These are Ireland’s new Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurants

It’s been a tough few years for the Irish food scene with local restaurateurs facing significant challenges as a result of increased rent and overhead expenses – and that’s without even mentioning the knock-on effect that the pandemic had on the food and beverage industry. 

For many, the struggle has proven too great and several beloved establishments – from Tolteca to Tung Sing Chinese in Cork – have announced their closure in recent weeks. According to the Irish Examiner, 280 Irish restaurants and cafés closed in the latter half of last year;  50 in November alone. 

However, while it might seem all doom and gloom lately, there are moments of hope amidst it all and Ireland’s new Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand winners are definitely cause for celebration. 

Just 20 new Bibs were announced across Ireland and the UK, six of them in Ireland with three in Dublin, one in Cork city, one in Dingle and one in Belfast. Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand – named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group – is an esteemed rating given to restaurants offering great quality, great value cooking. 

In Rebel County, it was the Japanese dishes at Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine that garnered attention with the guide describing it as “more relaxed and accessibly priced” than the original Ichigo Ichie but still with the same “bustle of contented diners”. The previously Michelin-starred restaurant only closed in December with Chef Takashi Miyazaki reopening the reimagined venue as a more casual eatery just three weeks ago. “It’s just amazing,” Miyazaki said on Instagram of the news.

In Dingle, the delicious tapas at Solas – a fusion of Spanish flavours and Irish produce – were the stand-out, while the capital had a good year with three of its offerings highlighted for their incredible grub; La Gordita, Amy Austin and Lottie’s. 

The sister restaurant to Las Tapas de Lola, La Gordita can be found on Montague Street where it serves up traditional Spanish fare. Amy Austin, a cosy date spot specialising in small plates and wine on tap, is just minutes away while further south, in the suburb of Rathmines, is Lottie’s – a buzzing neighbourhood brasserie serving “unfussy” dishes packed with flavour.

In Northern Ireland, Home in Belfast has regained its Bib Gourmand thanks to a new chef and some “terrific produce”. The extensive menus include a host of delicious dishes at an attractive price, accompanied by friendly service and a welcoming feel. What’s not to love!?

The Bib Gourmand list is separate to the Michelin Star Awards which will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester next week. 

Feature image via @amyaustindublin and @lottiesrathmines