Leitrim plates and places: ALL of the 2026 Irish restaurant award winners in county LEITRIM

Overall: The Cottage Restaurant, Jamestown: The Cottage Restaurant, Jamestown, a charming venue near Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim that has built a strong reputation for excellent dining, has claimed the overall prize through its consistently high-quality food and welcoming atmosphere; Peer review site contributors award it 4.7 out of 5 stars from hundreds of reviews and rank it among the top restaurants in the area, frequently praising the amazing flavours, generous portions, attentive service and the sense of a special treat that makes it a favourite for both locals and visitors seeking memorable meals in a relaxed setting.
Cafe: Jackalope Café at The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo: Jackalope Café at The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo, part of the award-winning distillery founded by PJ Rigney and home to Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, offers a bright and spacious café serving hearty Irish foods, hot and cold drinks and curious selections in a modern setting within the distillery grounds; Peer review site guests rate the café highly with 4.5 out of 5 stars and commend the delicious food, convenient location for visitors enjoying the distillery tour, friendly staff and the opportunity to meet owner PJ Rigney, making it a standout stop that combines good eating with the unique distillery experience.
Casual Dining: The Selkie, Tullaghan: The Selkie, Tullaghan, a popular coastal restaurant in County Leitrim known for its warm hospitality and excellent menu, has secured the casual dining award through consistently outstanding food, cocktails and atmosphere in a welcoming setting that suits families and groups alike; Peer review site contributors give it glowing feedback with many five-star ratings, highlighting the amazing dishes, great service from manager Lorraine and the team, beautiful décor and the feeling of being well looked after that keeps guests returning and recommending it widely.
Chef: Mario Raise, The Courthouse, Kinlough: Chef Mario Raise at The Courthouse, Kinlough, earned the chef prize for his skilled leadership in the kitchen of this respected restaurant in County Leitrim, bringing influences from his South Tyrolean heritage to create impressive dishes with local produce; as head chef who took over in summer 2025, he has contributed to the venue’s strong reputation, and reviews from various sources note the high quality of the food and the creative yet approachable style that has helped establish The Courthouse as a dining destination in the area.
Contemporary Irish Cuisine: The Red Bank Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon: The Red Bank Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon, owned by Jason Horkan and run as a family business on the banks of the River Shannon, specialises in contemporary Irish cuisine with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients presented in a stylish yet relaxed setting; Peer review site contributors rate it 4.8 out of 5 from hundreds of reviews and rank it number one in the town, repeatedly commending the superb quality, beautiful presentation, warm hospitality from the team including owner Jason, and the overall memorable dining experience that makes it a standout choice.
Customer Service: Buffalo Boy, Carrick-on-Shannon: Buffalo Boy, Carrick-on-Shannon, a popular steakhouse and gastro bar on the main street offering grilled meats, ribs and a lively atmosphere, has won the customer service award through its consistently excellent staff who deliver friendly, attentive and accommodating service that enhances every visit; Peer review site guests award it 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 250 reviews and often highlight the brilliant staff, delicious food and welcoming vibe that caters well to families and groups, creating a positive experience that encourages repeat visits.
Employee Excellence: Catherine Rooney, The Red Bank Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon: Catherine Rooney at The Red Bank Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon, received the employee excellence prize for her dedicated work as a food and beverage assistant at the family-run venue owned by Jason Horkan, where she contributes to the high standards of service and hospitality that define the restaurant; as part of the skilled team supporting the contemporary Irish menu and warm atmosphere, her efforts help deliver the outstanding experiences frequently praised in Peer review site contributions that rank the venue top in the town.
Gastro Pub: The Oarsman, Carrick-on-Shannon: The Oarsman, Carrick-on-Shannon, a multi-award-winning traditional family-run gastro pub on Bridge Street owned and operated by brothers Conor and Ronan Maher since 2002 as the seventh generation in hospitality, combines a character-filled historic setting with high-quality local and artisanal ingredients in its menus; featured in the Michelin Guide, it earns strong praise on Peer review site with over a thousand reviews at around 4.5 out of 5, where diners highlight the excellent food such as the renowned seafood chowder, efficient and friendly service, great value and authentic pub atmosphere filled with locals and artefacts.
Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: Sandstone Restaurant at Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill: Sandstone Restaurant at Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, the elegant fine-dining venue within the historic castle hotel set in beautiful estate grounds, has claimed the hotel and guesthouse restaurant category for its outstanding food and service in a grand yet welcoming environment; Peer review site contributors rate it 4.7 out of 5 and frequently describe the beautifully presented dishes full of flavour, excellent breakfast and dinner options, and the special occasion feel that makes dining there a highlight of any stay at the castle.
