The Foodie's Guide to Michelin Star Ireland (2025/2026 Edition)

Forget the stereotype. The days of boiled potatoes and overcooked cabbage are long gone.

In the last decade, Ireland has undergone a culinary revolution. It has quietly become one of the most exciting food destinations in Europe, rivaling Copenhagen and San Sebastian for ingredient-led fine dining.

Why? Because we have the raw materials. Our grass is greener (meaning better dairy and beef). Our ocean is colder (meaning better shellfish). And a new generation of chefs—many who trained in Paris or London—have returned home to turn these ingredients into art.

As of 2025, Ireland boasts over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, including a record number of 2-Star establishments.

If you are planning a luxury trip, you aren't just booking hotels; you are booking tables. Here is your guide to the best tasting menus in Ireland, and how to get a seat at them.

(Planning a gastronomic tour? Start with our master Luxury Ireland Travel Guide, and ensure you have a Private Chauffeur so you can enjoy the wine pairings).

The "Two-Star" Titans (Worth a Special Journey)

In Michelin terms, 2 Stars means "Excellent cooking, worth a detour." In reality, these are destination restaurants that compete on the global stage.

1. Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen (Dublin)

The Vibe: High-end glamour in the basement of the Dublin Writers Museum.
The Food: Finnish chef Mickael Viljanen is widely considered the most talented chef in Ireland. His food is precise, technical, and beautiful.

• The Dish to Try: The Coffee Irish Coffee (a dessert that plays on the classic drink).
• Booking Tip: Tables are released 60 days in advance and vanish in minutes. Set an alarm.
• Stay Nearby: It’s walking distance from The Shelbourne (See our Luxury Dublin City Guide).

2. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (Dublin)

The Vibe: The "Grand Dame" of Irish dining. Located in The Merrion Hotel, it has held 2 stars for decades.
The Food: Classic French Haute Cuisine with Irish ingredients. It is white-glove service, silver cloches, and an incredible wine list.

• Best For: A formal celebratory dinner where you want to be treated like royalty.

3. Dede (Baltimore, West Cork)

The Vibe: A complete contrast to Dublin. This is a relaxed, beach-town restaurant in far West Cork.
The Food: Turkish-born chef Ahmet Dede mixes the spices of his homeland with the seafood of Cork. Think Lobster Kebab with Irish dairy.

• Logistics: Baltimore is remote. You will need to drive (or be driven) 1.5 hours from Cork City. It pairs perfectly with a stay at a nearby coastal resort.

4. Terre (Castlemartyr, Cork)

The Vibe: Set in the 5-star Castlemartyr Resort, this is an immersive experience. You start with tea in the lounge, move to the kitchen to meet the chefs, and then to your table.
The Food: Asian-influenced French cooking. Intense flavors and stunning presentation.

• Top Tip: Since it’s in a hotel, book the "Dine & Stay" package so you can stumble back to your room after the wine pairing.

5. Liath (Blackrock, Dublin)

The Vibe: Tiny, intimate, and bohemian. Located in a market in Blackrock village.
The Food: Chef Damien Grey creates a surprise tasting menu that challenges your palate. It is fun, loud, and incredible.

The New Stars of 2025 (The Rising Heroes)

The 2025 Michelin ceremony saw some exciting new additions to the list. These are the hottest tickets right now.

6. Ballyfin Demesne (Laois)

Status: New 1-Star (2025) We have always recommended Ballyfin as the best hotel in Ireland (see our Best Castle Hotels Ranking), but now its kitchen has the star to match its rooms.

• The Food: Hyper-local. Much of the produce comes from the estate's own 8-acre walled garden.
• Why Go: It is the ultimate "all-in-one" luxury experience. You sleep, eat, and relax in the same Regency mansion.

7. Lignum (Galway)

Status: New 1-Star (2025) Located in rural Galway, Lignum focuses on wood-fired cooking.

• The Vibe: A converted barn with a massive open kitchen.
• The Food: Raw, smoky, and primal. They cook over local timber (ash, birch, oak) which flavors the food.
• Logistics: It is about 30 minutes from Galway City. You need a driver for this one—it’s on a dark country road.

8. The Morrison Room (Kildare)

Status: New 1-Star (2025) Located in Carton House (a Fairmont Hotel).

• The Room: Arguably the most beautiful dining room in the country—high ceilings, gold leaf, and grandeur.
• Best For: A fancy final dinner before flying out (it’s only 30 mins from Dublin Airport).

The Regional Heroes (West & South)

If you are following our Ultimate 10-Day Honeymoon Itinerary, you will likely be in the West. Don't miss these stars.

9. The Oak Room at Adare Manor (Limerick)

The Vibe: Candlelit, oak-paneled opulence overlooking the River Maigue.
The Food: Like the hotel, it is polished and expensive. It is one of the few places in Ireland that feels truly "International Luxury."

• Read More: See how it compares to Ashford Castle in our Ashford vs. Adare Showdown.

10. Aniar (Galway City)

The Vibe: Terroir-based cooking. Chef JP McMahon is the godfather of the Irish food scene.
The Food: "West of Ireland" on a plate. Expect seaweed, oysters, and wild herbs. It’s an intellectual approach to food.

11. Bastion (Kinsale)

The Vibe: Kinsale is the "Gourmet Capital" of Ireland, and Bastion is its king.
The Food: A relaxed wine-bar feel with serious cooking. Chef Paul McDonald holds a star and a Bib Gourmand (for the casual side).

The "Green Star" Movement (Sustainability)

Michelin now awards "Green Stars" for sustainability. Ireland is leading the charge here.

• Kai (Galway): The most beloved restaurant in the West. Rustic, organic, and wild. It’s like a warm hug.
• Daróg (Galway): A new wine bar that just won a Bib Gourmand. Incredible natural wines and small plates.

The Logistics: How to Actually Eat Here

Booking these restaurants is a competitive sport.

1. The Booking Window

• Chapter One & Liath: Release tables 2 months in advance at a specific time (usually 9:00 AM or 12:00 PM). They sell out in 5 minutes.
• Hotel Restaurants (Adare/Ballyfin): Guests of the hotel get priority. This is a hack. If you book a room, the concierge will secure your table.

2. The Dietary Requirements

• Michelin restaurants in Ireland are generally excellent with allergies (Gluten-Free, etc.) if you tell them 48 hours in advance.
• Vegetarians: Most (like Chapter One and Aniar) offer a dedicated Vegetarian Tasting Menu that is just as good as the meat version.

3. The Transport Problem (Crucial)

This is where many tourists get caught out.

• The Issue: These tasting menus are almost always paired with wines (7-8 glasses). Ireland’s legal drive limit is effectively zero.
• The Trap: You cannot drive back to your hotel after dinner. Taxis in rural areas (like near Lignum or Dede) are non-existent late at night.
• The Solution: You must pre-book a transfer.
  • Ideally, hire a Private Driver for the evening who waits for you.
  • Or, ensure your hotel has a shuttle service.
• Read More: Don't risk it. Read our guide on Is a Private Chauffeur Worth It?.

Create Your Own "Foodie Tour"

You don't have to navigate this alone. We have local experts who specialize in gastronomy.

• Food Tours: In Cork or Galway, hire a local guide to take you to the producers (cheese makers, smokehouses) during the day.
• Whiskey Guides: Pair your Michelin dinner with a private whiskey tasting tour.

Find Food Tours & Private Drivers for Dining →