In February of 2024, Ireland’s fine dining landscape received acclaim from the Michelin Guide, garnering three new one-star and a two-star recognition. This further established Irish chefs and produce on the global food scene, creating an optimistic outlook for the year 2025. However, the calibre of such dining experiences entails substantial costs, including high-grade ingredients, skilled personnel, and pleasing atmospheres. Despite these expenses, value-for-money can be found particularly during lunch hours or early evenings. Intelligent strategies for enjoying top restaurants at reduced prices may involve scheduling and advanced booking.
One such restaurant is Chapter One, located at 18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 (Contact: 01-8732266, Website: chapteronerestaurant.com). Overseen by Michael Viljanen, often deemed the finest chef in the country, Chapter One has become the embodiment of sophisticated, cosy gourmet dining. With his experience of working at venues like The Tannery, Gregan’s Castle, and The Greenhouse, Viljanen is widely acknowledged as a strong contender for an additional Michelin star. A thrifty choice at this venue would be the €85 three-course lunch menu from Thursday to Saturday, between 12pm-2pm, which is significantly cheaper compared to the €145 lunchtime or €190 evening tasting menu.
Conversely, Restaurant Chestnut in Staball Hill, Ballydehob, Co Cork (Contact: 028-25766, Website: restaurantchestnutwestcork.ie) provides a different experience. The eatery, situated in a refurbished old pub, has Rob Krawczyk, a Schull native, at the helm. After spending time honing his culinary skills globally, he came back to West Cork, eventually earning a Michelin Star with his partner Elaine Fleming. Due to its cosy seating for just 18 people, the restaurant is highly in demand, even more for their fair-priced €70 short tasting menu, considerably cheaper than the usual €149 signature tasting menu. This economical offer is available from August to October with specified timings each day.
/”5 The Arches, situated on Gas House Lane in Kilkenny, hosts the well-established Michelin star restaurant, Garrett Byrne’s Campagne. This spot is known for its consistent mastery at delivering traditional French-inspired fare prepared with Irish produce, like pancetta served with roast cod and broad beans or smoked mackerel pâté with a mustard dressing. The heart of Campagne is good value, demonstrated by its regular three-course menu which costs €78, whilst the more economically priced early bird and Sunday menus stand at €48. The former is served Wed-Thurs from 5.30pm-6.45pm and Fri-Sat from 5pm-5.30pm, and the latter from 12.30pm-2.30pm on Sundays.
Located in Cashel Palace Hotel in Cashel, Co Tipperary, is The Bishop’s Buttery which was awarded its first Michelin star recently in February. Serving under the culinary directorship of Stephen Hayes and helmed by head chef Stefan McEnteer, they offer fine dining in an elegant basement dining room within the beautifully restored luxury hotel. Their Table D’hôte menus priced at €60 or €70 offer a contrast to their signature tasting menu, set at €130. The €60 menu is served on Fri -Sat from 12.30-2.30pm, and the €70 menu on Sundays from noon-2pm.
Homestead Cottage, a small, delightful Michelin star restaurant in Doolin, Co Clare, is the culinary venture of Robbie and Sophie McCauley. Since meeting at Gregan’s Castle, the pair have started a family and earned a Michelin star. Specialising in vibrant, fresh, and contemporary cuisine, the great value lunch menu stands at €45 or €50 for two or three courses respectively, providing savings of more than 50% compared to the €109 evening tasting menu. The lunch is served from 12.30pm to 14.15pm on Fridays to Sundays.
Custume Place in Athlone, Co Westmeath is home to Thyme, a restaurant reachable at 090-6478850 and thymerestaurant.ie.”/
For many years, John and Tara Coffey’s charmingly sophisticated restaurant Thyme has been a favourite amongst diners in Midland, situated near the magnificent Shannon river. John, a long-time figure in the restaurant industry, is a staunch advocate for local goods and budding talent. His efforts have earned him a Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognising great worth for price. Their usual three-course dinner set comes at a reasonable €68, but even better value can be had with their €45 menu.
Located at 22 High Street, Waterford, Everett’s is the brainchild of chef Peter Everett, recipient of the Eurotoques Young Chef of the Year award in 2006. After honing his skills at Chapter One and Restaurant Forty One, Everett returned to his hometown to start his own establishment. The regular three-course menu is priced at a commendable €52, yet even more value can be found in their pre-theatre and weekend lunch menus at €37 or €39. The pre-theatre option is available Tues-Thurs at 6 pm and Tues-Sat at 5:30 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 12:30-2 pm for lunch.
Having been in operation for over 25 years, Eamon O’Reilly’s One Pico in Dublin has amassed a large following. With the addition of Zhan Sergejev, previously sous chef at L’Ecrivain, this traditional venue has been given a fresh touch. Sergejev’s aesthetically pleasing and tasty cuisine adds more allure to the restaurant. Lunch options, providing two or three courses, are priced at €45 or €55, delivering more value compared to their €98 dinner.
Lignum is located in Bullaun, Loughrea, in County Galway. Their website is lignum.ie.
A stone’s throw away from Loughrea lies Danny Africano’s sophisticatedly designed Lignum; a true delight with its Scandinavian-inspired decor, bare stone wall detailing and indulgent open-fire cooking. Rather than offering pre-set menus, they invite you in with details of their contemporary larder ingredients currently on offer. A comprehensive tasting menu experience is available at the cost of €135. However, there are affordable options too, such as the Saturday lunch tasting menu priced at €75 (served at 12.45pm) and the Sunday lunch and dinner, available for €55 and €65 each, respectively.