Cakeface Pastry
Having first met in Ballymaloe Cookery School, Laura and Rory Gannon travelled the world perfecting their craft – pastry.
Their backgrounds in finance and chemical engineering are evident in the precision, flair and acumen that they bring to their food and coffee offering.
Their café, which is adjacent to the ‘lab’ where everything is made fresh on site, is a firm favourite with locals of all ages and a pleasant surprise for the tourist who stumbles upon it. One of Ireland’s most prolific food writers, Georgina Campbell, named Cakeface the 2018 ‘Café of the Year’.
Cakeface is an ideal spot for the solo traveler and the discerning coffee fiend.
You must try: Specialist 3FE coffee and Passionate Tart – a smooth and sharp passionfruit curd on a lemony biscuit base.
Location: 13,14,16 Irishtown, Kilkenny
Fragola Café
This friendly, relaxed and colourful café is located just off High Street across from the town hall.
Fragola Café is one of the newest additions to Kilkenny’s thriving café scene. This is a truly artisan venture that is run by a closely-knit team. The delicious range of latte options on offer, including rose, beetroot, coconut and lavender, adds a twist to a standard cup of coffee.
They also serve a tasty selection of healthy salads and wraps that are always fresh and ooze with goodness.
You must try: A soothing rose latte.
Location: 3 William Street, Kilkenny
Mocha’s Vintage Tea Rooms
Step into the past at Mocha’s Vintage Tea Rooms which is located near MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre and just beside the award-winning Michelin-star, Campagne.
The charming surroundings and french style vintage décor creates a special ambiance. The mis-matched china is a lovely touch of elegance and you can even pick up your own eclectic pieces to bring home. Everything from tempting sweet treats to salads are on offer here.
You must try: An age-old favourite – a pot of tea and a freshly baked scone.
Location: 4 Gas House Lane, Kilkenny
Petronella
Do as the locals do and enjoy a steaming cup of Joe on the bustling Kieran Street. There are plenty of cafes offering outdoor seating all year round. The street is pedestrianised most of the day, which makes it the perfect spot for people watching.
There are many cobbled slipways such as the historic Butterslip, home to a little-known restaurant called Petronella, which offers both lunch and dinner. Petronella is named after the servant girl of Dame Alice Kytler, who was one of the first women to be accused of witchcraft in Europe. Dame Alice escaped to England but Petronella was not so lucky.
You must try: The Irish Crisp Sandwich in Petronella.
Location: Butterslip Lane, Kilkenny.
Cathedral Cafe
Cathedral Cafe Kilkenny offers a serene Medieval setting in the heart of Kilkenny city. Popular with the locals a warm welcome awaits you in charming surroundings in the restored Chapter house rooms in St.Mary’s Cathedral. This is the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch catering for a variety of cravings with a range of fresh sandwiches, salads and soups.
If you are after a slice Serenity in the Medieval City, Cathedral Cafe is the place to come.
You must try: The Homemade Power Loaf
Location: St.Mary’s Cathedral, James St, Kilkenny.
