Michelin Guide 2026 Ceremony in Dublin Yields No New Three-Star Restaurants
The latest Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland was unveiled at a prestigious ceremony in Dublin on Monday night, marking the first time the event has been hosted in Ireland. Despite widespread speculation that the country would see its inaugural three-star restaurant, no new establishments were elevated to the coveted three-star rating this year.
Top Tier Status Remains Unchanged
Ten restaurants successfully retained their three Michelin star status, maintaining their position at the pinnacle of culinary excellence. However, the guide did not add any new names to this elite list, dashing hopes that Ireland might break into the top tier for the first time. The ceremony, held with traditional Irish music performances, was described by Michelin's international director Gwendal Poullennec as a "true historic event for Irish hospitality" in a video address.
Notable Promotions and First-Time Awards
Several restaurants achieved significant recognition despite the absence of new three-star awards. In London, two eateries were elevated to two-star status: Row on 5 and Bonheur by Matt Abe. Meanwhile, twenty establishments received their first Michelin star, including Fifty Two at Rudding Park in Harrogate, known for its innovative "Dessert Islands Discs" experience where guests select accompanying music.
Brighton and Hove celebrated its first Michelin-starred restaurant in nearly fifty years with Mare by Rafael Cagali earning recognition. The Pullman in Galway, uniquely housed within two restored Orient Express carriages, also collected its first star. Birmingham's The Wilderness, under chef Alexander Claridge, received its inaugural star, with Claridge noting the city "doesn't take itself too seriously, but it is serious about food."
Special Awards and Recognition
The ceremony featured several special awards celebrating culinary talent across different categories:
- The 2026 Young Chef Award went to Tom Earnshaw of Bohemia on Jersey, who cited inspiration from walking his dog on the beach as one benefit of island life.
- Sebb's in Glasgow centre received the Exceptional Cocktail Award.
- Shwen Shwen in Kent was named Opening of the Year for bringing Sierra Leonean flavours to Sevenoaks.
- Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay presented the Sommelier of the Year award to Roxane Dupuy of Row on 5 and the Service Award to Barbara Nealon of Saint Francis Provisions in Kinsale.
Sustainability and Representation
Seven restaurants received Green Stars for embracing responsible and mindful approaches to gastronomy. Maria Bradford highlighted that her family's restaurant "literally represents the underrepresented," while Barbara Nealon quipped that great service simply means "just liking your customers." Gwendal Poullennec emphasized that the Dublin ceremony marked a milestone recognizing "not only exceptional cooking, but the people, places and passion that define Irish food culture and hospitality."
