DINING in Ireland’s county Kildare

Kildare’s proximity to Dublin and its rich agricultural landscape drive its dining scene, with fine dining venues like Aimsir and The Morrison Room emphasizing Michelin-worthy quality. Casual spots like Hartes and Neighbourhood blend innovation with accessibility, while budget options focus on hearty, affordable fare.

Restaurants prioritise local, sustainable ingredients with new foraged or zero-waste dishes, as seen in broader Irish trends.

Fine Dining

The Morrison Room at Carton House (Maynooth, Co Kildare). Located within the luxurious Carton House, a Fairmont-managed hotel, The Morrison Room offers an intimate fine dining experience steeped in grandeur, with ornate decor and discreet, attentive service. The menu, crafted by Chef Adam Nevin, showcases locally sourced ingredients, delivering modern Irish cuisine with a focus on elegance. Ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners, the setting transports diners to a historic, opulent era. Expect dishes like roasted Kildare beef with seasonal vegetables or local seafood, reflecting Carton House’s commitment to regional produce. Following recent renovations, The Morrison Room will introduce new tasting menus or wine-pairing experiences, enhancing its status as a premier dining destination in Kildare.
Vie de Châteaux (Naas, Co Kildare). A modern French bistro overlooking Naas Harbour, Vie de Châteaux offers a fine dining experience with Irish produce tuned to the French palate. Chef Franck Amand’s menu is exquisite, served in an elegant yet relaxed setting, ideal for a sophisticated lunch or dinner. The focus on fresh, local ingredients elevates classic French dishes. Expect dishes like pan-seared scallops with cauliflower purée or Kildare beef with bordelaise sauce, blending French technique with local flavors. Vie de Châteaux will introduce new French-inspired seasonal menus or expand its take-home dining options, reflecting its popularity in Naas.
Alumni Kitchen Table (Straffan, Co Kildare). A rural, welcoming fine dining restaurant at Killashee House, Alumni Kitchen Table offers an intimate experience with an eight-seater communal table or seating near the small open kitchen. The menu emphasises local, seasonal ingredients, perfect for a unique, immersive dining experience. Ideal for small groups or food enthusiasts. Expect offerings like Kildare lamb with garden herbs or local seafood, highlighting the region’s produce. Alumni Kitchen Table will expand its communal dining events or introduce new tasting menus, leveraging its boutique appeal.
The Club at Goffs (Kill, Co Kildare). Led by celebrity chefs Derry and Sallyanne Clarke, The Club at Goffs offers a stylish, sophisticated fine dining experience in a modern setting. The menu draws on Kildare’s abundant fresh ingredients, served with flair, making it ideal for business dinners or special occasions. The ambiance blends contemporary design with warm hospitality. Expect dishes like roasted Kildare beef or local seafood, showcasing the Clarkes’ culinary expertise. The Club will introduce new seasonal menus or chef-led dining events, capitalizing on its reputation for award-winning cuisine.
The Barton Restaurant at The K Club (Straffan, Co Kildare). Located at the 5-star K Club, The Barton Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local Irish ingredients, part of the Good Food Ireland network. The elegant dining room, with views of the estate, is perfect for a luxurious meal, with options for wine pairings and gastronomic menus. Ideal for high-end dining. Rxpect offerings like Kildare lamb or Dublin Bay prawns, emphasizing sustainable local produce. The Barton will expand its wine-pairing offerings or introduce new seasonal tasting menus, enhancing its world-class dining reputation.

