Roscommon plates and places: ALL of the 2026 Irish restaurant award winners in county ROSCOMMON

Overall: The Old Stone House, Castlerea: The Old Stone House, Castlerea (located in Ballinlough near Castlerea), run by owners Ray and Mags O’Connor who have built a strong reputation since opening around 2019, has claimed the overall prize for its excellent use of fresh local and organic ingredients, generous portions and warm hospitality in a welcoming setting; Peer review site contributors award it 4.4 out of 5 from over 170 reviews and rank it number one in the area, frequently praising the delicious food including impressive vegan options, professional yet friendly service often led by the owners, great value and the consistently high standards that make it a favourite for groups, celebrations and regular visits.
Cafe: Rogue & Co Café, Roscommon: Rogue & Co Café, Roscommon, owned by brothers Rikki and James O’Gara who opened the daytime venue on the main street drawing on their family hospitality background to create a cool, hipster vibe without generic feel, offers super casual eats, great coffee and a friendly atmosphere; Peer review site guests give it 4.0 out of 5 from over 200 reviews and commend the cool decor, welcoming staff, good quality food and drinks and the positive addition it brings to the town centre for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed spot.
Casual Dining: The Purple Onion Kitchen, Tarmonbarry: The Purple Onion Kitchen, Tarmonbarry, a charming family-oriented venue with an attached artisan food shop and art gallery run by welcoming owners including a self-proclaimed wine enthusiast, has secured the casual dining award for its simple yet perfectly executed dishes reminiscent of a small French restaurant, superb wine selection and warm service; Peer review site contributors award it around 4.5 out of 5 from over 340 reviews, highlighting the exceptional food with good portions, knowledgeable owners, great atmosphere and the delightful experience of discovering this hidden gem beside the Shannon.
Chef: Sinead Toolan, My Kitchen By Sham Hanifa, Carrick-on-Shannon: Chef Sinead Toolan at My Kitchen By Sham Hanifa, Carrick-on-Shannon, earned the chef prize for her skilled contribution to the vibrant artisan café and kitchen operated by renowned chef Sham Hanifa, where fresh breakfast, lunch, coffee and cakes are served daily in a welcoming space; the venue has built a strong local following with its east-meets-west influences and approachable style, and reviews praise the quality offerings and the talented team behind the consistently enjoyable meals that keep customers returning.
Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Regan’s Gastro Pub & Restaurant, Roscommon: Regan’s Gastro Pub & Restaurant, Roscommon, a family-run establishment in the Regan family since 1973 and located on Market Square under the care of owner David Regan, has won the contemporary Irish cuisine category for its top-quality food and beverages served in a friendly, homely and relaxed atmosphere with genuinely caring table service; Peer review site contributors rate it highly with hundreds of positive comments praising the wonderful seafood chowder, excellent overall meals, warm welcome from the owner and staff, and the casual dining experience that makes it a central favourite in Roscommon town.
Customer Service: Abbey Hotel Roscommon, Roscommon: Abbey Hotel Roscommon, Roscommon, a historic family-run hotel in the town centre, has claimed the customer service award through its warm welcomes, friendly and attentive staff who often go the extra mile to ensure guests feel cared for during stays and meals; Peer review site feedback from over 1,100 reviews highlights many instances of excellent service, helpful reception teams, accommodating restaurant staff such as supervisor Derek, and the genuine hospitality that creates a positive atmosphere despite occasional mixed comments on other aspects.
Employee Excellence: Theresa Donlon, Hester’s Castlerea: Theresa Donlon at Hester’s Castlerea (Hester’s Golden Eagle Bar & Restaurant), earned the employee excellence prize for her dedicated long service and outstanding contributions as a valued team member in this popular Castlerea venue, where her efforts helped deliver memorable hospitality and support for guests over many years; local recognition and community notes celebrate her retirement in style after significant tenure, reflecting the high regard in which she is held by colleagues and customers for her reliability and positive impact on the dining and bar experience.
Gastro Pub: Regan’s Gastro Pub & Restaurant, Roscommon: Regan’s Gastro Pub & Restaurant, Roscommon, family-owned since 1973 by the Regan family with David Regan actively involved, has secured the gastro pub award for blending traditional pub warmth with high-quality contemporary food and drink in a central, relaxed setting on Market Square; with hundreds of Peer review site contributions praising the top-notch dishes, friendly homely atmosphere, excellent service and the opportunity to meet the owner, it stands out as a welcoming spot that successfully combines casual pub enjoyment with restaurant standards.
Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: Kilronan Castle, Keadew: Kilronan Castle, Keadew (Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa in Ballyfarnon near Keadew), the luxury castle hotel offering fine dining in the elegant Douglas Hyde Restaurant, has claimed the hotel and guesthouse restaurant category for its high-quality meals, courteous and knowledgeable staff and beautiful historic setting; Peer review site contributors rate the restaurant around 4.3 out of 5 from over 110 reviews and commend the amazing food, excellent service from team members such as manager Ramona or Noel and the team, welcoming local staff and the special, memorable atmosphere that enhances any stay or visit to the estate.
