Are you looking for the best restaurants in Kilkenny?
Kilkenny, one of the most well-known tourist destinations in all of Ireland, can be found right on the picturesque banks of the River Nore.
Elegant Georgian mansions backed by exquisite terraces give off an air of sophistication in Kilkenny, while the city’s teeny, winding alleyways give off an air of old-world charm.
Kilkenny is a vibrant and modern town that retains much of its historic appeal. The town offers a wide selection of one-of-a-kind shops as well as excellent dining options for locals and tourists alike.
Here is a rundown of some of the best restaurants in Kilkenny, which you should consider visiting for your next lunch.
Things you'll find in this article
10 Best Restaurants In Kilkenny, Ireland
Budget Restaurants in Kilkenny
1. Billy Byrnes
Address: 39 John St, Kilkenny, Kilkenny City, Kilkenny, Ireland, R95 K091
Billy Byrnes is the name of one of Kilkenny’s most well-known dining places and pubs. Known as a social club rather than a bar, it’s a favorite hangout for people of all ages in the area. Beer, great food, and hospitality are all hallmarks of Billy Byrnes.
It’s a great area for those who like to keep a low profile and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. At this Kilkenny restaurant, you can sample some of the local flavors, catch a live performance, or simply relax while reading the newspaper.
Billy Byrnes serves everything from Afternoon Tea to cocktails, and café favorites to Sunday meals, burgers, and pizzas, as well as vegan options, all for a reasonable price.
2. Mario’s Diner
Address: Unit 3 Smithlands Centre, Loughboy, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Ireland, R95RH27
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Families, groups of friends, and even younger patrons make up a portion of the clientele at his diner and takeaway restaurant. Mario’s is well-known for its ability to offer reasonably priced meals of large servings and excellent quality.
Even ten years after it first opened its doors, Mario’s remains committed to providing its patrons with the highest level of customer service and culinary excellence. If you are a fan of American cuisine and have a healthy appetite, Mario’s is the restaurant for you. Burgers, hotdogs, barbecue steaks, and fried chicken are just a few of the items on their menu.
3. Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant
Adress: 1 John Street Lower, Collegepark, Kilkenny, R95 PY7D, Ireland
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When it comes to lunch, private parties, or other special occasions, Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant is an outstanding option. Along with a full bar, they provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
Matt the Millers is also a well-known Irish music pub that serves a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as traditional Irish music every night. It’s also praised for its extensive menu, which includes items that are suitable for those who are vegetarian, vegan, or those looking for gluten-free options.
In addition to hearty breakfast fare and late-night indulgences, Matt The Millers serves affordable appetizers and a variety of steak, pizza, and wrap options.
Midrange Restaurants in Kilkenny
4. Ristorante Rinuccini
Address: The Parade, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 XKR7, Ireland
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There’s nothing more important in Italian cooking than family, and the Cavalieres have worked hard for the past three decades to establish Ristorante Rinuccini on The Parade as a Kilkenny landmark.
The restaurant’s Chef Antonio Cavaliere uses locally sourced ingredients while importing some of Italy’s best produce and wine. It’s hard to resist the house specials, which are a combination of Irish and Italian cuisines.
Ristorante Rinuccini is one of Kilkenny’s best restaurants if you’re in search of a memorable meal. According to Google reviews, this is one of the best places to eat in Kilkenny.
5. Langtons
Adress: 67-69 John Street Lower, Kilkenny, R95 XN44, Ireland
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The Langtons on John Street Lower is the place to go to indulge in some of the best culinary offerings in Kilkenny, so if that sounds appealing to you, make your way there.
The restaurant, which has been awarded several distinctions for both the quality of its food and the quality of its service, serves both traditional Irish fare and cuisine from around the world. If the unpredictable weather in Ireland decides to play along with your plans, make sure to make use of the outside patio.
Apart from the amazing food, this hotel-based restaurant is home to three opulent bars, a tea room, and a wine room. When it comes to accommodating large groups, Langtons is also among the top restaurants in Kilkenny. If you are traveling with family and friends, this is an ideal place for lunch, supper, and drinks.
6. The Fig Tree Restaurant Kilkenny
Address: 20 High St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 XW22, Ireland
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After spending the night drinking in one of Kilkenny’s many pubs or bars, the Fig Tree is an excellent location to return to for the morning.
However, if you stop by this laid-back café on High Street, you won’t just find a Full Irish Breakfast but a variety of other delicious dishes as well. They have some excellent hamburgers, where each of their patties is created in the kitchen from scratch using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re looking for something satisfying to eat, choose one of these sandwiches that are piled high with toppings. If you have specific dietary requirements, there are plenty of veggie and gluten-free options here as well.
Fine Dining Restaurants in Kilkenny
7. Butcher
Adress: The Butterslip, Kieran Street, Co. Kilkenny, R95 T3VX, Ireland
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According to reviews on TripAdvisor, Butcher Restaurant in Kilkenny is among the best dining establishment in the city. Butcher, which opened in 2018 and is situated on Butterslip, features a chic and dimly lit dining area. Here, they serve cuts of beef that are tender to the bite. Plus, all of their meat originates from the grass-fed cows that are raised on Summerhill Farm, which is located only 9 miles away.
The menu is typical of a steakhouse and includes all of the standard items; however, everything is prepared to perfection by head chef James Dewberry, and there is also a wide selection of alcoholic beverages available.
8. Campagne
Address: The Arches, 5 Gas House Ln, Highhays, Kilkenny, R95 X092
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Campagne is a restaurant in Kilkenny that has earned a Michelin star for its excellent food. With its magnificent interior design and delectable items on the menu, this restaurant should not be missed by any foodie.
Campagne is the place to go in Kilkenny for foodies looking to experience one of the city’s top restaurants. The cuisine served here is influenced by French culinary traditions and focuses on using seasonal, locally produced ingredients whenever possible. The price of €68 for a three-course dinner from this Michelin starred restaurant is a steal when one considers the caliber of the dishes that are served.
9. Truffles Restaurant
Address: 22 William St, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland
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In addition to serving up delectable meals, Truffles Restaurant also features a wine bar. A truly hidden gem, this restaurant and wine bar can be found in the heart of Kilkenny. This cozy restaurant serves unique cuisine while also taking into account the dietary requirements and preferences of each patron.
If you are a vegan or looking for gluten-free food that you might appreciate, you should include The Truffles Restaurant on your list of places to visit while in Kilkenny.
You may enjoy some of Europe’s greatest cuisine in a setting that is both casual and refined as you dine here. Their cuisine is contemporary French with an Italian influence, and they provide a diverse selection of dishes on their menu.
The options are virtually limitless, from mouthwatering pate made from duck liver to beef stew and vegetarian moussaka. They will also often suggest a bottle of wine to you that is a great complement to the meal that you are about to order.
10. The Lady Helen Restaurant
Address: Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection, Walton’s Grove, Mount Juliet, Co. Kilkenny
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The Lady Helen Restaurant is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Kilkenny for foodies, according to everyone who knows the city’s culinary scene. Located in Manor house at Mount Juliet Estate, your lunch here is made more enjoyable by the stunning views of the gardens and the surrounding neighborhood.
Quality, locally obtained seasonal foods are a hallmark of Lady Helen Restaurant in Kilkenny. Culinary artistry is on display in this restaurant thanks to the chef’s exquisite creations.
A variety of tasting menus highlighting the local area and the chef’s talents are available. This superb dining experience is enhanced by every dish offered at Lady Helen Restaurant.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.