20-05-2025
Neven Maguire amongst big winners at Irish Restaurant Awards 2025
Ireland's best restaurants were celebrated on Monday night at the annual Irish Restaurant Awards 2025.
The awards took place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road with more than 1,000 of the best in hospitality gathering for the exciting evening.
The Irish Restaurant Awards received a record 165,000 public nominations for restaurants, cafés and venues across the country — the highest in the Awards' 16-year history. Pic: Paul Sherwood
Ahead of the national event, regional awards ceremonies were hosted in Kildare, Cork, Sligo and Monagha, where the county-level winners were revealed across a range of categories.
The big winner on thee night was Dede at the Customs House Baltimore, who picked up Best Restaurant while Best Chef was John Kelly of the Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate.
Chef Neven Maguire received the Outstanding Achievement Award for his contribution to Irish food and hospitality. Pic: Paul Sherwood
Speaking on the night, Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said it was 'more important than ever' to celebrate the food and hospitality sector.
He said the awards 'shine a light on the resilience and creativity that defines the industry.'
Best Restaurant — Sponsored by San Miguel: Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore.
Best Chef — Sponsored by BWG Food Service: John Kelly, Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate.
Best Restaurant Manager — Sponsored by Elavon: Cian Lynch, Uno Mas.
Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant — Sponsored by Frylite: George V at Ashford Castle.
Best Use of Social Media — Sponsored by GRID Finance: Hotel Woodstock. Best Use of Social Media winners. Pic: Paul Sherwood
Employee Excellence Award — Sponsored by Peninsula: Charles O'Reilly, Happy Out x Together Academy.
Best Casual Dining — Sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace: Crudo.
Gastro Pub — Sponsored by Paynt: McSwiggans.
Best Café — Sponsored by Lavazza: Strandfield.
Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine — Sponsored by FBD Insurance: The Olde Post Inn. Best Newcomer winner. Pic: Paul Sherwood
Best Newcomer — Sponsored by Square: Bearú.
Pub of the Year — Sponsored by istil.39: Sean's Bar.
Best Wine Experience — Sponsored by Bibendum: Bar Pez.
Best Customer Service — Sponsored by provided by Dolmen: Restaurant Chestnut.
Best World Cuisine — Sponsored by National Chef de Partie Apprenticeship & National Sous Chef Apprenticeship Programmes: Rasam Restaurant.
Best Sustainable Practices — Sponsored by Familia Torrees & the Findlater Group: Lir. Pic: Paul Sherwood
Innovator of the Year — Sponsored by Diageo: Bar 1661.
Local Food Hero — Sponsored by Sugar Snap: Johnny Cuddy, Ispini Charcuterie.
Outstanding Achievement Award — Sponsored by Excel Recruitment: Never Maguire, MacNean House & Restaurant.
Best Cocktail Experience — Sponsored by Monin: Darren Geraghty, Hawksmoor.
Food Truck of the Year — Sponsored by provided by Dolmen: Julia's Lobster Truck.
Best Cookery School — Avonmore: Dingle Cookery School.
Best Learning and Development — Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet: O'Dwyers.
