The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate has just been awarded its first Michelin Star, announced this week at the Michelin Great Britain & Ireland awards ceremony held at the Dublin Convention Centre on Monday.
Housed within two original, meticulously restored carriages from the legendary Orient Express, The Pullman reopened on March 1, 2025 with a clear ambition to reach Michelin-star recognition. Under the stewardship of head chef Angelo Vagiotis and the dedication of the kitchen and service teams, that milestone has been achieved in under a year.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised in this prestigious guide, so soon after reopening The Pullman after its loving restoration following a major investment commitment by our owners," said Rónán O’Halloran, general manager. "It certainly is a very proud moment for both the front and back of house teams who have worked incredibly hard to achieve our ambitious goal.”
A dining experience unlike any other in Ireland, The Pullman offers a refined interpretation of classic cuisine shaped by the richness of Ireland’s evolving terroir. Menus are crafted around the seasons and celebrate longstanding relationships with local farmers, fishermen and producers. The atmosphere — intimate, nostalgic and evocative of a bygone era — creates an evening that is as transformative as it is culinary.
The Michelin Guide praised the restaurant’s distinctive setting and culinary excellence, noting: “When I booked a table at The Pullman, a new opening on the Glenlo Abbey Estate near Galway in the Republic of Ireland, I knew that the restaurant was located within two Orient Express train carriages. I was expecting a unique setting and a menu that showcased the best of Irish produce.
"Yet nothing could have prepared me for the absolute splendour of this restaurant," the Michelin inspector continued. "Stepping inside was like a portal to another time and place. The carriages are from the original Orient Express, yet their restoration is so impressive that I felt like I was dining in the midst of their heyday, nearly 100 years ago, with flawless service to match. Importantly, the cooking lived up to the surroundings, with outstanding produce and skilful execution. The carriages may be motionless, but my experience was still full of emotion.”
Led by head chef Angelo Vagiotis, who brings global experience from fine dining establishments, including Noma in Copenhagen and Manresa in California, the Pullman team is dedicated to ingredient-driven cooking, classic techniques, and locally sourced produce, aiming to craft a culinary experience that evokes a “sense of place.”
Chef Vagiotis most recently served as the inaugural head chef at Terre Restaurant, Castlemartyr Resort, where he led the restaurant to achieve Hotel Restaurant of the Year and two Michelin Stars within just 18 months of opening.
“Earning a Michelin Star in our first year is a remarkable achievement for our entire team," Chef Vagiotis said. "We aim to deliver a dining experience that captures the seasons' rhythm and Ireland’s terroir richness. This accolade reaffirms our dedication to traditional techniques, top-quality ingredients, and creating dishes that embody a genuine sense of place.”
The Pullman welcomes guests Wednesday through Sunday for an immersive fine-dining experience in one of Ireland’s most atmospheric and storied settings. Dinner is served between 6pm and 9.30pm.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels, a proud member of Ireland's Blue Book, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and part of the Irish-owned and managed MHL Hotel Collection. It is just two miles from Galway city and boasts magnificent views overlooking Lough Corrib on a 138-acre estate.
Galway's two other Michelin Star restaurants, Aniar in Dominick Street and Lignum in Bullaun, have also retained their stars at this week's Michelin event.
