Modern Irish cuisine was celebrated in spectacular style as Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny emerged as the standout winner at the 2026 Food and Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards. The five-star estate’s Michelin-starred restaurant, The Lady Helen, claimed the coveted Restaurant of the Year title after an impressive evening at The Shelbourne Hotel.
The awards highlighted the depth and creativity of the Irish food scene, recognising chefs, restaurants, wine specialists and hospitality innovators from across the country. For anyone following food Ireland and looking for the latest food news Ireland, Mount Juliet’s success is one of the evening’s biggest stories.
Mount Juliet leads the 2026 Irish restaurant awards
The Lady Helen’s winning formula combines elegant service with a strong connection to its surroundings. Led by Chef John Kelly, the restaurant is known for refined modern Irish food, using seasonal produce sourced from Mount Juliet’s estate, including its kitchen gardens and pastures.
The award follows an €8 million restoration of the Kilkenny resort and adds to the restaurant’s growing reputation among the best restaurants Ireland has to offer. Mount Juliet also secured several further honours:
- Restaurant of the Year 2026 for The Lady Helen
- Best Restaurant – Leinster 2026
- Best Chef – Leinster 2026 for John Kelly
- Pastry Chef of the Year for Tom Phelan
For Tom Phelan, the pastry award was a particularly memorable achievement, coming as he marked nine years at The Lady Helen. His recognition reflects the importance of pastry, desserts and technical skill in today’s best fine dining Ireland experiences.
National winners showcase Ireland’s diverse food scene
The awards also celebrated restaurants and food businesses across a broad range of styles, from destination dining to lively casual venues. Clontarf’s Chubbys won Casual Dining of the Year, following the popularity that has made it a social media sensation and led to a lengthy waiting list.
Damien Grey enjoyed a double success, taking the national Chef of the Year award while Liath, his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, was named Best Restaurant in Dublin. The result reinforces Dublin’s position as a major destination for restaurant reviews Ireland and ambitious contemporary cooking.
Other winners included Green Man Wines in Terenure, which received both Wine Experience of the Year and Dublin’s top wine experience award. Pig’s Lane won Cocktail Experience of the Year, while Aine Budds of Comet was named Young Chef of the Year. Mongoose took Newcomer of the Year, and UCC Students’ Union won Innovator of the Year for its fresh approach to food and hospitality.
Read more: Discover more Ireland food guide stories, local food recommendations and updates from the Irish dining scene.
What the results mean for Irish diners
This year’s awards offer a useful snapshot of where Irish cuisine is heading. Traditional Irish food remains an important foundation, but the winning restaurants demonstrate how seasonal produce, inventive techniques and thoughtful hospitality are shaping modern dining.
Whether diners are searching for the best restaurants Dublin, places to eat Kilkenny, Michelin restaurants Ireland or hidden gem restaurants near me, the awards provide inspiration for exploring beyond familiar choices. They also underline the variety available, from fine dining and wine experiences to casual dining, pastry and creative newcomers.
For visitors planning an Ireland restaurant guide itinerary, Mount Juliet is a particularly appealing destination: it combines an acclaimed restaurant with a historic estate setting and a strong focus on local produce.
Explore more: Find additional best food in Ireland features and luxury dining Ireland inspiration from across the country.
The takeaway for food lovers
Mount Juliet’s success at the 2026 Food and Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards confirms The Lady Helen as one of the leading names in food Ireland. Alongside standout wins for Liath, Chubbys, Green Man Wines and emerging culinary talent, the ceremony celebrated an Irish food scene that is ambitious, varied and increasingly confident. For anyone planning where to eat Ireland, these winners offer an excellent starting point.
Article/Image Courtesy: EVOKE