Miyazki claims new Michelin award

One of Cork’s newest restaurants is among 20 restaurants have been newly awarded a Bib Gourmand this week.

Takeshi Miyazaki’s Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine at Fenn’s Quay is the sole Cork new entry. This restaurant is a reinvention of his Michelin Star-winning Ichigo Ichie, offering exciting and innovative food at a much cheaper price.

Named after Bibendum which is the official name of the Michelin Man, this award highlights restaurants offering great quality and great value cooking.

Given it only re-opened as a casual bistro this month, the Michelin inspectors really got their skates on to get in and review it.

That a newly re-opened restaurant is already good enough to secure a Bib Gourmand is testament to the skill and vision of Miyazaki too.

Here’s what the Michelin inspectors said about the Fenns Quay eatery: “If you find yourself on the other side of the Irish Sea, then head down to Cork to sample the Japanese dishes at Ichigo Ichie Bistro & Natural Wine. A new incarnation of the original Ichigo Ichie, this is a more relaxed and accessibly priced restaurant that comes with the bustle of contented diners.”

The 20 restaurants were revealed ahead of this year’s Michelin Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland which takes place on Monday 5 February in Manchester.

“It is a joy to see 20 restaurants newly awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the 2024 edition of The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland. These are establishments that deserve recognition for their continued commitment to offering affordable, delicious cooking. The generosity and value for money they offer is wonderful to see during these challenging economic times,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The Michelin Guide.

There were 6 Irish restaurants in total that revived a Bib Gourmand for the first time. The others were Solas in Dingle, Dublin’s La Gordita and Amy Austin, as well as Lottie’s. Home in Belfast regained its Bib Gourmand.