Experience Affordable Michelin-Starred Dining in the UK and Ireland
As of 2023, there are 206 Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK and Ireland. However, dining on gourmet cuisine doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. Many acclaimed restaurants offer surprisingly affordable à la carte options, while others feature exquisite tasting menus priced under £100.
If you’re looking for a Michelin-starred experience without breaking the bank, consider visiting restaurants during lunch hours. Many establishments provide lunchtime specials that deliver exceptional value compared to their evening services. Additionally, keep in mind that the more Michelin stars a restaurant has, the higher the prices tend to be; for instance, a visit to Heston Blumenthal’s three Michelin-starred Fat Duck can cost nearly £400 per person. Nevertheless, such experiences are often worth it for special occasions.
Top Affordable Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Here, we present 11 of our favorite Michelin-starred meals in the UK and Ireland, all available for less than £100.
Grace and Savour, Birmingham
Birmingham may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a weekend getaway, but it has much to offer. In recent years, the city has gained attention for its culinary scene, significantly bolstered by the opening of Grace and Savour at Hampton Manor. This stunning country-house estate offers cooking classes and wine tastings.
Chef David Taylor led the restaurant to its first Michelin star in 2023. The 15-course tasting menu is available for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and is priced at £155. However, on Saturdays, you can enjoy a more accessible eight-course lunch for £90 per person. Potential dishes include grass-fed beef brisket smoked over pine and creel-caught red prawns. Furthermore, the wine list has received accolades, exemplifying the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Address: Hampton Manor, Shadowbrook Ln, Hampton in Arden, Solihull B92 0EN
Price: £90 on Saturday lunchtime
Website: hamptonmanor.com
Eipic, Belfast
Focusing on local ingredients, Eipic has earned a Michelin star since 2016. Under the guidance of Northern Irish chef Alex Greene, formerly of Gordon Ramsey’s kitchen, this restaurant offers all menus for £100 or less. The best value can be found during lunch, where two courses are available for £38.50 and three courses for £45, served Thursday through Saturday.
Menu highlights may include cheddar dumplings and barbecue chicken, while the traditional and vegetarian tasting menus cost £100. Vegetarian selections include tangy cucumber, chili, wasabi, sesame, or soy and honey-roasted celeriac. Additionally, the enticing ‘Menu Surprise’ is priced at £70, featuring a daily selection based on the finest local produce and available during lunch and Thursday evenings.
