Top restaurants in Carlow eager to go step further and claim prizes at All-Ireland awards

The 11th Annual All Ireland Irish Restaurant Awards will take place on May 13 in the Clayton, Burlington Road where over 1,000 guests will sit down to a five-course gala dinner, prepared by previous winners of the Irish Restaurant Awards.

The awards are one of the premier events in the hospitality industry, the largest and most prestigious event in the hospitality industry.

Over 90,000 nominations were received in January during the first stage of the Irish Restaurant Awards, where members of the public nominated their favourite establishments.

Throughout March, the Regional Finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards were held in Kildare, Monaghan, Limerick and Sligo where the best restaurants, chefs and restaurant staff in each county were recognised for the hard work and dedication.

In addition to the Regional Awards, restaurants from each county will also be competing in National Awards, which will be presented at the All Ireland Awards.

The National Categories are: Best Cocktail Experience, Best Private Dining and Club Restaurant, Best Cookery School, Best Seafood Experience and Best Digital Marketing.

Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive Officer of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said: "Now in their 11th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards have grown year on year and with over 90,000 nominations from the public in 2019, it’s a great showcase of all the excellent produce and skilled chefs that we have here in Ireland.

"The Irish Restaurant Awards prides itself on celebrating the best of the best, knowing that Irish restaurants are among the best in the world.

"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. We wish all those nominated the best of luck."

For more information on the awards, see www.irishrestaurantawards.com. 

Below is the full list of winners in Carlow.

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 Merchant Services

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 with Bibendum

Carlow- Lord Bagenal Inn

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by HiUp

Carlow- New Moon Tandoori

Best “Free From” – Sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten Free

Carlow- Basil Asian Street Food

Best Kids Size Me

Carlow- Tea Rooms at Duckett's Grove

Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Rewarding Times

Carlow- Eva Milka of Gaelic Escargot

Local Food Hero, Leinster – Sponsored by Rewarding Times

Fiona Falconer of Wild About

Best Emerging Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by Odaios

Carlow- Riverbank Restaurant

Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Just Eat

Carlow- Plum Tree Bistro