The Lady Helen at Mount Juliet claimed the Restaurant of the Year title at the 2026 Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards, rte.ie reported.
Judges evaluated hospitality businesses across the country for outstanding food, service, creativity, and consistency. This year’s panel included Ali Dunworth, Aoife Carrigy, Bairbre Power, Cathal McBride, Gillian Nelis, Joanne Cronin, Marcus O’Laoire, and the late Corinna Hardgrave, a restaurant critic who passed away last October. Artie Clifford of Blas na hÉireann was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the evening.
The Lady Helen operates inside a 260-year-old country manor under the guidance of Chef John Kelly. The venue secured four major honors at the ceremony. Along with the overall restaurant prize, Tom Phelan took home Pastry Chef of the Year after completing nine years of service at the establishment. The property also won Best Restaurant — Leinster and Best Chef — Leinster.
Daróg took top honors for Connaught restaurant and wine experience. Liath claimed the Dublin restaurant title alongside Damien Grey winning Chef of the Year. Dede triumphed as the top restaurant in Munster. Capparelli at the Mill earned the best restaurant spot in Ulster.
| Category | Winner | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant of the Year | The Lady Helen at Mount Juliet | Kilkenny |
| Chef of the Year | Damien Grey (Liath) | Dublin |
| Best Restaurant — Dublin | Liath | Dublin |
| Best Restaurant — Munster | Dede | Cork |
| Best Restaurant — Connaught | Daróg | Galway |
| Best Restaurant — Ulster | Capparelli at the Mill | Antrim |
Specialty categories highlighted diverse talent across the hospitality sector. Chubbys won Casual Dining of the Year and Dublin casual dining. Green Man Wines secured Wine Experience of the Year and the Dublin wine title. Pig’s Lane claimed the cocktail experience category.
Aine Budds of Comet was named Young Chef of the Year. La Gordita won for customer service. The Good Day Deli took café of the year. Mongoose earned newcomer honors, and UCC Students’ Union won innovator of the year. Landline at The Park in Kenmare won hotel restaurant of the year.
