A LUSH LAND OF ACHINGLY BEAUTIFUL VALLEYS AND ELEGANT RIVERS THAT WEAVE THEIR WAY THROUGH A RICH COUNTRYSIDE SPICED BY HANDSOME HILLS, KILKENNY IS A WONDERFULLY PRODUCTIVE COUNTY WITH ITS OWN MEDIEVAL CITY 'THE MARBLE CITY' - AT ITS HEART- In order to qualify for membership of the Kilkenny Good Food Circle, each establishment was examined by experienced assessors and only those establishments which met the criteria are recommended here. The assessors visited anonymously and establishments were rated under a wide range of headings; most importantly, we looked for genuine hospitality and quality produce - notably local produce - in meals that were well-cooked, well-presented and fairly priced. Visitors will notice that some recommended establishments are also members of the Féile Bia programme. | Participating members commit to sourcing key ingredients from recognised Quality Assurance schemes and identify the country of origin on their menus. Developing dishes and menus to profile local food products is another interesting aspect of the Féile Bia scheme and we also strongly urge chefs to give as much detail as possible on their menus, thus allowing guests to share in the food culture of the region and enjoy that "sense of place" which is increasingly rare these days. Look out for foods produced in County Kilkenny and the surrounding areas: examples likely to be found on menus include the beef for which Kilkenny is renowned, the Goodwillie family's Caerphilly-like Lavistown Cheese (and their incomparable sausages), which are made just a few miles from the city, and the Mileeven products - honey, preserves and home-bakes - that come from nearby Piltown. The range of styles and prices included in the Kilkenny Good Food Circle is wide and it is important to bear this in mind: select your chosen eating place carefully, to match your budget and the occasion, and you will indeed eat well in Kilkenny! "Ban taitneamh as do bhéile!"
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Dining
This is one of Ireland's oldest cities and, justifiably, great pride is taken in its corporate status. The fact that it is, by today's standards of population, scarcely a city at all, makes it all the more enjoyable to visit as much of it can be explored comfortably on foot. This guide has much to offer visitors to both city and county, with suggestions for restorative breaks at informal little restaurants, cafés and pubs around the city, as well as more substantial day and evening meals at restaurants in a wide range of styles in and around the city - and also at scenic locations, like Thomastown and the lovely waterside village of Graiguenamangh, which merit a special trip.
Download the 2008 Good Food Guide (1.9 MB .pdf)
Taste Restaurant & Pure Bar
HOTEL KILKENNY
Hotel Kilkenny, College Road, Kilkenny
T: 056 7762000 F: 056 7765984
E: experience@hotelkilkenny.ie
Web:www.hotelkilkenny.ie
Taste Italy Restaurant - Stylish interior with relaxing environment combined with superior quality service. Taste Italy is inspired by four villages in Tuscany delivering real rustic and authentic Italian cuisine. Pure Bar - excellent bar menu all day.
Lunch 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Dinner 6pm - 9.30pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
Hotel Kilkenny is situated less than 1 minute walk from Kilkenny City. From the city, turn off Patrick Street onto Ormonde Road, and the Hotel is located through the lights at the first roundabout. From out of town, take the Ring Road and the hotel is located at the Callan roundabout.
CHOOSE US
Hotel Kilkenny is situated in picturesque award winning gardens. Facilities include the relaxing Rosehill Bar with its superb stone conservatory, and the 5 star Active Health + Fitness Club with 20m pool. Why resort to less?
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CLADDAGH Restaurant & Paddock Bar
SPRINGHILL COURT HOTEL
Springhill Court, Hotel Spa & Leisure Club,
Waterford Road, Kilkenny.
T: 056 7721122 F: 056 7761600
E: reservations@springhillcourt.com
www.springhillcourt.com
The Claddagh restaurant has an excellent reputation among guests and locals alike. A member of Kilkenny's Good Food Circle and Board Bia's (National Food Board) Feile Bia programme guaranteeing the use of local Irish suppliers. At the Claddagh restaurant our experienced team of chefs combine traditional Irish dishes with an international twist, ensuring a meal not to be forgotton.
