The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate has been awarded its first Michelin Star, announced at the Michelin Great Britain & Ireland Awards Ceremony at the Dublin Convention Centre on the 9th of February 2026. This is a landmark achievement for one of Ireland’s most unique dining experiences.
Housed within two original, meticulously restored carriages of the legendary Orient Express, The Pullman reopened on 1st March 2025 with a clear ambition: to reach Michelin-star recognition. Under the stewardship of Head Chef Angelo Vagiotis, alongside the dedication of both kitchen and service teams, that milestone has been achieved in under a year.
A Dining Experience Unlike Any Other in Ireland
Dining at The Pullman is a journey through time and taste. Set within the timeless elegance of the historic Orient Express carriages, the atmosphere is intimate, nostalgic, and evocative of a bygone era, creating an evening that is as transformative as it is culinary.
The cuisine offers a refined interpretation of classic dishes, shaped by the richness of Ireland’s evolving terroir. Menus follow the rhythm of the seasons and celebrate long-standing relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and artisan producers, resulting in ingredient-led cooking that is both expressive and deeply rooted in place.
Michelin Guide Praise
The Michelin Guide highlighted both the distinctive setting and the standard of cuisine:
“Stepping inside was like a portal to another time and place… the 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
The Pullman’s success is guided by Head Chef Angelo Vagiotis, whose global fine-dining experience includes renowned kitchens such as Noma in Copenhagen and Manresa in California. Most recently, he served as inaugural Head Chef at Terre Restaurant, Castlemartyr Resort, where he led the restaurant to “Hotel Restaurant of the Year” and two Michelin Stars within just 18 months.
Chef Vagiotis and his team are dedicated to ingredient-driven cooking, classic techniques, and locally sourced produce, crafting dishes that evoke a true sense of place.
Reflecting on the award, Chef Vagiotis shared:
“Earning a Michelin Star in our first year is a remarkable achievement for our entire team. We aim to deliver a dining experience that captures the rhythm of the seasons and the richness of Ireland’s terroir. This accolade reaffirms our dedication to traditional techniques, exceptional ingredients, and creating dishes that embody a genuine sense of place.”
A Proud Moment for Glenlo Abbey
Rónán O’Halloran, General Manager, commented:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised in this prestigious guide so soon after reopening The Pullman following its loving restoration. This is a very proud moment for both the front and back of house teams who have worked tirelessly to achieve our ambitious goal.”
Plan Your Michelin-Starred Experience
The Pullman welcomes guests Wednesday to Sunday for an immersive fine-dining experience in one of Ireland’s most storied settings.
Dinner is served from 6:00pm – 9:30pm.
Discover the 7-course tasting menu and experience Michelin-starred dining aboard the Orient Express.
Reserve your table at The Pullman today.
