The Cedar Tree, Dublin’s oldest Lebanese restaurant, to close

The Cedar Tree, a long-standing Lebanese restaurant on St Andrew’s Street in Dublin, is set to close permanently following the bank holiday on Monday, October 26. Having operated since June 1986, the family-run establishment holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first and oldest Lebanese restaurant.

The closure is attributed to escalating operational pressures, including rising rent costs and the broader cost-of-living crisis. While management had initially hoped to remain open through the Christmas trading period, increasing overheads forced an earlier exit.

The restaurant’s workforce is noted for its significant longevity, with some staff members having served for between 10 and 35 years. In a statement, the owners expressed gratitude to their community, stating, ‘It has been wonderful to be part of one big family with you all.’