Cafe€medieval-mileTue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-17:00, closed Mon
Wildflower Cafe at Butler Gallery serves plant-based soups, bowls, and vegan raw cakes in a walled garden, Kilkenny's most dedicated plant-forward cafe.
Signature: Vegan soups, Seasonal salads
Order: Vegan soup with sourdough; the seasonal salad plate or gluten-free cake from the rotating bake selection.
Tip: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00. The glass outdoor pods in the walled garden are the best seats in Kilkenny on a clear day.
Irish€€john-streetMon-Sun 12:00-LATE
Matt The Millers on John Street blends reliable Irish pub cooking with live music every night, the Kilkenny Red Ale beef pie a natural city signature.
Signature: Kilkenny Red Ale beef pie, Traditional Irish stew
Order: Kilkenny Red Ale beef pie or traditional Irish stew with soda bread.
Tip: Food served noon to 20:30. Live music every night; bar open until 02:30 Thursday through Saturday.
American Bbq and Smokehouse€€medieval-mileMon-Thu 12:00-23:30, Fri-Sat 12:00-00:30, Sun 12:00-23:00
Paris Texas on High Street is Kilkenny's BBQ house, family-run since 1996 with a wood-smoking oven for American South West and New Orleans-inspired dishes.
Signature: Smoked brisket, Pulled pork, Jambalaya
Order: Mixed grill of brisket, ribs and pulled pork from the wood smoker; the jambalaya is excellent pub food.
Tip: Walk-in only on bank holidays and festival weekends; book ahead during Savour Kilkenny week in October.
Traditional Irish€€john-streetDaily 09:00-21:00 (food); bar later
Langton's on John Street is a Kilkenny institution, winner of Best Gastro Pub Kilkenny 2025, serving hearty Irish food and an extensive Irish whiskey list.
Signature: Seafood chowder, Kilkenny steak
Order: Hearty seafood chowder or the Angus beef steak; the Guinness here is poured with care.
Tip: Food runs noon to 21:00 daily. Live music starts at 21:00; arrive before 20:30 if you want to eat in peace.
Traditional Irish€€medieval-mileMon-Sat 12:00-00:30, Sun 12:00-23:30
Kyteler's Inn on St Kieran's Street traces brewing roots to 1324 and serves traditional Irish food from noon to 21:00 alongside 90 selected Irish whiskeys.
Signature: Irish stew, Seafood chowder
Order: Traditional Irish stew or the beef and Guinness pie; Kyteler's own-brand Irish whiskey for a local toast.
Tip: Food served noon to 21:00 seven days. Traditional music from 20:00 weeknights, two sessions at weekends. Book for groups.
Asian Fusion€€medieval-mileMon-Thu 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-22:30, Sun 12:00-21:00
Aroi on Friary Street has been Kilkenny's Asian restaurant of choice since 2015, chef Fadilah named Best Asian Fusion Chef in Ireland in 2019.
Signature: Red duck curry, Kimchi chicken ramen
Order: Red duck curry or the spicy kimchi chicken ramen; vegan options are built with equal seriousness.
Tip: Open Monday through Sunday noon to 22:00-22:30. TripAdvisor Travellers Choice for four consecutive years.