- Overall: Everett’s Restaurant, Waterford city A standout fine-dining bistro in the heart of historic Waterford city, set within the atmospheric remains of a 15th-century building (once the home of a former mayor). It is celebrated for its welcoming, relaxed approach to modern Irish cuisine, emphasising seasonal local produce, natural flavours, and sensibly priced dishes with a touch of complexity, earning consistent high praise including Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
- Café: Cass & Co., Waterford city A charming gourmet café and deli in Waterford city, known for its cosy, inviting atmosphere and focus on high-quality artisan produce. It offers excellent coffee, fresh contemporary sandwiches, vibrant salad bowls, fabulous cakes, and a selection of organic wines and homewares, blending foodie treats with a friendly, community-oriented vibe.
- Casual Dining: Farmgate, Waterford city A welcoming, value-driven spot (with roots in the Farmgate tradition of good, honest food) providing approachable lunchtime and evening menus. It highlights real, hearty dishes made with quality ingredients in a relaxed setting, appreciated for its consistency, warmth, and emphasis on straightforward yet satisfying casual meals.
- Chef: Luis Martin, Mara, Waterford city Luis Martin is acclaimed as the talented chef at Mara restaurant in Waterford city. He is recognised for his skilful, creative cooking that elevates contemporary dishes, showcasing technical expertise, passion for ingredients, and a flair that has contributed to the venue’s strong reputation in the local dining scene.
- Contemporary Irish Cuisine: The Pier Restaurant, Dunmore East A highly regarded restaurant in the picturesque coastal village of Dunmore East, specialising in fresh, modern interpretations of Irish cuisine. It draws heavily on superb local seafood and seasonal produce from the region, delivering refined yet approachable plates in a scenic, relaxed harbourside environment.
- Customer Service: Molly’s, Waterford city Molly’s in Waterford city stands out for its exceptional, warm, and attentive hospitality. The team is praised for delivering genuine, personalised service that makes guests feel valued and looked after, enhancing every visit with friendliness and efficiency across the dining experience.
- Employee Excellence Award: Jennifer Walsh, La Alegria Cafe, Waterford city Jennifer Walsh is honoured for her outstanding dedication and performance at La Alegria Cafe in Waterford city. Her exceptional commitment, positive attitude, and skill exemplify top-tier individual excellence, making a significant impact on the café’s welcoming atmosphere and overall success.
- Gastro Pub: Merrys Gastro Pub, Waterford city A lively gastro pub in Waterford city that combines the best of traditional pub charm with elevated eating-house standards. It is appreciated for its hearty, flavourful pub-style dishes prepared with care, alongside a relaxed, sociable environment that fosters great craic and a genuine local feel.
- Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant: Hanoras Cottage, Cappoquin The acclaimed restaurant at this charming, family-run guesthouse in the scenic Nire Valley near Cappoquin, nestled in the Comeragh Mountains. It is renowned for its cosy, high-quality dining featuring seasonal local produce, warm personalised hospitality, and legendary breakfasts that have earned multiple national awards over the years.
- Innovator of the Year: Slow and Steady, Waterford city A creative and forward-thinking food business specialising in healthy, wholesome offerings such as overnight oats, oat-based treats, and fresh breakfast options. It stands out for its innovative approach to nutritious, convenient food concepts, with a welcoming spot (including an oat bar) that emphasises quality ingredients and thoughtful, modern twists on everyday eats.
- Local Food Hero: Eunice Power, Waterford Festival of Food, Waterford city Eunice Power is celebrated as a driving force in Waterford’s culinary scene through her role in co-founding and championing the Waterford Festival of Food. A respected chef, restaurateur, and advocate for local producers, she promotes Irish food culture, seasonal ingredients, and community events that highlight the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
- Newcomer: Sunset Orange, Tramore A vibrant, recent addition to the Tramore café scene, offering speciality coffee (including house roasts from premium suppliers), homemade bakes, fresh toasties, focaccia sandwiches, and options like overnight oats. It brings a bright, welcoming energy with a focus on quality brews and delicious, made-from-scratch treats in a relaxed coastal setting.
