JP McMahon to close Galway restaurant Tartare

The restaurant, which has a focus on small plates and natural, will run its last service on 4 September.

Writing on social media, McMahon says: “It is with sadness that we must announce that we are closing our beautiful Tarte Galway on 4th September. We are very proud of what we achieved over the past 5 years.

“We want to thank our customers and our loyal regulars. And most importantly we want to thank our staff.”

Café by day and natural and organic wine bar by night, Tartare was a popular restaurant that was noted for its quality. In October 2018, it was awarded a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.

In an interview with the Irish Independent​​ McMahon, who is also the founder of Food on the Edge​​, a yearly international chef congress, said there wasn’t one single reason for the closure.

“The reasons for closing are complex. Obviously the cost of living crisis has contributed to that in terms of an increased cost of labour, and increased cost of energy plus we are also at a point in our lease… and we have the possibility of breaking our lease.

“It’s a difficult time for hospitality in Ireland and we feel it is the best decision to make.”

McMahon’s two other restaurants, the Michelin-starred Aniar and tapas restaurant Cava Bodega, which he launched in 2008, remain open.

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