Three Waterford restaurants have been named among the finalists for the 12th annual Just Eat Awards, celebrating the very best restaurants and delivery partners across Ireland.

This year marks the biggest awards programme to date, with new and expanded categories introduced to reflect Ireland’s increasingly diverse and fast-evolving food scene.

A total of 105 restaurants nationwide have been shortlisted across twelve categories.

Waterford is strongly represented this year, with three popular local favourites making the shortlist:

Amigos – Best Mexican category

Changarro – Best Mexican category

Lyons – Best Chipper category

The winner of Independent Restaurant of the Year will receive a €100,000 prize fund—the largest ever awarded by Just Eat.

The 2026 awards highlight the strength, resilience, and creativity within Ireland’s food community, from long-standing neighbourhood favourites to new international arrivals. This year’s categories include returning favourites such as Best Lunch and Best Mexican, alongside newly introduced areas like Best Healthy & Salads.

Voting for the 2025 Just Eat Awards is officially open until 8 February at 23:59, giving the public the chance to support their favourite local and national spots. Every vote also enters customers into a draw to win free Just Eat for a full year.

Amanda Roche-Kelly, Managing Director at Just Eat Ireland, praised the continued strength of Ireland’s food sector despite rising operational pressures:

“What stands out is the effort and care that goes into every order, from the food itself to the service people experience every day. By awarding this €100,000 prize to the Independent Restaurant of the Year, Just Eat is committed to investing this media value for the winning partner to help further grow and evolve their business in 2026.”

Further details on all shortlisted restaurants and categories can be found at:
https://www.just-eat.ie/awards/2025/ie/home

 

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