Stathams by Pembroke is a modern irish restaurant in Medieval Mile, Kilkenny.
Stathams at the Pembroke Hotel serves seasonal modern Irish sharing plates in a smart room with a heated outdoor courtyard in the heart of the city.
Signature dishes: Seasonal sharing plates
Must order: Seasonal sharing plates sourced from local Co. Kilkenny producers; the wine list is short and well-chosen.
Tip: The heated outdoor courtyard is the place to be on a clear evening in the city. Book ahead for weekend dinner.
Address: Patrick Street, Kilkenny
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.
Arán on Barrack Street is the most-awarded brunch address in Kilkenny, winner of Ireland's Best Brunch at the Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards.
Signature: Stone-baked sourdough, Seasonal brunch plates
Order: Stone-baked sourdough; the seasonal brunch plates that change with what the farm provides.
Tip: Closed Tuesday. Last brunch orders at 15:15. Private evening dining available with advance notice.
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: Fish and chips, Seasonal Irish plates
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.
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.