Innovator: The Boat House Café at Cryans Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon: The Boat House Café at Cryans Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, newly opened in summer 2021 as the latest food offering from the family-run Cryan’s Quay Side Hotel owned by Frances Cryan (an Olympian rower who represented Ireland in 1980) and her family, has secured the innovator prize for its fresh and healthy menu of breakfast, brunch, lunch, great coffee and indulgent treats served in a casual, relaxed setting beside the River Shannon; Peer review site feedback on the hotel and its dining options highlights the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, good value and pleasant experience that make it a popular spot for meeting friends or enjoying a meal with river views.
Local Food Hero: Liam and Justina Gavin, Honestly Farm Kitchen, Carrick-on-Shannon: Liam and Justina Gavin of Honestly Farm Kitchen, Carrick-on-Shannon, owners of Drumanilra Organic Farm since moving their young family back from the UK in 2012, were named local food hero for their dedication to organic, farm-to-fork produce and Ireland’s first organic drive-through restaurant which opened in December 2021; they run the venue with a farm shop offering wholesome food grown with care, and Peer review site contributors (with around 100 reviews) praise the friendly staff including responses from owner Justina Gavin, high-quality burgers and options, and the opportunity to connect with sustainable, local food that reflects their commitment to provenance and environmental responsibility.
Newcomer: White Wombat Coffee, Carrick-on-Shannon: White Wombat Coffee, Carrick-on-Shannon, a recent addition opened in the North West Business and Technology Park by owners Michael and Claire alongside their barber shop Coterie, has earned the newcomer prize through its focus on quality coffee, tea and a welcoming space that quickly became a morning favourite; early local feedback and social mentions highlight the early opening hours from 7.30am, friendly service and convenient location that make it a fresh, appealing spot for locals and visitors seeking a good brew in a modern setting.
Pub: MJ O’Connor Pub, Leitrim Village: MJ O’Connor Pub, Leitrim Village, a family-run local legend tucked in the heart of the village beside the canal and recently refurbished with a warm, inviting atmosphere, offers live music, wood-fired pizza, cold pints and traditional hospitality seven days a week; as a relatively new chapter in the venue’s story (celebrating milestones like turning two in recent years), it has built a strong reputation for good craic, great food and the feeling that everyone is welcome, with visitors noting the friendly service and lively yet relaxed pub experience that embodies classic Irish village warmth.
Restaurant Manager: Lorraine McHugh, The Selkie, Tullaghan: Lorraine McHugh at The Selkie, Tullaghan, claimed the restaurant manager prize through her outstanding leadership and dedication that contribute to the venue’s warm hospitality, excellent cocktails and consistently high standards of service; as manager, she helps deliver the memorable dining experiences frequently praised in reviews for the amazing dishes, great staff and welcoming vibe that suit families and groups, creating a positive atmosphere where guests feel well looked after in this popular coastal restaurant.
Sustainable Practices: Honestly Farm Kitchen, Carrick-on-Shannon: Honestly Farm Kitchen, Carrick-on-Shannon, owned and run by Liam and Justina Gavin of Drumanilra Organic Farm since the Carrick location opened in December 2021, won for its sustainable practices rooted in organic farming, direct farm-to-fork supply and efforts to reconnect people with wholesome, pesticide-free food; the business emphasises environmental responsibility through its drive-through model, farm shop and use of produce grown with care, and Peer review site guests often commend the quality, friendly welcome and the satisfying feeling of supporting a truly local, sustainable operation.
Use Of Social Media: White Wombat Coffee, Carrick-on-Shannon: White Wombat Coffee, Carrick-on-Shannon, opened by Michael and Claire in the North West Business and Technology Park, secured the use of social media award for its effective online presence that builds community around its quality coffee offerings and welcoming new venture; local social mentions and community posts celebrate its opening and daily appeal, helping establish it quickly as a go-to spot with early hours and friendly service that resonates well with customers seeking a modern, engaging café experience.
Wine Experience: Di Vino Italian Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon: Di Vino Italian Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon, long established on Bridge Street and highly regarded for authentic Italian cuisine made from scratch with fine local produce, has won the wine experience prize through its excellent selection of wines that pair beautifully with the dishes in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere; with 449 Peer review site contributions awarding it 4.6 out of 5 and ranking it among the top restaurants in town, diners repeatedly praise the wonderful food especially the pizzas, friendly staff (a mix of Italians and locals), great value and the overall enjoyable pairing of good wine with beautifully presented meals.
World Cuisine: Shudh Indian Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon: Shudh Indian Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon, located in The Courtyard and offering authentic Indian flavours with dishes such as rich butter chicken and perfect naan, has been recognised for world cuisine through its focus on traditional recipes and generous portions in a warm, inviting setting; customer testimonials on the restaurant’s site highlight the delicious tastes, friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere that make it a recommended choice for those seeking high-quality Indian food in Carrick-on-Shannon, with quick takeaway options adding to its appeal.