Kilkenny a Foodie Heaven – 2021 Food Guide to Kilkenny

When it comes to brunch the key essential is the bread on any plate. Aran Artisan Bakery & Bistro serves delicious brunches served with seasonal local produce and stone baked breads with natural Irish ingredients. Combine that with the very best of local produce from bacon, eggs, freshly made pastries and you have the perfect Brunch compliments of the folk at Aran!

It’s all in the name, and Cafe la coco  does exactly what it says on the tin – serving the very finest of quality coffee in its small, friendly, owned-run café. They’ve become Kilkenny’s No 1 wholefood cafe by caring deeply about the quality of the ingredients from the best local artisan producers. Pop in and savour the aromas and flavours for yourself!

Transport yourself to a Parisienne boulevard and visit Mocha’s Vintage Tea Rooms.  The décor is a quirky cross between an antique shop and a French café. With an ever-changing menu, excellent service and a warm welcome, you’ll be coming back time and time again for its old-world charm.

If you fancy getting out of the city for a delicious brunch, then Fennelly’s of Callan is a must-visit! Formerly a pub and undertaker’s, Fennelly’s is now a top foodie and arty destination in the quiet Kilkenny town of Callan. The sign outside says ‘great coffee, herbal teas, breakfast, fresh juices, light lunch, delicious cakes and freshly baked homemade scones’… what more could you ask for!

Fancy a cocktail before dinner? Then head to Zuni Restaurant Bar & Boutique Hotel, situated in Kilkenny’s City Centre, Zuni has a chic new cocktail bar serving the perfect aperitif to diners. From their award-winning kitchen you can enjoy an early bird and full a la carte evening service from 5.30pm. Serving great food for lunch or dinner, this is one of Kilkenny’s most sought after places to dine.

Truffles is an exciting new restaurant offering delightful European cuisine using the finest local ingredients, which is prepared using modern French cooking techniques with an Italian twist. A wonderful combination! They also provide an extended menu for Vegan and Vegetarian guests.

As the name suggests, at Butcher Restaurant you’ll find yourself torn between the rib eye, striploin, fillet or the 32oz Cote de Boeuf made to share or spatchcock chicken, and a pair of burgers will give meat lovers plenty of choice. The restaurant also serves a variety of vegetarian dishes and tasty desserts!

Opulent interiors and sweeping drive-ways are what greet diners at the Michelin star Lady Helen restaurant. Situated in the magnificent Mount Juliet Estate, this is a dining experience like no other, they serve a seven course signature tasting menu that will take diners through an exquisite journey of flavours like no other! The pure dedication and passion that head chef John Kelly and the team devote to their work here is evident in spades.

Harpers in Kilkenny’s Hibernian Hotel has a sophisticated plush brasserie feel. If you’re visiting the city, then treat yourself to this wonderful dining experience. Harpers serve an early bird and a la carte and have a cocktail bar and late lounge where there is always a buzzing atmosphere!

For something more less formal like a casual burger; Mexican food or the best buffalo wings in town check out Paris Texas. Situated on High Street Kilkenny this is the ideal place to fuel up after a day on the golf course.   The restaurant describes itself as:’ A new concept in food that offers the fusion of traditional American South West favourites with the sophistication of the New Orleans French Quarter’ and regularly has live music in the evenings! 

With a name like Rive Gauche it’s no wonder that this place has a French feel combined with an Irish passion for the finest artisan foods from land & sea. An extensive range of wines from across the world along with the restaurant’s street front setting onto Kilkenny’s iconic ‘Parade’ make Rive Gauche the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening of great food & wine.

Langton’s in Kilkenny city is renowned particularly for its impeccable customer service, good wholesome cuisine and genuine welcome.  With a very strong emphasis on sourcing the finest local produce our farm to fork policy is central to their menu. The Garden Room Restaurant is spread over four tiers with natural light flooding in through the large elegant roof windows and outdoor terrace the Langton Room restaurant exudes warmth, friendliness, sophistication, charm and character. Open daily for lunch and dinner.