The best restaurants in Kilkenny

03/07/2024: Such a fun time!!! We learned how to pour our own Guinness’s. Then got to learn about the history of Hurling & get a chance to play! We traveled with our family and it suited all ages. Made great friends and can’t wait to pop back in the future!

26/06/2024: Was on a tour with 11 people of Ireland and stopped here for lunch on St Patrick’s Day. A perfect stop - the owner was a delight and entertaining. I learned the perfect pour. There was singing. And the lamb stew was one of my best meals the entire trip. You could tell everyone was welcome here, whether an individual or a group. It’s the kind of place you want to return to.

17/07/2024: Some excellent vegetarian options. Would highly recommend. Pulled jackfruit sliders were 👌

07/07/2024: I won’t lie, I heard through the grapevine vine that a trip to Tabu would be worth considering. We were at a loose end on a reasonably miserable Saturday afternoon and decided to pay a visit. Booked a table for two, 60 somethings grandparents, and an infant (that’s another story) for 5.30. Perfect! We started with Potato skins and Calamari which we shared. The skins were crispy with just enough potato flesh and smothered with a good covering of parmigiana and chives and truffle oil. Lovely. The calamari was probably the best I’ve ever had in Ireland. It was cooked to perfection. Soft and beautifully tender. Impressive! We both have a good appetite and the portions were generous and more than enough. We contemplated sharing our main courses but when my Beef short rib arrived, on a bed of unctuous buttery mash and the nicest leek I’ve ever had, (I’ve been eating it wrong, all along), all bets were off. Fall off the bone, tender, you could almost taste the length of time it took to cook this. It was gorgeous, and I don’t say that lightly. And then!!! The gravy/jus/sauce or whatever else you want to call it, was utterly incredible. Mini mushrooms and onions in a rich velvety liquid that was the nectar of the gods. I could have drank a pint of it! My better half opted for the Monk fish tail, on the bone… Beautiful! Beautifully presented, beautifully cooked and beautifully tasting. There were no complaints emanating from across the table, just a constant smirk of contentment. Although full, we decided to get a dessert given the quality of the experience thus far. I couldn’t resist the baked cheesecake. I won’t lie, my experience of baked cheesecake is limited to a half dozen times. Well, this experience has set the bar. Luscious and creamy with a wonderful texture and dripping with dark amaretto cherries in a slightly tart sauce. Absolute bliss! My oppo had the white chocolate panacotta and given her continuous, now chronic, smirking. I assumed she was happy! On top of this, the service was attentive and considerate. Our little companion got lots of attention and was a very happy little man throughout. Can’t wait to get back.

26/06/2024: Possibly the best wrap I’ve ever had Delicious coffee (One small downside is that the wrap and a coffee was meant to be a discounted combo - this wasn’t the case on the bill which I didn’t notice until after we left) Lovely selection for dessert Takeaway bakery across the road

26/06/2024: Unique and very tasty menu. Highly recommend the chicken wrap!

08/07/2024: Service perfect and food was amazing will definitely be back

07/07/2024: I went for a lunch with my friend today, the place is lovely 😉, but the service was amazing ❤️(I’m in love with the waiter 🫣). I’ll definitely be back for a dinner and get his phone number 😅😂. Great place!

28/06/2024: Fantastically small, but such a large presence. The bar keep (Miles) was fantastic and very knowledgeable of the bars' history, and the atmosphere was welcoming and fun. When you come in, you definitely have to walk around and look throughout the building. This is a historical building, and the love and care for it is impressive. Thank you for such a fun night. We will definitely be back.

24/05/2024: This tiny pub is a real gem, and I only discovered it while searching for a historical hole-in-the-wall spot—it's truly hidden. The owner, a recently retired cardiologist, is a fantastic storyteller. Wishing a happy retirement to the Doc! I wish I could have stayed longer to enjoy more of the "black gold" (Guinness, no doubt). In my opinion, people like Michael and these small, charming pubs are the true essence of Ireland. The honesty, chatty nature, and welcoming approach exemplify pure Irish hospitality. This place embodies the real identity of Ireland and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience genuine Irish culture.

