The best restaurants in Kilkenny

24/02/2025: We recently stopped by Rive Gauche in Kilkenny and as soon as we stepped in, we were greeted by an atmosphere that was reminiscing of a speakeasy in Paris. If you want cocktails that will make your taste buds do the Macarena (especially the Coco Loco) and a night out that’ll leave you with a smile (and possibly questionable memories), Rive Gauche is the place to be. I can’t wait to return and see what other magical potions they whip up.

14/02/2025: Ambiente encantador. Servicio muy profesional y comida fabulosa. Un lugar para disfrutar de la buena comida y relajarse por una noche.

01/04/2025: I love this restaurant. The food is always delicious. There is a lovely atmosphere and the staff are very friendly.

01/04/2025: Really loved the goats cheese salad, and the homemade soda bread was delicious. Would definitely recommend and staff were lovely

31/03/2025: The food is really nice and the restaurant have a good environment. The staff is friendly and have a good service.

24/03/2025: Amazing food and staff were second to none. Four of us there, everyone's meal was perfection, served in a timely but unrushed manner and enjoyed the staffs knowledge and attention to detail as well as their lovely chatter.

08/04/2025: Delicious food made with lots of love. Tasted all of the main dishes and they all delivered well combined tastes. Lovely staff and warm atmosphere.

05/04/2025: Quality welcome, our waitress gave us very good advice The dishes were generous and the restaurant was very cute. We ate by the window, ideal when the weather is nice and facing the canal.

24/03/2025: Lovely and welcoming place. Super breakfast! We had a great time ☺️☺️🤩

23/03/2025: If you’re in the area, definitely stop by! We had the French toast, hot chocolate, coffee, and the chicken wrap—everything was delicious. The owner is lovely, and the service was excellent. Can’t wait to go back!

29/03/2025: Tried to have brunch here with my mum and sister last week. Brought my 6 month old daughter in buggy. Was humiliated by the wait staff who made obvious show of displeasure that I brought the buggy, huffing and being rude. Baby was not making noise and had placed buggy beside our table and wall, was not beside other patrons or obstructing a walk way. Weighed up whether to leave this review but it has really knocked my confidence going out in public to other establishments as result. We got up and left due to the behaviour of the staff as found it uncomfortable and upsetting. So disappointed and not family friendly evidently.

23/03/2025: Absolutely gorgeous little place with delicious food and lovely friendly staff. Would definitely come back there!!

04/03/2025: 5 star food and service !! Top notch, excellent. :)

27/02/2025: Beautiful food and such a friendly service! I was visiting family here and liked Aroi so much I went twice in one week. We were served by Alvin, and I had Nasi Lemak which was just like I remembered from my trip to Kuala Lumpur a few years ago. Can't recommend highly enough!

20/03/2025: They have a dedicated vegan menu, you just have to ask for it. The veggie steak I got was delicious (it’s under the tomatoes and bigger than it looks here) and came with fries (I believe you have the choice between sweet potato & regular) & a salad, making it a well-rounded meal. My only suggestion would be to advertise the vegan menu more, like maybe a little ‘vegan-friendly’ sticker on the door. But Happy Cow got me here, and I’m really glad it did.

19/03/2025: Absolutely awesome place to eat, chill, and listen to music! Had the steak, it was pretty good, great peppercorn sauce to go with it tho, along with the mashed potatoes. The fried brie cheese was also a big highlight. Had a couple guys there singing and playing live music, and I just can't speak more highly of them. Will remember this nite for a long while! Service was attentive too! 5 stars all around!!!

20/03/2025: We spent a weekend in Kilkenny with 8 girls and you just have to be with Syd and Dave! Super authentic pub where football isn't on all the time. Dave gave us great tips about concerts and restaurants and made our stay unforgettable. We'll definitely be back! 😊

11/02/2025: Don't serve food old style pub fantastic

05/03/2025: Nice quiet cosy pub. Nice atmosphere. Barman very friendly. Would definitely go again.

27/02/2025: It a place for a family drink on sunday or a place for or family party for a chid chosen book to day see for your self ask with in for more info

22/03/2025: One of the best pints of Guinness in town and great food 👍👍👍

18/03/2025: Lovely old bar. Very well run and friendly. It's the real thing.

19/03/2025: Great place for a sandwich and a coffee! We got a lunch deal for €9.99 which was great value for a huge sandwich and great coffee. Better still they use SQUID loyalty (which is how I found it) and so I got my stamps too!

16/03/2025: The best food and team in Ireland. The menu never disappoints and they’re always so kind to us and our families. Our absolute favourite spot!

22/03/2025: Very good quality breakfast 👌. The staff were lovely. The chef 👨‍🍳 even checked with us. Highly recommend it.

28/02/2025: Stunning breakfast! such friendly staff! delicious breakfast (2 sausages but I was so hungry I ate one before the picture) Tea / Coffee included in breakfast options. Value for money and a very nice cafe! 10/10

11/03/2025: 10 out of 10. A delicious place to have breakfast and have a good coffee for those who like it. The eggs Benedict are very good with their focaccia bread and the Louie's Club (sandwich) is delicious! Highly recommended!

20/02/2025: Great service, great food and nice bottle of wine.

23/02/2025: Brilliant pub, great music from 4 till close . Brilliant atmosphere. And a big shout out to Charlie the barman, hes an absolute gem, an asset to any business. Hope to be back in kilkenny very soon.

20/01/2025: We stumbled upon this cozy and friendly bar our first night in Ireland. We are American and were looking for a place to watch the American Football game. This bar had it on the TV towards the back. Although I can't speak to the food we did have some wonderful drinks and entertainment. We ordered a smith, a Guiness and plenty of Jameson gingers. All the drinks were great, but what made the experience was the live entertainment and the patrons of this bar. The patrons seemed to consist of many regulars or friends of the regulars. We met Charlie the bartender who was so kind to everyone including us. He took the time to talk to me about our trip and showed sympathy about the current political climate in the US. We also met other travelers and now have new friends. I recommend this bar if you are passing through Kilkenny and I hope to go back one day.