With the Michelin awards landing in Dublin next month, exciting new openings right around the corner and exciting pop-ups to look forward to, there’s a delicious buzz around Ireland’s food scene and we’re making sure to savour it.
New additions to the Michelin Guide
Earlier this month, a grand total of three Irish eateries were added to the esteemed list of restaurants making up the Michelin Guide. Those were two locations in Dublin, Kaldero and The Old Spot, and Blackthorn in The Twelve Hotel in Barna, Co Galway. The Old Spot in Sandymount was praised for its “traditional, immensely satisfying food; a buzzing atmosphere; and some of the friendliest, most genuine service around.”
Kaldero’s addition to the list marked a landmark moment for Ireland’s first Irish Filipino restaurant. The brainchild of chef Richie Castillo and creative and IMAGE food contributor Alex O’Neill—the duo behind Bahay and the hugely popular cookbook, Masarap—Kaldero is a cohesive, creatively led space defined by responsible sourcing, seasonality and strong creative identity. Of Blackthorn’s addition, inspectors said: “the ingredients are given a lick of fire in generous, carefully executed dishes.”
The Michelin Awards are coming to Dublin
This year’s Michelin Great Britain & Ireland will be unveiled on Monday, February 9 in the Convention Centre Dublin, in partnership with La Rousse Foods. The Ceremony will be another fitting celebration of our exceptional chefs and restaurateurs, with the announcement of not just the Michelin Stars but also the Bib Gourmands for great value dining, plus a selection of Special Awards recognising outstanding individuals and teams in hospitality.
To celebrate this grand occasion, The Chef Sessions is bringing a festival vibe with one-off events, bold culinary collaborations and late-night gatherings. From chicken in a basket and hot dogs to breakfast muffins, toasties, spice bags and discoed Chinese, this is paying homage to the current contemporary food scene. Taking place from Saturday night through to Monday evening, all of the venues are within easy reach of one another, meaning there won’t be a chance for you to go hungry. You can find a full list of what’s confirmed so far here.
VOLUME[S] to open on George’s Quay
A new venture from Mark Cashen of As One with Fionn Dwyer Hyland leading the kitchen, VOLUME[S] is poised and ready to become our new favourite coffee spot at the Quays in Dublin. Expect freshly made bagels, sandwiches, sweet treats and speciality coffee in a beautiful open Scandi-style space that will make you want to stay a while.
The man behind the magic is Paddy Kirk, otherwise known as @dubstreetcafe, and the venue promises to be a space for connection, intentional gathering, collaboration and events. It’s all about fostering community, and we can’t wait to visit.
Scéal Bakery’s return to D8
Founded in 2017 by Charlotte Leonard-Kane and Shane Palmer, Scéal’s journey began as a bustling market stall in Dublin 8, so it’s only right that they return to the beloved neighbourhood at Little Bird Yoga on South Circular Road in Portobello. They’ll be opening for business early next month.
Paladar x Sister7 x Fidelity
Cork’s incredibly talented Paladar crew are Fidelity-bound this Bank Holiday Monday, February 2. Partnering with Sister7, they have curated a tasting menu that blends Chifa and Nikkei influences (Chinese-Latin fusion). There will be four of Paladar’s award-winning cocktails available on the night, with each dish intentionally crafted to complement their nuance.
The combination of food, music and craft drinks is central to why the crew at Fidelity built Fidelity Studio. Tickets cost €55 and include a full tasting menu, one complimentary welcome cocktail, and music from Danilo Milk (Funksmack). Everything is served family style, so tables/seats will not be reserved. Tickets are available here.
MANI’s moving
Drury Street’s beloved square-shaped, Roman-style pizza spot MANI is moving across to a much larger location just opposite their current site in order to expand their output and keep the masses fed. Once installed in 35 Drury Street, there’ll be more seats, a faster flow of service, and ample opportunity for guest chefs, pop-ups and exciting foodie collaborations. Watch this space.
The first Blasta Book of the year
The 17th book in the series of incredible recipe books, Blasta Books #17: Beans is the very first to feature their refreshed designs and photography instead of illustrations. At the start of the year, Blasta Books founder Kristin Jensen wrote on Instagram: “They’re still the little books with big voices that you know and love, but now with a bolder, brighter design to match our bold ambitions for the series and the brand … The 2026 series launches in a few weeks with #17: BEANS and an all-woman line-up to continue the bold, bright future of a small publisher blasting their way around the globe.”
BEANS isn’t just a collection of recipes – it’s also a rallying cry, a love letter, a legume-laden manifesto. It’s Ali’s way of saying look what food can be: humble and hearty, sustainable and sexy. Whether you’re a seasoned legume lover or just bean curious, this book will show you that beans aren’t just good for you, they’re good full stop.
IMAGE’s own Sip & Savour event
Join IMAGE and SuperValu for an exclusive evening celebrating Spanish wine and cuisine, where expert guidance meets exceptional flavour. Taking place on Thursday, February 5, this intimate event marks the launch of SuperValu’s Spanish Wine Event, bringing the vibrant tastes of Spain to the heart of Dublin.
Hosted by IMAGE’s Édaein O’Connell, the evening features a guided tasting of SuperValu’s specially sourced Spanish wines, expertly paired with a Spanish-inspired three-course dinner at Delahunt Restaurant. Guests will be led on a curated flavour journey across Spain’s diverse wine regions by SuperValu wine expert Kevin O’Callaghan, discovering unique pairings, insider tips, and inspiration for at-home hosting. Tickets are available here.
Also Read
