The best restaurants in Laois

18/04/2025: While some of the staff is very friendly and courteous (especially the purple haired guy, you know yourself), the food we were served was disgraceful. We ordered two sushi platters and not only was the selection as lacklustre as it can be, but everything tasted like it came out of a box. Quite shockingly, the sushi was drizzled with some translucent mayonnaise, the rice was overcooked (which is appalling, considering this is sushi rice we are talking about), and the tuna and prawn on the nigiri had absolutely no flavour. I had to use soy sauce to appeal to whatever semblance of a palate I had left untarnished after trying the sushi. I have genuinely eaten much better sushi purchased from Dunnes Stores, which should tell you what to expect if you’ve had the pleasure of trying authentic East Asian food before. As of now, Akayu has a 4.7 star average review score on Google. It seems as though the establishment is counting on the fact that there are no alternatives available in County Laois. Also, something I found funny was that there was a trail of ants on the mini counter housing plants behind the front window. Make of that what you will. Needless to say, we will not be returning to Akayu anytime soon.

04/04/2025: Had sushi box 1 and it was very fresh very nice tasted banging and looked savage too. Can't recommend enough definitely give them a try

15/04/2025: The Courtyard is a great place for Live Music. Had a nice evening there with Pa & Co. ☺️

01/04/2025: Lovely intimate venue, with friendly staff comfortable surroundings.

06/04/2025: This place is on the go for years and it has always has been consistently good. My favourite is the Club sambo it's unreal and very filling. I have tried other things on the menu also and again I couldn't fault it. Highly recommend to anyone in the area seeking a nice sambo and coffee at a reasonable price. Definitely worth a try. Staff are very welcoming even when flat out at busier times. Keep up the good work.

05/04/2025: I love this place, everything about Cafe Latte is 100%. The food is A1 and the staff are soooooo lovely and friendly. If you're a newcomer to Portlaoise definitely stop by here for brekkie or lunch you won't be disappointed. Their prices are next to none you won't get cheaper anywhere else.

30/03/2025: Vibe bar is a trendy spot, great music and very reasonably priced drinks. The staff were really friendly and sound - very accommodating to any requests. Didn't have food here, I don't think (?) they serve food. There's a Pool Table (€2 per game), Darts Board, retro 2-player arcade machine and some really good tunes. I'll be going back for a day-time session with friends

05/10/2024: Nice pub - very cosy . Food served on the day was great , service was very food and staff are extremely friendly.

11/03/2025: Good place and wonderful atmosphere....

18/01/2025: Great mix of friendly customers and efficient welcoming staff. Spotlessly clean. Consistently excellent pints. Top class entertainment every weekend. Real old pub atmosphere and charm. A rare gem in a deep fake world. 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🙂.

01/05/2025: Just had a few cocktails. But as always they were delicious and the staff are very friendly

25/04/2025: Perfect spot for great food. Very reasonably priced. Excellent service.

27/03/2025: Absolutely love this gem of a restaurant. Been a repeat customer since the day they opened! With their seasonal menu there is always something new and fresh to try out and the service is outstanding. Their supper menu is outstanding value in my opinion. Could not recommend enough!

21/03/2025: Lunch today was superb. Cooking excellent, interesting and beautifully presented. Superb service as well. Will be going back for more!! Not to be missed after wonderful walk on the bog boardwalk. A great day in Abbeyleix.

22/12/2024: Great spot to meet up. It has a really good atmosphere, I wasn't drinking, so the Guinness Zero was on hand. A band was playing in the background, but you could still chat away, my first time to visit, but it won't be my last..

12/05/2025: Great service and food, recommended.

11/05/2025: V good service, friendly staff, good atmosphere.. however the downside.. Bruschetta v disappointing and a glass of red quite expensive at just over €10

02/04/2025: Fabulous food, warm and friendly atmosphere, great service. It's a real gem. Not many left these days.

07/11/2024: Family run cafe and bakery, reasonably priced good service. Public paid parking but not expensive for a short stay.

29/04/2025: Nice place. Plenty of parking. If you are a collector in Irish history, this is a great place. It is pricey though. They have a cafe too but also over priced. Relaxing ro walk around. Lots of plant seeds and gardening supplies. Eco friendly produce. Worth a visit.

27/04/2025: very expensive My experience was very disappointing. The products are of poor quality and extremely overpriced. The place overall is not clean, and even the restaurant lacks proper hygiene. I definitely will not be visiting again, and I do not recommend it.

28/10/2024: Friendly Staff, Great Service., Good Management

28/10/2024: Friendly staff, fresh food, quick delivery.