Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instagram
The awards, hosted by The Business Post’s Food and Wine Magazine in association with Rémy Martin, aims to recognise the very best in Irish food, drink, and hospitality, and to celebrate the resilience and determination of the Irish food and drinks sector.
Chapter One, the two Michelin-starred iconic restaurant on Parnell Street took home two of the top prizes at the Food & Wine Awards: Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year for the mastermind behind the award-celebrated menu, Mickael Viljanen. It was also a great night for Galway’s Daróg Wine Bar, which scooped prizes for Connacht’s Best Wine Experience, Best Restaurant, and the overall national prize for Best Experience. Notably, Niall and Joanne McKenna of the James Street Restaurant Group were given the Hall of Fame award. This honour recognises those who have made a significant impact on the food industry, with Niall and Joanne receiving their due recognition for fostering young talent through their James Street South Apprenticeship programme, which offers 16-24-year-olds with an interest in the culinary arts the opportunity to learn from some of Northern Ireland’s best chefs.
Last night, the who’s who of the gastronomic world gathered as the 2024 Food and Wine Awards took place in the glamorous surroundings of the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. Some of the best of the best, from Michelin-star icons to casual eateries, wine bars, and bakers, were in the mix for a spectacular parade of culinary talent.
Attendees at the historic hotel were treated to a slap-up meal while celebrating the winners in each of the categories that focused on the best of each county, as well as overall and stand-alone winners.
Here’s the full list of those who came out on top.
NATIONAL AWARDS
HALL OF FAME
👑Winner: Niall and Joanne McKenna of the Jame Street Restaurant Group
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
👑Winner: Eoin Cluskey, Bread 41
Highly commended: Brian McCarthy, Cork Rooftop Farm
HOTEL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
👑Winner: Adrift at Dunmore House
Highly commended: The Oak Room at Adare Manor
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
👑Winner: Kicky’s
Highly commended: Andhra Bhavan
YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR
👑Winner: Attila Galambos
Highly commended: Wine Buds
CUSTOMER SERVIVE OF THE YEAR
👑Winner: The Old Spot
Highly commended: Mamó
REGIONAL AWARDS
CONNACHT
BEST RESTAURANT
👑Winner: Daróg Wine Bar
Highly commended: Lignum
BEST CHEF
👑Winner: Liam Finnegan
Highly commended: Shannon Schiano di Cola
BEST CASUAL DINING
👑Winner: Savoir Fare
Highly commended: Wa Sushi
BEST WINE EXPERIENCE
👑Winner: Daróg Wine Bar
Highly commended: The George V at Ashford Castle
LEINSTER
BEST RESTAURANT
👑Winner: The Morrison Room at Carton House
Highly commended: Campagne
BEST CHEF
👑Winner: Adam Nevin
Highly commended: John Coffey
BEST CASUAL DINING
👑Winner: Bearú
Highly commended: Dubh
BEST WINE EXPERIENCE
Winner: Ely Wine Store
Highly Commended: Conlon’s Wine Bar
DUBLIN
BEST RESTAURANT
👑Winner: Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
Highly commended: D’Olier Street
BEST CHEF
👑Winner: Mickael Viljanen
Highly commended: Kevin Burke
BEST CASUAL DINING
👑Winner: Big Fan
Highly commended: Row Wines
BEST WINE EXPERIENCE
👑Winner: Bar Pez
Highly commended: 64 Wine
MUNSTER
BEST RESTAURANT
👑Winner: Homestead Cottage
Highly commended: Gregans Castle
BEST CHEF
👑Winner: Robbie McCauley
Highly commended: Aishling Moore
BEST CASUAL DINING
👑Winner: Unknown Wine Bar & Kitchen
Highly commended: Izz Cafe
BEST WINE EXPERIENCE
👑Winner: The Black Pig
Highly commended: L’Atitue 51
ULSTER
BEST RESTAURANT
👑Winner: Ox
Highly commended: Frae
BEST CHEF
👑Winner: Stevie Toman
Highly commended: Chris McGowan
BEST CASUAL DINING
👑Winner: Moghrá
Highly commended: Umi
BEST WINE EXPERIENCE
👑Winner: Maclean House & Restaurant
Highly commended: Frae
OVERALL
BEST RESTAURANT
👑Winner: Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
BEST CHEF
👑Winner: Mickael Viljanen
BEST CASUAL DINING
👑Winner: Big Fan(Dublin)
BEST WINE EXPERIENCE
👑Winner: Daróg Wine Bar (Galway)
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!