Monday to Saturday 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Monday to Saturday 6pm - 9pm
Sundays & Bank Holidays 6pm - 8.45pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
Located one mile outside Kilkenny City on the Waterford Road 100 yards on the left hand side from the Waterford Road Roundabout
CHOOSE US
Our Spa Hotel is close to the Medieval City of Kilkenny with ease of access to Golf Clubs and local attractions.
OUR SPECIALITIES
A broad spectrum of international cuisine incorporating the finest local produce
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CROTTY'S COFFEE HOUSE
Kieran Street, Kilkenny.
T: 056 7764877
This friendly family-run coffee shop offers appetising food and good value - especially appealing in summer, as you can sit in the pedestrianized street and watch the world go by.
Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm
FIND US
A minute walk from Kilkenny City Hall at the bottom of the Butterslip.
CHOOSE US
Take a rest from your busy schedule and relax in our friendly atmosphere.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Teas, Coffee, Soups and Sandwiches, Homemade Apple tart and scones. Takeaway available.
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Savour Restaurant & O'Reilly's Bar & Steakhouse
KILKENNY ORMONDE HOTEL
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street, Kilkenny
T: 056 7723900, F: 056 7723977,
E: info@kilkennyormonde.com
www.kilkennyormonde.com
Savour, O'Reilly's Bar and Steakhouse, Ormonde Lounge. Enjoy multi award winning dining at Savour - a new chapter in hotel dining in Kilkenny. O'Reilly's Bar and Steakhouse offering sumptuous Irish steaks in a convivial atmosphere. Ormonde lounge offers the epitome of relaxation for light meals and fine coffee served all day.
Lunch Monday to Friday 12.30 - 2.30pm
Lunch Sunday 1pm - 3pm
Dinner Tues to Saturday 6.30pm - 9.30pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
On entering Kilkenny from Carlow (N10) turn left at 1st roundabout then right at next roundabout. At traffic lights turn left and immediately right, Earls Bar & Bistro is situated in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel approx 100 metres up the street on your left.
CHOOSE US
Nestling in the shadows of Kilkenny Castle, the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel enjoys the enviable advantage of being centrally located in this colourful city.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Flavoured and combinations thoughtfully blended in our traditional countryside carvery lunch. Evening dining with our rustic modernised dishes to suit everyone's palate. All day bar bite menu available.
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FREDRICKS RESTAURANT
KILKENNY ORMONDE HOTEL
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street, Kilkenny.
T: 056 7723900 F: 056 7723977
E: info@kilkennyormonde.com
www.kilkennyormonde.com
Fredrick's is stylish and, in tune with the rest of this fine hotel, tasteful - and very comfortable. Carefully sourced ingredients are well-presented, and service is exemplary.
7 days per week 7pm - 10pm
Sunday Lunch 1pm - 2.30pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
On entering Kilkenny from Carlow (N10) turn left at 1st roundabout then right at next roundabout. At traffic lights turn left and immediately right, Fredricks is situated in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel approx 100 metres up the street on your left.
CHOOSE US
Nestling in the shadows of Kilkenny Castle, the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel enjoys the enviable advantage of being centrally located in this colourful city.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Justice is done to time-honoured dishes with simple delivery, rich in seafood fare, local meats and traditional desserts.
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FLÉVA RESTAURANT
84 High Street, Kilkenny.
T: 056 7770021 F: 056 7770021
E: flevarestaurant@eircom.net
Visitors should enjoy finding this attractive first floor restaurant in the centre of town, where imaginative modern menus and professional staff promise to make a meal a pleasurable outing.
