Kilkenny Restaurants Guide – the best places to eat in Kilkenny City Ireland – with a map to help you find all of the top places on a DIY food tour.
Kilkenny Restaurants Guide
This Kilkenny Restaurants Guide will help you discover great food around historic Kilkenny City Centre.
At the best restaurants you’ll find everything from hearty pub food at affordable prices to amazing food at Michelin Star restaurant establishments.
Kilkenny is a destination we’ve visited countless times over the years. We just keep coming back to soak up the Medieval surrounds and sample all of the good food at the top restaurants. (Here’s my full post with the best things to do in Kilkenny.)
Keep an eye on your chosen restaurants social media platforms for updated opening hours and any special events that may be happening when you visit.
Kytelers Inn
Kytelers Inn – a pub serving authentic traditional Irish food with a fascinating history dating back to 1263. (Read about the history and see the full pub menu here.)
Regarding the actual food, as you can tell from the above pictured plates of fish and chips and steak and chips, the portions are generous and perfect to fuel the rest of the day’s exploring around Kilkenny.
Petronella Restaurant
Petronella Restaurant – located at one of the most unique locations in Kilkenny, historic Butter Slip Lane, the friendly staff at this popular restaurant serve up home cooked, hearty meals.
There’s an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as plenty of meaty options for lunch and dinner that may even be one of the best meals you’ll have in Ireland.
I went for the vegetarian burger, which was full of flavor and my kids enjoyed the tasty crumbed chicken goujons.
Langtons Hotel
Langtons – the boutique hotel, located on John Street, just short walk from the city centre, offers a number of eating options with menus featuring quality food from local suppliers for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
We dined at the Garden Restaurant which is a sumptuous dining room that’s flooded with natural light from it’s welcoming big windows that are ornate in design.
The beautiful place offers a warm welcome and fantastic food. We sampled their signature burger which was generous, meaty and served with crispy handcut fries and homemade slaw.
Butcher Restaurant
Butcher Restaurant – if you’re after a meat feast then definitely head to Butcher for outstanding locally sourced steaks and burgers.
The above pictured beauty is one of the best burgers I’ve had in Ireland, with every element cooked and prepared to perfection. My Husband had a steak which he rates as the best he’s had in Ireland.
Truffles Restaurant
Truffles – at this multi award-winning restaurant you’ll discover exquisite European cuisine beautifully prepared and presented in an elegant, fine dining environment. The intimate setting is the perfect place to enjoy the most amazing meal to celebrate special occasions.
We’ve been met with exceptionally friendly service on each visit and sampled a number of their dishes, including the above pictured exquisite vegetarian Moussaka.
Here’s a video with a look around Kilkenny and the incredible meal at Truffles. Hit play below or click here to watch on YouTube.
More Best Kilkenny Restaurants
Here are even more of the best restaurants in Kilkenny that are on my wish-list of places to try on upcoming visits to the historic city.
Billy Byrnes – You can expect classic Irish fare at this casual bistro for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, with regular live music sessions at this perfect spot in the city. (Here are their upcoming events.)
Paris Texas Bar – conveniently located on the High Street, this great place serves up excellent food on their varied menu with an American BBQ theme.
Ristorante Rinuccini – this family owned Italian restaurant serves up lunch and dinner that regularly receives rave reviews.
Left Bank – this award winning gastro pub is housed in a former bank, has an extensive bar menu plus creative cocktails and drinks menu and is centrally located on the corner of Patrick Street and The Parade.
Lady Helen Restaurant – located a short drive outside of Kilkenny you’ll find Mount Juliet Estate which houses the fine dining Lady Helen Restaurant. At this Michelin Star establishment you can expect a truly five star meal surrounded by the picturesque countryside.
La Rivista Restaurant – impeccable Italian cuisine is on the menu at this gem on Parliament Street in Kilkenny.
Aran Artisan Bakery & Bistro – we’ve actually enjoyed their bread and a selection of their pastries at a farmers market.
The quality is exceptional and we look forward to visiting their bakery to try some of their beautiful brunch offerings.
Mocha’s Vintage Tea Rooms – if you’re craving something sweet head to the pretty tea room, located on Gashouse Lane, for baked treats, brunch and coffee.
Kilkenny Design Centre – located opposite Kilkenny Castle, visit for a freshly prepared breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea at a reasonable price.
Farmers Market – there’s a weekly farmers market every Thursday from 9:30am to 2pm, located right in the heart of Kilkenny City outside of the imposing Kilkenny Castle. Pick up local produce, such as farmhouse cheese, fruit, honey, organic meat and home baked sweet treats direct from County Kilkenny farmers.
Kilkenny Restaurants Map
Here’s the map to help you find all of the most popular dining destinations, all serving delicious food for the whole family.
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