The 13 NI winners crowned at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026

Two food spots were also crowned All-Ireland champions this year

Our thriving hospitality industry was celebrated at the Irish Restaurant Awards this week as a number of local spots were recognised as ‘Best in Ulster’.

In its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the existing, and up and coming talent in the sector across both sides of the border.

Earlier this year, businesses from across Northern Ireland were selected to represent their county across a range of categories at the All-Ireland final, which took place in Dublin on Monday night.

A total of 13 restaurants, cafes, pubs and people from across the country came away with a ‘Best in Ulster’ win – with two going on to be crowned ‘Best in Ireland’ for 2026.

Popular Belfast coffee shop General Merchant was recognised as not only the best in the province but top across the entire island of Ireland. Frae, a neighbourhood wine bar in Holywood, also took an All-Ireland win for Best Customer Service.

Here are the NI spots named Ulster winners of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026:

• Best Restaurant in Ulster – Noble
• Best Chef in Ulster – Stevie Toman, Ox Restaurant
• Best Restaurant Manager in Ulster – Paul Vaughan, James St
• Best Use of Social Media in Ulster – Charlie’s Bar Enniskillen
• Best Gastro Pub in Ulster – The Dirty Duck Alehouse
• Best Cafe in Ulster – General Merchants (All Ireland winner)
• Best Newcomer in Ulster – Capparelli at The Mill
• Pub of the Year in Ulster – Linnet Inn
• Best Wine Experience in Ulster – El Tapas Grá
• Best Customer Service in Ulster – Frae (All Ireland winner)
• Best Sustainable Practices in Ulster – Killeavy Castle Estate
• Innovator of the Year Ulster – Waterman House
• Local Food Hero Ulster – Jordan Weir, The Dairy – Bistro, Butchers & Farm Shop

Speaking at the All-Ireland Awards, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said: “Tonight is a celebration of the people who make Ireland’s hospitality industry one of the most vibrant and exciting sectors in the country. From local cafés and family run restaurants to world class dining destinations, these Awards recognise the passion, dedication and innovation that can be found in every corner of Ireland.”

“Gordon Ramsay recently described Ireland as the sleeping giant of European cuisine. Well, that giant is awakening and tonight is proof of that. Across every county we are seeing incredible creativity, quality and ambition in our restaurants and hospitality businesses.”

“The standard showcased tonight demonstrates that Ireland should now be firmly recognised as a leading culinary destination. I want to congratulate every nominee and winner for the extraordinary work they do every day to showcase the very best of Irish hospitality.”

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