Potager, located in the heart of Skerries, announced the the “incredibly difficult decision to close” after nearly six years in business.
In a statement, the owners said: “We have battled for the last two years to keep going; however, we simply can’t continue any longer.
“We have had the most wonderful times over the past almost six years. We have made great friends and had the privilege of meeting some of the loveliest customers, whom we would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts.
“Looking after all of you never felt like work and made the business struggles disappear as soon as you all walked through the door.
“As for our staff over the years, we have been so lucky to have some of the hardest-working, best-spirited, and loveliest people on the planet working at Potager, all of whom helped make it the special place it was.
“Lastly, our suppliers, some of the most amazing, hardworking people you will ever meet. Thank you all, we will miss you,” they added.
Potager featured in the Michelin guide in 2023 and won an award for best contemporary Irish cuisine at the Irish Restaurant Awards last year.
It was also awarded a gold star on the Star Wine List of the year alongside restaurants such as D’Olier Street and Etto which won silver stars.
The news comes as the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) called for increased support for hospitality businesses.
According to the RAI, over 600 food-serving hospitality businesses have closed since the VAT rate increased from to 13.5pc in September last year.
In August, celebrity chef Dylan McGrath announced the immediate closure of two of his restaurants, Brasserie Sixty6 and Rustic Stone.
At the time of his closures, McGrath said the hospitality industry in the city was “not sustainable”.
“It’s hard to put into words what has happened to restaurants and the city centre in the last four years,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Brasserie Sixty6 had 25 years in business, and Rustic Stone had 15. We would like to thank all of our customers over the years, our suppliers, and all those who spent their happy times dining with us.”
Despite the challenges facing businesses in Dublin, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe has said there is “vibrancy” and “vitality” that show the city centre is not dying.
“When I’m out in Dublin at night, when I’m spending time here in the city centre, I see the challenges that are there, but I see vibrancy and vitality in our city.”
