Trevor Moran: 'I have tended to be an Airbnb guy, I’m learning to take advantage of hotel amenities'

Sat, 21 Feb, 2026 - 01:00

Jennifer McShane

Chef Trevor Moran has spent much of his career cooking abroad, working in some of the world’s most influential kitchens before opening his own restaurant in Nashville.

A former chef at René Redzepi’s Noma in Copenhagen, Moran is now co-owner of Locust, which earned a Michelin star in 2025 and has been recognised by both Food & Wine (which named it Restaurant of the Year in 2022) and made The New York Times Restaurant List that same year.

While his work has taken him far from home, Moran never has Ireland far from his thoughts. Here, he reflects on the trips that shaped him, the places that surprised him most, and why home resonates differently now than it once did.

Favourite childhood holiday memory

When I was a kid, we would go to Kilmore Quay every summer and rent a little house. The neighbours from Shankill, where we lived at the time, would often come down to stay as well. We would spend the days eating chips (curry cheese chips for me), messing around on the beach, and
exploring the roads.

Dad would bring down his Betamax video player and a load of tapes he probably got off the back of a truck. We would all watch movies every night, most notably Ghoulies, which was turned off after about 15 minutes and replaced by Robocop. Good times.

Most memorable trip

I know it’s not very original for a chef, but I went to Japan by myself for six weeks a few years back. It’s hard to explain how it affected me.

But that’s the beauty of it, I suppose, you don’t need to explain it, you just let it happen.

All your notions explode.

Most surprising destination

Ireland, after being away for years. Just how much I love being back. For some reason, in my 40s, it really resonates with me.

Favourite city in the world

I really don’t think that it is possible to answer, honestly. I loved San Sebastián but haven’t spent enough time there.

Barcelona is the same. I think once you admit that you can’t live everywhere, and count your blessings that you can travel all over the world (usually cooking at an event to make it possible) that becomes enough.

Then, everywhere becomes your favourite city. Just joking — Tokyo. Mumbai. Or Kinsale.

Favourite hotel

I have tended to be an Airbnb guy, actually, when I travel. But I’m learning to take advantage of hotel amenities more these days.

We stayed in Carmel by the Sea at La Playa Hotel recently while doing a dinner at my friend Johnny Black’s amazing restaurant, Chez Noir. It was so moody and calming. Fairly bougie stuff for someone from Stillorgan.

Most memorable food experience

There have been a few restaurant meals that have stopped me in my tracks over the years. My first meal at Noma (pictured), back in 2008, actually changed my life and forced me to quit my job, sell my car and leave everyone behind.

I needed to work there. My first dinner at Patrick Guilbaud’s, years before that was my first fancy dinner, and at the time I didn’t understand at all, but over the years details have trickled in, and I realise how special it was to experience. I really want to go back when I get home early next year.

Most recently, Assassination Custard really messed me up. Absolutely amazing, pure, celebratory cooking. Gwen and Ken are doing something so cool. No pretentious stuff whatsoever. A place to be really proud of.

Favourite thing to do while travelling

Laughing. Anywhere will do.

Bucket list trip

It’s an always-changing list. I’d love to visit my pal Vaughan Mabee in New Zealand. Other than that, I’d like to explore as much of the US as I can, and Ireland.