DINING in Ireland’s county Kilkenny

Kilkenny’s food scene thrives on its medieval charm and local producers, with Michelin-starred venues like Lady Helen and Campagne leading fine dining. Casual restaurants like Foodworks and Nóinín emphasise farm-to-fork, while budget options like Aroi and Kytelers offer affordable, diverse fare.

Restaurants like Foodworks and Lady Helen prioritise local, sustainable ingredients with new foraged or zero-waste dishes, as seen in broader Irish trends. The closure of Keith Boyle at The Bridge House in 2023 reflects economic pressures on fine dining.

Fine Dining

Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate (Thomastown, Co Kilkenny). Located in a 260-year-old manor house at Mount Juliet Estate, Lady Helen, led by Chef John Kelly, is Kilkenny’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, holding its star for 12 consecutive years as of 2026. The opulent dining room offers a luxurious experience with panoramic views of the River Nore, ideal for special occasions. The tasting menu (€165-€195) champions Irish produce, often grown in the estate’s Walled Garden, with French influences and impeccable service. Expect offerings like native lobster with foraged herbs, Kilkenny beef with smoked marrow, or estate-grown vegetable dishes, showcasing precision and local flavors. Lady Helen will introduce new dishes featuring estate-foraged ingredients or host exclusive wine dinners, leveraging its Michelin-starred status and Mount Juliet’s luxury appeal.
Campagne (Kilkenny City, Gas House Lane). Tucked under old railway arches near McDonagh Junction, Campagne is a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef/Owner Garrett Byrne, a three-time Best Leinster Chef winner. The sleek, modern setting offers a relaxed yet refined fine dining experience with French-influenced dishes using high-quality seasonal produce. Perfect for foodies seeking a sophisticated meal. Expect dishes like Kilkenny lamb with seasonal vegetables or local seafood with French sauces, reflecting Byrne’s expertise. Campagne will expand its tasting menu or introduce new sustainability-driven dishes, aligning with Kilkenny’s farm-to-fork ethos.
Ristorante Rinuccini (Kilkenny City, The Parade). Run by the Cavaliere family since 1989, this semi-basement restaurant opposite Kilkenny Castle offers a fine dining experience with authentic Italian cuisine. The warm, elegant setting with nooks and crannies is ideal for romantic dinners or special occasions, featuring fresh Irish ingredients with Italian flair. A favorite for over 25 years. Lobster ravioli, veal scallopini, and tiramisu are highlights, praised for their authenticity and quality. Rinuccini will introduce new seasonal Italian specials or wine-pairing dinners, as part of Taste Kilkenny Restaurant Week or its ongoing legacy.
Truffles (Kilkenny City, High Street). A multi-award-winning fine dining restaurant, Truffles offers exquisite European cuisine in an intimate, elegant setting, perfect for celebrating special occasions. The beautifully presented dishes and exceptional service create a memorable experience, with a focus on local Kilkenny ingredients. Vegetarian moussaka is a standout, noted for its exquisite presentation and flavor, alongside meat and seafood options. Truffles will expand its menu with new European-inspired dishes or participate’s Taste Kilkenny Restaurant Week with special offers, building on its award-winning reputation.
Statham’s at Pembroke Kilkenny (Kilkenny City, Patrick Street). Led by Executive Chef Ken Harker, formerly of Mount Juliet’s Lady Helen, Statham’s offers a fine dining experience in a clean, modern setting at the Pembroke Hotel. The innovative menu uses local produce, positioning it as a must-visit destination for discerning diners seeking modern Irish cuisine. Ideal for a high-end meal in the city center. Sirloin steak, ribeye pork chop, and figgy pudding are highlights, praised for their quality and presentation. Statham’s will introduce new tasting menus or chef-led events, leveraging Harker’s Michelin-starred expertise to elevate its profile.

