AWARD winning restaurants in Ireland’s county DUBLIN

0
  • Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in the Merrion Hotel (one star 1990-95, two Michelin stars since 1996): Ireland’s most iconic and enduring two-Michelin-starred restaurant (retained consistently since 1996, following one star from 1990-1995), located within the luxurious Merrion Hotel on Upper Merrion Street. Founded in 1981 by Patrick Guilbaud, it is celebrated for its exceptional modern French-influenced cuisine, superb service, and thriving legacy under the eponymous chef and his dedicated team, offering timeless elegance and top-drawer cooking in a sophisticated, art-adorned setting that remains a benchmark for fine dining in Ireland.
  • Mickael Viljanen’s Chapter One (two stars since 2022, one star since 2007 Ross Lewis): A stylish, elegant basement restaurant on Parnell Square North in Dublin, holding two Michelin stars since 2022 under chef-patron Mickael Viljanen (who previously earned stars at his own ventures). It builds on its long history of one star from 2007 under former chef Ross Lewis, blending Viljanen’s unique, energetic culinary identity with the venue’s tradition of peerless hospitality. It features top-drawer modern cuisine complemented by superb service, eye-catching art, and a focus on creating unique, high-quality dining experiences.
  • James Moore’s D’Olier Street (since 2024): A contemporary fine-dining restaurant in a restored landmark building in central Dublin (D’Olier Chambers), awarded its first Michelin star in 2024 (retained into 2026). Led by executive chef and co-owner James Moore (with prior experience at top international venues like Atera in New York), it features visually striking, technically accomplished dishes that celebrate sustainability, seasonality, and local Irish ingredients with innovative twists, served in a high-ceilinged, elegant space with welcoming, unpretentious service.
  • Damien Grey’s Liath in Blackrock (two stars since 2022, one star as Heron & Grey 2017-8): An intimate, two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Blackrock, Dublin, housed in three converted market stalls for a personal, cosy feel. Led by chef-patron Damien Grey, it has held two stars since 2022 (building on its one-star era as Heron & Grey from 2017-2018). It offers a seasonal surprise tasting menu with warm hospitality from a small team, focusing on precise, creative cooking that highlights exceptional ingredients and memorable dishes (such as standout creations like ‘Lobster, Bay, Caviar’), delivering genuinely welcoming yet refined experiences.
  • Barry Fitzgerald’s Bastible (since 2022): A modern Michelin-starred restaurant in the vibrant Portobello suburb of Dublin 8, awarded its first star in 2022 (retained into 2026). Founded by chef-patron Barry Fitzgerald (who honed his skills in top Dublin and global kitchens) and ClareMarie Thomas, it is named after the traditional Irish cast-iron pot. It specialises in understated, seasonal contemporary Irish cuisine that balances contrasting flavours with deft technique, showcasing local ingredients in an inviting, relaxed space focused on quality and subtlety.
  • Andy McFadden’s Glovers Alley (since 2022): A chic, elegant Michelin-starred restaurant (awarded its first star in 2022, retained into 2026) on the second floor of The Fitzwilliam Hotel overlooking St Stephen’s Green. Led by chef Andy McFadden, it honours the city’s historic glove-makers with subtle 1930s-inspired touches in soft pink and green hues. It offers bold, skilfully prepared modern dishes with creative twists on classics (such as flavourful textures and artful presentations), emphasising seasonal produce, precision, and luxurious yet approachable fine dining.
  • Keelan Higgs’ Variety Jones in Thomas St (since 2024): An inviting corner brasserie-style Michelin-starred restaurant on Thomas Street in Dublin, awarded its first star in 2024 (retained into 2026). Run by charming chef-owner Keelan Higgs (with his brother Aaron), it features calm open-kitchen cooking that emphasises seasonal ingredients, often prepared over an open fire, alongside interesting wines. It delivers high-quality, modern cuisine in a relaxed, family-oriented space that highlights passion, simplicity, and memorable flavours.
  • John and Sandy Wyer’s Forest Avenue (since 2026): An airy, glass-fronted Michelin-starred restaurant in the Dublin suburbs near the canal, awarded its first star in 2026. Run by husband-and-wife team John and Sandy Wyer, it is praised for pared-back cooking that lets superb Irish produce shine through seasonal, ingredient-focused dishes. The venue offers a welcoming, relaxed vibe with excellent execution, making it a fresh yet accomplished addition to Dublin’s fine-dining scene.
See also  Big 7 Travel names Cork on a Fork Fest the number one food festival in Europe

Georgina Campbell Awards

  • Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Allta, Dublin (Docklands), A bold and innovative restaurant by chef Niall Davidson, offering creative, seasonal tasting menus that highlight Irish ingredients in a modern, exciting docklands location.
  • Seafood Restaurant: Caviston’s, Glasthule (South Dublin), A long-established family-run seafood specialist renowned for its fresh catches, deli counter, and casual yet high-quality dining experience.

