Bestseller, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Tucked away on Dawson Street, Bestseller is something of a hidden gem that would make the perfect place for an unplanned Christmas catch up. Bestseller serve breakfast, lunch, nibbles, antipasti and wine and operate a walk-in only policy so worry not about booking ahead. Incidentally, Bestseller is also home to Rex Ryan’s Glass Mask Theatre which is on hiatus until January. Bestseller is open seven days a week during December. www.instagram.com/bestsellerdawson/

La Maison, Castle Market, Dublin 2

Classical French cuisine with a savoir faire attitude and festive cheer to boot, what could be better on a nippy December day? La Maison is one of Dublin’s most beloved French restaurants and with good reason. With a toasty outdoor terrace and a cosy, festive interior, La Maison is an excellent choice for an impromptu get-together in the run up to Christmas. They also have some of the best olives I have ever tasted. Booking in advance is possible for the organised among us, but for the rest of us mere mortals, they keep tables aside for walk-ins. www.lamaisondublin.com

Frank’s, Camden Street, Dublin 2

On Dublin’s Camden Street, Frank’s Wine Bar is the perfect pit stop for those eager to escape the crowds and catch up with friends over a glass or two of natural wine. Frank’s has an extensive selection of wines both by bottle and by glass and we can think of nothing lovelier that a spontaneous libation with a friend that you haven’t seen since forever…What’s more, Frank’s has a walk in only policy. www.franksdublin.com

51 Cornmarket, Cork

For those in the Cork region, brunch in 51 Cornmarket is a treat that should be indulged in at least once over the Christmas period and walk-in custom is actively encouraged (although you can also book in advance). The bacon Frenchie is probably the most popular dish on the menu and has gained something of a cult status in recent times but we are also enamoured by the steak and eggs; a grilled rump steak with mushroom duxelle, poached eggs and béarnaise, topped off with a golden onion ring. Tis the season… www.instagram.com/51cornmarket/

777, South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2 and Amy Austin, Drury Street, Dublin 2

Culinary siblings Amy Austin and 777 both take bookings but also go to great lengths to point out that a number of tables are kept aside for walk-in customers. Amy Austin is the perfect location for spontaneous small plates and wine on tap with the menu featuring dishes such as pacific oysters with pickled seaweed, mushroom gratin with truffles and cep cream or prawns Koliwada with spicy tamarind and sesame seeds. If tacos and margaritas are calling, head to 777 for tostadas with slow stewed chicken, tomato guajillo marinade, avocado and crema or slow cooked pork with queso, cilantro, onion, habanero and crema. More substantial dishes include the sharing cote du boeuf with black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, chimichurri, elotes and papas fritas. The margaritas go down a treat but there is also a good selection of other drinks if they don’t appeal. With indoor and outdoor seating in both venues, you will be spoiled for choice. www.777.ie / www.amyaustin.ie