Fancy a fantastic Valentine’s Day meal at bargain prices? Don’t delay booking a table at one of Ireland’s newest Michelin-approved restaurants.
Ireland’s cities – even some of its more rural areas – are full of top-class restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Some are expensive, requiring skimping and saving in order to dine there. But others are much more affordable.
The best of these more affordable restaurants have been celebrated by the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmands, with six new entries across the country.
So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day meal at a very reasonable price, check out these Michelin-approved restaurants in Ireland.
Bib Gourmand – budget-friendly excellence
Michelin is synonymous with its star rating that recognises excellence in haute cuisine. Indeed, many Irish restaurants already boast Michelin star status, including Patrick Guilbaud, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, dede, and Liath.
The Bib Gourmands serve a similar purpose, celebrating excellent cooking at more budget-friendly pricing.
So, if you want to enjoy a fantastic – in terms of both quality and value – meal this Valentine’s Day, check out these Irish restaurants
Ireland’s newest Michelin-approved restaurants – the Bib Gourmands
Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine
Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine is the newest incarnation of the Ichigo Ichie restaurant, opened in Cork by Takashi Miyazaki in 2018.
According to the Michelin Guide, this new endeavour serves “fairly priced, unfussy dishes [using] quality produce” in a “relaxed, lively” environment.
Michelin Guide reserved special praise for the matcha panna cotta with lychee ice cream and the selection of natural wines.
Address: 5 Sheares St, Centre, Cork, T12 RY7Y, Ireland
Solas
Dingle tapas bar Solas owes its Spanish-influenced menu to the travels of chef-owner Nicky Foley. Foley and his kitchen masterfully employ local Irish produce in a range of Spanish dishes, adding, the Michelin Guide claims, “a few subtle twists”.
Address: Unit 1 Strand St, Farrannakilla, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 Y79T, Ireland
La Gordita
Sticking to the Spanish theme, Dublin’s La Gordita is the sister restaurant of Las Tapas de Lola, the brainchild of Irish-Spanish restauranteur duo Vanessa Murphy and Anna Cabrera.
La Gordita’s pièce de resistance, reads the Michelin Guide, is the “terrific” anchoas de Santoña dish.
Address: 6 Montague St, Dublin, D02 XE65, Ireland
Amy Austin
Also in the capital, Amy Austin is a “quirky restaurant” with a “palpable buzz”. Offering wine on tap and small plates, including scallop crudo and Moroccan-style lamb rump, Amy Austin has established itself as a firm favourite in Dublin’s gastronomic scene.
Address: Unit 1 Drury St, Carpark, Dublin 2, D02 PH26, Ireland
Lottie’s
Irish flavours with local produce are the key at this brasserie in the Dublin suburb of Rathmines, with the Andarl Farm pork chop with cabbage & violet mustard, parsnip, and a cider jus singled out by the Michelin Guide.
Address: Unit 1 Drury St, Carpark, Dublin 2, D02 PH26, Ireland
Home
Belfast’s Home began life as a pop-up but soon moved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Wellington Place. A former holder of Bib Gourmand status, Home owes the regaining of its title to a new chef.
Address: 22 Wellington Pl, Belfast BT1 6GE
Other Bib Gourmand restaurants – the old guard
On top of these new additions, Ireland already boasts an array of Bib Gourmand restaurants, such as Belfast’s EDŌ and Waterman restaurants, Dublin’s Pichet and Uno Mas, Cork’s Goldie, and Galway’s Éan.
For a full list, check out the Michelin Guide website.
