Everett’s Restaurant in Waterford City has been named as best newcomer nationally at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2019 in Dublin last night.

Bodega was named as best casual dining in Munster, GROW HQ won in the Best free from category in Munster and number nine won in best kids size me in Munster.

The winners were picked from more than 90,000 public nominations, which the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) said was the highest in the awards’ 11-year history.

All Munster counties were represented across the awards’ various categories, with wins for outlets in counties Limerick, Kerry, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary.

Galway’s Loam Restaurant was the big winner on the night, winning the All-Ireland Best Restaurant Award.

The Tack Room at Adare Manor in Co Limerick took home the prize for All-Ireland Best Cocktail Experience.

The All-Ireland Best Chef award went to Graham Neville from Dax Restaurant in Dublin.

IrishRestaurantAward@restawards

Congratulations to @everettsrest, #Munster and All Ireland winner of Best Newcomer! @mytaxi_ie #MyTaxiHospitality #FoodOscars

Commenting on the winners, RAI chief executive, Adrian Cummins, said: “Ireland may be a small country, but it boasts everything from fine dining to high-quality gastropubs.

“From the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world through exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer.

“We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry.”