Ahead of the release of the 2024 Michael Guide Great Britain & Ireland next week, including this year’s Michelin star restaurant selections, 20 new Bib Gourmands have been awarded to restaurants ‘offering great quality, great value cuisine’.
Of the 20, five are Irish restaurants with three in Dublin alone.
Unsurprisingly, Ichigo Ichie Bistro makes the list this year. A new incarnation of the one Michelin star Ichigo Iche, you’ll find “a more relaxed and accessible priced restaurant that comes with the bustle of contented diners” according to the guide.
It joins the Dingle-based Solas, where Spanish flavours mingle with Irish produce in dishes that have been given a fresh spin without losing their identity. The Spanish theme runs true too at Dublin’s La Gordita, along with Amy Austin (Drury St.) and Lottie’s in Rathmines. You can see the full list of 20 UK and Irish eateries here.
Here’s what the guide will say about each of the five eateries.
Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine
Fenns Quay, Cork. View entry.
“Don’t be fooled by the unassuming, mirror-glazed façade; once you enter this popular Japanese bistro, you’ll be greeted by the almighty buzz of many contented diners. A relaxed, lively reimagining of the former Ichigo Ichie, the emphasis here is on fairly priced, unfussy dishes that use quality produce. You mustn’t leave without trying the matcha panna cotta with lychee ice cream, or sampling one of their carefully sourced natural wines. The friendly, well-orchestrated service team enhance the experience.”
Solas
Strand Street, Dingle. View entry.
With its attention-grabbing red exterior, Solas manages to catch the eye even in the brightly painted streets of Dingle. Inside, Irish produce meets Spanish tapas thanks to chef-owner Nicky Foley’s travels in Spain. He manages to keep the range of dishes true to the Spanish originals, whilst incorporating local ingredients and adding a few subtle twists. There’s a pleasing simplicity here, which combines well with the friendly, welcoming service.
La Gordita
Montague Street, Dublin. View entry.
There’s a simple, cosy quality to La Gordita thanks to its narrow dining room with a wooden floor, brown leather upholstery and soft lighting. It’s got a lively atmosphere too, a great accompaniment to the authentic Spanish sharing plates that pack in plenty of flavour – the terrific anchoas de Santoña is a real stand-out dish. Friendly service enhances the experience, and the extensive menu lets you sample as much as possible thanks to the sensible pricing.
Amy Austin
Drury Street, Dublin. View entry.
There is a palpable buzz to the atmosphere as soon as you set foot in this quirky restaurant in a lively area of the city. It’s not just the wine on tap that makes this such a popular spot – although it must help – but the superior small plates that offer detailed, precise cooking for a reasonable price tag. Grab a stool at one of the high-top tables, or perhaps in front of the open kitchen, to enjoy globally influenced dishes like scallop crudo and Moroccan-style lamb rump. Friendly service and signature cocktails help to keep the good vibes flowing.
Lottie’s
Rathgar Road, Rathmines, Dublin. View entry.
There’s a terrific buzz in the air at this stylish brasserie-style restaurant, where the unfussy cooking is a fine accompaniment to the lively surroundings. Irish produce is the bedrock of the menu, in hearty, flavour-packed dishes like Andarl Farm pork chop with cabbage & violet mustard, parsnip and a cider jus. The early evening menu is a steal and an extensive choice of cocktails are on hand to kick things off.
The full online listings for the 2024 Bib Gourmand awarded restaurants will be updated on the evening of Monday 5 February, following the Great Britain & Ireland 2024 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, when all of the new MICHELIN Stars, Green Stars and Special Awards will be announced.
All photos from guide descriptions via guide.michelin.com.
