With a little planning, Ireland’s star-quality restaurants don’t have to cost the earth
February 2024 was a big month for fine dining in Ireland, with the Michelin Guide awarding three new one stars and one two star. Irish chefs and producers are proudly and rightly on the international radar, and the industry is hopeful for even more recognition in 2025.
Fine dining comes with some chunky overheads though. Quality ingredients, experienced staff and those lovely settings all add up, which can mean that a fine dining meal is a treat for many. However, if you’re willing to dine at lunchtime, or visit early in the evening, there is excellent value to be found around the country. Here are some smart ways to sample some of the best restaurants for slightly less, including two of Ireland’s hottest and newest Michelin stars.
Garrett Byrne’s Campagne, a long-standing Michelin star holder, is a solidly reassuring spot for classic French-inspired dishes using Irish ingredients, such as roast cod with broad beans and pancetta, or smoked mackerel pâté with mustard dressing. Good value has always been at the heart of Campagne, which has a standard three course menu priced at €78 but even more keenly priced early bird and Sunday menus at €48. The early bird is available Wed-Thurs 5.30pm-6.45pm and Fri-Sat 5pm-5.
The charming small and gorgeous Homestead Cottage is the first restaurant from husband and wife team of Robbie and Sophie McCauley. Having met when working at nearby Gregan’s Castle, they now have two children and a shiny Michelin star. McCauley’s cooking is bright, fresh and modern and the lunch menu is great value at €45 or €50 for two or three courses respectively, a saving of more than 50 per cent compared with the €109 evening tasting menu.
Eamon O’Reilly’s One Pico has been in business for more than 25 years, garnering many long term devotees along the way. With the arrival of chef Zhan Sergejev, formerly sous chef at L’Ecrivain, this solidly classic spot received a little sprinkle of something extra. Sergejev’s elegant food is equally pleasing on the eye and stomach. The smart diner knows the pleasure of a slightly tipsy lunch where two or three courses will cost €45 or €55, compared with dinner at €98.
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