The best and brightest of the hospitality industry in Galway’s bars, hotels, and restaurants have been selected for the 2023 Irish Restaurant Awards.
The Connacht Regional Final of the 2023 Restaurant Awards, often called the Food Oscars here in Ireland, took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sligo.
Over 600 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the Awards Event, which saw many well-known restaurateurs of Connacht turn out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awards.
Kai restaurant in Galway City was once again selected as the Best Restaurant in Galway, with their award winning Jess Murphy also being named the Best Chef.
The Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant in Galway is Renvyle House in Connemara, and the Best Gastro Pub is The Kings Head in Galway City.
The Connacht Hotel claimed the top spot in the Sustainable Practices category, while Best Customer Service went to the Park House Hotel.
The overall Pub of the Year in Galway is Broderick’s Bar, the Best Café is Pota in Baile na hAbhann, and the Best Casual Dining experience is at Hooked in Galway City.
The Best Newcomer award went to Blackrock Cottage in Salthill, and Wa Sushi by the docks in Galway City claimed Best World Cuisine, and Greens and Co vegan restaurant took the Best Free From category.
Sheridans is the spot for the Best Wine Experience, the Best Emerging Irish Cuisine can be found at The Sea Hare café in Clifden, and Lignum restaurant took home Innovator of the Year in Galway.
Naming names once again, the Best Restaurant Manager in Galway is Gill Carroll at 56 Central in the city centre; and lastly, Margaret Leahy of Irish Artisan Food Tours is Galway’s Local Food Hero.
Speaking at the Connaught Regional Awards President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, said; “Now in their 14th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards returns with a record-breaking number of public nominations, over 130,000.”
“This sheer number of votes highlights the support & appreciation of the general public for our hospitality sector and all who contribute to it.”
“The Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the existing, and up and coming talent, in the sector and are a reminder that hospitality is nothing without their dedicated and passionate staff.”
“The Awards continue to showcase the incredible food that is on offer in the cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants of Ireland.”
All of the county winners now compete for the Regional and All Ireland Titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards All Ireland Final on Monday, May 15.
