If it’s good food you’re after, you’ll find it in Cork.

So it’s no surprise that Cork restaurants and chefs emerged as some of the biggest winners at this year’s Irish restaurant awards, with West Cork-based Turkish chef Ahmet Dede taking home the prestigious Best Chef in Ireland title.

The acclaimed chef behind Dede at The Customs House in Baltimore beat off strong competition from leading names across the country at last night’s ceremony in Dublin, including Dave Mullan of Fish & Bean, Stevie Toman of Ox Restaurant, Mickael Viljanen of Chapter One and John Coffey of Thyme Restaurant.

Dede has earned international acclaim in recent years, guiding his celebrated Baltimore dining room to coveted two-Michelin-star status and cementing Cork’s reputation as one of Ireland’s leading food destinations.

Big wins on Leeside 

There was further success for Cork hospitality businesses on the night, with Rare at The Blue Haven in Kinsale winning Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Cork’s popular Farmgate restaurants claimed the overall award for Best Casual Dining, adding another major accolade to the county’s growing culinary reputation.

Cork also celebrated success in international cuisine, with Miyazaki taking home the award for Best World Cuisine.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Restaurants Association of Ireland president Seán Collender said Ireland’s food scene was entering a new era of recognition.

“Gordon Ramsay recently described Ireland as the sleeping giant of European cuisine,” he said.

“Well, that giant is awakening and tonight is proof of that. Across every county we are seeing incredible creativity, quality and ambition in our restaurants and hospitality businesses.”