A New Chapter On Parnell Square

Chapter One is one of Dublin's best-loved restaurants. It sits on Parnell Square, and for almost three decades it was the restaurant of chef Ross Lewis^[1][3]. Lewis held a Michelin star there for fifteen years^[1].

In May 2021 the news broke. Mickael Viljanen had resigned from The Greenhouse and would join Chapter One as chef and co-owner^[1][2]. The date was 21 May 2021^[2].

Passing The Torch

Ross Lewis did not leave. He moved out of the kitchen into a management role and stayed on as a partner^[1][2]. He also planned to focus on Osteria Lucio, his Italian restaurant on Clanwilliam Terrace^[1]. That same year, Michelin gave Lewis its Chef Mentor Award^[4].

The restaurant took a new name: Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen^[1]. It was a clear signal. The old house would keep its spirit of warm hospitality, but the cooking would now be Viljanen's own^[3].

A New Look

The dining room was rebuilt during the long lockdown. Irish interior architect Maria MacVeigh designed the space in a calm, minimal style^[3]. Irish craft took centre stage, with sculptural pieces by Emmet Kane and woven work by Joe Hogan^[3]. The room was given fewer covers, so the kitchen could focus on every plate^[1].

Guests with old vouchers were not forgotten. Chapter One promised to honour them, with an extra year of grace^[1].

Doors Open Again

On 27 July 2021 the redesigned restaurant opened its doors^[2]. The reviews came fast. In August, Irish Times critic Corinna Hardgrave gave it a perfect ten out of ten and called it world class^[2].

It was a rare beginning. A chef had walked away from two stars and taken over somebody else's famous restaurant in the middle of a pandemic. Within weeks, the critics were calling the result world class^[2][4].