The winners were announced at a gala event in the Armagh City Hotel:
- Overall: The Lemon Tree Restaurant, Letterkenny: A long-established, family-run restaurant in Letterkenny’s Courtyard Shopping Centre, Michelin-recommended for its contemporary Irish cooking that showcases the best seasonal and local Donegal produce in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
- Café: Mrs B’s Coffee House Killybegs: A popular family-run coffee shop on Main Street in Killybegs, known for its warm, friendly atmosphere, excellent coffee, homemade sandwiches, soups, fresh bakes, and hearty breakfasts.
- Casual Dining: Fisk Seafood Bar Downings: A buzzing no-bookings seafood bar at the Harbour Bar in Downings, specialising in fresh local catch, fish tacos, prawns, fish cakes, and tapas-style seafood with stunning harbour and beach views.
- Chef: Colin Bradley, The Restaurant at Harvey’s Point, Lough Eske: Executive Head Chef at the acclaimed Harvey’s Point hotel, praised for his skill, passion, and refined cooking using the finest Donegal ingredients at this luxury lakeside venue.
- Contemporary Irish Cuisine: No. 9 Market Square Letterkenny: A new but instantly popular restaurant in the heart of Letterkenny, run by experienced chef Brian McMonagle, offering modern Irish dishes with strong local flavours, fresh seafood, and steaks in an intimate setting.
- Customer Service: Yellow Pepper Letterkenny: A long-standing favourite on Lower Main Street, celebrated for its consistently warm and attentive service alongside quality Irish and European classics, steaks, and seafood.
- Employee Excellence Award: Lina Krolenko, Sonder Letterkenny: Dedicated team member at the popular Sonder Café on Pearse Road, recognised for her outstanding commitment and contribution to the business.
- Gastro Pub: (No announcement in this batch)
- Hotel and Guesthouse: Castle Grove Country House Hotel, Letterkenny: An elegant 4-star Georgian country house hotel set in private grounds overlooking Lough Swilly, offering luxurious antique-furnished rooms, warm hospitality, and an award-winning restaurant.
- Innovator: Dip’N’Sip Bundoran: A cheerful, creative spot in Bundoran serving specialty coffee, homemade treats, loaded sundaes, ice cream, and positive vibes – a fun and welcoming stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Local Food Hero: Martin Anderson, Sonder Letterkenny: Chef and owner of Sonder Café, commended for championing local suppliers, creating sustainable recipes, and supporting Donegal’s food community.
- Newcomer: Mo Chlann Coffee & Bar Donegal Town: A stylish new venue in Donegal Town blending specialty coffee by day with craft beers, cocktails, wine, and a lively bar atmosphere into the evening.
- Restaurant manager: Susan Miah, Chandpur Restaurant, Donegal Town: Highly regarded manager at the multiple award-winning Chandpur Indian restaurant, known for its authentic Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine and warm hospitality.
- Pub: Bridge Inn Dungloe: A traditional and welcoming pub in the heart of Dungloe with a sports bar, outdoor area, and self-catering accommodation – a perfect base for exploring the Donegal Gaeltacht with genuine local character.
- Sustainable Practices: Castle Grove Country House Hotel Letterkenny: The elegant Georgian hotel recognised for its strong commitment to sustainable practices across its operations and restaurant.
- Use of Social Media: Shandon Hotel & Spa Portnablagh: The stunning 4-star hotel and spa on Sheephaven Bay, praised for its engaging social media that beautifully showcases its sea views, luxury accommodation, thermal spa, and dining.
- Wine Experience: The Restaurant at Harvey’s Point Lough Eske: The fine-dining restaurant at the luxury lakeside hotel, celebrated for its excellent wine pairing options and sophisticated dining experience.
- World Cuisine: Braai Restaurant Creeslough: A unique South African-inspired restaurant in Creeslough (inside Roses pub), specialising in flame-grilled braai meats, vibrant flavours, and open-fire cooking with an exciting tapas-style menu.
Restaurant award winners
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow – Overall – County winners – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
Dining
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
2026 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
2025 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
2024 Irish Restaurant awards by county:
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
