Mayo plates and places: ALL of the 2026 Irish restaurant award winners in county MAYO

Overall: An Port Mór, Westport: An Port Mór, Westport, run by chef-proprietor Frankie Mallon who named the restaurant after his home village, has secured the overall prize for its warm, homely atmosphere and commitment to seasonal, artisan produce from local suppliers in a permanently popular setting; Peer review site contributors award it 4.6 out of 5 from over 1,400 reviews and rank it highly in Westport, frequently praising the delicious food especially the fish dishes, friendly service from the chef-owner himself, good value, and beautifully cooked and presented meals that create a welcoming experience time after time.
Cafe: Baker 51, Ballina: Baker 51, Ballina, a welcoming café that has quickly established itself as a pleasant spot for locals and visitors, offers a range of appealing options in a relaxed environment; with early Peer review site contributions rating it 3.9 out of 5, guests describe it as a really nice café with enjoyable food and a positive atmosphere that makes it a convenient and satisfying choice for a casual bite or drink in the town.
Casual Dining: Friends Bistro, Westport: Friends Bistro, Westport, a standout venue on Bridge Street that has rapidly gained acclaim, has claimed the casual dining award through its exceptionally well-designed and presented dishes using tasty, balanced ingredients in a lovely atmosphere; boasting 4.9 out of 5 on Peer review site from over 320 reviews and ranked number one in Westport, diners consistently highlight the superb food such as seafood risotto and steaks, attentive service from the owner and staff, and the overall high-quality experience that makes it a top recommendation.
Chef: Shteryo Yurukov, Sage Restaurant, Westport: Chef Shteryo Yurukov at Sage Restaurant, Westport, earned the chef prize as head chef and proprietor alongside his partner Eva Ivanova who runs front of house, having taken ownership and instilled fresh life into the attractive venue with his quietly impressive contemporary Irish cuisine and creative yet approachable dishes; reviews from various sources including The Taste and Ireland Guide commend Shteryo’s skilled cooking with local produce, the high standards maintained in this small family-run restaurant in the heart of Westport, and the memorable meals that reflect his expertise and passion.
Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Poacher Restaurant, Ballina: Poacher Restaurant, Ballina, a stunning venue in the heart of the town known for its unique style of cooking, has won the contemporary Irish cuisine category for its high-quality ingredients, lovely presentation and relaxed, cosy atmosphere perfect for all occasions; Peer review site contributors give it an outstanding 4.9 out of 5 from nearly 200 reviews and rank it number one in Ballina, repeatedly praising the absolutely delicious dishes, fabulous service including from host Daniel, fine dining feel in a comfortable setting, and the overall excellence that makes it a must-visit.
Customer Service: Arno’s Bistrot, Westport: Arno’s Bistrot, Westport, run by French-Italian owner Arnaud Vaccani (originally from Paris) who is totally committed to his customers and inspires the intimate, beautifully designed interior, has secured the customer service award through its super attentive staff, warm welcomes and personalised hospitality; Peer review site guests award it 4.8 out of 5 from over 200 reviews and rank it near the top in Westport, lauding the excellent service, innovative French-Irish fusion menu with local produce, great wine list handpicked by the owner, and the special, attentive experience that keeps diners returning.
Employee Excellence: Jason Moyles, The Cot and Cobble, Ballina: Jason Moyles at The Cot and Cobble, Ballina, received the employee excellence prize for his outstanding service and dedication at the popular eatery that also won best gastro bar in Mayo; as a valued team member whose efforts contribute significantly to the venue’s success and welcoming atmosphere, Jason has been highlighted in local coverage for helping deliver the high standards and positive experiences that make the gastro bar a favourite spot for great food and hospitality in Ballina.
Gastro Pub: JJ O’Malleys, Westport: JJ O’Malleys, Westport, a landmark family-run bar and restaurant on Bridge Street that forms part of Westport’s history with its lively downstairs bar and cosy “olde world” restaurant upstairs, has been recognised in the gastro pub category for its authentic Irish pub warmth combined with excellent food such as exceptional steaks and a full menu; Peer review site contributors rate it 4.4 out of 5 from over 1,500 reviews and praise the fabulous meals, friendly owner Tom Bourke and staff, great live music, good value and the genuine craic that make it a cherished, must-visit institution in the town.
Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong: The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong, part of the renowned Ashford Castle estate overlooking Lough Corrib and offering an exemplary country house experience, has claimed the hotel and guesthouse restaurant category through its high-quality dining in elegant yet welcoming settings including Wilde’s Restaurant; Peer review site feedback rates the experiences highly at around 4.6 out of 5, with guests commending the superb, innovative yet classic food under talented direction, friendly and attentive staff, beautiful presentation using local ingredients, and the special, memorable atmosphere that elevates any stay or visit.
