Top restaurants in Westmeath announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2019

The Leinster Regional Final of Irish Restaurant Awards took place in the Killashee House Hotel tonight, where the top restaurants in each county for 2019 were announced.

More than 600 restaurant owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the awards, where many well-known restaurateurs of Leinster turned out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awards.

Chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, said: “Now in their 11th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards continue to showcase the incredible food that is on offer in the cafes, pubs and restaurants of Ireland, as well as recognising the teams behind these establishments and the hard work and dedication that they put in.

“With more than 90,000 nominations received from the public this year, the standard for the judging process was higher than ever.

“Ireland may be a small country, but it boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs – from the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world though exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer.

“We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry.”

Food outlets were nominated under the categories of Best Customer Service, Best Gastro Pub, Best Casual Dining, Best Hotel Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Wine Experience, Best Restaurant Manager, Best Kids Size Me Menu, Local Food Hero, Best Emerging Irish Cuisine and Best Newcomer.

All of the local winners now compete for the regional and all-Ireland titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards. in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin on Monday May 13.

Best Restaurant – sponsored by Tindal Wine Merchants
• Westmeath – Thyme Restaurant

Best Chef – sponsored by Nisbets
• Westmeath – Deirdre Adamson of The Fatted Calf

Best Restaurant Manager – AIB Merchant Services
• Westmeath – Fiona O’Donnell of The Fatted Calf

Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant – sponsored by BWG Food Service
• Westmeath – The Wineport Lodge

Best Customer Service – sponsored by Lockton
• Westmeath – Oscars

Best Gastro Pub – sponsored by Elavon
• Westmeath – Grogan’s

Best Cafe – sponsored by Illy
• Westmeath – Red Earth

Pub of the Year – sponsored by Jameson Caskmates
• Westmeath – Sean’s Bar

Best Wine Experience – sponsored by Gilbeys
• Westmeath – The Left Bank Bistro

Best World Cuisine
• Westmeath – Kin Khao Thai

Best ‘Free From’ – sponsored by Peroni Gluten Free
• Westmeath – Beans & Leaves

Best Kids Size Me
• Westmeath – Corner House Bistro

Best Local Food Hero – sponsored by Rewarding Times
• Westmeath – Pat Lalor of Kilbeggan Organic Foods

Best Emerging Irish Cuisine – sponsored by Odaios
• Westmeath – Thyme Restaurant

Best Casual Dining – sponsored by Just Eat
• Westmeath – Savoury Fare at the Fernhill Garden Centre