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Dublin steakhouse F.X. Buckley has again been recognised for its wine programme, winning Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for 2026. The accolade underlines the restaurant group’s standing among Ireland’s top food-and-wine destinations.
A sustained run of international recognition
The Wine Spectator award follows an earlier milestone: F.X. Buckley first received the publication’s Award of Excellence in 2022 and was promoted to the Best of Award of Excellence in 2023. It has kept that higher rating since, confirming continued investment in its cellar and list.
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Carefully curated lists to pair with steaks
The group credits much of the wine programme’s strength to the work of Master of Wine Alan Crowley and Director Brian Buckley, who have built a selection aimed at matching the restaurant’s signature steaks. Wines are chosen to perform across a range of price points and tastes.
Brian Buckley described the honour as a “tremendous honour for our family-run business.” He said the team focuses on delivering an exceptional wine experience and that their choices are guided by a motto of everything “par excellence.”
Highlights from the cellar
Alan Crowley said the goal is clear: pick the best wines at every price level that complement the menu. He pointed to the restaurant’s extensive holdings in Bordeaux and a broad Italian selection as particular strengths.
“We are particularly proud of our Bordeaux cellar which offers an extensive range of classic, delicious Chateaux and our Italian range of wines from all corners of Italy including many sought after top Super Tuscans,” he said. He also noted a unique import: “Also, our own special imported Webersburg from South Africa which is exclusively to F.X. Buckley in Ireland.”
Global reach with local discovery
The wine list spans traditional regions such as France, Italy and Spain, and also includes bottles from the USA, Australia, Lebanon and other emerging producers. That breadth aims to give guests both familiar favourites and new discoveries.
F.X. Buckley’s South African selection was sourced after a private tasting by Managing Director Stephen Buckley at the winery. The range includes a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the three-varietal “Bastiaan” Cabernet–Merlot blend and an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon.