- Pub of the Year: J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer, Waterford city A fully preserved and original Victorian family grocers and bar in Waterford city, established in 1899 and unchanged since then. It offers a unique, atmospheric experience with historic charm, including the snug for Victorian-style tea and coffee, or a pint served in the traditional men’s-only bar manner, blending cultural heritage with genuine pub warmth.
- Restaurant Manager: Kamila Bystrzonowska, Momo, Waterford city Kamila Bystrzonowska is recognised for her exemplary leadership and management at Momo restaurant in Waterford city. Her dedication ensures seamless operations, outstanding team coordination, and a consistently positive dining experience at this popular spot known for its passion for quality food and hospitality.
- Sustainable Practices: Dún Artisan Bakery, Dungarvan A values-driven artisan bakery in Dungarvan committed to sustainability and a farm-to-fork ethos. It excels in eco-conscious practices such as using local and organic Irish flour, working seasonally, minimising carbon footprint, and embracing circular approaches to ingredients and production for truly responsible baking.
- Use of Social Media: The Olive Cafe, Dungarvan This cosy café in Dungarvan (with strong Waterford ties) is honoured for its engaging and effective social media presence. It skilfully showcases fresh eats, speciality coffee, hearty lunches, local ingredients, and daily specials, building a vibrant online community and highlighting its inviting atmosphere and quality offerings.
- Wine Experience: Union Wine Bar & Kitchen, Waterford city A stylish venue on The Mall in Waterford city praised for its exceptional wine programme and overall wine-focused experience. It features a carefully selected range of wines, thoughtful pairings with modern small plates and dishes using locally sourced ingredients, and knowledgeable service in a welcoming, memorable setting.
- World Cuisine: Mezze, Waterford city A dynamic Middle Eastern deli, shop, and café (with strong presence in the Waterford area, including Tramore roots) offering authentic and vibrant world cuisine. It is appreciated for its flavourful dishes, fresh ingredients, takeaway options, catering, and events, delivering a taste of the Middle East with personality and quality in a lively, food-loving space.
Michelin Guide
- Waterford features several recommended establishments in the guide, with a focus on modern cuisine:
- Recommended: Mara, Waterford, A bijou modern cuisine restaurant by chef-owner Luis Martin, praised for its quirky vibe, creative seasonal dishes, and intimate setting.
- Recommended: Everett’s, Waterford, A modern venue offering high-quality, well-executed contemporary fare in a welcoming city-centre location.
- Recommended: Beach House, Ardmore, A coastal spot known for its fresh, flavourful dishes with sea views.
- Recommended: Aldridge Lodge, Dunmore East, A boutique venue delivering refined modern Irish cuisine in a scenic harbour setting.
- Recommended: Tannery, Dungarvan, A long-established favourite offering modern cuisine with strong local sourcing in a characterful town location.
Georgina Campbell Awards
- ‘Movers & Shakers’ Award: Eunice Power of &AndChips, Dungarvan, A dynamic figure recognised for transforming a traditional chipper into a stylish, high-quality fish and chip restaurant on Dungarvan’s quays, blending innovation with excellent hospitality.
- Best Supporter of Irish Food & Drink Producers (sponsored by Bord Bia): Grow HQ Café and Larder, Waterford, A community-focused café and larder founded by Michael Kelly, celebrated for promoting local growing, sustainable practices, and high-quality Irish produce.
- Irish Breakfast Awards, Hotel: Granville Hotel, Waterford, One of Ireland’s oldest hotels on the quayside, honoured for its exceptional breakfast offerings using quality local ingredients in an atmospheric historic setting.
Restaurant awards
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
2025 Restaurants Association of Ireland 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 Restaurants Association of Ireland 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
Waterford:
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching –– Camping –Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Waterford is steeped in Viking and medieval history, with Waterford City’s Reginald’s Tower and Viking Triangle showcasing ancient artefacts. The Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark, offers dramatic coastal walks, while the Lismore Castle gardens provide serene beauty. Other attractions include the beaches of Tramore and historic Dunmore East. Waterford is Ireland’s 21st largest county by size (1,838 square km) and 20th largest by population (127,363). Population peaked at 196,187 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 71,439 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Waterford is Ireland’s ninth most visited tourist county with around 225,000 international visitors per year.