Lunch 12.30 - 2.30pm
Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 6.30pm - 10pm
Sunday Brunch 12.30 - 3.30pm
Sunday Dinner (Summer only). Closed Monday
WINE LICENCE
FIND US
Watch the world go by in our bright, colourful and spacious restaurant which is located on Kilkenny's High Street upstairs over Benetton Clothes Shop beside the historic Town Hall.
CHOOSE US
Fléva is an award-winning restaurant that serves great food where you can also enjoy exhibitions by contemporary Kilkenny artists in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere just minutes from Kilkenny Castle.
OUR SPECIALITIES
From Kilkenny lamb to ostrich, our eclectic and ever-changing menu features international food with a contemporary Irish twist. Our gold-medallist chefs use the best of fresh seasonal produce and recently won top Irish awards for our game and fish dishes.
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GULLIVER'S NEWPARK HOTEL
Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny.
T: 056 7760500 F: 056 7760555
E: info@newparkhotel.com
www.newparkhotel.com
The Newpark Hotel is long established in the social and business life of Kilkenny, and offers a choice between formal dining in the recently redesigned contemporary restaurant, Gulliver's, and lunch time carvery and evening menu in the Scott Dove Bar & Bistro.
Lunch 12.30 - 2.30pm
Dinner 7pm - 9pm
Open 7 days a week
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
Newpark Hotel is situated on the main Casltecomer/Athy Road within a 5 minute drive of Kilkenny City.
CHOOSE US
Newpark Hotel with its award winning gardens is ideally situated only 15 minutes walk from the Medieval and vibrant city of Kilkenny.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Gulliver's Restaurant offers great food using the finest of Irish produce with flair and imagination at affordable prices.
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JACOBS COTTAGE
KILKENNY HIBERNIAN HOTEL
1 Ormonde Street, Kilkenny,
T: 056 7791220 F: 056 7771877
E: info@jacobscottage.com
www.jacobscottage.com
A choice of two menus (Table d'Hôte and A la Carte) offer lively international fare at this appealing restaurant, which has its
own street entrance as well as access through the Hibernian Hotel. And, despite the name, it's not a bit cottagey or rustic.
Lunch Monday to Saturday 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Lunch Sunday 12.30pm - 3pm
Dinner Monday to Saturday 6.30pm - 10pm
Dinner Sunday 6.30pm - 9pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
Situated on the corner of Ormonde Street and Patrick Street in Kilkenny City centre.
CHOOSE US
Pleasant, efficient and professional service combined with subdued lighting, attractive paintings on the walls and impeccable settings creates an atmosphere of calm and comfort in this appealing restaurant. Menus offered extend a lively international style and include signature dishes, vegetarian and healthy options.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Grilled Fillet of Beef with sauté potatoes, Provençale vegetables and a red onion jus.
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KILKENNY CAFÉ
Market Cross, Kilkenny
T: 056 7765333
A convenient place to know about when about town, this self-service café offers wholesome, unpretentious fare to restore the weary shopper - at fair prices.
Monday to Saturday (until 7pm on Fridays) 8.30 - 6pm
Sunday 12 - 5pm
Opening hours: 8.30am to 6pm.
Late opening until 7pm on Fridays
FIND US
Located just off High Street on the ground floor of the Market Cross Shopping Centre.
CHOOSE US
Central to Kilkenny's main shopping area with over 200 seats, Kilkenny café is a great place to relax and revive while watching the world go by.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Specialising in Irish Breakfast, lunches, and sandwiches and a wide range of teas and coffees for all the family.
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KILKENNY DESIGN CENTRE
Castle Yard
Kilkenny
T: 056 7722118 F: 056 7765905
E: info@kilkennydesign.com
This delightful self-service restaurant opposite Kilkenny Castle offers a pleasing ambience, excellent fresh, seasonal home-cooked food, and great value for money: informal Irish daytime fare at its best.
Café Daytime Restaurant
(into early evening summer only)
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
We are located in the historic buildings that were once the stables, dairy and grooms' quarters for Kilkenny Castle. Our restaurant directly overlooks the castle.
