Kilkenny was named Ireland’s Top Foodie Destination in 2018 and if you have ever dined here, you’ll know why! If you haven’t yet sampled the delights of our food scene, we’re here to help you plan a tasty trip to the Marble County. One thing that you can be guaranteed to find on menus across the county is ingredients from award-winning local producers (learn more about them here). Kilkenny is a haven for food lovers, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the multi-award winning culinary experiences that the county has to offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
This is an A to Z guide to restaurants in County Kilkenny.
Aroi Asian Fusion
Aroi serves up delicious fusion Asian cuisine. Their menu features a wide range of dishes, from traditional Thai curries to Vietnamese pho and Chinese stir-fries. They combine authentic flavours with modern twists, using fresh ingredients to create tasty dishes that will get your taste buds tingling.
Arán Bakery & Bistro
Arán Bakery & Bistro is known nationwide for its award-winning breads and pastries. However, it is also home to a fantastic bistro that offers a relaxed dining experience. Led by husband and wife Bart Pawlukojc and Nicole Server-Pawlukojc worked together at Noma in Copenhagen – one of the top restaurants in the world – Arán brings you a taste of what they’ve learnt from all over the world.
Butcher Restaurant
Butcher is a contemporary steakhouse that prides itself on serving top-quality meat cooked to perfection. They source their beef from local farmers, ensuring the highest standards of taste and freshness. Alongside their selection of prime cuts, Butcher also offers a variety of dishes to suit all palates such as seafood, vegetarian options and delectable desserts.
Dizzy Goat Restaurant
A fresh face in the Kilkenny restaurant scene, Dizzy Goat Restaurant is a farm-to-fork cosy restaurant based in Owning. Their delicious dinners are made from locally sourced, sustainably grown ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely lunch, a dreamy dinner, or a celebratory feast with family, dive into a culinary journey unlike any other. Menus move with the seasons, so you’ll always be surprised with something fresh and tasty at Dizzy Goat.
Ember @ Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
Chef Wesley Bearpark grew up in Durbanville, in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town and says that the concept of Braaiing is ingrained in just about every single South African. Ember Kilkenny is an amalgamation of flavours using Irish ingredients combined with ancient African cooking methods to bring out a unique char-kissed flavour.
Lady Helen Restaurant
Set in a 260-year old manor house in Mount Juliet Estate, Lady Helen Restaurant is championing the best of Irish cuisine created by Chef John Kelly. The restaurant received its first Michelin star in 2013 and as of 2025, it was awarded its 12th consecutive Michelin Star award. Dedicated to culinary excellence, the chefs work with a wide range of Irish suppliers and when the weather allows, they grow ingredients in the Walled Garden on the estate. The Lady Helen offers a truly unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for the foodie in your life.
Paris Texas Bar & Smokehouse
Paris Texas is located in the heart of Kilkenny city and is known as one of the leading gastropubs in the south east of Ireland. It is home to a wood-smoking oven, offering a fusion of traditional American South West favourites with the sophistication of New Orleans French Quarter. There is also an extensive range of beers on tap and in bottle to meet and challenge your tastes – just as their food does.
Petronella Restaurant
Petronella has a unique location on the historical Butterslip Lane. Its modern Irish and European cuisine create a charming dining experience, whether over a brisk lunch, leisurely evening meal or time set aside for an all-important coffee. Most of all, be sure to ask the friendly team to tell you about Petronella herself. Petronella is the sister restaurant to the award-winning Greenhouse Restaurant at Mountain View in Ballyhale.
Ristorante Rinuccini
Food and family are at the heart of Italian culture and at the heart of Ristorante Rinuccini – a family-owned and run, multi award-winning fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Kilkenny city. Specialising in classic Italian cuisine, made using the finest of Italian and fresh Irish ingredients, they boast an extensive menu selection and wines are handpicked from the very best Italian vineyards. They were listed in the Michelin guide for an unbelievable 28 consecutive years!
Statham's Restaurant
The multi-award winning restaurant is set in the heart of the Medieval city and offers an expansive menu using farm-to-fork ingredients. Statham’s Restaurant works with multiple Kilkenny food and drink producers, hosting Statham’s Supper Club, a monthly dining experience that showcases local producers in the food and crafting world. Statham’s is a central location that offers indoor and outdoor dining, with a dog-friendly terrace hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tābú Tapas
Spaniard Rodrigo Gonzalez blessed Thomastown with a variety of global flavours upon opening Tābú Tapas, a bar and restaurant that celebrates vibrant flavours from across the globe. The family-owned restaurant responsibly sources as much of their ingredients as possible from local Kilkenny suppliers. They also offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian friendly and gluten-free options!
The Greenhouse Bar & Eatery
Located at Mountain View, The Greenhouse brings a dash of glamour to the hills of Ballyhale. Enjoy delicious, hearty meals and expertly mixed cocktails with unrivalled views of the Kilkenny countryside. It is a stylish location offering a relaxed dining experience. Prefer brunch? They also have a mouthwatering brunch menu!
Zuni Restaurant
Whatever time of the day you dine here, you’ll quickly discover why Zuni Restaurant is multi award-winning. Savour the flavour of delicious dishes incorporating ingredients from Kilkenny’s local food producers. Make sure to sample a perfectly mixed cocktail from their chic cocktail bar after dinner!