Innovator: Zunu Bakehouse, Athlone: Zunu Bakehouse, Athlone, an artisanal bakehouse specialising in bespoke cakes and fresh daily treats made with passion and care for life’s special moments, has earned the innovator prize through its creative approach to custom baking and quality ingredients delivered with love; the venue focuses on handmade, personalised creations that stand out in the local scene, with customers appreciating the attention to detail and fresh quality that make every order feel uniquely special.
Local Food Hero: Benny O’Connell, Benny’s Deli, Castlerea: Benny O’Connell of Benny’s Deli, Castlerea, named local food hero for his remarkable 45 years in business since founding the family-run bakery, restaurant and delicatessen in 1981 with a simple philosophy of making food that tasted like home using fresh apple tarts and soda bread, has built a beloved institution on Lower Main Street that continues to produce wholesome products daily; the family operation emphasises quality and community, and local recognition highlights Benny’s long-standing dedication to providing genuine, home-style fare that supports the town and delights generations of customers.
Newcomer: Cox’s Bistro and Café, Strokestown: Cox’s Bistro and Café, Strokestown, opened on 25 July 2025 by owner Adrian Cox of the hospitality-focused Cox family (who also run Cox’s Steakhouse in Dromod and previously the Percy French Hotel), has quickly secured the newcomer prize through its warm, inviting atmosphere, hearty breakfasts, light lunches, homemade baked goods and locally sourced fresh food in a cosy space seating around 50 guests; early feedback shows an overwhelming positive response from locals, with generous portions, friendly service and the fresh approach exceeding expectations in a town that welcomed this new venture on Church Street.
Pub: Coffeys, Lecarrow: Coffeys, Lecarrow, a small traditional Irish pub and grocery store in the heart of Ireland that is now in its fourth generation and established since 1918, has been recognised in the pub category for its authentic welcome, exceptional Guinness and genuine old-world charm that makes visitors feel at home; known locally as a gem with high praise for the quality of pints and friendly staff, it embodies classic rural Irish hospitality where locals and passers-by enjoy the warm atmosphere and sense of community in this historic venue.
Restaurant Manager: Navrish Audit, Keenan’s Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Tarmonbarry: Navrish Audit at Keenan’s Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Tarmonbarry, claimed the restaurant manager prize through his dedicated leadership and outstanding contribution as bar and restaurant manager, where he has been an integral part of the team for over 12 years and earned Irish citizenship while consistently delivering high standards of service; his efforts help create the welcoming hospitality that defines the venue, with recognition reflecting his reliability, professionalism and positive impact on guest experiences at this long-established hotel and dining spot.
Sustainable Practices: My Kitchen By Sham Hanifa, Carrick-on-Shannon: My Kitchen By Sham Hanifa, Carrick-on-Shannon, the vibrant artisan café and all-day eatery led by award-winning chef Sham Hanifa focusing on fresh homemade food with Asian influences alongside Irish comfort dishes, has won for its sustainable practices through an Environmental Code of Practice that emphasises water and energy efficiency, clean operations and provenance with local ingredients; the welcoming space offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, homemade breads, sauces and treats, and reviews praise the quality, healthy approach and thoughtful ethos that align fresh, flavourful dining with environmental care.
Use Of Social Media: Maki Sushi, Roscommon: Maki Sushi, Roscommon, a popular spot for authentic Japanese sushi and related dishes, has secured the use of social media award through its engaging online presence that effectively showcases fresh preparations, menu highlights and the welcoming vibe to build a loyal following; the platform helps highlight the quality and variety, drawing customers who appreciate the approachable way it presents world cuisine in the town.
Wine Experience: The Old Stone House Restaurant Roscommon, Ballinlough: The Old Stone House Restaurant Roscommon, Ballinlough (near Castlerea), run by owners Ray and Mags O’Connor in a charming stone building and previously recognised as Best Wine Experience in Roscommon, has won the category for its carefully selected wine list with fair pricing, excellent recommendations and pairings that complement the superior local and international dishes in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere; Peer review site and other sources note the extensive options including by the glass, alongside strong praise for the overall dining experience, vegan choices and the attentive service that makes wine a memorable part of every visit.
World Cuisine: Maki Sushi, Roscommon: Maki Sushi, Roscommon, specialising in fresh, high-quality Japanese sushi and related Asian-inspired dishes, has been recognised for world cuisine through its authentic flavours, careful preparation and welcoming presentation that bring a taste of Japan to the heart of the county; the venue appeals to those seeking varied and well-executed options beyond traditional Irish fare, with its social media and customer feedback highlighting the freshness and enjoyment that make it a go-to choice for something different.