CHOOSE US
Walking distance from the Castle, main tourist attractions and shopping areas
OUR SPECIALITIES
All food is prepared on our premises using the freshest and most seasonal products. Salads are a specialty, chicken fish and meat main courses change daily. Home baking of exceptional standards
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LACKEN HOUSE
Dublin Road, Kilkenny
T: 056 7761085 F: 056 7762435
E: res@lackenhouse.ie
www.lackenhouse.ie
The leading independent fine dining restaurant in Kilkenny city, Lacken House offers a rewarding dining experience based on the best of local produce - and genuine hospitality.
Tuesday - Saturday 6.30pm - 10.00pm
Open Sundays of Bank Holiday
weekends and June - September
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
By car, Lacken House is located on the main Dublin/Carlow Road (N10). By foot, 5 to 10 minutes from Kilkenny city centre. By train, exit train station and turn left. Walk up the hill about 500 metres and Lacken House is on the left hand side.
CHOOSE US
Lacken House has 12 luxury Guest Rooms, whilst its award-winning Restaurant is listed in all the main Good Food/Restaurant Guides.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Lacken House offers table d'hote and á la carte selection, Our specialities range from our Roast Crispy Duck with sultana and orange sauce to our local Kilkenny Lamb with basil and herb crust.
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LANGTON HOUSE HOTEL
69 John Street, Kilkenny County Council
T: 056 7765133 F: 056 7763693
E: reservations@langtons.ie
www.langtons.ie
A large bar and restaurant in the centre of the city, Langtons offer a lively, middle of the road dining experience and good
food without frills - and sound value for money.
Lunch 12pm - 3pm
Bar food 3pm - 9pm
Dinner 6pm - 10.30pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
Located on John St., in the heart of Kilkenny City just over the River Nore, a mere 5 minute walk from Kilkenny Castle.
CHOOSE US
A large bar, restaurant and hotel, Langtons know its market and looks after it well. Friendly staff show you to your table, where menus are read in a busy cheerful atmosphere which is appropriate to the cuisine offered at Langtons.
OUR SPECIALITIES
The Langton style salmon stuffed mushrooms entrée, our Kilkenny lamb stew as a main course and the Brown bread and Baileys ice-cream gateaux are some of the dishes which Langtons is famously renowned for.
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PARIS TEXAS CAFÉ BAR
92 High Street, Kilkenny
T: 056 7761822 F: 056 7771201
E: paristexas@eircom.net
Just the kind of place young people love for a night out, with highly spiced Tex-Mex food, plenty of choice in
drinks, music and television screens.
Daily 12noon to 9.30pm (last orders)
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
From the Parade - 50 yards up High Street on right.
CHOOSE US
We are in the heart of the shopping area, near City Hall (The Tholsel), around the corner from the Tourist Office.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Steaks
Tex-Mex
Carvery Lunch
Food All Day
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PEARLS
10 Irishtown, Kilkenny
T: 056 7723322 F: 056 7723322
E: jamestsai@eircom.net
www.geocities.com/pearls8chinese/
A brightly lit, friendly restaurant and bar, Pearls caters for all tastes - and is very popular with locals who appreciate
the good quality Chinese and Thai food offered.
Monday to Friday 12.30pm - 2.30pm 5.30pm to midnight
Saturday 5.30pm - midnight
Sunday 1pm - midnight
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
From High Street go straight down, passing the City Hall, Courthouse and Brewery. Continue to T-junction traffic lights and we are on the right-hand corner.
CHOOSE US
From Pearls there is straight access to the road steps leading to St. Canice's Cathedral. Smithwick's Brewery is right behind us and the Watergate Theatre is just 100 yards away.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Chinese Restaurant & Bar specialising in Cantonese dishes, steamed fresh fish, aromatic duck, sizzling steaks. Also new Thai menu available.
