Sligo plates and places: ALL of the 2026 Irish restaurant award winners in county SLIGO

Overall: Eala Bhán, Sligo: Eala Bhán, Sligo, owned by charismatic restaurateur Anthony Gray who has turned his dream into a multi-award-winning venue beside the Garavogue River, has secured the overall prize through its imaginative menus, exquisite presentation and consistent use of the finest locally sourced ingredients in a bright, warm and welcoming setting; Peer review site contributors award it 4.5 out of 5 from over 1,650 reviews and rank it number two in Sligo, frequently praising the deliciously cooked seafood and other dishes, lovely staff, excellent service and the buzzy yet relaxed atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.
Cafe: Tank & Skinny’s, Sligo: Tank & Skinny’s, Sligo, part of the growing Tank and Skinny’s group offering breakfast and lunch in a casual Irish café style, has earned the café prize for its approachable fare and welcoming vibe in the heart of the town; with Peer review site contributions rating it 4.5 out of 5 from 18 entries and placing it among Sligo’s notable cafés, guests highlight the enjoyable food and drinks, positive atmosphere and the fresh addition it brings for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed spot.
Casual Dining: Honestly Farm Kitchen Strandhill, Strandhill: Honestly Farm Kitchen Strandhill, Strandhill, opened in summer 2022 by owners Liam and Justina Gavin of Drumanilra Organic Farm (who returned to Ireland from the UK in 2012), has claimed the casual dining award for its farm-to-fork organic produce turned into wholesome burgers, meals and options in a family-friendly setting with an attached farm shop; Peer review site guests give it strong praise with around 107 reviews, commending the perfect meals, friendly service (often personally responded to by owner Justina Gavin), quality ingredients and the satisfying feeling of supporting sustainable local food.
Chef: Dave Mullan, Fish & Bean, Rosses Point: Chef Dave Mullan at Fish & Bean, Rosses Point, owner and head chef alongside his wife Áine who opened the dedicated seafood restaurant at Sligo Yacht Club in June 2021, earned the chef prize for his passion in combining flavours with the best local produce such as crab and lobster from nearby suppliers and meat from the Burns family farm; trained at Ballymaloe and with experience in top kitchens, he creates superb seafood dishes in a stunning seaside location, and reviews acclaim the high-quality, simply prepared fare with style and wonderful views.
Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Hooked, Sligo: Hooked, Sligo, opened by owner Anthony Gray (also behind Eala Bhán) on Rockwood Parade and named after the meat hooks from his father Joe’s traditional butcher’s shop, has won the contemporary Irish cuisine category for its all-day informal dining featuring creatively prepared artisan food from local Sligo suppliers; Peer review site contributors rate it 4.4 out of 5 from nearly 1,000 reviews, highlighting the relaxed pleasant atmosphere, attention to quality local products, friendly service and the foodie appeal that supports the regional economy.
Customer Service: Harrisons Bar & Restaurant, Cliffoney: Harrisons Bar & Restaurant, Cliffoney, a family-oriented gastro pub on the main street with a strong track record of awards including best customer service in previous years, has secured the customer service prize through its super friendly and attentive staff who create a lovely atmosphere and ensure guests feel well looked after; Peer review site feedback from 323 reviews awards it 4.5 out of 5, with diners repeatedly praising the helpful team (including mentions of Declan), efficient yet warm service, good food portions and the genuine hospitality that makes it a recommended stop near Mullaghmore.
Employee Excellence: Max Stafford, Lyons Café and Bakeshop, Sligo: Max Stafford at Lyons Café and Bakeshop, Sligo, part of the long-established venue under the Stafford family with the bakeshop opened in 2013 by Gary Stafford and now employing a skilled team including French bakers and pastry chefs, received the employee excellence prize for his outstanding dedication and contribution to the high standards that define this Sligo institution; the café remains a jewel of the town for its quality bakes, coffee and welcoming space, and local recognition underscores the positive impact of team members like Max on the enjoyable experiences for the 30-strong workforce and loyal customers.
Gastro Pub: Austies Pub & Kitchen, Rosses Point: Austies Pub & Kitchen, Rosses Point, run by friendly owners including the characterful Lorna who creates a cosy nautical vibe with exceptional staff such as waitress Laura, has won the gastro pub category for its great food, warm hospitality and stunning views over the bay; Peer review site contributors award it 4.4 out of 5 from over 525 reviews and rank it highly, frequently lauding the best chowder in the west, excellent fish dishes, helpful and laid-back service, dog-friendly welcome and the overall fabulous experience that keeps visitors returning.
Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: Markree Castle, Collooney: Markree Castle, Collooney, a 17th-century authentic Irish castle with origins dating back to the 1662 Act of Settlement under the Cooper family and acquired in 2015 by the renowned Corscadden family of hoteliers who invested in extensive renovation, has claimed the hotel and guesthouse restaurant category through its elegant candlelit dining under head chef Lee Mastin celebrating the best of Irish cuisine in a grand yet inspiring setting on a 500-acre estate; Peer review site and hotel feedback highlight the superb meals, high standards of service and the special, memorable atmosphere that enhances stays at this luxury historic venue.
