Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar is a traditional irish gastro pub restaurant in John Street, Kilkenny.
Billy Byrnes on John Street Upper is a Kilkenny social institution serving locals since the 1980s, a gastro bar with food, pints, live music, plus sport.
Signature dishes: Fresh fish and chips, Daily specials
Must order: Fresh fish and chips; the daily specials built from local seasonal produce consistently impress.
Tip: Featured in Kilkenny Arts Festival 2025 dining listings. Book ahead during festival weeks in August.
Address: 39 John Street Upper, Kilkenny, R95 K091
Foodworks on Parliament Street is the most direct farm-to-fork address in Kilkenny, the pork sourced from pigs the owners raise on a family farm nearby.
Signature: Pulled pork benedict, Angus steak burger
Order: Pulled pork benedict at brunch or the Angus steak burger; the spit-roast free-range pork is occasional.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Brunch from 08:30; weekday close 16:00, Friday and Saturday kitchen runs to 21:30.
Petronella on Kilkenny's medieval Butterslip Lane serves simple, seasonal Irish cooking with global influences, sourcing from Mountain View's own farm.
Signature: Seasonal Irish plates
Order: The seasonal lunch plates that change with supply from Mountain View's farm and local artisan producers.
Tip: Find the entrance through the medieval arch off High Street. Butterslip Lane is Kilkenny's most overlooked dining lane.
The Cavaliere family has run Rinuccini opposite Kilkenny Castle since 1989, importing Italian produce and building a cellar of over 12,000 bottles.
Signature: Homemade pasta, Italian seafood
Order: Homemade pasta with seasonal sauce; the homemade tiramisu is the best in the city.
Tip: Sunday lunch runs to 17:00 and is the best-value sitting of the week. Book for dinner Friday and Saturday.
Arán on Barrack Street is the most-awarded brunch address in Kilkenny, winner of Ireland's Best Brunch at the Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards.
Signature: Stone-baked sourdough, Seasonal brunch plates
Order: Sourdough with butter and sea salt alongside the seasonal brunch plate; the wine list is short.
Tip: Closed Tuesday. Last brunch orders at 15:15. Private evening dining available with advance booking for groups.
Louie's on Patrick Street is a Parisian-inspired cafe bar with natural wines, small plates, high ceilings, and leather banquettes in the heart of Kilkenny.
Signature: Small plates Thursday through Saturday, Espresso
Order: Small plates on Thursday through Saturday evenings; the espresso and morning pastry in the daytime.
Tip: First-come, first-served during the day; no daytime bookings. Evening small plates require advance booking via the inquiry form.
The Gourmet Store on High Street has been Kilkenny's best deli since 1997, with farmhouse cheese, locally sourced meats, and sandwiches on artisan bread.
Signature: Artisan cheese sandwiches, Homemade salads
Order: Sandwich on sourdough baguette with the local farmhouse cheese selection; the coleslaw is homemade daily.
Tip: Opens at 08:00, closes around 16:00. The cheese counter is worth a dedicated visit before heading to the farmers market.
