Ireland’s reputation as a culinary hotspot continues to flourish as two restaurants in County Cork – Dede in Baltimore and Terre in Castlemartyr Resort – were recently awarded Michelin Stars, further cementing the country’s status as a foodie haven. The island of Ireland boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, including Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, Restaurant Patrick Gilbaud, Liath, and Aimsir. Additionally, a Green Star has been awarded to Kai restaurant in Galway for its commitment to sustainability.

Terre, a modern and intimate restaurant in the Manor House section of the luxurious 5-star Castlemartyr Resort, received its first Michelin Star at the recent awards ceremony. Headed by Chef Patron Vincent Crepel, Terre’s contemporary French and Asian-inspired menu highlights local ingredients, such as Irish deer steaks and smoked strawberries with rhubarb Earl Grey cream. The restaurant, which opened its doors in September 2022, offers a dining experience that spans three and a half hours, with some dishes finished tableside and others fired out of the open kitchen.

During the ceremony, Dede, a celebrated Turkish restaurant in Baltimore’s Custom House, was promoted from one to two Michelin Stars. Helmed by Chef Ahmet Dede and his all-Turkish kitchen team, the restaurant recreates dishes from their native country using Irish ingredients. The menu includes spiced lobster bisque, cod cooked with buttermilk and potato, and more. Chef Dede thanked Ireland and Turkey for the honour during his acceptance speech.

Other awards at the ceremony included the Welcome & Service Award, which went to Dublin’s Spitalfields restaurant and pub for their warm Irish hospitality, and the Chef Mentor Award, which was awarded to Michael Deane of Deanes Meat Locker in Belfast.

In addition to the Michelin-starred restaurants, Ireland boasts a vibrant food scene that offers something for everyone, from traditional Irish pubs serving hearty stews to trendy cafes serving avocado toast. The country’s commitment to using local, sustainable ingredients has also helped to raise its culinary profile.

Ireland’s Michelin Star scene continues to boom, adding two new restaurants to the list of Michelin Star recipients. As food tourism continues to grow in popularity, Ireland’s reputation as a culinary hotspot will surely attract even more foodies in the future.

Written by: Jason Smith

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