Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese Cafe is a restaurant in Kilkenny Environs, Kilkenny.
Knockdrinna's farm cafe in Stoneyford, 12km out, serves lunch built on Helen Finnegan's Supreme Champion cheeses and Goatsbridge trout, worth every kilometre.
Why locals love it: Located 12km outside Kilkenny city in Stoneyford village, requiring a car; no presence on Kilkenny city maps or tourist leaflets.
Address: Stoneyford, County Kilkenny (approx. 12km from Kilkenny city)
Fragola on William Street sits off the tourist strip in a quiet cobbled pocket with serene garden, known to locals for its strawberry latte and French toast.
Why locals love it: Tucked off the tourist strip on William Street with no high-street visibility and no outdoor signage pointing to the garden.
Scalini on St Kieran's Street serves 72-hour Roman-style pizzas and daily handmade pasta, far better known to Kilkenny residents than visiting tourists.
Why locals love it: On the quieter upper stretch of St Kieran's Street away from the central castle district
Low Lane on St Kieran's Street is Kilkenny's most serious specialty coffee spot, opened 2022 after 3fe Coffee training in Dublin, walk-in only.
Why locals love it: Walk-in only policy and quiet St Kieran's Street location two blocks from High Street, with no prominent signage.