REVEALED: Who were the 18 Mayo winners at the Irish Restaurant Awards?
The awards were presented last night at a gala event in Knockranny House Hotel in Westport
The very best in food and hospitality across Connaught were celebrated on Tuesday, March 31 at the Irish Restaurant Awards Connaught Regional Final 2026, held at Knockranny House Hotel in Westport. The event marked the final regional ceremony in this year’s prestigious awards programme, where county winners from across the province were revealed.
Over 600 guests gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of restaurants, cafés and hospitality businesses operating throughout Connaught. The event showcased the quality, resilience and innovation that continue to define the region’s thriving hospitality sector.
Now in its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards attracted over 150,000 public nominations, submitted via The Irish Times, the official media partner.
Addressing attendees, Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said:
“Connaught continues to play a vital role in Ireland’s food story, with restaurants and hospitality businesses at the heart of communities across the region. Despite ongoing cost pressures, the standard of food, service and innovation on display remains exceptionally high. These awards are a testament to the resilience and dedication of those working across the sector.
Once all regional finals conclude, both Regional and All-Ireland winners will be revealed at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, May 18 at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. County winners from Connacht are now invited to secure tickets for the national ceremony.
The following were the 18 Mayo regional winners, many of whom have taken to their social media channels to celebrate their success:
Best Restaurant (Mayo): An Port Mór Restaurant, Westport
Best Chef (Mayo): Shteryo Yurukov, Sage Restaurant, Westport
Best Restaurant Manager (Mayo): John Nevin, Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Tiernaur
Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant (Mayo): The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong
Employee Excellence (Mayo): Jason Moyles, The Cot & Cobble, Ballina
Best Use of Social Media (Mayo): Infused Cocktail & Wine Bar, Westport
Best Casual Dining (Mayo): Friends Bistro, Westport
Best World Cuisine (Mayo): La Casa, Claremorris
Best Gastro Pub (Mayo): JJ O’Malleys, Westport
Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine (Mayo): Poacher Restaurant, Ballina
Best Newcomer (Mayo): Daniel’s Kitchen & Bar, Ballina
Pub of the Year (Mayo): McDonnells Bar & Undertakers, Belmullet
Best Wine Experience (Mayo): George V Dining Room at Ashford Castle, Cong
Best Customer Service (Mayo): Arno’s Bistrot, Westport
Best Café (Mayo): Baker 51, Ballina
Best Sustainable Practices (Mayo): The Creel, Castlebar
Innovator of the Year (Mayo): Foxford Café
Local Food Hero (Mayo): Cillian Ó Móráin & Bart Adons, Mescan Brewery, Westport