Casual Dining

Hartes of Kildare (Kildare Town, Co Kildare). A contemporary gastropub in the heart of Kildare Town, Hartes offers a delightful casual dining experience with a blend of Irish cuisine, craft beers, and sizzling hot stone-cooked steaks. With over 40 years of hospitality experience from owners Paul Lenehan and Ronan Kinsella, the welcoming atmosphere is ideal for families or groups. It’s a finalist in prestigious food awards. Monkfish with nduja sausage crust, Dublin coddle, and lamb stew are innovative highlights, alongside traditional hot stone steaks. Hartes will introduce new craft beer pairings or seasonal specials, building on its Michelin-star-worthy reputation.
The Mill Restaurant at Cliff at Lyons (Celbridge, Co Kildare). Housed in a historic mill with double-height ceilings and a terrace by the mill race, The Mill, led by Chef Sean Smith, offers a relaxed casual dining experience with modern Irish cuisine. The warm, open-fire ambiance and locally sourced ingredients make it perfect for lunch or dinner, appealing to food lovers and couples. Roast rib of beef, Cherry Valley duck breast, and oven-baked baby turbot with seasonal vegetables are standout dishes. The Mill will expand its outdoor dining or introduce new dishes using estate-grown produce, enhancing its rustic charm.
Neighbourhood (Naas, Co Kildare). A new restaurant in the heart of Naas, Neighbourhood offers a casually elegant dining experience with creative, flavor-driven dishes by previous Bib Gourmand-achieved Head Chef Gareth Naughton. The relaxed setting, with exposed stone walls and antique mirrors, is ideal for romantic dinners or family lunches, emphasizing local Irish produce. Expect dishes like Kildare beef with seasonal vegetables or local seafood, reflecting Naughton’s expertise. As a recent opening, Neighbourhood will introduce new small plates or wine events, solidifying its status as a Naas hotspot.
Assagio at The Westgrove Hotel (Clane, Co Kildare). A new Italian restaurant at the Westgrove Hotel, Assagio offers a casual dining experience with a mix of classic and modern European cuisine. The accessible location off the M4 and M7 makes it convenient for travelers, with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere perfect for families or groups. Expect Italian classics like handmade pasta or wood-fired pizzas, using local ingredients. Assagio will expand its menu with new Italian specials or host family-friendly dining events, leveraging its hotel setting.
Bouchon (Naas, Co Kildare). Situated above Kavanaghs Pub in Naas, Bouchon offers a casual dining experience with a mixture of classic and modern European cuisine in a relaxed, cozy setting. The menu highlights local produce, making it a great spot for a laid-back lunch or dinner with friends. Expect dishes like Kildare beef carpaccio or fresh seafood, blending European and Irish flavors. Bouchon will introduce new seasonal menus or wine-pairing dinners, enhancing its appeal in Naas’s dining scene.

Budget Dining

Fallons of Kilcullen (Kilcullen, Co Kildare). A child-friendly gastropub in Kilcullen, Fallons offers budget-friendly dining with a contemporary yet traditional atmosphere, featuring exposed stone walls and antique mirrors. The menu includes succulent steaks and delectable seafood, perfect for a casual, affordable family meal. Expect pub classics like fish and chips or Kildare beef burgers, offering great value. Fallons will introduce new budget-friendly specials or family dining deals, catering to its local clientele.
Indie Spice Grill (Naas, Co Kildare). Consistently rated among Ireland’s best Indian restaurants, Indie Spice Grill offers budget-friendly, flavorful Indian cuisine in a casual setting. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service make it ideal for a quick, affordable meal or takeaway, perfect for families or groups. Expect classics like butter chicken or lamb biryani, known for their authentic spices. Indie Spice Grill will expand its vegetarian and vegan options or introduce new lunch specials, reflecting its popularity.
The Grill Shack (Kildare Town, Co Kildare). A popular budget-friendly spot, The Grill Shack is known for its top-notch ribs and wings, with the owner’s homemade sauce adding a unique touch. The casual, no-frills setting is perfect for a quick, affordable meal, especially for meat lovers or families. Ribs and wings with homemade sauce are the standout dishes, praised for their flavor and value. The Grill Shack will introduce new budget-friendly combo deals or seasonal sauces, enhancing its appeal.
Victoria House Asian Cuisine (Kildare Town, Co Kildare). A casual restaurant with a great atmosphere, Victoria House offers budget-friendly Asian cuisine, including Chinese and Thai dishes. The friendly service, led by owner Ray, and delicious food make it a local favorite for affordable dining, perfect for a relaxed meal. Tofu Pad Thai noodle box is a must-try, noted for its authentic flavors and value. Victoria House will expand its menu with new Asian fusion dishes or takeaway specials, catering to Kildare’s diverse tastes.

Dining in Ireland

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

Award winning restaurants

County Kildare:

Ireland’s county Kildare blends historic sites with lush countryside, with the National Stud and Japanese Gardens offering a unique mix of equine heritage and serene landscapes. Castletown House, a grand Palladian mansion, provides historical insights, while the Curragh’s open plains are ideal for walking. The ancient Hill of Allen adds archaeological depth, making Kildare an engaging stop for culture and nature. The new Shackleton Experience has opened in Athy. Kildare is Ireland’s eighth smallest county by size (1,694 square km) and seventh largest by population (247,774). Population reached its lowest point, 57,892 in 1936. In terms of hospitality, Kildare is Ireland’s 15th most visited tourist county with around 168,000 international visitors per year.

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