Cork food heroes celebrated

Some of Cork’s top restauranteurs were among those highlighted recently at the Irish Restaurant Awards Munster Regional Final 2026.

Among the winners were the likes of Ahmet Dede, Barbara Nealon and Takashi Miyazaki at the awards held on Tuesday 10 March at the Strand Hotel, Limerick, where county winners from throughout the province were announced.

More than 600 guests attended to recognise the achievements of restaurants, cafés and hospitality businesses operating across Munster.

Now in its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards attracted over 150,000 public nominations, submitted via The Irish Times, the media partner.

Once all regional finals conclude, both regional and All Ireland winners will be revealed at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday 18 May at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “Culinary tourism is receiving renewed attention across Ireland, and events like this highlight the role our restaurants play within that. Restaurants are at the heart of communities and local employment, but they also form a central part of the experience that visitors come to Ireland to enjoy. The Irish Restaurant Awards recognise the talent, innovation and high standards that continue to shape Ireland’s reputation as a destination for great food.”

“These awards represent more than individual recognition. They highlight the strong connection between hospitality businesses and Ireland’s wider tourism offering. By recognising excellence at county and regional level, we continue to build a vibrant food culture that attracts visitors, supports local producers and sustains employment throughout the country. Congrats to all the nominees and winners whose work makes that possible.”

This year’s Cork winners from Munster:

Best Restaurant - Sponsored by American Express

· Restaurant Chestnut

Best Chef - Sponsored by BWG Food Service

· Ahmet Dede, Dede at The Customs House Baltimore

Best Restaurant Manager - Sponsored by Paynt

· Barbara Nealon, Saint Francis Provisions

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant

· Rare at Blue Haven Hotel

Employee Excellence - Sponsored by Peninsula

· Ciara O’Shea, Caseys Bar & Restaurant

Best Use of Social Media

· The Lifeboat Inn

Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace

· O'Mahony's of Watergrasshill

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by National Chef de Partie Apprenticeship & National Sous Chef Apprenticeship Programmes

· Miyazaki

Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Hendersons Foodservice

· O'Sullivans Bar, Crookhaven

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine - Sponsored by FBD Insurance

· Goldie

Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Square

· Azure Harbour Bistro

Pub of the Year

· An Spailpín Fánach

Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Bibendum

· MacCurtain Wine Cellar

Best Customer Service - Sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie provided by Dolmen

· The Glass Curtain

Best Café - Sponsored by Illy

· Grumpy Bakers - Cork city

Best Sustainable Practices

· Good Day Deli

Innovator of the Year - Sponsored by Diageo

· The Flour Patch

Local Food Hero - Sponsored by Sugar Snap Agency

· Mike Parle and Darcie Mayland, Lost Valley Dairy + Creamery