As we approach the highly anticipated Michelin Guide Awards 2023, the world’s most prestigious culinary event, Irish restaurants are eagerly preparing to showcase their finest offerings in the hopes of gaining more coveted Michelin stars. With Ireland’s flourishing food scene, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation as the country’s top culinary talents vie for recognition and acclaim on the global stage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the Irish restaurants that are tipped to receive Michelin stars and how their unique culinary experiences are captivating diners in Ireland and beyond.
The 2023 Michelin Guide UK & Ireland star ceremony was highly anticipated in the culinary world, and it did not disappoint. Michelin is known for surprises, and this year’s ceremony was no exception. Before the awards were announced, however, there were some predictions and speculations about which restaurants would receive a coveted Michelin star.
One restaurant that had recently been receiving a lot of buzz was Terre at the Castlemartyr Resort hotel in County Cork. Despite being a newcomer, Terre was already being referred to as a potential two-star restaurant, and Irish Times restaurant critic Corinna Hardgrave had given it a glowing review. Meanwhile, betting suggested that Dede at The Customs House in Baltimore might receive a promotion to two stars.
With regard to the big question on everyone’s mind – would Ireland finally see its first three-star restaurant? – the smart money was on Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen in Dublin. Viljanen had earned his first star at The Greenhouse in Dublin 2 in 2016, and was promoted to two stars in 2020 with his restaurant Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen. After Irish Times restaurant critic Corinna Hardgrave awarded his lunch a perfect score of 10/10, many were predicting that Viljanen was poised to receive his third Michelin star.
Of course, there were always surprises in store. Michelin is famous for being fickle and they demonstrated that fact by demoting Aimsir in Co Kildare, one of the four two-star restaurants in Ireland. The challenge was compounded when founding chef patron Jordan Bailey resigned along with his wife, former general manager Majken Bech Bailey, last month.
When the announcement came, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen did indeed take home a third Michelin star, making it Ireland’s first three-star restaurant. Meanwhile, Terre at the Castlemartyr Resort hotel received one star, exceeding expectations by making its debut with a single star. Dede at The Customs House in Baltimore did not receive a promotion, but they retained their one Michelin star.
Alongside Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, two other Dublin restaurants made the podium this year. Loam in Galway, which had previously held one star, did not feature this year after owners Enda McEvoy and Sinead Meacle announced in January that the restaurant would not be reopening in its current location. In total, Ireland now has 20 Michelin-starred restaurants.
The 2023 Michelin Guide UK & Ireland star ceremony was full of unexpected winners and losers. Despite the excitement and speculation leading up to the event, the final results always reveal the fickleness of Michelin and the industry. Nonetheless, the Michelin Guide remains a highly influential guide for restaurants and chefs, and each year’s announcements are highly anticipated.
In conclusion, the upcoming Michelin guide awards ceremony is much anticipated by the Irish culinary community. With the possibility of our country’s finest restaurants earning more coveted Michelin stars, it’s sure to be an exciting night for all. The heightened focus on sustainability and ethical food sourcing is also a promising sign of progress within the industry. So, whether you’re a food lover or simply curious about the world of fine dining, keep an eye out for the Michelin guide awards 2023 as we eagerly await the announcement of the stars.