Casual Dining

Foodworks (Kilkenny City, Parliament Street). Housed in a tastefully restored former bank, Foodworks is a casual bistro with a farm-to-fork ethos, rearing its own pigs for fresh pork dishes. The funky, relaxed setting on Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile offers unfussy yet delightful dishes, perfect for lunch or dinner with friends. A multiple Irish Restaurant Awards winner for Best Casual Dining. Pork loin stuffed with black pudding and beef bourguignon are standouts, with the beef noted for melting in the mouth. Lemon drizzle baked Alaska is a popular dessert. Foodworks will introduce new farm-sourced specials or expand its vegetarian offerings, building on its Leinster Best Casual Dining award.
Petronella (Kilkenny City, Butterslip Lane). Located on the historic Butterslip Lane, Petronella offers a rustic casual dining experience with stone walls, wooden floors, and friendly service. The menu features homemade Irish and European cuisine, with extensive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, ideal for diverse groups or Sunday roasts. Named after Petronilla de Meath, it’s a charming spot with a storied past. Vegetarian burger and crumbed chicken goujons are popular, with desserts like homemade cheesecake noted for their quality. Petronella will expand its Sunday roast offerings or introduce new vegan specials, reflecting its reputation as a top vegan-friendly spot.
Zuni Restaurant (Kilkenny City, Patrick Street). A multi-award-winning restaurant, bar, and boutique hotel, Zuni offers a classy casual dining experience with classic Irish fare using Kilkenny’s local produce. Headed by Chef Michael Thomas, the vibrant setting is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, with a chic cocktail bar for post-meal drinks. Slow-cooked Kilkenny lamb and Eton Mess buttermilk pancake (breakfast) are highlights, showcasing local ingredients. Zuni will introduce new cocktail specials or seasonal brunch dishes, as part of Taste Kilkenny events or its ongoing awards success.
Nóinín (Kilkenny City, John’s Bridge). Opened in November 2022 by sisters Sinéad and Maeve Moclair, Nóinín is a cozy café-restaurant that won Best Casual Dining in Kilkenny at the 2026 Irish Restaurant Awards. The small, seasonal menu draws global influences using local Irish ingredients, paired with a curated wine list from Le Caveau. Ideal for relaxed lunches or dinners. Expect seasonal offerings like Kilkenny beef with global spices or local vegetable dishes, reflecting their locavore ethos. Nóinín will expand its wine-pairing dinners or introduce new seasonal specials, building on its recent award and growing reputation.
La Rivista (Kilkenny City, Parliament Street). A casual Italian restaurant offering impeccable cuisine in a buzzing atmosphere, La Rivista is perfect for families or weekend getaways. The menu features gluten-free options and honest Italian dishes, served in a central location near Kilkenny’s High Street. Pasta dishes rivaling those in Italy and calamari are highlights, praised for their authenticity. La Rivista will introduce new family-friendly specials or Sunday lunch deals, leveraging its popularity with groups.
The Greenhouse at Mountain View (Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny). A stylish restaurant in the hills of Ballyhale, The Greenhouse offers a relaxed casual dining experience with unrivaled countryside views. The hearty meals and expertly mixed cocktails make it ideal for brunch or dinner, with a modern, glamorous setting that’s perfect for groups or date nights. Expect dishes like Kilkenny lamb or local seafood, paired with a mouthwatering brunch menu. The Greenhouse will expand its brunch offerings or host outdoor dining events, capitalizing on its scenic location.

Budget Dining

The Fig Tree (Kilkenny City, High Street). A casual café on High Street, The Fig Tree is known for its budget-friendly, hearty dishes, perfect for recovering after a night out or fueling up for sightseeing. The menu features freshly prepared burgers and a mean Full Irish Breakfast, with veggie and gluten-free options, ideal for families or solo travelers. Stacked beef burgers and Full Irish Breakfast are standouts, praised for their quality and value. The Fig Tree will introduce new budget-friendly lunch specials or expand its veggie offerings, catering to Kilkenny’s tourist crowd.
Aroi Asian Fusion (Kilkenny City, Friary Street). A multi-award-winning restaurant offering budget-friendly Asian fusion cuisine, Aroi serves Thai curries, Vietnamese pho, and Chinese stir-fries in a bright, lively setting. With gluten-free and vegan options, it’s perfect for diverse groups seeking affordable, flavorful meals. Chicken korma skewer (from the combo starter) and Thai curries are highlights, noted for their authentic flavors. Aroi will expand its vegan menu or introduce new Asian fusion specials, reflecting its popularity and Kilkenny’s diverse food scene.
Billy Byrnes (Kilkenny City, John Street). A casual bistro offering budget-friendly classic Irish fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Billy Byrnes is a lively spot with regular live music sessions. The relaxed setting is perfect for affordable meals while soaking up Kilkenny’s vibrant atmosphere, ideal for locals and tourists alike. Expect pub classics like fish and chips or Irish stew, offering great value. Billy Byrnes will introduce new live music nights or budget-friendly specials, enhancing its community appeal.
Kytelers Inn (Kilkenny City, St Kieran’s Street). A historic pub dating back to 1263, Kytelers Inn offers budget-friendly, authentic Irish food in a fascinating setting with live music and a storied past tied to Dame Alice Kyteler. The hearty dishes and casual vibe make it ideal for a quick, affordable meal while exploring Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. Fish and chips and lamb stew are popular, noted for their heartiness and traditional flavors. Kytelers will expand its daily specials or host new historical dining events, leveraging its medieval heritage.

Dining in Ireland

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Award winning restaurants

County Kilkenny:

Ireland’s county Kilkenny is a county of medieval charm, with Kilkenny City’s castle and St Canice’s Cathedral showcasing well-preserved architecture and round towers. The Dunmore Cave offers intriguing limestone formations, while the Nore Valley’s walking trails provide scenic beauty. Other attractions include the historic Jerpoint Abbey’s intricate carvings. Kilkenny is Ireland’s 16th largest county by size (2,062 square km) and 21st largest by population (104,160). Population peaked at 202,420 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 60,463 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kilkenny is Ireland’s eleventh most visited tourist county with around 207,000 international visitors per year.

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