Here at Nisbets we take pride in championing the hospitality industry and recognising the talented individuals who drive the industry forward.

It is therefore our absolute pleasure to sponsor the Best Chef Awards as part of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2018!

More than 500 people attended each of the regional ceremonies, with categories ranging from Best Chef to Pub of the Year. The awards offer exposure and recognition to businesses far and wide, no matter their niche, making it an inclusive and rewarding experience!

Brenda O'Callaghan, Nisbets' Irish Operations Director, was on hand to meet the winners.

She said: "It was a fabulous evening and Nisbets is delighted to be part of it. All the winners have shown tremendous dedication in pushing the boundaries of food and drink in Ireland and growing our reputation on the world stage. It's an exciting time for the catering industry in Ireland!"

After four regional finals across the country, the grand finale is set to take place later this month in Dublin.

Speaking at the awards, Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said: “The Irish Restaurant Awards continue to showcase the exquisite and admirable calibre of food available in our restaurants and pubs nationwide.

“Our small island boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastro pubs, from the exotic taste explosions of world cuisine to the comfort of traditional dishes. We have an appreciation for what we eat, for the journey of our food from farm to fork, and for the dedication of those working in the food industry to serve up Ireland’s finest food.”

Regional winners of the Best Chef categories include:

Dublin region:

Conor Dempsey - Amuse Restaurant
Grainne O'Keefe - Clanbrassil House
Graham Neville - Dax Restaurant
Barry Sun Jian - Etto
Ciaran Sweeney - Forest and Marcy
John Wyer - Forest Avenue
Damien Grey - Heron and Grey
Gareth Mullins - Marker Hotel
Fergus Caffrey - Old Street Restaurant
Mickael Viljanen - The Greenhouse Restaurant

Leinster region:

Alan Foley – Step House Hotel, Carlow
James Sheridan – Canteen Restaurant, Kildare
Ken Harker – Lady Helen Dining Room @ Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
Sam Moody – Ballyfin Demesne, Laois
Robert Groot Koerkamp – VM Restaurant (Viewmont House), Longford
Gary Harvey – Lennons Gastro Pub, Louth
Kenan Phelivan – Blue Apron Restaurant, Offaly
Andrew Power – Vanilla Pod at Headform Arms Hotel, Meath
John Coffey – Thyme Restaurant, Westmeath
Paul Hynes – La Cote Seafood Restaurant
Brian Walsh – Pigeon House Café

Munster region:

Aidan Mcgrath - Wild Honey Inn, Clare
Chad Byrne - Danu at The Brehon, Kerry
Tom Flavin - Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick
Jason Matthia - Chez Hans, Tipperary
Sam Burfield - The Tannery Resturant, Waterford
Ahmet Deswof - Mews Resturant, Cork

Ulster region:

Stevie Toman - Ox, Belfast
Chris McGowan - Wine & Brine
Gearóid Lynch - The Olde Post Inn
Derek Creagh - Primrose Derry
Colin McKee - Harvey's Point
Pearson Morris - Noble, Holywood
Glen Wheeler - 28 Darling St
Conor Mee - Courthouse Restaurant
Tommy Mangan - The Brewer's House

Connaught region:

Ethna Reynolds - Nook Cafe and Restaurant
Shamzuri Hanifa - The Cottage Restaurant
Jess Murphy - Kai Cafe and Restaurant
Philippe Farineau - Ashford Castle
Paul Horohoe - P.S. Red

Congratulations to all winners and good luck in the national finals!