Two MICHELIN Stars: 

  • Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, Dublin City, Acclaimed for its refined, creative modern Irish cuisine in an elegant basement setting with artistic flair.
  • Liath, Blackrock (South County Dublin), Chef Damien Grey’s intimate tasting-menu restaurant focusing on bold, original Irish ingredients in the Blackrock Market.
  • Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Dublin City, A French-Irish fine-dining institution offering luxurious, precise dishes with top Irish produce.

One MICHELIN Star:

  • Dublin: Andy McFadden’s Glovers Alley (since 2022): Located in the elegant Fitzwilliam Hotel overlooking St Stephen’s Green, Glovers Alley provides skilfully prepared modern dishes with robust, punchy flavours and artful presentation. Chef Andy McFadden focuses on high-quality ingredients in a chic, subtle setting that combines comfort with refined execution.
  • Dublin: Barry Fitzgerald’s Bastible (since 2022): A vibrant, lively spot in the heart of: Dublin, Bastible offers confident modern Irish cuisine in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Chef Barry Fitzgerald celebrates Ireland’s natural larder through a seasonal set menu, where carefully sourced ingredients shine with balanced flavours, clean presentation, and a sense of fun in both food and service.
  • Dublin: James Moore’s D’Olier Street (since 2024): In central Dublin, this restaurant impresses with visually stunning, technically accomplished plates that draw on premium ingredients and creative flair. Chef James Moore (with experience from high-end kitchens abroad) delivers precise, modern cuisine in a welcoming space.
  • Dublin: Keelan Higgs’ Variety Jones (in Thomas St; since 2024): This intimate, creative venue in central Dublin impresses with inventive, flavour-driven cooking using top-tier seasonal produce. Chef Keelan Higgs delivers thoughtful tasting menus in a relaxed yet accomplished space, earning praise for technical skill and a lively, personal approach to modern cuisine.

Bib Gourmand and Recommended:

  • The Old Spot, Dublin City, A welcoming gastropub offering excellent traditional cuisine and value-driven dishes.
  • Kaldero, Dublin, Dublin’s first Irish-Filipino restaurant, praised for its unique fusion and vibrant flavours.
  • Etto, Dublin City, A neighbourhood favourite for Italian-inspired small plates and natural wines.
  • Uno Mas, Dublin City, Acclaimed for its Spanish tapas-style sharing plates in a lively atmosphere.
  • Dublin’s dining scene remains Ireland’s most awarded and diverse, with strong showings in fine dining, casual excellence, and innovative neighbourhood spots across major awards in 2025.