Innovator: Waxies Sligo, Sligo: Waxies Sligo, Sligo, a vibrant bar and restaurant situated along the Garavogue River, has earned the innovator prize for its creative approach to affordable, high-quality dining in a lively setting that combines great food with a buzzing atmosphere; Peer review site contributors award it around 3.8 out of 5 from a modest number of reviews and highlight the gorgeous food at reasonable prices, brilliant service and the enjoyable riverside experience that makes it a fresh and welcoming spot for friends and visitors alike.
Local Food Hero: Helen Mulholland & Ollie Alcorn, Hawks Rock Distillery, Sligo: Helen Mulholland and Ollie Alcorn of Hawks Rock Distillery, Sligo, named local food hero for their dedication to crafting exceptional spirits with a strong connection to the Sligo landscape, represent innovation in Irish distilling with Helen as the first female Master Blender in Irish whiskey and Ollie as Head Distiller; their vision and expertise in producing high-quality, place-driven spirits have quickly gained recognition, with visitors and industry voices praising the warm welcome, strategic approach and the authentic contribution to the regional food and drink scene.
Newcomer: Miss Suzy Sligo, Sligo: Miss Suzy Sligo, Sligo, a welcoming Asian restaurant on Castle Street specialising in Korean and Japanese cuisine, has secured the newcomer prize through its delicious, different flavours, friendly owner and staff, and hospitable environment that quickly won over diners; Peer review site guests rate it 4.4 out of 5 from over 30 reviews and frequently commend the great service (especially when the owner serves), stunning presentation, complementary desserts on occasion, and the overall positive experience that positions it as one of the best Asian-style options in Sligo.
Pub: Hopkins Bar, Enniscrone: Hopkins Bar, Enniscrone, a traditional family-run pub with deep roots in the village (company records dating to 2018 but with a longstanding local presence), has been recognised in the pub category for its authentic old-world charm, excellent Guinness, warm hospitality and lively atmosphere that draws locals and visitors; community feedback and visitor notes praise the friendly staff, great food and drink, and the genuine Irish welcome that makes it a cherished spot in Enniscrone for good craic and relaxed enjoyment.
Restaurant Manager: Angela Davis, Davis’ Restaurant & Yeats Tavern, Drumcliff: Angela Davis at Davis’ Restaurant & Yeats Tavern, Drumcliff, earned the restaurant manager prize through her outstanding leadership and dedication as co-owner with husband Damien Davis, where the couple has built a highly successful family business recognised as Sligo Business of the Year in 2017 and a consistent award-winner for rural hospitality; reviewers and local coverage highlight the warm, attentive service, excellent use of local produce and the high standards maintained under Angela’s management that create memorable dining experiences at this popular venue near the Yeats heritage sites.
Sustainable Practices: Shells Café, Strandhill: Shells Café, Strandhill, the popular seaside café and bakery with over 1,400 Peer review site contributions awarding it 4.5 out of 5 and ranking it among the top spots in the village, has won for its sustainable practices through a thoughtful menu offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options alongside fresh, high-quality ingredients in a welcoming beachside setting; guests repeatedly praise the delicious homemade items, friendly and efficient staff, inclusive choices such as gluten-free treats and the fresh, flavourful approach that demonstrates care for both customers and the environment.
Use Of Social Media: Otto, Sligo: Otto, Sligo, a highly regarded pizza and wine restaurant praised by industry figures for its exceptional thin-crust pizzas and warm atmosphere in a converted old house, has secured the use of social media award through its engaging online presence on platforms like Instagram that effectively showcases the open kitchen, fresh preparations and vibrant community vibe; Peer review site contributors give it an impressive 4.9 out of 5 from 30 reviews, with diners lauding the quality food, welcoming owners (David and Paul noted in coverage) and the buzz that reflects strong digital engagement helping establish it as a Sligo favourite.
Wine Experience: Hargadon Bros, Sligo: Hargadon Bros, Sligo, established in 1868 after the 1864 building by Bernard Collery and acquired by Patrick and Thomas Hargadon in 1909, with sensitive restoration by R. & E. Monahan since 2006, has won the wine experience prize for its carefully selected wines including house options from their own Terramonti vineyard in France, served alongside a traditional grocery-pub setting with an extensive menu; Peer review site guests award it around 4.3 out of 5 from over 900 reviews and praise the good beer and wine selection, great atmosphere in the historic snugs and panelled interior, and the enjoyable pairing of quality drinks with food in this iconic Sligo institution.
World Cuisine: Bella & Brava Restaurant, Coolaney: Bella & Brava Restaurant, Coolaney, a family-run Italian venue in the Mill Centre owned by Laura and Danny who serve authentic Napoli-style pizza, fresh pasta and antipasti with all dough made on the premises, has been recognised for world cuisine through its top-class dishes, seasonal fresh produce and warm hospitality; Peer review site contributors rate it 4.9 out of 5 from dozens of reviews and highlight the exceptional food such as seabass, scallops and heavenly pannacotta, attentive service from owner Laura and the team, excellent wine selection and the special, welcoming vibe that makes it a standout destination in County Sligo.