Duo Behind Michelin-Starred Variety Jones to Open New Casual Restaurant This Weekend

Why It Matters

Mongoose extends the Higgs brothers’ culinary brand into the fast‑growing casual fine‑dining segment, challenging the city’s $30‑plus main‑course norm and potentially reshaping consumer expectations for value and sustainability.

Key Takeaways

• Mongoose opens April 26 in original Variety Jones space.
• Seats 28, offers €8‑$13 starters, €15‑$18 pastas, €18‑$25 mains.
• Menu designed to cut food waste, no price inflation.
• Sunday lunch targets 100+ guests; Monday set meals $26/$35.
• Expands Dublin’s casual fine‑dining scene beyond $30 mains.

Pulse Analysis

The launch of Mongoose marks a strategic pivot for the Higgs brothers, who have built a reputation for high‑end, Michelin‑starred cuisine at Variety Jones. By re‑occupying the original 78 Thomas Street location, they leverage an existing brand footprint while signaling a fresh, more approachable concept. This move reflects a broader trend among elite chefs who are diversifying into casual formats to capture a wider audience without diluting their culinary credibility.

Mongoose’s menu is deliberately streamlined, featuring dishes such as ox tongue starters, artisanal pastas and whole‑chicken mains, all priced between $9 and $27. The pricing strategy deliberately undercuts the typical Dublin casual dining price point of $30 for a main, aiming to deliver “good food, good wine, good times” without the markup. By designing the menu to minimise waste and offering set meals at $26 and $35 for two‑ and three‑course options, the restaurant aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainability and transparent value.

For Dublin’s competitive restaurant landscape, Mongoose adds a new tier that bridges fine‑dining expertise and everyday affordability. The limited 28‑seat capacity creates exclusivity, while the ability to host 100‑plus guests for Sunday lunch expands revenue potential. The dual‑brand synergy—leveraging Variety Jones’s Michelin cachet alongside a relaxed atmosphere—could set a template for other high‑profile chefs seeking to diversify. If successful, Mongoose may accelerate the shift toward upscale casual concepts that prioritize quality, waste reduction, and price transparency.