30/06/2024: Great spot , back room was rocking to "The Southern Fold" band

29/06/2024: Came in for a quick bite after tasting at Smithwicks brewery. Cool vibe and good food, and excellent lighting! I.e..dark!

07/07/2024: One of the nicest places I’ve ever eating and the staff and service was excellent and friendly and the restaurant was so so clean, the food was just to die for the steak was so fresh and and the veg and all were so good will 100% return. Can’t recommend this enough

04/07/2024: Lovely experience, great good, good value, lovely decor, varied cocktails.

30/06/2024: Incredible brunch we had on Saturday morning, we got the supreme chicken and bacon sandwich, the best matcha latte and great cappuccino. Def try their pastry, we tried their gluten free chia seed and coconut cake and it was heavenly Very kind and attentive service, we got a seating soon enough on a busy morning next to their big window which is a favourite spot. They did not rush us despite getting crowded and we anyway left as soon as we were done. I really appreciated the kind service very much! Highly recommended and will come back

16/06/2024: Food simple, but fresh and very tasty. Great coffe and nice selection of tea. Love their cakes. Nice and helpful staf.

20/07/2024: Really nice place for a drink and some food. Great service.

22/06/2024: Wonderful restaurant. Well taken care of by the staff. Short ribs were excellent.

29/06/2024: We stepped into The Fig Tree, from a seemingly endless misty rain, for a late lunch last week (21 June). The husband and kids had the beef burger with chips; I had the warm goats cheese salad. The place is cozy and light; the staff was inviting, charming, and accommodating. The meals were superb. When we're back in Kilkenny, The Fig Tree will be on our list for breakfast!

29/06/2024: Lovely gluten free options and super comfortable with celiac requirement!

04/07/2024: This place is a hidden gem ran by two fabulous Irish ladies and their team..a culinary haven..great friendly service, homely decor, lunch and best brownie ever..a must try..will come back for dinner..the pasta dish and mexican salad were 😋

22/06/2024: We walked into this little shop by chance and thought it was beautiful. Small but nice. Very cozy, stylishly decorated, nice staff and this food…fresh, aromatic, so good, so delicious. And be sure to leave room for dessert, the Tunisian orange cake is breathtaking, definitely try it. A real gem, I can only recommend it.

14/06/2024: Restaurant well located in the old town. In the 1st medieval setting, exposed beams and stones. Nice place. Quality cuisine well executed with fresh produce. Service unfortunately not up to par. Two waitresses for 5 tables used and one waitress spends her time chatting with a customer and it is difficult to attract her attention. Damage.

07/06/2024: An absolutely lovely place to eat really good food. A small menu done very well. Best to book.

14/07/2024: Centrally located and yet not a (!) tourist rip-off. We were there around 5 p.m. and there wasn't much going on. Food very good. Prices are also appropriate. Service quick and friendly.

08/07/2024: Best food I had in Ireland. Slow cooked pork bellies the Texas way. Big steaks. Wings cooked right. I never get full but I did here. 👍👍👍

30/08/2023: Kimchi pancake - no words! Incredible

20/08/2023: Had the vegan taster menu and everything was so delicious, thought the courses would never stop coming so great value for money! Staff were lovely as well :)

12/07/2024: Great food and excellent staff - busy but each person received full attention. And the wine was good too 😉. Definitely the place to be for a relaxed evening.

07/07/2024: There is not enough positive things I can say about our experience. We booked last minute for a weekend! The service was top notch. Super location. Safe and the cocktail bar drinks were far better then the Left Bank cocktail bar just down the street. The food was outstanding but my most favorite was the shower!! The absolutely best shower of our 2 week stay in all of Ireland! Thank you for a wonderful stay Zuni!