Lebanese cuisine has been part of Dublin’s food story for four decades, but one of the city’s best-known names is preparing to close. The Cedar Tree, a much-loved restaurant on Saint Andrew Street, has announced that it will shut its doors after 40 years of serving traditional Lebanese food in the capital.
The announcement has prompted an emotional response from loyal customers, many of whom shared memories of family dinners, regular lunches and special visits to the restaurant. For anyone following food Ireland and Dublin restaurant reviews, the closure marks the end of an important chapter in the city’s diverse dining scene.
The Cedar Tree will close on October 26
The Cedar Tree opened in 1986 and described itself as Ireland’s first and oldest Lebanese restaurant. After welcoming generations of diners, the restaurant confirmed that its final day of trading will be Bank Holiday Monday, October 26, 2026.
In its announcement, the restaurant thanked customers, staff and the wider community for their support over the years. It also invited diners to return for a final day of traditional Lebanese hospitality, with special offers available throughout the day.
Its long presence in Dublin city centre made it a familiar destination for locals, workers and visitors looking for places to eat Dublin. The restaurant’s Saint Andrew Street location also placed it within easy reach of many popular attractions and city-centre routes.
A menu remembered by generations of diners
The Cedar Tree became known for approachable Lebanese cooking, including lunch-friendly wraps and hearty main courses. Its menu featured familiar favourites such as falafel, chicken and beef shawarma, and kafta.
Diners could also enjoy dishes including:
- Chicken mashwe
- Kabseh
- Mansaf
- Spiced chicken kafta
- Falafel and shawarma wraps
That combination of generous portions, distinctive spices and traditional recipes helped establish the restaurant as a notable part of Dublin food. It offered both a convenient lunch stop and a welcoming setting for relaxed evening meals, appealing to diners seeking modern Irish food alternatives as well as authentic international cuisine.
Customers share memories of The Cedar Tree
Following the closure announcement, customers described the news as heartbreaking. Several remembered celebrating meals with parents and family members, while others said visiting The Cedar Tree had become a regular part of trips to Dublin.
Those reactions highlight the role independent restaurants play in an Ireland restaurant guide: they are not simply places to eat, but gathering spaces that become woven into personal memories. The Cedar Tree’s departure will be felt by regulars and by visitors searching for Lebanese food in Dublin.
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A lasting place in Dublin’s food scene
The Cedar Tree’s closure reflects the changing nature of the Dublin dining landscape, where long-established restaurants sit alongside new restaurants and evolving food trends. Its 40-year history, however, ensures that it will remain part of the city’s culinary heritage.
For customers hoping to say goodbye, Bank Holiday Monday offers one final opportunity to enjoy the restaurant’s Lebanese hospitality and familiar dishes. The clearest takeaway for Dublin food lovers is simple: when an independent restaurant becomes part of your routine, supporting it matters.
Article/Image Courtesy: EVOKE