The winners have been announced in this year’s ‘Best of Waterford’ awards!
WLR and the Waterford Local Enterprise Office have been celebrating local legends, recognising the businesses, services and people who make Waterford special.
From the best beauty business to the ultimate takeaway, the awards celebrate a wide range of favourites across Waterford City and County.
Emiliano’s has retained its Best Restaurant title after also taking home the award last year, while Waterford Fire Service has received the Best of Waterford Special Recognition Award for 2026.
The special award recognises the dedication, bravery and outstanding service of crews across the city and county, including their work at Tycor, the sand dunes and the Comeragh Mountains.
The full list of winners is as follows:
- Best Independent Shop: Dunphy’s Shop
- Best Takeaway: Massimo’s
- Best Restaurant: Emiliano’s
- Best Café: House of Food
- Best Butcher: Colin Molloy Craft Butchers
- Best Baker/Bakery: Hickey’s Bakery
- Best Pet Service: Inn the Doghouse
- Best Trades Person: Alan Hayes Plumbing & Heating
- Best Health/Wellness: Sauna Social
- Best Beauty Business: The Ivy Wellness & Beauty Salon
- Best Hair Salon: Pink Sugar
- Best Barber: A-Class Barbers
- Best Festival/Event: Waterford Festival of Food
- Best Night Out: Merry’s Gastro Pub
- Best New Business (12–18 Months): Only Beans
- Best Customer Service: Daithi Phelan – DPD
- Best of Waterford Special Recognition Award 2026: Waterford Fire Service
