THE north's top chefs have won a host of accolades at the Irish Restaurant Awards.
Michael Deane's newest venture EIPIC won the best newcomer at the ceremony. The small and exclusive restaurant based at the Deanes flagship Howard Street premises won both the Ulster and All Ireland award.
Top restaurant manager in Ireland was won by Saul McConnell of Deanes at Queens, in Belfast.
Ox restaurant in Oxford Street in Belfast scooped the top award for best restaurant in Ulster. Ox also won the best wine experience at the glitzy ceremony.
The overall award for best restaurant in Ireland went to Patrick Guilbaud, Dublin while Mickael Viljanen of The Greenhouse was crowned Best Chef in Ireland.
More than 800 restaurateurs and industry players turned out for the glamorous black tie event held in the DoubleTree by Hilton in Dublin.
In the regional awards the best casual dining went to Graze in Antrim.
The Best Gastro Pub in Ireland was won by the The Poacher’s Pocket, in Comber Co Down.
Anthony Gray, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said they were the awards "everyone wants to be associated with, and everyone wants to be a winner".
"As a testament to their success, we’ve seen a huge increase in nominations and votes since last year, with over 30,000 nominations for Ireland’s favourite restaurants, chefs, gastro pubs, hotel restaurants and restaurant managers throughout the country.
"The Irish Restaurant Awards are all about celebrating those who have brought acclaim to the Irish food scene from abroad and who keep the restaurant industry thriving at home.
