€100,000 prize to be Ireland's most loved restaurant

Some of Cork’s most-loved independent restaurants are in the mix for an award which is voted for by the public.

10 restaurants in Cork are shortlisted for Just Eat’s 12th annual awards, which recognise the best restaurants and Just Eat partners across Ireland.

Just Eat recently announced the launch of the 12th annual awards, inviting the public to have their say on the restaurants, grocers, and retailers they love most, at a time when Ireland’s food scene continues to grow in quality, flavour, variety, and the experiences restaurants offer customers.

From much-loved neighbourhood independents to national brands and exciting new arrivals to the Irish market, the Just Eat Awards recognise the eateries that people order from time and time again.

Reflecting on the continued evolution of Ireland’s food scene, this year’s awards introduce new and expanded categories, including Best Healthy & Salads, alongside returning favourites such as Best Lunch and Best Mexican. In total, 105 restaurants have been shortlisted nationwide across twelve categories.

The shortlisted restaurants from Cork are:

· Best Indian & Nepalese: Thali Nepal Restaurant

· Best Burger & American: Hush Burger

· Best Asian: Mayumi, Soba Asian Street Food, Wabisabi Sushi and Noodles Bar

· Best Pizza: Sano Pizza

· Best Middle Eastern: Four Liars Syrian Restaurant, Izz Cafe

· Best Chipper: Lennox’s MacCurtain Street, O’Reilly’s Fish and Chips

Independent Restaurant of the Year will be awarded to the restaurant that secures the highest number of public votes across its individual category and overall. In addition to the title, the winner will receive a €100,000 prize fund, offering a powerful platform to build brand awareness, reach new customers, and take their business to the next stage.

Voting for the 2025 Just Eat Awards is now open until 8 February. Every vote submitted will also be entered into a draw to win free Just Eat for a year.

Amanda Roche-Kelly, Managing Director at Just Eat Ireland, said: “Ireland’s food scene is in a strong place, even though restaurants are dealing with rising costs and ongoing pressures across the sector. What stands out is the effort and care that goes into every order, from the food itself to the service people experience every day.

“The Just Eat Awards are about recognising independent restaurants that people genuinely love and rely on in their communities, including the ten restaurants in Cork that have been nominated. By awarding this €100,000 prize to the Independent Restaurant of the Year, Just Eat is committed to investing this media value for the winning partner to help further grow and evolve their business in 2026.”

For more on the 12th annual Just Eat Awards, visit just-eat.ie/awards/2025/ie/home/ and follow @justeatie on Instagram and TikTok.