Big Grill BBQ and Food Festival will return to Dublin’s Herbert Park from Thursday August 14th to Sunday August 17th, 2025, and the initial line-up featuring 11 incredible restaurants has just been announced.

Showcasing the very best Irish and international chefs, restaurants and barbecue experts across one action-packed weekend in the capital, Big Grill has become legendary for shining a spotlight on the skilful techniques, incredible versatility and pure magic that comes with cooking over live fire. 

In November of last year, Texas was awarded its own Michelin Guide and barbecue restaurants were recognised for the very first time. This summer, Big Grill’s Festival Director Andy Noonan is bringing two of those new Michelin-starred chefs John Bates and Ali Clem to Dublin, serving up authentic Texan BBQ dishes as well as taking to the Bastecamp stage to share their incredible in-depth knowledge on all things BBQ.

From Michelin-stared Texas barbecue to Northern Thai and woodfired duck, here’s a taste of what to look forward to this year, with more to be revealed…

Interstellar BBQ

John Bates is the chef and fire tender at InterStellar BBQ, which was recognised as the #2 BBQ joint in Texas by Texas Monthly in 2021 and awarded a Michelin star in 2024. With over 30 years of experience as a cook and hospitality professional, John has founded several acclaimed concepts, including InterStellar BBQ, Yellow Bell Tacos, Deft Pies, The Noble Pig, and Noble Catering.

la Barbecue

Ali Clem is the chef, owner, and culinary mastermind behind the Texas-style smoked brisket you’ll find at Michelin-starred restaurant, la Barbecue, located in Austin, Texas.

Ranked among the top barbecue chefs in the world, Ali has devoted her culinary career to perfecting her craft and most importantly, carrying on the barbecue legacy she and her late wife, LeAnn Mueller built together.

From the Ashes BBQ

The pandemic gave Martin Anderson and Curtis Bell the opportunity to come together to start From the Ashes BBQ in June 2020. Serving nose-to-tail BBQ out of their Hatch in Hackney Wick, London.

Since opening FTA, they’ve moved from strength to strength, holding residencies, festivals and events all over London, demonstrating a range of cooking styles all surrounding fire, with a new opening in Paddington in 2025 they continue to serve some of the best BBQ in the UK.

Hera

Hera – a new northside neighbourhood restaurant the team behind Crudo, Achara, the Forth corner has quickly become one of Dublin’s hottest tickets.

With Joe smith bringing his reimagined “gastro pub” menu Inspired by Mediterranean flavours but with Irish produce at the helm.

Achara

Achara offers Thai food centred around a charcoal grill, using the best local produce they can get their hands on. They aim to showcase the regional food of Thailand, with a particular focus on the grilling culture of the North.

Hang Dai

Hang Dai will be offering Chinese & Asian inspired street food at Big Grill 2025. Using the same technique as they do in their bespoke woodfired duck oven, they’ll be cooking locally-sourced ducks from Skeaghanore, West Cork over an open fire..

Hang Dai has become a Dublin staple with contemporary Chinese/Asian cuisine and all-round good vibes. With a wood-fired traditional Chinese oven taking centre stage, Chinese dishes like Beijing Roast Duck and Mapo Tofu are always present.

Bah33º

Bah33º brings the authentic taste of Gaucho BBQ from the heart of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to the vibrant streets of Dublin. Founded in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 by a determined young Gaucho with a deep passion for his culture, Bah33º offers The Authentic Gaucho BBQ Experience.

Here, premium and 100% Irish meat cuts, including our signature 12-hour slow-roasted Gaucho Beef Ribs and the renowned dry-aged Picanha, are expertly prepared and slowly roasted over charcoal, using the finest local ingredients.

Reyna

Now a staple on the Dublin food scene, Reyna restaurant cooks modern Turkish to make you feel and eat well. Reyna offers their personal rendition of Mediterranean cuisine with an innovative modern touch.

At this year’s Big Grill, Reyna will be providing a range of authentic Turkish dishes all prepared on a charcoal grill. Not to be missed!

Bahay

Bahay specialises in introducing people to Filipino flavours created using the best Irish ingredients. They are known for their ability to bring a familiar “Bahay buzz” with warm hospitality, delicious food and carefully curated dining experiences in the spaces they pop up in, where they introduce diners to bold and unique Filipino flavours and fun dishes.

Their Longanisa HotDawg, Filipino BBQ skewers, their Viral Battered Sausage and classic twists on BBQ sides like Pinakurat Potato Salad are all seen at previous Big Grill and Me Aul Flower festivals.

Chiya

Chiya has taken Dublin by storm since its debut at Big Grill 2024, quickly becoming one of the city’s most talked-about eateries. Their signature Berlin kebabs have captured the hearts (and appetites) of locals, earning a devoted following.

Now, their legendary wood-fired kebab machine is making a return—ready to serve up more of the mouthwatering goodness that started it all.

Pitt Bros

With John Relihan at the helm, Pitt Bros. has become a Big Grill favourite. Serving up USA BBQ in Dublin since 2013, serving a mix of grilled and smoked meat.

See more information and get tickets at https://www.biggrillfestival.com/