Innovator: Foxford Café, Foxford: Foxford Café, Foxford, opened in 2008 at the historic Foxford Woollen Mills (established in 1892) and long committed to using the very best of local produce and quality seasonal ingredients with everything homemade on site, has earned the innovator prize for its steady growth and dedication to fresh, high-standard café fare in a charming setting within the mill; Peer review site contributors award it 4.5 out of 5 from 177 reviews and rank it number one in Foxford, frequently praising the beautiful café, lovely lunches, excellent coffee and cake, friendly service and the worthwhile experience that combines good food with heritage shopping.
Local Food Hero: Cillian Ó Móráin & Naomi Clarken, Mescan Brewery, Westport: Cillian Ó Móráin and Naomi Clarken of Mescan Brewery, Westport, named local food hero for their artisan brewing that champions local ingredients and sustainable practices in producing distinctive beers with a strong connection to the Mayo landscape, have built a respected operation that supports the regional food and drink scene; their commitment to quality and provenance resonates with visitors and locals who appreciate the authentic, place-based approach that highlights the best of Connemara and Mayo produce in every pint.
Newcomer: Daniel’s Kitchen & Bar, Ballina: Daniel’s Kitchen & Bar, Ballina, a recent opening on O’Rahilly Street that has quickly established itself as a welcome addition to the town with its Irish and European menu in lovely surroundings, has secured the newcomer prize through consistently positive early feedback on its delicious food and friendly service; Peer review site guests rate it 4.1 out of 5 from 23 reviews, with many highlighting excellent meals for family occasions or groups, welcoming staff including managers, and the special dining experience that promises continued success as the venue develops.
Pub: McDonnells Bar & Undertakers, Belmullet: McDonnells Bar & Undertakers, Belmullet, a unique family-run establishment that combines traditional pub hospitality with its historic undertaker function and is now in its third generation under owner Padraic McDonnell (also referred to as Padraig Conroy in some accounts), offers warmth, fun and genuine Irish craic in an unforgettable setting; Peer review site visitors describe it as the best pub ever with exceptional friendliness from Padraic and the team, live music, and the feeling of leaving as friends, making it a standout landmark that embodies authentic Mayo welcome.
Restaurant Manager: John Nevin, Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Mulranny: John Nevin at Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Mulranny (also known as Nevins Newfield Inn in Tiernaur with a proud 157-year tradition), claimed the restaurant manager prize through his warm, hands-on hospitality and dedication as owner-operator alongside his wife Anne, where he personally chats with customers and ensures every visitor feels truly welcome while serving high-standard, locally sourced homemade bar food daily from 9am; reviews and local coverage praise John’s genuine efforts to make visits memorable, the cosy Greenway pub atmosphere, generous wholesome fare and the outstanding service that has earned the venue recognition for innovative pub hospitality.
Sustainable Practices: The Creel, Castlebar: The Creel, Castlebar (popularly associated with its vibrant Westport Quay location in many reviews but recognised for its Mayo roots), has won for its sustainable practices through a modern all-day kitchen menu emphasising healthy, vegetarian-friendly, vegan and gluten-free options alongside seafood and local ingredients in a welcoming setting; with over 540 Peer review site contributions awarding it 4.4 out of 5 and ranking it highly, diners commend the beautifully cooked and presented dishes, varied menu including breakfast items available all day, and the thoughtful approach to inclusive, fresh dining that aligns with environmental awareness.
Use Of Social Media: Infused Cocktail & Wine Bar, Westport: Infused Cocktail & Wine Bar, Westport, a bespoke cocktail and wine bar on the Wild Atlantic Way open Wednesday to Sunday with limited bookings, secured the use of social media award through its engaging online presence on platforms such as Instagram that showcases creative cocktails, fresh pours, new menus and the vibrant atmosphere to build community and attract visitors; the bar’s stylish content highlighting signature drinks and welcoming vibe has helped establish it as a must-visit spot for sipping and savouring in Westport.
Wine Experience: George V at Ashford Castle, Cong: George V at Ashford Castle, Cong, the sophisticated dining room built in 1905 to honour the visit of the Prince of Wales (later King George V) within the historic castle estate and featuring wood panelling and Waterford Crystal chandeliers, has won the wine experience prize for its extensive wine list ranging from accessible to rare bottles and expert guidance from Head Sommelier Paul Fogerty who provides excellent recommendations and pairings; Peer review site contributors rate the experience highly and repeatedly praise the attentive service, superb wine suggestions, fine dining with classic cuisine and the memorable, grand yet welcoming atmosphere that elevates any meal.
World Cuisine: La Casa, Claremorris: La Casa, Claremorris, owned by Caroline Boyle and offering high-quality world cuisine in a welcoming setting, has been recognised for its fabulous dishes and warm hospitality that have quickly earned strong local acclaim; with 42 Peer review site contributions awarding it 4.8 out of 5 and ranking it near the top in Claremorris, diners and the owner’s responsive feedback highlight the lovely food, nice staff, and enjoyable experience that make it a recommended choice for memorable meals in the town.