Ireland is well known for its love of food and is fast becoming a “foodie” nation.

 

Have a look at the top Restaurants, as voted for by the people of Ireland, at the Restaurants Association of Ireland Awards in May 2017

All -Ireland & Dublin – Chapter One, Dublin

By using Irish and international craftspeople, Chapter One has transformed part of what was the former home of George Jameson, the whiskey maker, into a uniquely Irish dining space. The team at Chapter One has worked hard to reflect this great Irish tradition. They never felt it was enough simply to do things correctly; they wanted to strive for the best, and that remains as true today as at the beginning. It has earned Chapter One an extremely loyal customer base and also a Michelin star in the process. Good cooking starts with good produce, and when you have the richness of the Irish larder to choose from there’s an opportunity to really soar. What you see on a plate in Chapter One is an expression of many artisans, many landscapes and much hardworking talent. Chapter One have specialist growers and artisan producers that have been supplying them since the earliest days in the nineties.

Connaught – Kai Café & Restaurant, Galway

David and Jessica Murphy are the proud owners of Kai Café and Restaurant. The couple’s joint performance in the kitchen and on the floor promises a memorable dining experience to every customer young and old.
The philosophy at Kai Café and Restaurant is very simple, head chef Jessica sources fresh, organic produce from local suppliers to create daily menus bursting with flavour, texture and colour. If you’re lucky you might even get an edible flower on your plate.
All menus change on a daily basis dependent on what is fresh and in stock from local suppliers.

Leinster – Sha-Roe Bistro, Carlow

Sha-Roe is quite simply a treasure of gastronomy, nestled in the picturesque village of Clonegal, Co. Carlow. The multi-award-winning bistro continues to wow visitors with its simple and elegant approach to food. Henry Stone and his Swiss wife, Stephanie Barrillier met while working in Marlfield House in Gorey, where Henry’s reputation as head chef was a major draw. Over ten years on from first opening, Sha-Roe is still the talk of the county, a testament to adhering to all its good intentions. In 2002 Henry was awarded a 3 AA Rosette whilst working there. While looking for a venue for their new restaurant idea, the newly-married couple spotted the 18th Century house in Clonegal in January 2005. They spent the summer of that year renovating it into Sha-Roe Bistro, which opened in September.

Munster – Wild Honey Inn, Clare

While the informal dining ambience makes dinner at Wild Honey Inn relaxed and easy, based on the French classical genre, using local and Irish produce, Aidan describes his cooking as Bistronomy – a lighter style of cooking or ‘refined bistro cooking’.
Aidan’s cooking is directly influenced by where he lives – the beauty of The Burren, the Karst, barren landscape, the rugged wild Atlantic coast and its jagged rocky islands.
The abundance and richness of the wild, raw ingredients that are found in this region are pure and perfect as nature intended.  With ‘Ireland’s Natural Larder’ at his fingertips, Aidan creates rustic dishes that are layered with flavours and seem to echo the location of wild Irish sky, Atlantic seascape, fresh air and open countryside. They take food and ingredients very seriously.
Chef and Co-Owner Aidan has been cooking for many years and has developed his own unique style.

Ulster – MacNean House & Restaurant, Cavan

Since Neven Maguire and his wife Amelda took over the family business in 2001, the Michelin-listed MacNean House & Restaurant has been consistently winning awards for its food, service, wine offer and overall dining experience.
Diners can relax, unwind and enjoy a drink at the restaurant’s luxurious bar before entering the dining room. The MacNean Dinner Menu, changed regularly by Neven to include the varying array of seasonal produce, always features a core of customer favourites.
The Prestige Tasting Menu is a gastronomic treat and can be enjoyed with wines chosen either by Neven or by the guests themselves. The MacNean menu always features several vegetarian choices and all dietary needs can be catered for.
The restaurant’s sommelier, Blaithin McCabe, will ensure only the best wines are on offer to suit your dining choices and palette.