Big Din Wins For Chakra & Daata

Waseem shows off his new medallion… WEDS13MAR24

t was a good night for Greystones at the Irish Restaurant Awards tonight, with two of our most popular restaurants and a newbie picking up some major awards.

Held at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny, this was the Leinster final – and it certainly proved to be worth the drive for Daata and Chakra.

The former was still riding high on having won the Just Eat Best Indian award on Tuesday night. So, Waseem and co were more than a little dazed to pick up two more gongs, as they scooped Best World Cuisine and Best Restaurant Manager.

“We are humbled and extremely blessed to have such a great community around us who have supported us from the very start of our journey since 1999,” a clearly chuffed Waseem told the Guide. “Alongside the best staff, we wouldn’t be anywhere without our amazing customers…”

At another table, Chakra were celebrating too, picking up Best Restaurant. Which might just sit nicely with their latest Michelin star, which arrived on their mantlepiece last week.

“It’s always an honour and a thrill to win an award,” says chef Jay, “and it’s always something we know wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful crew that we have at Chakra. From Albert, Paddington and Prakash to Raju, Santos and Mehmood, and so many others, we are all very thankful to win Best Restaurant.

“And even more thankful for all the wonderful people who come through our doors…”

The Duggan lad’s win for Conlon’s Wine Bar. Pic: Paul Sherwood

Also celebrating on the night, chefs Oran Colhoun and Darryl Haynes picked up Best Newcomer for The Barn At Belmont. “Unreal,” is all Oran could manage in response.

The other big Wicklow wins on the night included Best Wine Experience for Conlon’s Wine Bar in Bray, Best Gastro Pub for The Brass Fox in Wicklow Town, Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant for Sika in Powerscourt and Best Casual Dining for Little Acorn Café in Baltinglass.

Congrats to all the Greystones restaurants who were nominated on the night – and here’s to the grand final on April 10th. Now, go vote for your fave here.