“The secret to great service is liking your customers,” Barbara Nealon, owner of @stfranciskinsale says as she accepted the coveted service award for 2026 at the Michelin ceremony in Dublin

Head chef Rebeca Recary-Sanchez @rebecars added: “I see and hear you from the kitchen and I think the secret is you welcome guests like you welcome them to your own home, that is the definition of hospitality”

Already Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded, SFP is known for bold, gutsy plates, a keen line-up of interesting bottles and impressively warm, engaged service, set right at the heart of Kinsale

Such a deserving accolade for one of the restaurants that has left such a lasting impression on us since first dining there in August 2023 and reviewing for @sundaytimesireland. It remains one of the only 10/10 scores of our 3+ year tenure so far. Bravo, Barbara! 💫

This follows other Irish “special award” winners in recent years at the awards — @declan_maxwell received the service award in 2023 and @zsoltlukacs74 of @darogwinebar received the sommelier award in 2025 💫

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