Restaurant Chestnut, the acclaimed Michelin-starred venue in Ballydehob, West Cork, run by chef Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming, will close its doors for good at the end of October, according to announcements from the owners reported by the Irish Times. Opened in March 2018 inside a 200-year-old former pub, the 18-seat restaurant earned a Michelin star just six months after its debut and has retained the accolade for eight years.
The Rapid Rise of a West Cork Culinary Destination
The restaurant caught the Irish food world off guard with its exceptionally fast ascent. According to Rob Krawczyk, a Michelin inspector dined at the establishment just three weeks after its soft opening. The owners received notification of the star via email the Friday before the awards ceremony in London. Krawczyk grew up nearby in Dereenatra, near Schull, and trained under chefs including Richard Corrigan at Bentley’s in London and at California’s Chez Panisse before opening the Ballydehob location.
Operating with a shoestring budget, Krawczyk and Fleming personally renovated the space, creating an intimate dining room with moss-green walls and low wood-panelled ceilings. Corinna Hardgrave, food critic for the Irish Times, described Krawczyk last year as “one of the country’s top chefs” in her assessment of Ireland’s dining spots worth travelling for.
Menus, Pricing, and the Decision to Close
Restaurant Chestnut currently offers three distinct dining formats, including a casual prix fixe dinner menu featuring two courses for €55 per person, a short four-course tasting menu priced at €78 per person, and a full tasting menu at €125 per person, as noted by the Irish Times. Despite successfully navigating the operational challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and maintaining a dedicated local following, the owners have decided to end this chapter.
“Bringing Chestnut to life, in this space in Ballydehob, receiving a Michelin star and then retaining it for eight years has meant the world to us,” Krawczyk stated, as reported by the Irish Times. While the physical restaurant in Ballydehob will cease operations this autumn, Krawczyk emphasized that they remain rooted in the region: “We won’t be going anywhere. We love west Cork and we love what we do. We’re just going to be doing it differently after this season.” Details regarding future projects have not yet been disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Restaurant Chestnut closing?
According to the Irish Times, Restaurant Chestnut is scheduled to close permanently at the end of October.
Where is Restaurant Chestnut located?
The restaurant is located in the West Cork village of Ballydehob, housed in a 200-year-old former pub on Staball Hill.
Who owns Restaurant Chestnut?
The establishment is run and managed by chef Rob Krawczyk and his partner Elaine Fleming.
Will Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming continue cooking in West Cork?
According to statements reported by the Irish Times, the couple has confirmed they are staying in West Cork and plan to pursue new culinary ventures after the restaurant closes.
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