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Dublin institution The Cedar Tree — the city’s first Lebanese restaurant — will close after 40 years of trading. The eatery on Saint Andrew Street, which opened in 1986, announced it will shut its doors on Bank Holiday Monday, October 26.
How the closure was announced
The Cedar Tree posted a short message to customers confirming the decision and thanking patrons for their support. In the notice the team invited Dubliners to join for a final service on the Bank Holiday, offering **special offers** throughout the day and signing off as “The Cedar Tree Family.”
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A long-standing presence on Saint Andrew Street
Since 1986 the restaurant became known as a lunchtime favourite and a go-to spot for Lebanese flavours in the city centre. Its menu mixed casual wraps and sandwiches with fuller main courses, attracting a steady local following.
Popular choices included falafel and shawarma wraps, and a variety of grilled and spiced dishes. On the mains list were items such as chicken mashwe, kabseh, mansaf and spiced chicken kafta — staples that helped define the venue’s kitchen.
Customers react
News of the closure prompted an outpouring of messages on social media. Regulars described feeling “heartbroken” and recalled family meals and long-running traditions tied to the restaurant.
One commenter said they had always made a point of dining there when in Dublin, and others thanked the staff for years of service. Another message sent particular good wishes to someone named Alis, singled out by a customer in their farewell note.
What happens next
The Cedar Tree encouraged supporters to visit on October 26 for what it called a final celebration of its hospitality and community ties. Beyond that day, the announcement gave no further details about the future of the site or the team.
