Carlow restaurants and pubs win big at the Leinster Regional Final of the Food Awards

The Leinster Regional Final of Irish Restaurant Awards took place in the Killashee House Hotel on Thursday night where the top restaurants in each county for 2019 were announced.

Over 600 restaurant owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the Awards, which saw many well-known restaurateurs of Leinster turn out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awards.

Speaking at the awards, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, said: "Now in their 11th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards continue to showcase the incredible food that is on offer in the cafes, pubs and restaurants of Ireland, as well as recognising the teams behind these establishments and the hard work and dedication that they put in.

"With well over 90,000 nominations received from the public this year, the standard for the judging process was higher than ever.

"Ireland may be a small country but it boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs, from the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world though exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer. We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry."

Food outlets were nominated under the categories of Best Customer Service, Best Gastro Pub, Best Casual Dining, Best Hotel Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Wine Experience, Best Restaurant Manager, Best Kids Size Me Menu, Local Food Hero, Best Emerging Irish Cuisine and Best Newcomer.

All of the sixteen Carlow winners now compete for the Regional and All Ireland Titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards. These will be held in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin on Monday, May 13 2019.

Best Restaurant – Sponsored by Tindal Wine Merchants

Carlow- Sha-Roe Bistro

Best Chef – Sponsored by Nisbets

Carlow- Henry Stone of Sha-Roe Bistro

Best Newcomer 

Carlow- Walter's Bar & Grill

Best Restaurant Manager – AIB MS

Carlow- Alma Sheehan of Plum Tree Bistro

Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant – Sponsored by BWG Food Service

Carlow- The Cellar Restaurant at the Step House Hotel

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Lockton

Carlow- LENNONS @ VISUAL

Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Elavon

Carlow- Teach Dolmain

Best Cafe - Sponsored by Illy

Carlow- Birdcage Café

Pub of the Year - Sponsored by Jameson Caskmates

Carlow- Osbourne’s Bar

Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Gilbeys

Carlow- Lord Bagenal Inn

Best World Cuisine

Carlow- New Moon Tandoori

Best “Free From” – Sponsored by Peroni Gluten Free

Carlow- Basil Asian Street Food

Best Kids Size Me

Carlow- Tea Rooms at Duckett's Grove

Best Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Rewarding Times

Carlow- Eva Milka of Gaelic Escargot

Best Emerging Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by Odaios

Carlow- Riverbank Restaurant

Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Just Eat

Carlow- Plum Tree Bistro