A much-loved Cork restaurant has been given a very special honour at a Michelin Guide ceremony – presented by a renowned UK celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
Saint Francis Provisions in Kinsale received the Michelin Service Award at the event at the Convention Centre in Dublin last night as esteemed critics said the establihsment “presonified Ireland’s famously warm hospitality.” Restaurant owner Barbara Nealon and Head Chef Rebeca Recary-Sanchez graced the stage to accept the honour, where they got to have a quick chat and grab a photo with the renowned chef and TV star. The award highlights front-of-house staff that give exceptional service to customers, and was one of just five ‘Special Awards’ given out on the night. The other four, including the ‘Exceptional Cocktails Award’ and ‘Opening of the Year Award’, all went to establishments in the UK.
The 2026 restaurant selection of The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland was unveiled at the ceremony, which highlights over 1,200 food spots across Ireland and the UK. The guide gave two new Michelin stars to Irish restaurants – The Pullman Restaurant in Galway and Dublin’s Forest Avenue.
Critics praised St Francis’ owner Barbara Nealon who “helped make her restaurant into a jewel of the County Cork dining scene.” They added: “Her relaxed, personal approach to service puts her guests at ease whilst ensuring everything runs as efficiently as possible. This is a restaurant where you can feel the love poured into it – the kind of place that puts a smile on your face and has you planning your return.”
It’s not the first time this cosy little grub spot in Kinsale has been honoured by the Michelin Guide. In 2023, the restaurant was just one of just 20 restaurants given the Bib Gourmand status across Great Britain and Ireland, which they have held onto ever since. This award, while not as prestigious as a Michelin Star, is still very sought-after and recognises “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.”
This news comes after another much-loved Cork restaurant, Izz Café in the city centre, was also honoured with a McKenna’s Guide ‘Best in Ireland’ award last week. The new honour should come as no surprise to many Leesiders, as Izz Café has been a renowned spot for grub in the city centre for many years. And it’s far from the first time that renowned critics and couple John and Sally McKenna have sung this restaurant’s praises.
The café on George’s Quay has won a number of their ‘Best In Ireland’ awards before, which are considered among the most respected accolades for Irish restaurants today. The McKenna’s guides writers also previously gave café owners Izz and Eman’s cookbook a special shoutout, praising it for revealing the “little secrets” that make Izz Café’s grub so special.