As the Michelin Guide added three new Irish restaurants to its prestigious guide this week, we got to thinking … how affordable is it to eat with your better half in any of these top-notch dining establishments? And if budget allowed, where might we choose to treat our loves on the weekend that’s in it? In short, where are the best value Michelin-starred meals to try in Dublin this Valentine’s Day?
While we were mulling this over, in popped the answer from the experts at Alliance Online Ireland, who it turns out, have spent the past couple of days grappling with that very question. Ahead of Valentine’s Day this Friday, the organisation, which specialises in restaurant and bar supplies, has been busy crunching the numbers and figuring out which are the best value Michelin-starred tasting menus across the country.
They’ve delved into the websites and menus of Ireland’s twenty-one Michelin-starred restaurants to establish the price of a tasting menu for two at Ireland’s fine dining establishments. For Dublin diners, the good news is that the tasting menus at Dublin eateries Variety Jones, Bastible and D’Olier Street all feature amongst some of the lowest priced Michelin-starred eateries in the country.
The study* found that the average cost per couple is currently €285. Given this benchmark, take a bow Variety Jones which, at €190 per couple, was revealed to be the most affordable option in the country. Established in 2018 by brothers Keelan and Aaron Higgs, the destination restaurant in the Liberties is famed for its creative use of local, organic and seasonal ingredients, all of which have been key factors in ensuring that it continues to hold the Michelin star it first won in 2019.
Ireland’s Best Value Michelin-starred Tasting Menu
Meanwhile, the tasting menu at Bastible, which bagged its Michelin Star three years ago, came in a tasty second at €210 for two, while D’Olier Street secured Dublin’s third spot in the top five, with a thirteen course tasting menu that costs €256 per couple.
The Dublin 2 restaurant was awarded its star for the first time last year when the judges said that “D’Olier Street boosts Dublin’s dining scene with visually striking and technically accomplished dishes.” The effusive Michelin citation went on to note that the menu “demonstrates all the technical skill, refined combinations and depth of flavour you would expect of a Michelin Starred establishment.”
Ireland’s Best Value Michelin-Starred A La Carte Meal
As well as exploring the cost of a tasting menu for two, the data also showcases the best value meal for two for a la carte dining. Once again the city is well represented with Andy McFadden’s Glovers Alley, and two-star restaurants Patrick Guilbaud in The Merrion and Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen all featuring.
For a three course meal the data indicated that Campagne in Kilkenny was the best value option at €160 per couple, while Glovers Alley in Dublin was the second cheapest option at €230 for a three course meal for two.
Commenting on the research findings, John Girvan from Alliance Online Ireland said “Food is the key to many of our hearts which is why enjoying a special meal on Valentine’s Day is a great way to spend the day with loved ones.
“We know that Dublin is home to some of the best restaurants in the world but it’s heartening to see regional eateries also shining when it comes to quality fine dining at lower price points.”
He added that, for those who are feeling inspired and fancy pulling out all the stops for a very special Valentine’s experience at home, the company has a range of premium catering supplies and fine-dining equipment to help diners create restaurant-quality dining at home, ranging from professional-level tableware to chef-approved utensils.
*Methodology
Irish establishments with one and two star Michelin ratings were analysed. Using the average menu costs taken directly from each location’s website the average cost per two people was calculated based on set tasting menus. Restaurants open only to hotel and restaurant packages were excluded from the analysis. Where restaurants offered multiple tasting menus, the average price was calculated. Data collected 11/02/2025.
Good luck getting a booking! Valentine’s Day takes place on Friday February 14th.
