Donegal had plenty to celebrate at the 2026 YesChef awards, with many accolades coming home to the hills!
The YesChef Awards 2026 brought together the very best of Ireland’s culinary talent as chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals gathered at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk on Tuesday night.
Chandpur in Donegal Town was crowned Best Indian Restaurant, while Biddy’s O’Barnes took the title of Ireland’s Best Gastro Pub.
Whoriskey’s in Cashelard was named Ulster’s Best Local Restaurant, and chef Ben Daly received a highly commended award in the Best Young Chef category.
Castle Grove Country House took the Ulster title for Best Fine Dining Experience.
Old Stone in Donegal Town was recognised for Best Vegetarian Menu.
A new award, Best Destination Restaurant in Ireland, went to No. 9 Market Square in Letterkenny, which recently marked two years in business.
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Chandpur Indian Restaurant
Castle Grove Country House
Speaking after the event, Shane Smith, NI Media praised the calibre of entries and the passion evident throughout the industry. “The YesChef Awards exist to honour the people who pour their hearts into Irish food culture.
“Tonight’s winners represent the very best of what our industry stands for – excellence, resilience and a commitment to unforgettable hospitality. We continue to see the standard bearers of the industry evolve and that’s why we launched the Destination Restaurant category, to recognise venues that food lovers will travel to.
“The 2026 awards also highlighted the continued evolution of Ireland’s food scene, with judges noting a continued development in the landscape with Small Plates dining delivering creative food, packed with flavour that offers outstanding value for the customer. ”