Michelin star restaurants may well represent the very best of cuisine, but the downside is they can be prohibitively expensive for the average diner. This is why Michelin’s Bib Gourmand category is always well worth checking out. These are the restaurants Michelin inspectors have deemed to offer quality cooking and great value, making them a lot more attainable for more “price sensitive” customers. They also tend to be a bit more informal and less fussy than their ‘starred’ counterparts.
[ Michelin-starred restaurants in Ireland, 2025: The complete guideOpens in new window ]
The unusual name is after Bibendum – the official name of the Michelin man. There are now 26 Bib Gourmand restaurants across the island of Ireland (19 in the Republic and seven in Northern Ireland), with three new restaurants announced at the 2025 Michelin Awards this week (Daróg, Galway; Baba’de, Co Cork and mrDeane, Belfast). Table Forty One restaurant in Gorey, Co Wexford, has been moved from the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand listing and appears now among Ireland’s “Selected Restaurants” – of which there are 64, chosen for. for their “good cooking”.
Here is the complete list of Ireland’s Bib Gourmand restaurants and what the Michelin inspectors said about each one.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
NEW Daróg
56 Lower Dominick Street, Galway
“There’s a huge amount of passion channelled into this welcoming little wine bar. Hungarian-born Zsolt Lukács has an infectious enthusiasm for wine, which comes across in his carefully curated list that gravitates towards small artisan producers using organic and biodynamic methods. Accompanying the wine is a selection of sharing plates – like kingfish crudo – that are exactingly executed, deliver on flavour and provide brilliant value for money. The regularly changing artwork from local artists is on sale and is curated by co-owner Edel.” darogwinebar.com
NEW Baba’de
The Mews, Baltimore, Co Cork
“With a name meaning ‘Baby Dede’, this second Baltimore venture from chef Ahmet Dede is an ode to his family and comes with all the homespun charm you’d expect. Located mere feet away from his acclaimed flagship restaurant, this is a more relaxed affair but the great value sharing plates retain the older sibling’s ethos of Turkish flavours married with Irish produce. Each dish – from a unique take on oyster chowder to Ahmet’s signature ‘içli köfte’ – is bright, fresh and wholly satisfying.” babade.ie
Spitalfields
25 The Coombe, Dublin 8
“Set in a historic area of this city is this fittingly traditional-looking Irish pub, where the charming staff offer a warm and friendly welcome. It’s deservedly busy – drinkers are welcome but most are here for the food. Enticing dishes are fresh, flavoursome and great value, with the likes of oxtail and bone marrow Parker House rolls.” spitalfields.ie
Solas
Unit 1, Strand Street, Dingle, Co Kerry
“Located in a charming seaside village, Solas is the home of a harmonious marriage between Irish produce and Spanish cooking. Larger-than-life chef-owner Nicky Foley’s travels in Spain inform the menu, which offers a range of dishes true to the Spanish originals whilst incorporating local ingredients and adding a few subtle twists. There’s a pleasing simplicity here, to both the good value food and the rustic decor, which combine well with the friendly, welcoming service.” solastapas.com
Goldie
128 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork
“A lively, on-trend seafood bistro with an open kitchen and a stripped-back feel; the tight-knit team offer friendly service and the feel is relaxed and informal. The daily menu offers well-priced, modern dishes which use a ‘gill-to-fin’ approach, making use of the whole catch from the smaller day boats.” goldie.ie
Uno Mas
6 Aungier Street, Dublin 2
“The best seats in the house are at the counter in this buzzing, good value restaurant run by enthusiastic, personable staff. Start with some Spanish-inspired nibbles from the ‘para picar’ section before choosing one of the well-executed, unfussy main dishes which come with many layers of flavour and texture. A dedicated sherry list and a vermouth-based cocktail selection offer appealing additions to your visit.” unomas.ie
Cush
The Pier, Ballycotton, Co Cork
