Three Irish restaurants have been added to the Michelin Guide's UK and Ireland website and app, which are updated on the last Wednesday of each month and can be seen as an indication of additions to the guide.
Ten restaurants have been added to the guide, with two in the Republic of Ireland and one in Northern Ireland.
The Guide started updating its website and app last month, and restaurants that have been added to the updates are those that will be added to the Guide, though their level will not be known until the awards ceremony.
According to the publisher, "the annual MICHELIN Guide distinctions for 2022 – Stars, Bib Gourmands and Green Stars – will be unveiled at the annual launch ceremony as usual.
"But you never know – they might include some of these newly recommended restaurants, so why not try them now before reservations become even harder to secure?"
In an industry flush with award ceremonies and prizes, the Michelin Guide remains one of the benchmarks for excellence for many chefs. The announcement of Ireland's newest Michelin stars, and what levels they are, are hotly anticipated, with some speculation having circulated for months already.
Top of the list for speculation is Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, a lauded chef already renowned for his work in Dublin's The Greenhouse.
"Having made his name and reputation at The Greenhouse, Finnish-born chef Mickael Viljanen has moved north of the Liffey and now has his name above the door here at Chapter One", the guide says.
"He's taken over the kitchen from Ross Lewis – recipient of our Chef Mentor award in 2021 – who remains a partner in the business. The cooking focuses on prime ingredients and uses classic French techniques to create dishes that offer bold and sometimes quite daring flavour combinations. If you want to see it all up close, then book the Chef’s Table in the kitchen."
Also included was Mae, a Dublin spot headed up by celebrated chef Grainne O'Keefe and famed for its seasonal modern Irish cuisine.
The guide writes: "Experienced chef Gráinne O'Keefe's first solo venture is found in the busy Ballsbridge area of the city above the French Paradox wine shop (and is a collaboration with its owners). It makes sense therefore to go for the well-priced wine pairings to accompany the set price menu.
"Modern, boldly flavoured dishes are produce-led and have an Irish theme: some are homely and comforting, while others are more elaborate and eye-catching. Friendly, efficient service completes the picture."
Finally, Belfast spot Stock has been included, a fresh and modern restaurant located in the covered Victorian market.
"Local chef Danny Millar's latest venture is a spacious, buzzy brasserie which oozes charm and character. It’s set on the first floor of the delightful covered Victorian Market, and tables on the 'terrace’ overlooking the stalls are a real draw.
"Sourdough pizzas are available at lunch, while the main menu offers carefully cooked classic dishes like traditional Irish crubeens, côte de boeuf with ‘proper’ chips or whole market fish on the bone."
We wait with bated breath to see what classifications these spots are awarded, but for now we're getting our reservations in while the tables aren't too full.
