There were two new categories in the Irish restaurant awards this year, jointly sponsored by Irish Distillers and the Restaurant Association of Ireland - best newcomer and best ethnic.
There were also two divisions, for restaurants in Dublin and outside the capital.
The best newcomer title outside Dublin went to the Fishy Fishy Café, Kinsale, Co Cork. The Dublin title in the same category was won by the Pearl Brasserie, Merrion Street.
The award for the best ethnic restaurant outside Dublin went to Tulsi in Galway city, "for making an idea from far in the East into an Irish success story".
In Dublin, Montys of Kathmandu in Temple Bar was similarly praised for "making a huge success in opening a restaurant which promoted for the first time in Ireland the variety and authenticity which can be experienced in Nepalese cuisine".
The Bushmills Malt Irish Restaurant Awards are generally regarded by the restaurant industry as a barometer of where restaurateurs would choose to eat out themselves or would recommend.
There are seven categories, including best newcomer and best ethnic.
The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, Ballingarry, Co Limerick, was voted the best restaurant outside Dublin "for maintaining and improving what is undoubtedly one of Ireland's most treasured restaurant jewels".
Browne's Brasserie & Townhouse was voted best restaurant in Dublin "for bringing the very best in European style and élan to St Stephen's Green".
Ross Lewis, of Chapter One, won the best chef award for a Dublin restaurant for the "unstinting support and encouragement" he has given to young chefs over the course of the past decade.
Chapter One also won the best after-dinner drinks award in Dublin.
The best chef award outside Dublin went to the "low-profile" Rory O'Connell of Ballymaloe House, Co Cork, a brother of Darina Allen.
The best after-drinks award outside Dublin went to the Manifesto restaurant in Athlone for "bringing a midtown Manhattan feel to the midlands of Ireland".
The best wine list award outside Dublin was won by the Byerley Turk Restaurant at the K Club in Co Kildare.
For its "passion and enthusiasm" in building up one of Ireland's best-designed and most famous cellars, the Dublin award went to the King Sitric in Howth.
The best service award for outside the capital went to the Park Hotel, Kenmare, "for managing to provide an even warmer welcome and wonderful hospitality through the most difficult 12 months since they opened their doors".
The Dublin award went to Patrick Guilbaud "for putting together, building and developing a world-class service team that continues to enthral".
In tandem with the awards. the Bushmills Malt Dining in Ireland 2002-2003 guide was published, featuring a comprehensive list of RAI-member eating places around Ireland.