Ireland is gaining recognition at the highest level of the culinary world. We're oftentimes not mentioned in debates about what country has the best food, but perhaps that's something that will change in the near future. As we saw at last night's announcement of the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2020, a record number of Irish restaurants were honored, and a handful were recipients of the prestigious Michelin Star award.

Taking home two stars was the incredible Aimsir of Kildare, which has been turning heads in the culinary industry ever since it opened in May. Take a look at the pleasing photos on their Instagram page to gain a sense of the detail they pour into their food. Below is a shot of the elegant restaurant.

 

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A post shared by A I M S I R (@aimsir_restaurant) on Oct 4, 2019 at 11:39am PDT

Also winning two stars was Dublin's The Greenhouse, which was celebrated for its, 'dynamic kitchen.' Then, the last Irish restaurant to win two stars was the Dublin-based Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. They have impressively retained their stars since 1996.

The first restaurant to receive just one of the illustrious was Mike Tweedy's Oak Room, located in Limerick's luxurious 5-star hotel Adare Manor. According to the Guide, Tweedy, 'champions Ireland's artisan producers in understated modern dishes.'

Another restaurant recipient was Belfast's Muddlers Club. Featuring industrial decor and divine dishes, it was unsurprising to see a win for them.

 

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A post shared by Gareth (Giz) (@garethni) on Sep 25, 2019 at 6:09am PDT

Next up to claim a star was chef Paul McDonald's Bastion, located in Kinsale. Bastion was additionally honored for its 'young and enthusiastic team,' supervised by Gareth McCaughey.

Another restaurant to win was Variety Jones, located right here in Dublin. The restaurant is a chic and trendy hangout that's known for its decor, open-fire, and of course dishes.

 

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A post shared by The real food & wine explorer (@therealfoodexplorer) on May 9, 2019 at 11:53am PDT

All in all, it was a proud night to be Irish. Michelin Star's are reserved for the best of the best, and no one squeaks their way into one. They're hard-earned and representative of the most dedicated culinary craftsmen. It was truly wonderful to see so many of our restaurants honored. Who knows, perhaps Ireland will start to make its way into debates about countries with the best food.