Rive Gauche in Kilkenny

03/01/2026: A good friend and local recommended here so when my husband and I got the offer of a babysitter for the afternoon off we scarpered. First timers here and we found staff attentive and helpful as we were guided through the menu on request. The decor is beautiful and the mood is relaxed. We ordered water for the table, a non alcoholic beer at €5 and glass of Tempranillo for €7.50. For starters, we chose the crab and fish cakes with a mild percik sauce at €9.95 and the very decently portioned sticky pork ribs at €9.50. We gifted each other tastes of each other's dishes and were suitably impressed with the moreish flavours. For mains, I followed our waiter's recommendation of Nasi Goreng which is an Aroi signature dish at €22.50 and as melt in the mouth as my husband's Lamb Massaman (€21.75) was: spoonfuls of which brought me back to restaurants in Chiang Mai and Phnom Penh; I was happy with my choice and wasn't consumed with pure envy! Totally recommended for fragrant flavours, very decent portions at reasonable prices, beautiful atmosphere and helpful staff. I will have to plot my return visit when next in Kilkenny. Keep doing what you are doing🥂. Tip 1: Mon-Fri: lunch served 12-5 any main course + homemade gelato for €14. Tip 2: Sticky Ribs and Nasi Goreng highly recommended.

01/01/2026: We had booked the wrong day in our own error but they were very kind and offered us a table despite being very busy. We were very appreciative. The food was delicious as always, and the service was very helpful and good. Thank you.