more Grecian in their holiday choices, Mykonos Taverna’s authentic Greek food is available for collection from their Dame Street restaurant. Their selection of gyros, souvlaki, Greek salads and dips will transport you back to the Greek Isles and there is even Mythos Greek beer on the menu to capture the true experience: www.mykonosdublin.com.

In Drumcondra, vibrant Middle Eastern restaurant Shouk is open for collection and delivery and the whole roasted cauliflower is worth the trip alone but also make sure to try the arayes. The takeaway cocktails make the whole experience complete with the green martinis being exceedingly popular. We suggest you order extra as there is rarely leftovers, which believe me, you will want: www.facebook.com/shoukdublin.

For those among us yearning for a taste of authentic Spanish tapas, tapas bar Salamanca have rolled out their Tapas Box which should fit the bill nicely. The box contains a selection of Spanish meats and cheeses including manchego, Gran Reserva Jamon Duroc, salted almonds, Spanish olives and chocolate covered figs to name but a few. The Tapas Box costs €30 (or €45 with wine) and delivery is free www.salamanca.ie.

If all that unwrapping feels like too much effort while you are on holiday, Las Tapas in Greystones are also open for collection with a selection of tapas. Paella des mariscos, pescado blanco frito and patatas bravas are all on the menu and yes, there are churros for dessert. The Fiesta platter for two costs €45 and includes a nice selection to share. Collection is Tuesday – Sunday, 4 – 9pm. Simply add some chilled dry sherry and you will be speaking broken Spanish in no time: www.lastapas.ie.

Finally, if your heart is yearning for Italy (or indeed Sicily) then Dolce Sicily on South Anne Street in Dublin 2 is the choice for you. Ice cream, panino, risottos, spritz and pasta galore, Dolce Sicily has been building up quite the reputation since opening. There is even cannoli with pistachio granola: www.dolcesicily.ie.