REVEALED: Huge number of Tipperary businesses awarded at Irish Restaurant Awards

The very best in food and hospitality across Munster were celebrated last night at the Irish Restaurant Awards Munster Regional Final 2026, the second regional celebration of this year’s awards programme.

The Awards were held on Tuesday, March 10, at the Strand Hotel, Limerick, where county winners from throughout the province were announced.

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More than 600 guests attended to recognise the achievements of restaurants, cafés and hospitality businesses operating across Munster.

Now in its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards attracted over 150,000 public nominations, submitted via The Irish Times, the official media partner.

Once all regional finals conclude, both Regional and All Ireland winners will be revealed at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, May 18th at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

County winners from Munster are now invited to secure tickets for the national ceremony.

Addressing attendees, Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “Culinary tourism is receiving renewed attention across Ireland, and events like this highlight the role our restaurants play within that. Restaurants are at the heart of communities and local employment, but they also form a central part of the experience that visitors come to Ireland to enjoy. The Irish Restaurant Awards recognise the talent, innovation and high standards that continue to shape Ireland’s reputation as a destination for great food.”

“These awards represent more than individual recognition. They highlight the strong connection between hospitality businesses and Ireland’s wider tourism offering. By recognising excellence at county and regional level, we continue to build a vibrant food culture that attracts visitors, supports local producers and sustains employment throughout the country. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners whose work makes that possible.”

Listed below is the full list of this year’s Tipperary winners:

Best Restaurant - Sponsored by American Express:
Chez Hans.

Best Chef - Sponsored by BWG Food Service:
Stefan McEnteer, The Bishop’s Buttery at Cashel Palace Hotel.

Best Restaurant Manager - Sponsored by Paynt:
James Lyons, Matt The Thresher Inn.

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant:
The Bishop’s Buttery at Cashel Palace Hotel.

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Employee Excellence - Sponsored by Peninsula:
Geraldine O'Donnell, Lava Rock.

Best Use of Social Media:
Rivesci.

Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace:
O'Neills Bistro.

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by National Chef de Partie Apprenticeship & National Sous Chef Apprenticeship Programmes:
Ranna Ghor Indian Restaurant.

Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Hendersons Foodservice:
Goosers Bar & Eating House.

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine - Sponsored by FBD Insurance:
Chez Hans.

Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Square:
The Mill Pantry.

Pub of the Year:
Jim O' The Mills.

Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Bibendum:
The Bishop’s Buttery at Cashel Palace Hotel.

Best Customer Service - Sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie provided by Dolmen:
Cahir House Hotel.

Best Café - Sponsored by Illy:
No Filter.

Best Sustainable Practices.
Cloughjordan House.

Innovator of the Year - Sponsored by Diageo:
Rivesci.

Local Food Hero - Sponsored by Sugar Snap Agency:
Peter Ward, Country Choice Nenagh.