“Family owned and run, Cush is a cosy, traditional pub with a smart, modern restaurant, comfy bedrooms and views out over the rooftops to the fishing boats in the harbour. Local produce features in hearty dishes, with seafood naturally to the fore, and guests are well looked after by the friendly team. A set menu is available in the pub area, with an a la carte and tasting menu on offer in the restaurant.” cush.ie
Everett’s
22 High Street, Waterford
“This proudly run, welcoming bistro is set in the heart of the city and dates from the 15C; sit on the ground floor with its barrel-fronted bar or in the intimate vaulted brick cellar. Modern menus showcase the best of the Irish larder and generously-sized dishes are assured, refined and full of flavour.” everetts.ie
La Gordita
6 Montague Street, Dublin 2
“There’s a simple, cosy quality to La Gordita thanks to its narrow diningroom 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 standout dish. Friendly service enhances the experience, and the extensive menu lets you sample as much as possible thanks to the sensible pricing.” lagordita.ie
Richmond
43 Richmond Street South, Dublin 2
“The owner and his team bend over backwards to make sure you have a great time at this welcomingly worn, rustic shop conversion just outside the city centre. Skilfully prepared, traditionally based dishes are robust yet refined and allow each core seasonal ingredient to shine.” richmondrestaurant.ie
Thyme
Custume Place, Strand Street, Athlone
“The chef-owner here is one who’s constantly reinvesting in his beloved restaurant and is always on the search for great new local suppliers – whether that’s fresh vegetables or free-range pork – and the pride he has in his establishment is palpable. The two menus showcase the locality well, with dishes that are satisfying and flavoursome. Do try the cheeses, which are accompanied by home-made crackers made using grains from the brewery next door.” thymerestaurant.ie
Courthouse
1 Monaghan Street, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
“Relaxed, rustic restaurant featuring wooden floors, exposed ceiling rafters and bare brick; ask for table 20, by the window. Great value menus offer carefully prepared, flavourful dishes which are a lesson in self-restraint – their simplicity being a key part of their appeal. Friendly, efficient service.” courthouserestaurant.ie
Lottie’s
7-9 Rathgar Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6
“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.” lotties.ie
Aldridge Lodge
Aldridge Lodge, Duncannon, Co Waterford
“It’s no wonder this place is so popular: it’s in a beautiful rural location; the cooking offers great value for money; and the cheery owners run their restaurant with an infectious bonhomie. Situated inside an attractive house down a little country lane, there are surrounding gardens which provide vegetables for many of the dishes, while the chef’s father fishes off Hook Head and provides much of the produce for the seafood-leaning menu – crab and lobster are a particular feature. Homely bedrooms come with hot water bottles and home-baked cookies.” aldridgelodge.com
Pichet
14-15 Trinity Street, Dublin 2
“You can’t miss the neon red signs and striped canopies of this buzzy brasserie – and its checkerboard flooring makes the inside equally striking. Sit in one of two rooms, soaking up the buzz of either the bar or the kitchen as you enjoy a menu rooted in French classics. The likes of tartare, pithivier and tarte Tatin might well appear, despite the odd foray further afield and a commitment to Irish produce throughout. The wine list stretches well beyond France’s borders, with many wines available to order by the glass or, more appropriately, by the pichet.” pichet.ie
Sha-Roe Bistro
Main Street, Clonegall, Co Carlow
“A welcoming 17th century former coaching inn set in a picturesque village; it’s a simple place with a relaxed, intimate feel and candlelit tables in the evenings. Menus offer carefully presented, unfussy dishes with clear flavours and a classical base. Sourcing of local and farmers’ market ingredients is paramount.” sha-roe.ie
Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine
5 Fenns Quay, Sheares Street, Cork
“Don’t be fooled by the unassuming, mirror-glazed facade; 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.” ichigoichie.ie
Amy Austin
Unit 1, Drury Street Car Park, Dublin 2
