The best places to eat and drink in Laois were chosen at an awards ceremony in the Killashee Hotel, Kildare.
Establishments in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Emo, Ballyfin, Rathdowney, Stradbally and The Heath received awards in a range of different categories.
Batonis of Emo and Ballyfin Demense in Ballyfin were the big winners on the night as they scooped three awards each.
Batoni’s was named Best Restaurant, Jeremiah Grant in Portlaoise was crowned Pub of the Year while The Pantry in Portlaoise is the Best Cafe.
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.
Speaking at the awards early this evening 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 well over 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.”
All of the winners now go forward to the All Ireland Awards in The Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road on May 13.
Best Restaurant: Batoni’s (Emo)
Pub of the Year: Jeremiah Grant (Portlaoise)
Best Gastro Pub: The Bog Road (Portlaoise)
Best Cafe: Pantry Cafe and Walled Garden (Portlaoise)
Best Casual Dining: Midlands Park Hotel (Portlaoise)
Best Emerging Irish Cuisine: O’Dea’s Bar and Bistro (Portarlington)
Best Kids Size Me: Treacy’s Bar and Restaurant (The Heath)
Best Free From: Stradbally Fayre (Stradbally)
Best World Cusine: Batoni’s (Emo)
Best Wine Experience: Ballyfin Demense (Ballyfin)
Best Customer Service: Mayur Indian Restaurant (Portlaoise)
Best Restuarant Manager: Adrian Rusan (Batoni’s) (Emo)
Best Hotel and Guesthouse: Ballyfin Demense (Ballyfin)
Best Newcomer: The Willow Tree (Rathdowney)
Best Chef: Sam Moody (Ballyfin Demense) (Ballyfin)
Local Food Hero: Blathnaid Bergin of Business of Food
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