Cork restaurant with 'unfussy dishes' using quality produce awarded Bib Gourmand

A CORK restaurant which reinvented itself in recent weeks has been awarded a Bib Gourmand.

Ichigo Ichie Bistro and Natural Wine is among 20 establishments across Ireland and Britain that have been newly recognised with the prestigious accolade in the 2024 selection of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland. The distinction highlights restaurants offering “great quality, great value cooking”.

Of Ichigo Ichie Bistro and Natural Wine on Sheares St in the city centre, the Michelin team said the restaurant is a “relaxed, lively reimagining of the former Ichigo Ichie”, adding that the emphasis is on “fairly priced, unfussy dishes that use quality produce”.

The team also praised the “friendly, well-orchestrated service team”. Late last year chef Takashi Miyazaki announced he would be closing his Michelin-starred restaurant Ichigo Ichie and reopening as a more casual dining establishment. “I think this is the right thing to do”, he said, speaking to The Echo at the time.

“There’s more potential with a casual restaurant, but we will continue to use good quality produce from local producers.”

Ichigo Ichie Bistro and Natural Wine opened earlier this month.

The Michelin Guide ceremony takes place on February 5 when all of the new Michelin Stars, Green Stars and Special Awards will be announced.