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Beloved Ranelagh dim‑sum restaurant Mak is closing its doors in its present form but not disappearing from the neighbourhood. Owner Jules Mak plans to convert the business into a collection‑only operation and launch a new Mediterranean concept called Fuoco.
From full service to collection-only
After more than a decade serving Hong Kong‑inspired dim sum and chow mein, Mak will end sit‑down service on 24 May. The eatery will reopen later in the summer at a different address in Ranelagh as a collection‑only outlet, the owner has said.
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The change means customers can still expect signature dishes — dumplings, chow mein and similar favourites — but only for takeaway. Jules Mak described the decision as part of a wider reimagining of the business.
A new restaurant arrives
In the space vacated by Mak, Jules will open Fuoco, a Mediterranean‑inspired restaurant scheduled to debut later this year. He framed the move as a new creative chapter for his team after years running Mak.
Reflecting on his time with the dim‑sum brand, he said: “Opening Mak at just 24 years old changed my life and taught me lessons I could never have imagined.” He added: “It’s a journey that has taught me to drive on, be brave, to have fun with it; when to take a leap, when to sit steady, and everything in between.”
What this means locally
Jules Mak remains a significant figure in Dublin’s casual dining scene. Alongside Mak he operates several other venues, including Parrilla in Ranelagh, Wanderlust in Dalkey, and two Rathmines spots: Hush and Mak at Zozimous.
He said the experiences from running Mak have been formative, and signalled the team is “extremely excited” about the new direction. “The experiences I’ve had with Mak have been completely formative for me and I am so proud of its success, but now it’s time for a new chapter and a new leap that the team and I are extremely excited for,” he added.
Timing and practical details
Key dates provided by the owner:
- 24 May — Mak closes at its current Ranelagh location.
- Later in the summer — Mak reopens as a collection‑only operation at a new Ranelagh address.
- Later this year — Fuoco is scheduled to open.
The shift reflects a growing trend among restaurateurs to adapt formats and concepts while keeping established brands alive in new shapes. For regulars, it means one familiar menu will remain available, but under a different service model and alongside an incoming Mediterranean restaurant to watch for in Ranelagh.
