Petronella in Kilkenny

Gorgeous restaurant! Fab for an occasion!

What a fabulous experience. Tino and his team went all out to accommodate food allergies and intolerance. We were so delighted with the whole experience of eating their fabulous food in a fantastic atmosphere that we want to recommend this restaurant as the Nº1 place to eat in Kilkenny city. We will definitely be back next time we're in town.

Food, service and atmosphere is 5 stars. This chef knows their flavours. This place and arán are my two favourite places in Kilkenny. I will be back. Thank you

Amazing unique building, friendly staff, stunning food

Amazing !!!!! Petronella Restaurant in Kilkenny (located on the charming Butterslip Lane) receives highly positive reviews overall, particularly for its food, service, and unique historic atmosphere. It’s often described as one of the top dining spots in the city, with strong ratings across platforms. • Overall ratings: Around 4.7/5 on Google and similar sites, 4.7/5 on Tripadvisor (with over 1,000 reviews and a Travelers’ Choice award, ranking it in the top 10% of properties), and high praise on OpenTable, Facebook (96% recommend), and other review sites. Good food: This is a major highlight. Reviewers frequently rave about the excellent, high-quality Irish and modern European cuisine, with dishes like hake, steak, beef cheeks, slow-cooked meats, seafood, vegan/vegetarian options, and desserts (e.g., sticky toffee pudding, death by chocolate cake) being called “outstanding,” “delicious,” “perfectly cooked,” and some of the best meals people have had in Ireland or Europe. Many mention fresh, well-presented food using local ingredients, and specials like early bird menus or Sunday roasts get strong mentions for value and taste. Snacking: The restaurant offers more substantial meals (brunch, lunch, dinner), but lighter options like soups, toasted sandwiches, salads, chips, or sharing starters are available, especially during lunch or early bird times. Some reviews praise affordable, tasty lunch specials (e.g., soup + sandwich + chips) as brilliant value and “the best sandwich” or great for a casual bite. Service: Consistently described as warm, friendly, attentive, and professional. The owner (often mentioned as Frank or from the O’Neill family) is highlighted for being welcoming, personable, and going out of his way to make guests feel at home—chatting with tables, sharing history, and ensuring everything is perfect. Staff are called “perfect,” “helpful,” and efficient, even in busy times, with minimal delays. There are occasional minor criticisms (e.g., a rare complaint about overpriced items, overcooked steak in one older review, or it being on the pricier side for some), but these are outliers—the vast majority are enthusiastic, calling it a “must-visit,” “gem,” “stunning,” and “best in Kilkenny” due to the combination of historic medieval setting (original 1600s beams and stone walls), romantic/intimate vibe, and quality experience. If you’re in Kilkenny, it comes highly recommended—book ahead as it’s popular

Absolutely fabulous. For such a smallish Restaurant, it had everything. Plenty of room between tables, lovely atmosphere, the nicest staff,and the food was excellent. 3 friends out for dinner, and each one agreed on all. Well done. We will be back soon.

Just had the most amazing meal, actually it was an experience...not just a meal...with the best service. Im sorry, I did not get our servers name. He was sensational. Attentive, not too much..chatty, perfect service. The dark/low lighting, the table dressing, the menu offering (The Seabass was one of the best I ever tadted and my partners Beef Rib ...so full of flavour! 👌 , the other staff coming over to chat to us...the type of restaurant I adore but is very, very rare! Cannot wait to go back! Thank you guys so much!! 👌👌

Delicious food in a gorgeous setting with great service.

Delicious food, Excellent service, great atmosphere will definitely return

Perfect little December festive meal in a timelessly old medieval restaurant. Loved the wooden beams in the ceiling and just the general interiors here. Tudor style. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Window seat watching passing people come and go. High stools so be prepared to shuffle in. Little space to manoeuvre. Festive menu with something for everyone. Had the sea bass and a side of tenderstem broccoli. Just a little bit too much of the broccoli less would have done. It was a whole big portion of it. Perfect to share. The festive cocktail tipple was lovely. Aperol, Prosecco and cider. The dessert was delicious baileys crème brûlée with a gingerbread biscuit. My sister enjoyed her steak. All in all beautiful experience. Would most definitely return! Would maybe dine upstairs instead. Avoid the draft, hustle and bustle of downstairs.