2019 Award Winners FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2019

Michael's, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin

Family-friendliness is increasingly important in Irish hospitality and our Family Friendly award is more highly valued each year, as times change and people assume the whole family goes pretty much everywhere. We look for the places that cater especially well for families by providing the range of services and activities for varying ages and interests that make for a stress-free meal out or break. While a surprising number of promising ‘family friendly hotels’ fail to come up to the mark (we send real families to assess our shortlisted establishments) the best family-focused destinations inspire a loyal following.

Dry-aged steaks and top quality Irish seafood feature strongly at this much-loved neighbourhood restaurant, where fresh, honest food has long been the backbone - and owner-chef Gareth Smith’s enthusiasm for good food and big flavours wins over all diners, including juniors. It's a very family-friendly place, with colouring sheets and crayons to keep little hands busy and the staff are wonderful with children. And kids enjoy going up to the pass to chat to Gareth too - he makes them feel welcome and special here and may even bring them into the kitchen to try their hand at cooking (and maybe even out on a fishing trip, but that’s another story). Best of all, he serves up one of the best child-friendly menus around and encourages children to try new things, especially fish - most famously in the Kids Seafood September initiative, which he started last year and is now being offered by other restaurants too. Throughout the month, kids can eat fresh Irish seafood at Michael’s every day for free - which is encouraging a whole new generation of adventurous eaters and makes it relaxing for parents who get to escape the nuggets nightmare while enjoying the kind of grown-up food they want to eat. So – super food, rustic charm, a special welcome for families, genuinely friendly and warm service… No wonder it’s so popular with the lucky locals - and it’s a must-visit destination for food lovers visiting the area.