It’s always been Ireland’s gourmet capital, but now we have a hat-trick of awards to prove it.

Three of Cork’s best restaurants were bestowed with the coveted Michelin star this week; Sheares Street Japanese restaurant Ichigo Ichie, The Mews in Baltimore and Chestnut in Ballydehob are three of 14 Irish restaurants to be awarded the top honour in the newly published 2019 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland.

The news has inspired a rush of bookings, so if you’re planning a blow-out meal in the coming weeks, don’t arrive without your name in the book.

Here’s the latest reservation information for the top three:

The Mews, Baltimore

“The effect has been extraordinary,” Robert Collender told Yay Cork. “We close for the season at the end of October so we very quickly filled the remainder of our tables until then. We reopen in the spring so that’s when we’ll likely feel the full effect.”

In the meantime, word has it that Thursday is the best night to chance your arm for a table at The Mews.

Ichigo Ichie, Sheares Street, Cork

“We have received numerous queries, which we are doing our best to reply to.” Flavia Reno told Yay Cork.

“We have plenty of availability on Thursdays through October, but the other days are pretty much fully booked. Guests can place bookings on our website ichigoichie.ie.”

The Chestnut, Ballydehob

“We are starting to slowly but surely make our way through all the messages, calls and emails, it’s really been amazing!” Elaine told Yay Cork.

“We open our reservation system for 30 days in advance of the current date and now that we are back, we have checked and we are full for the next 30 days.

We do have a cancellation list in operation should anything arise.”

Best to check it out on their website.

If you can’t get a table, fear not; there are plenty of Michelin Bib Gourmand establishments where a three-course meal will set you back less than €40.

Dillon’s in Timoleague is a new addition to the list, while Bastion in Kinsale retained its spot for 2019.