One of the best things about autumn is the food.

Once the weather starts to cool down a bit (we’re not quite there yet but it won’t be long) Cork’s best chefs, cooks and bakers begin to change things up on the menu.

That means it’s sayonara to those light and healthy salads and hello to hot drinks and hefty helpings of deliciousness.

Here are six things to eat first: 

1. GRAB A CLOUD LATTE ON DOUGLAS STREET

Heading out for a caffeine fix? Hit Douglas Street’s Cafe Moly for a cheery take on your usual drink.

“As summer turns to autumn and we start seeing more clouds in the sky, we thought we’d add a few silver linings: our new autumn specials, the Cloudy Latte and Cloudy Hot Chocolate!” the cafe announced on social media.

Topped with candy floss made in-house, they’re perfect for dipping, mixing in, or just pulling apart and devouring. €4.50, available 10am- 3pm.

2. PICK UP A POACHED PEAR DANISH IN BALLINSPITTLE

Diva Boutique Bakery is back open in Ballinspittle after a brief break. They celebrated their return with a poached pear cream cheese danish on Sunday.

“It’s coming into my favourite time of year to bake,” says owner Shannen Butler Keane. “Get ready for lots of pear, plum, apple and squash in our bakes for the next few months- lots of warming spices too!”

If you’re grabbing lunch to eat on the beach later this week, the Broccoli & Italian Gorgonzola soup is made with 100% local chemical-free Irish veg, all grown within a 10k radius.

Open 9am – 3pm, Thursday to Sunday.

3. ORDER TOASTIES FROM COASTIES THIS WEEKEND

Heading for Glengarriff this Saturday or Sunday? There are few delicacies as divine as a freshly toasted cheese sandwich devoured al fresco after a stroll by the sea or a dip in the Blue Pool.

Head for Coasties in the Quills car park, open every weekend, for The Don: House cheese mix, caramelised red onion relish and Cajun mayo (€6), The Cristo, with added pulled ham (€7) or The Amador: Nduja sausage, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, pesto, mayo and cheese and don’t forget to order a side of blue cheese dip.

They make a mean soup too so check out the specials on the board.

4. MATCHA EVERYTHING AT SENSEI

It’s packed with antioxidants and helps strengthen the immune system, so there’s never been a better excuse to head over to Filipino café Sensei to try out their matcha menu. The bright green, finely ground powder is made from specially grown, carefully harvested green tea leaves.

As well as the popular Matcha Latte, they also make the only authentic multi-layer Matcha Crepe Cake in Ireland.

Sensei opens at No. 1 Dyke Parade at 8am. 

5. PISTACHIO CREAM CRUFFINS IN MIDLETON

A new month means new specials at The Grumpy Bakers in Midleton. Their cruffins and danishes are guaranteed to turn your frown upside down: there’s a star anise, plum and cinnamon crumble danish, a pistachio, fig & orange cream cruffin, a chocolate & pecan cream bun and a cardamom & vanilla morning bun.

The Grumpy Baker is open from 8am-3pm on weekdays and 9am-3pm on weekends. 

6. OVERNIGHT OATS AT ALCHEMY

Turning over a new leaf this week? If you’re looking for an alternative to your usual donut, pick up a pot of overnight oats with your coffee at Alchemy.

High in fibre and low in sugar, oats keep hunger at bay for far longer than a bowl of cereal or a slice of toast. Plus, Alchemy’s fruity toppings make them taste less like a health food and more like a treat.

Their chia seed pudding is a tasty option too – available at both the Barrack Street cafe and their Marina Market stall.