Over 1,000 of the country’s top hospitality professionals, which included owners, chefs, managers and staff, gathered in Dublin for the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards, which celebrated the finest establishments in Irish food and drink.
On the night Hotel Woodstock in Ennis won Best Social Media in Ireland while Sophie McCauley of Homestead Cottage was crowned Best Restaurant Manager in Munster.
Taking home the top honours on the night was Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore, who were named Best Restaurant, while John Kelly of the Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate was awarded Best Chef in Ireland. Renowned Chef Neven Maguire was also honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award recognising his contribution to Irish food and hospitality.
Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received a record breaking 165,000 public nominations for restaurants, cafés and venues across the country – the highest in the Awards’ history. Entries were submitted by the public via The Irish Times website, media partner of the Awards.
In the lead-up to the national final, regional awards ceremonies were hosted in Kildare, Cork, Sligo and Monaghan, where county-level winners were revealed across a range of categories. The national winners were selected from these regional champions.
Each year, funds are raised for chosen charity causes at the All-Ireland final of the Irish Restaurant Awards. This year, substantial funds were raised for both Friends of the Elderly & Tourist SOS.
Speaking on the night, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said: “At a time when our industry continues to face significant challenges, it’s more important than ever to come together and celebrate the strength of Ireland’s food and hospitality sector. These Awards are about acknowledging the incredible talent and tireless work of those in our restaurants, cafés and kitchens across the country.”
“They shine a light on the resilience and creativity that define our industry. Behind every meal served is a team of passionate professionals dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences.”
“This year’s Awards have once again highlighted the extraordinary standard of culinary talent across every region. I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners and nominees, your commitment and passion inspire us all.”
This year’s winners:
Best Restaurant – Sponsored by San Miguel
Leinster: Thyme Restaurant
Connaught: Lignum
Ulster: MacNean House & Restaurant
Dublin: Chapter One
Munster: Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore
All Ireland: Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore
Best Chef – Sponsored by BWG Food Service
Ulster: Ciaran Sweeney, The Olde Glen Bar, Restaurant & Bia Box
Munster: Brian Murray, The Glass Curtain
Dublin: Visham Sumputh, Etto
Connaught: Yvonne Kathrein, Poacher Restaurant
Leinster: John Kelly, Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate
All Ireland: John Kelly, Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate
Best Restaurant Manager – Sponsored by Elavon
Connaught: Shirley Stirzaker, Dining Room
Leinster: William Wong, Saba
*Munster: Sophie McCauley, Homestead Cottage
Ulster: Laura Connolly, The Oak Room Restaurant
Dublin: Cian Lynch, Uno Mas
All Ireland: Cian Lynch, Uno Mas
Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant – Sponsored by Frylite
Ulster: Snaffles Restaurant at Castle Leslie Estate
Leinster: The Sea Rooms at Kelly’s Resort
Munster: Landline at Park Hotel Kenmare
Dublin: The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne
Connaught: George V at Ashford Castle
All Ireland: George V at Ashford Castle
Best Use of Social Media – Sponsored by GRID Finance
Leinster: Little Acorn Cafe
Dublin: Kicky’s
Connaught: Hooked
Ulster: Sonder
*Munster: Hotel Woodstock
*All Ireland: Hotel Woodstock
Employee Excellence Award – Sponsored by Peninsula
Leinster: Jackie Cullen, Mary Barry’s Bar
Connaught: Emma Cavanagh, Nook Cafe and Restaurant
Munster: Geraldine Ward, Everett’s Restaurant
Ulster: Liam McKenna, Armagh City Hotel
Dublin: Charlie O’Reilly, Happy Out x Together Academy
All Ireland: Charlie O’Reilly, Happy Out x Together Academy
Best Casual Dining – Sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace
Munster: Momo Restaurant
Ulster: Frae
Leinster: The Valley Inn
Connaught: Guys Seafood Bar
Dublin: Crudo
All Ireland: Crudo
Gastro Pub – Sponsored by Paynt
Ulster: Murph’s Gastro Pub
Dublin: HERA
Leinster: The Glyde Inn
Munster: J. M. Reidy’s
Connaught: McSwiggans
All Ireland: McSwiggans
Best Café – Sponsored by Lavazza
Dublin: Two Boys Brew
Munster: Seagull Bakery
Connaught: POTA
Ulster: Ursa Minor
Leinster: Strandfield
All Ireland: Strandfield
Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by FBD Insurance
Connaught: The Lavender Restaurant
Dublin: Volpe Nera
Munster: Saint Francis Provisions
Leinster: Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro
Ulster: The Olde Post Inn
All Ireland: The Olde Post Inn
Best Newcomer – Sponsored by Square
Munster: Baba’de
Connaught: Oifig An Fish
Ulster: No. 9 Market Square
Dublin: Forêt
Leinster: Bearú
All Ireland: Bearú
Pub of the Year – Sponsored by istil.38
Dublin: Neary’s
Ulster: The Reel Inn
Connaught: Matt Molloy’s
Munster: An Siopa Dubh
Leinster: Sean’s Bar
All Ireland: Sean’s Bar
Best Wine Experience – Sponsored by Bibendum
Ulster: OX
Leinster: Ballyfin Demesne
Munster: UNioN Wine Bar & Kitchen
Connaught: Daróg Wine Bar
Dublin: Bar Pez
All Ireland: Bar Pez
Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Restaurant-insurance.ie provided by Dolmen
Leinster: Monart
Connaught: Arno’s Bistrot
Ulster: Noble
Dublin: Roly’s Bistro
Munster: Restaurant Chestnut
All Ireland: Restaurant Chestnut
Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by National Chef de Partie Apprenticeship & National Sous Chef Apprenticeship Programmes
Connaught: Mama Rich Woodquay
Ulster: Chilli Lounge
Leinster: Tābú
Munster: Tango Street Food
Dublin: Rasam Restaurant
All Ireland: Rasam Restaurant
Best Sustainable Practices – Sponsored by Familia Torres & the Findlater Group
Dublin: Glas Restaurant
Munster: Ballygarry Estate Hotel
Leinster: Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
Connaught: Honestly Farm Kitchen
Ulster: Lir
All Ireland: Lir
Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Diageo
Ulster: Foam
Connaught: Ugly D’s Pizza
Leinster: Fiona Egan, Cloughan Farm & Cookery School
Munster: Trawler Boyz Ballycotton
Dublin: Bar 1661
All Ireland: Bar 1661
Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Sugar Snap
Leinster: Tom and Laura Sinnott, Wexford Home Preserves
Munster: Kasha Connolly, Hazel Mountain Chocolate
Connaught: The Calvey Family, Calveys Achill Mountain Lamb
Dublin: Jess Kelly, The Village Butcher
Ulster: Jonny Cuddy, Ispini Charcuterie
All Ireland: Jonny Cuddy, Ispini Charcuterie
Outstanding Achievement Award – Sponsored by Excel Recruitment
All Ireland: Neven Maguire, MacNean House & Restaurant
Best Cocktail Experience – Sponsored by Monin
All Ireland: Darren Geraghty, Hawksmoor
Food Truck of the Year – Sponsored by Restaurant-insurance.ie provided by Dolmen
All Ireland: Julia’s Lobster Truck
Best Cookery School – Avonmore
All Ireland: Dingle Cookery School
Best Learning and Development – Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet
All Ireland: O’Dwyers