The 2026 Irish Restaurant Award winners for county Dublin

  • Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (Overall/All Ireland winner): Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud serves modern French cuisine with classical roots using the best Irish produce. It holds two Michelin stars and features an elegant Georgian townhouse setting.21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 KF79.Executive Chef Guillaume Lebrun (founded by Patrick Guilbaud).
  • Two Pups (Cafe): Two Pups operates as a neighbourhood café known for speciality coffee, seasonal menus and baked goods. It offers a cosy, eclectic vibe popular with locals.74 Francis Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8 (also Fairview location).
  • Vada (Casual Dining): Vada focuses on sustainable, zero-waste dining with local produce in a neighbourhood setting. It serves modern Irish dishes in a relaxed environment.30 North Brunswick Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7.
  • Chapter One (Chef: Mickael Viljanen): Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen delivers high-end European cuisine with creative tasting menus in a refined setting. It holds two Michelin stars.18-19 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1.Mickael Viljanen.
  • Volpe Nera (Contemporary Irish Cuisine): Volpe Nera is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant offering modern cuisine with Mediterranean and East Asian influences that evolve with the seasons.22 Newtown Park, Blackrock, Dublin, A94 D780.Barry Sun (Head Chef).
  • La Maison (Customer Service): La Maison is a French brasserie specialising in classic French dishes alongside modern interpretations using Irish produce. It has operated in the Creative Quarter for over 20 years.15 Castle Market, Dublin 2, D02 C656.
  • King Sitric Seafood Bar & Accommodation (Employee Excellence Award: Ashling Griffin): King Sitric Seafood Bar specialises in fresh Irish seafood sourced locally, served in a casual setting with views near the harbour.6 East Pier, Howth, Dublin, D13 F5C6.
  • Employee: Ashling Griffin (award winner).
  • F.X. Buckley @ Ryan’s of Parkgate Street (Gastro Pub): This venue combines a restored Victorian pub with a steakhouse offering quality grilled meats in a historic setting near Phoenix Park.28 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8.
  • Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins at Anantara The Marker (Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant): Forbes Street emphasises premium Irish seafood, steaks and produce in an open-kitchen format within the hotel.Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2.Gareth Mullins.
  • Mr Fox Whiskey (Innovator): Mr Fox is an innovative Irish whiskey brand featuring expressions in convenient 100ml cans alongside traditional bottles. It draws inspiration from Irish history.
  • Peter Caviston, Cavistons Restaurant and Food Emporium (Local Food Hero): Cavistons operates as a family-run seafood restaurant and gourmet food emporium specialising in the freshest Irish seafood and quality produce. It has served as a local institution in the area for decades.56-59 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Co. Dublin.
  • Key Figure: Peter Caviston.
  • Comet (Newcomer): Comet functions as a modern bistro that focuses on seasonal Irish ingredients with skilled, refined cooking in a relaxed setting. It opened in 2025 and quickly gained recognition.3 Joshua Lane, Dublin 2, D02 C856.
  • Chefs/Owners: Kevin O’Donnell and Laura Chabal.
  • The Cobblestone (Pub / All Ireland winner): The Cobblestone serves as a traditional Irish pub and renowned live music venue with a strong focus on traditional Irish sessions and culture in a historic setting.77 King Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 TP22.
  • Darren Campbell, La Gordita (Restaurant Manager): La Gordita offers authentic Spanish tapas and sharing plates in a lively, cosy bodega-style atmosphere with an emphasis on flavourful Mediterranean cuisine.6 Montague Street, Dublin 2, D02 XE65.
  • Restaurant Manager: Darren Campbell.
  • Fairmental (Sustainable Practices): Fairmental operates as a fermentation lab, deli and café specialising in house-fermented foods, pickles and sustainable, gut-friendly produce with a zero-waste ethos.10 Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin 4, D04 H6K7.
  • Rosa Madre (Use of Social Media): Rosa Madre delivers authentic Italian seafood and classic dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients in the heart of Temple Bar.7 Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 YT38.
  • 64 Wine (Wine Experience / All Ireland winner): 64 Wine combines an extensive wine list with modern international dining in a neighbourhood restaurant setting, offering over 1,700 wines with a strong emphasis on natural and biodynamic selections.64 Glasthule Road, Glasthule, Co. Dublin, A96 TH22.
  • Bigfan (World Cuisine): Bigfan presents creative Chinese small plates, bao and sharing dishes with modern twists and experimental flavours in a vibrant setting.16 Aungier Street, Dublin 2, D02 X044.Alex Zhang.
See also  Big 7 Travel names Cork on a Fork Fest the number one food festival in Europe

Restaurant award winners

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow – Overall – County winners – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star

Dining

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

See also  Big 7 Travel names Cork on a Fork Fest the number one food festival in Europe

2026 Irish Restaurant awards by county:

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

2025 Irish Restaurant awards by county:

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

2024 Irish Restaurant awards by county:

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

Dublin:

Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –

Dublin combines cultural heritage with urban appeal, with Trinity College’s Book of Kells and Dublin Castle offering historical depth. The Guinness Storehouse provides a journey through Ireland’s iconic stout, while Phoenix Park’s vast green spaces are ideal for cycling. The River Liffey’s scenic walks and Kilmainham Gaol’s historical tours make Dublin a versatile destination for culture and history. Dublin is Ireland’s third smallest county by size (922 square km) and largest by population (1,458,154). Dublin is also Ireland’s most visited tourist county by a margin, with around four million international visitors per year. 

Share.

Comments are closed.