Here’s everything that happened at the Michelin Awards 2026
Here’s everything that happened at the Michelin Awards 2026
Words by Maggie Fagan
Hero Image by Gerry Mooney
The Michelin Guide Awards 2026 landed in our own fair city last night and, thanks to Square, we were in attendance, and yes, we’re still riding the buzz.
Hosted in the Convention Centre on the quays, the setting delivered prime Liffey views for out-of-towners (of which there were many), plus a welcome drink to loosen everyone up. As guests filtered in, a full on camera crew followed a group of chefs that included Nathan Davies, head chef of Vraic in Vale, Guernsey, who we suspect were filming an episode of AppleTV’s Knife Edge.
It became a game of spot the chef, and things really started popping off when Gordon Ramsay followed by Jesse Burgess of Topjaw rolled in.
A clanging dinner bell signalled it was go-time, and while guests filled the room, they were treated to brief diddley-eye trad music, before hosts Amanda Stretton and Lisa Hogan – Irish born actress who’s currently dating Jeremy Clarkson – took to the stage.
The night opened with a well-earned love letter to Ireland and its produce, with Michelin Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec appearing on screen to remind the room that Irish cuisine is shaped by land and sea, and brought to life by chefs with creativity, integrity and serious respect for ingredients. Finally! We are getting the recognition.
The recently announced Bib Gourmands – Big Fan, Borgo and Forêt – got another round of applause, followed by a glossy La Rousse film celebrating Irish ingredients. Then came the Green Stars, which was a little surprising. They barely exist online anymore and the word on the street is they’re being quietly phased out… honestly, they need to make up their mind.
The energy properly spiked with the Michelin Service Award, which went to Barbara Nealon of St. Francis’ Provisions in Kinsale, presented by Gordon Ramsay himself. When asked about the award, Barbara revealed that the secret is… actually liking your customers. Revolutionary. Iconic. Pop off, queen.
Then came the One Stars. Seemingly out of nowhere a slick video they prepared earlier played of the Pullman in Glenlo Abbey in Galway showcasing their glamorous oriental express train, hinting that these guys were about to take home the One-Starred bacon. Head chef Angelo Vagiotis headed to the stage to don his brand new chef’s jacket. Up Galway!
Similarly, the same thing happened with Forest Avenue on Sussex Terrace – a beautifully shot short film played show casing the restaurant, including the emotional little moment when Sandy and John Wyer were informed, mid-filming, that they’d just won a star.
And then… that was kind of it. No new Two Stars for Ireland. No new Three Stars for anyone. It was over almost as quickly as it began, with an resounding sense of deflation left hanging in the room.
