The Food&Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards have finally been revealed, in a night dedicated to celebrating the dynamic food scene thriving in Dublin.
The awards took place last night at The InterContinental Hotel in Ballsbridge, and were the magazine's first award ceremony since the outbreak of Covid-19. With two years to make up for – during which the Irish food scene transformed in order to survive, and became even more exciting as a result – it was sure to be a night to remember.
And that it was, as awards for best restaurant, best chef, best cocktail and more were doled out. The sold-out event featured stunning food from head chef Alberto Rossi to keep the guests' mouths from watering over the nominees.
Aimsir, the renowned restaurant at Cliff at Lyons in Kildare, won the award for Best Restaurant, after a sensational few years for the establishment. Celebrated for its focus on foraging, sustainability, seasonality and fresh produce, the restaurant has won praise from all corners of the food scene, both home and abroad.
This award, according to the publication's Instagram post, "rewards the restaurant that has it all - wonderful food, a warm welcome, and a great atmosphere", and certainly two Michelin-starred Aimsir ticks all those boxes.
Chapter One's head chef Mickael Viljanen won the award for Chef of the Year, with the publication praising him for being "innovative, continuously strives to improve, and is conscious of getting the best from their team".
It added: "Their cooking can run the gamut from classics to more daring dishes, but whatever is on their menu, they produce it with heart, a genuine love for what they do, and respect for every member of their team."
Meanwhile, Gráinne O'Keefe, of Mae Restaurant and BuJo Burger Joint, went home with the award for Young Chef of the Year, which highlights excellent chefs who are 35 years old or younger. "Her work ethic is unparalleled and she is renowned for her culinary skills - we are so excited to see her career continue to progress", the publication said.
The award for Casual Dining of the Year went to the always thrilling Uno Mas on Dublin's Aungier Street, a spot that specialises in delicious small plates and fine wines, while the award for Best Cocktail Experience went to the Tack Room in Limerick's Adare Manor.
Read the full list of winners below:
- Restaurant of the Year – Aimsir
- Chef of the Year – Mickael Valjanen
- Casual Dining of the Year – Uno Mas
- Sommelier of the Year – Morgan Vanderkamer
- Hotel Restaurant of the Year – The Owenmore at Ballynahinch Castle
- Young Chef of the Year – Gráinne O'Keefe
- Hall of Fame – Ross Lewis
- Best Sommelier Dublin – Vanda Ivančić
- Best Sommelier Leinster – Morgan Vanderkamer
- Best Sommelier Connaught – Anke Hartmann
- Best Sommelier Munster – Joey Scanlon
- Best Sommelier Ulster – Stefania Sanseverino
- Best Cocktail Experience – The Tack Room at Adare Manor
- Food Truck of the Year – Misunderstood Heron
- Dunnes Stores Simply Better Emerging Producer Award – The Cupcake Bloke
- Café of the Year – Daddy's
- Innovator of the Year – Dave Mulligan
- Best Hotel Restaurant Dublin – Canteen at The Marlin
- Best Hotel Restaurant Leinster – The Lady Helen at Mount Juliet
- Best Hotel Restaurant Connaught – The Owenmore at Ballynahinch Castle
- Best Hotel Restaurant Munster – The Dining Room at Gregan's Castle
- Best Hotel Restaurant Ulster – Rathmullen House
- Best Casual Dining Dublin – Uno Mas
- Best Casual Dining Leinster – Ripasso
- Best Casual Dining Connaught – Éan
- Best Casual Dining Munster – Goldie
- Best Casual Dining Ulster – Freight East
- Best Chef Dublin – Mickael Valjanen
- Best Chef Leinster – Jordan Bailey
- Best Chef Connaught – Christine Walsh
- Best Chef Munster – Ahmet Dede
- Best Chef Ulster – Simon Toye
- Best Restaurant Dublin – Chapter One by Mickael Valjanen
- Best Restaurant Leinster – Aimsir
- Best Restaurant Connaught – Loam
- Best Restaurant Munster – Dede at the Customs House
- Best Restaurant Ulster – OX
