Foodworks is a fine-dining restaurant in Medieval Mile, Kilkenny.
Foodworks on Parliament Street runs a farm-to-fork bistro in a restored bank building, the pork from pigs the owners raise on their own family farm.
Must order: Pulled pork benedict at brunch or the spit-roast free-range pork at lunch from the farm.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday; open Wednesday through Sunday with evening service from Wednesday to Saturday.
Address: 7 Parliament Street, Kilkenny, R95 X577
Aroi on Friary Street has been Kilkenny's most-awarded Asian kitchen since 2015, chef Fadilah named Best Asian Fusion Chef in Ireland in 2019 and 2020.
Order: Red duck curry and the spicy kimchi chicken ramen; the vegan options are as strong as the meat dishes.
Tip: Tuesday Movie Night: a main, gelato and a cinema ticket for €24 per person. Great value for the quality.
Stathams Supper Club at the Pembroke Hotel serves curated modern Irish sharing plates and hosts a heated outdoor courtyard in the heart of Kilkenny.
Order: Seasonal sharing plates on local Co. Kilkenny produce; the wine list favours Irish and European.
Tip: The heated outdoor courtyard is one of the better al fresco dining options in the city on a clear evening.
Campagne in Kilkenny holds one Michelin star in the 2026 guide, Garrett Byrne earning the recognition every year since 2014 with exemplary French technique.
Order: Tasting menu showcasing seasonal Irish produce with French technique and precise saucing.
Tip: Book the Friday or Saturday dinner sitting at least three weeks ahead; the midweek early-bird lunch offers the same kitchen at a gentler price.
Ristorante Rinuccini has anchored The Parade since 1989, the Cavaliere family importing Italian ingredients and building a cellar of over 12,000 bottles.
Order: Homemade pasta with seasonal sauce; the wine cellar holds over 12,000 bottles from Italian vineyards.
Tip: The Sunday set lunch runs until 17:00 and is among the best-value fine-dining options in the city.
Zuni on Patrick Street is Kilkenny's most consistent hotel dining room since 2000, chef Michael Thomas building modern Irish menus on local produce.
Order: Seasonal fish or lamb; the earlybird menu until 19:30 delivers the full kitchen at a lower price.
Tip: Hotel rooms upstairs are a practical overnight; the restaurant closes at 20:45 Monday to Thursday, 21:15 at weekends.
Aroi on Friary Street has been Kilkenny's most-awarded Asian kitchen since 2015, chef Fadilah named Best Asian Fusion Chef in Ireland in 2019 and 2020.
Order: Red duck curry and the spicy kimchi chicken ramen; the vegan options are as strong as the meat dishes.
Tip: Tuesday Movie Night: a main, gelato and a cinema ticket for €24 per person. Great value for the quality.
Stathams Supper Club at the Pembroke Hotel serves curated modern Irish sharing plates and hosts a heated outdoor courtyard in the heart of Kilkenny.
Order: Seasonal sharing plates on local Co. Kilkenny produce; the wine list favours Irish and European.
Tip: The heated outdoor courtyard is one of the better al fresco dining options in the city on a clear evening.
Campagne in Kilkenny holds one Michelin star in the 2026 guide, Garrett Byrne earning the recognition every year since 2014 with exemplary French technique.
Order: Tasting menu showcasing seasonal Irish produce with French technique and precise saucing.
Tip: Book the Friday or Saturday dinner sitting at least three weeks ahead; the midweek early-bird lunch offers the same kitchen at a gentler price.
Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate has held one Michelin star since 2013, chef John Kelly serving modern Irish tasting menus 18km south of Kilkenny.
Order: Seasonal tasting menu built entirely on Irish produce from the estate and local suppliers.
Tip: Staying on the estate makes the dinner experience complete; room rates include access to the grounds and morning walks by the river.
Ristorante Rinuccini has anchored The Parade since 1989, the Cavaliere family importing Italian ingredients and building a cellar of over 12,000 bottles.
Order: Homemade pasta with seasonal sauce; the wine cellar holds over 12,000 bottles from Italian vineyards.
Tip: The Sunday set lunch runs until 17:00 and is among the best-value fine-dining options in the city.
Zuni on Patrick Street is Kilkenny's most consistent hotel dining room since 2000, chef Michael Thomas building modern Irish menus on local produce.
Order: Seasonal fish or lamb; the earlybird menu until 19:30 delivers the full kitchen at a lower price.
Tip: Hotel rooms upstairs are a practical overnight; the restaurant closes at 20:45 Monday to Thursday, 21:15 at weekends.
