Billy Byrnes Gastro Bar is a traditional irish 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: Fish and chips, Seasonal Irish plates
Must order: Fresh fish and chips; the seasonal daily specials built from local suppliers are consistently strong.
Tip: Arts Festival dining spot from 7-17 August 2025; book ahead during festival weeks when the city fills rapidly.
Address: 39 John Street Upper, Kilkenny, R95 K091
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 sandwiches, Farmhouse cheese selections
Order: Freshly made sandwich on sourdough baguette with the local farmhouse cheese of the day.
Tip: Opens at 08:00 daily, closes around 16:00. The cheese counter rivals anything in the city at a fraction of restaurant prices.
The Fig Tree on High Street serves a full Irish breakfast and handmade local beef burgers in a casual space with an outdoor terrace, open seven days.
Signature: Full Irish breakfast, Homemade burgers
Order: Full Irish breakfast; the handmade burger with local beef is the best in its price range in Kilkenny.
Tip: Open seven days. Outdoor terrace with greenery is the place to sit in summer. Good gluten-free options.
Cafe La Coco is a small, independent Kilkenny cafe serving in-house baked goods, specialty coffee, and a seasonal superfood salad, open Monday to Saturday.
Signature: Basque cheesecake, Seasonal vegan salad
Order: Basque cheesecake; the seasonal vegan salad or the chai latte with oat milk.
Tip: Open Monday to Saturday 08:00-16:00. Walk-in only; the room is small and fills quickly at lunch.
Low Lane on St Kieran's Street opened in 2022, Robyn and Mark Butler bringing 3fe-trained coffee skills home in a walk-in-only specialty cafe.
Signature: All-day breakfast, 3fe filter coffee
Order: Filter coffee and the seasonal brunch plates, which rotate with local supplier arrivals.
Tip: Walk-in only, no bookings. Opens at 08:30. The room fills fast from 10:00 at weekends so arrive early or be patient.
Campagne holds one Michelin star in the 2026 guide. Garrett Byrne has cooked with classical French technique at this level since opening in 2008.
Signature: Seasonal tasting menu
Order: Seasonal tasting menu; the midweek earlybird lunch brings the same kitchen at reduced cost.
Tip: Book three to four weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner sittings. Walk-in at the bar occasionally possible.
Lady Helen has held one Michelin star since 2013, chef John Kelly cooking modern Irish tasting menus at Mount Juliet Estate, 18km south of Kilkenny.
Signature: Modern Irish tasting menu
Order: Seasonal tasting menu drawing on the estate's produce and local Co. Kilkenny suppliers.
Tip: Overnight stays on the estate complete the experience; the house grounds and river walks are reward enough the next morning.
