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 dishes: Vegan soups, Seasonal salads
Must 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.
Address: Evans Home, John's Quay, Kilkenny, R95 YX3F
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.
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 curated 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.
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 and 2020.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 curated 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.
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 and 2020.
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.
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: Fresh fish and chips, Daily specials
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.
