L'Ecrivain's Sallyanne Clarke said closing the iconic restaurant was "a very difficult and emotional decision”.
The famed restaurant, which has held a Michelin star since 2003, will be shutting down at the end of July after over 30 years in the business.
She said: "This decision to close down and move to pastures new was a very difficult and emotional decision.
“People are saying, ‘how are you getting through it, what are you going to do?’
“We’ve been through more than most people so this is just a decision that we feel is good for us, good for the people we’re working with, and as I say everything has its time.”
She was referring to the loss of her son, Andrew, after he took his own life seven years ago.
Co-owner and head chef Derry told Sean O'Rourke on RTE Radio One: “We were talking about it for the last six months or so. I think it was time and we wanted to go out on a high when it was still busy and successful.”
He said that the restaurant scene in Dublin had undergone transformation in the last two years and eating out has become “more easy going”.
Derry said: “The reason [we’re closing] is we had the Michelin star going for 18 years. It’s hard work, it takes a lot of effort, and it’s hands on all the time. Dedication is needed for that.”
Sallyanne said the closure was all about timing, and they wanted to walk away ‘with their heads held high’.
She said: “It’s all about timing, closing down. And giving people notice as much as possible was another timing issue.
“Making sure that people were able to use the vouchers that they have was very important.
“And just walking away with their head held high, saying we’ve done our best, and now we’re not closing the book, we’re just going on to a new chapter.”
Derry has other plans for the capital, and hopes to open a new casual location in Temple Bar next autumn.
L'Ecrivain will go up for sale upon its closure, and the new Clarke led restaurant, which he has described as "a cool space", will open in September or October.
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