Galway restaurant wins Michelin Star

Aniar Restaurant on Dominick Street has been awarded Galway City’s first Michelin Star.

Aniar, which is owned by Jp McMahon and his wife Drigin Gaffey, is a relatively young restaurant to win the esteemed award from the Michelin Star Guide 2013 for Great Britain and Ireland, being just over one year old.

Head Chef Enda McEvoy said the news came as huge surprise, but was a testament to the hard work of the team.

“We are a relatively small restaurant, with a very tight team of three in the kitchen. The award is testament to the hard work the team has put in over the last year and the quality of the produce of the suppliers we have built up. It is a big shock and maybe we’ll get a kitchen porter now!”

Mr McMahon said they were thrilled with the news, which was a “massive achievement” for the owners, for Galway and for the West of Ireland.  

“I want to thank all our team, especially Enda, who is the driving force behind the food. But I also want to extend thanks to our suppliers for giving us such great food to work with. This is a great day for local food!”

Ms Gaffey said she and her husband were trying to bring something new to Galway and had never expected to achieve such an accolade in such period of time.

“We must take this opportunity to sincerely thank our loyal customers. They really appreciate what we are trying to achieve and continually supported what we do in our three very different restaurants.”

Aniar is situated in Dominick Street on Galway’s West End. Bookings can be made by phoning 091-535 947. See www.AniarRestaurant.ie for more details. The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2013 will be available in bookshops from Friday 5 October 2012, priced at €18.99.

Locks Brasserie in Dublin was also awarded a Michelin Star.