A POPULAR Michelin-star West Cork restaurant has announced it will be closing this autumn.

Restaurant Chestnut in Ballydehob made the announcement on social media on Tuesday.

The restaurant, run by award-winning chef Rob Krawczyk, who grew up in Schull, and Elaine Fleming, was awarded a Michelin star a year after opening in 2018 and it has retained the accolade ever since.

The establishment also won Best Restaurant in Cork at the 2026 Irish Restaurant Awards Munster Regional Final.

Speaking on the announcement, Rob and Elaine said: ‘We are so incredibly proud of what we have created here. Opening our doors in March 2018, we could not have dreamt of what was to follow.’

Restaurant Chestnut’s final dinner service will be on October 30^th.

The team behind Chestnut have teased their plans to begin a new venture in West Cork: ‘Our story is rooted here in West Cork and it is the place where our next chapter will begin. We will reveal our plans for what is to follow in time.’

Friends and customers shared their sadness at the news, but also wished the pair well in their new adventures.

‘News that is so sad but full of joy in equal measure. Some of my best dining experiences in recent years are rooted in time spent eating many many delicious things at The Chestnut,’ one social media user wrote.

Another user added: 'We LOVE Chestnut! You have created magic there Rob & Elaine, and we will miss sending friends who are visiting west Cork. But also - very happy that there at least will be a new adventure ahead!'

Celebrity chef Rachel Allen wrote ‘Such a delicious meal on Sunday. Thank you so much. It was lovely to see you.’