“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.” amyaustin.ie
Saint Francis Provisions
Short Quay, Kinsale, Co Cork
“This endearing, laid-back restaurant holds just 13 seats inside, with a heated terrace out front. The concise, daily changing menu offers a range of Mediterranean-inspired small plates created from the best local ingredients. Dishes are delivered from the open kitchen as and when they are ready, and offer punchy flavours and an appealing simplicity. An all-natural wine list completes the picture.” saintfrancisprovisions
NORTHERN IRELAND
NEW mrDeanes
28-40 Howard Street, Belfast
“Its full name, mrDeanes Bistro, Bar and Social, paints a perfect picture of this spacious addition to Michael Deane’s ever-evolving Belfast empire. Grab a cocktail at the bar before taking your seat in a restaurant that’s bursting with vitality. The eminently appealing menu offers well-executed takes on dishes from all over the world, be it Gaeng Phed red curry or ‘entrecôte au poivre’. There’s a palpable generosity to the place too, with the food and wine both offering great value for money.” mrdeanes
Home
22 Wellington Place, Belfast
“Bright colours, greenery and local art decorate this spacious, upbeat restaurant. The cooking focuses on semi-rustic versions of British and Mediterranean dishes like celeriac soup or salt and pepper prawns, with good vegan and gluten-free options too, and each plate is packed full of punchy flavours thanks to the quality produce at its core. The friendly team make the whole experience enjoyable, from the warm welcome to the fond farewell.” homebelfast.co.uk
EDŌ
3 Capital House, Unit 2, Upper Queen Street, Belfast
“‘I eat’ is a smart, buzzing and well-run brasserie in the heart of the city, with rustic-meets-faux-industrial styling and seats at the long kitchen counter for those who want to get in on the action. The great value sharing dishes take an international outlook, with traditional Spanish tapas getting a good showing – from pan con tomate to pil pil prawns – and the Bertha oven used for dishes like hanger steak with chimichurri. Don’t over-order, as you’ll need to save room for the terrific orange, almond and olive oil sponge.” edorestaurant.co.uk
Waterman
5-23 Hill Street, Belfast
“Nothing beats the buzz of a big bistro and, judging by the numbers who flock here, the locals heartily agree. The modern, unfussy dishes are influenced by Europe, with Italy holding sway – this is the kind of food you could happily eat every day. Prices, too, are excellent, particularly considering its city centre location. The period building also houses a cookery school and event space.” waterman
Deanes at Queens
1 College Gardens, Belfast
“The ‘Deane’ is Belfast’s renowned culinary champion Michael Deane; the ‘Queens’ is Queen’s University Belfast, which provides a great backdrop for this bustling brasserie and its large covered terrace. The Mibrasa charcoal grill is a feature across the extensive selection of refined, good value dishes, with produce like Mourne lamb rump getting the chargrilled treatment. The kitchen’s ability to finely execute classic dishes is exemplified by the terrific desserts, from panna cotta to a freshly baked jam and coconut sponge.” deanesatqueens
Noble
27a Church Road, Holywood, Co Down
“Hidden away in the centre of town is this compact little restaurant where the service is warm and genuine, and a happy buzz fills the air. Snacks are served in the bar downstairs, while the upstairs is home to the full a la carte of excellent value dishes. Boldly flavoured elements like confit garlic pepperonata enliven the unfussy cooking, whose visual simplicity belies its delicious intensity. Be sure to check out the daily specials on the blackboard and, for dessert, don’t miss the chocolate délice.” Noble
Wine & Brine
59 Main Street, Moira, Co Armagh
“Behind its fine Georgian facade, this charmingly run neighbourhood restaurant isn’t quite what you’d expect. It’s a bright, modern place with energy emanating from its open kitchen. It is here that the team take quality Northern Irish produce and craft it into dishes that are big on flavour and wholly satisfying; game season is a highlight, with dishes like perfectly roasted partridge with a rich chicken butter. Indecisive diners beware, the menu is extensive and every dish sounds so delicious you’ll be deliberating for hours.” wineandbrine.co.uk
