Two Stars Again, Less Than Seven Months In

On 16 February 2022 the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland was published. There was big news for Parnell Square. Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen had won two stars^[1][2].

Chapter One had held a single star since 2007^[1]. Now, with Viljanen in the kitchen, it moved up a level. The inspectors praised sophisticated dishes, delivered with confidence^[1].

Seven Months

The timing was remarkable. The restaurant had only reopened on 27 July 2021^[1]. Viljanen pointed out the speed himself: less than seven months in, and two stars^[2].

A Double Success

This was the second time Viljanen had brought a Dublin restaurant to two stars. He had done it first at The Greenhouse in 2019^[1][2].

He was not the only Irish winner that day. Liath in Blackrock also rose to two stars^[1]. With Aimsir in Co Kildare and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland now had four restaurants at that level^[1].

The Team Behind It

Ross Lewis praised the whole team in his statement, from the kitchen to the front of house^[2]. Lewis had been at Chapter One for nearly three decades, and now the house he built had reached a new height^[2].

The cooking has stayed true to his style. The Staff Canteen describes dishes that mix Finnish, French and Irish technique, and a surprise menu that remains the most popular choice^[4].

Still Shining

The stars have held. In the February 2026 guide, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen was one of five Irish restaurants with two stars^[3]. Four years on, the Finnish chef from Pori is still at the very top of Irish dining.

From a cruise-ship galley to two of the most celebrated dining rooms in Dublin, it has been a long journey. On Parnell Square, it has reached its finest chapter so far^[3][4].