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RESTAURANT CAFÉ SOL
William Street, Kilkenny
T: 056 7764987 F: 056 7764987
E: info@cafesolkilkenny.com
www.cafesolkilkenny.com
A daytime café and night-time restaurant, Café Sol is well located for people around the city during the day, but is up a side street and might be missed - it is well worth seeking out, both for its colourful international food and lively atmosphere.
Sunday Lunch 12 noon to 6pm
Monday 10am to 6pm
Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 10pm
Open for dinner on Sundays of Bank Holiday and Festival weekends
WINE LICENCE
FIND US
William Street is opposite the Tholsel (City Hall) on High Street.
CHOOSE US
Café Sol is an intimate bistro restaurant that radiates warmth with a friendly welcoming staff. It is an unpretentious restaurant offering quality food, wine and service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
"Arguably the best place to eat in Kilkenny, whether you want a quick lunch or a leisurely evening meal. The emphasis is on fresh, local ingredients; there's plenty of fish on the menu and always some good vegetarian options." Rough Guide to Ireland 2004 "one of the most appealing eateries in Ireland" Frommer s Ireland 2004
OUR SPECIALITIES
Contemporary Irish Award winning cuisine with a Mediterranean influence.
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RINUCCINI RESTAURANT
1 The Parade, Kilkenny
T: 056 7761575 F: 056 7751288
E: info@rinuccini.com
Web: www.rinuccini.com
A visit to this fine restaurant near the castle is always a treat: excellent classic Italian food in a lively atmosphere,
with efficient, attentive service even at the busiest of times. Kilkenny is fortunate to have an authentic Italian restaurant
of this calibre.
Lunch 12pm - 2.30pm
Dinner 6pm - 10.30pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
City Centre opposite Kilkenny Castle
CHOOSE US
"Best Pasta I've ever had anywhere including Italy" Liz Ryan, Evening Herald "Food is characterised by freshness of ingredients and a high standard of cooking" Tipperary Water Guide to Ireland "The cities best restaurant" Insight Pocket Guide
OUR SPECIALITIES
Award winning chef/proprietor Antonio Cavaliere Chef of the Year 03/04, specialises in classic Italian Cuisine, from his native home. Homemade fresh pasta, fresh lobster, prawns, scallops etc veal, steaks, duck, chicken and lots more.
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Click here to view our Christmas Menu
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THE MARBLE CITY BAR
66 High Street, Kilkenny
T: 056 7761143
E: langton@iol.ie
www.langtons.ie
This famous old pub has had a designer make-over and is now a busy café-bar - no bookings, but tables turn over quickly so
waiting times are quite short. A lively, topical menu and the mixed clientèle (all ages and walks of life) add to the enjoyment
for visitors. A great asset to Kilkenny.
Daily 10am - 8.30pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
Located on the main street coming from the Castle we are 100 yards after the Town Hall
CHOOSE US
Great value and exceptionally good food served throughout the day. Centrally located in the heart of the main shopping area of High Street, with ample parking to the rear of the building
OUR SPECIALITIES
Oven roasted salmon on sweet potato mash, all local ingredients used i.e. Kilkenny Lavistown cheeses. Awarded the Food Luncheon award.
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THE PANTRY
Kieran Street, Kilkenny
T: 056 7762250 F: 056 7762250
E: thepantrykk@eircom.net
This busy café offers an all-day casual dining experience; their freshly cooked food - home made soup, hot main
courses - is wholesome and good value.
Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm
FIND US
The Pantry is opposite Dunnes Stores. Take either of the slips off High Street onto Kieran Street and The Pantry is on the opposite side to Dunnes Stores.
CHOOSE US
Kieran Street is a lovely pedestrian street with lots of interesting shops - clothes, shoes, interior design, Jewellery, home furnishings and Dunnes Stores
OUR SPECIALITIES
Home cooked foods, chicken loaf, meat loaf, vol a vents, fries, burgers, omelettes cooked to order. Fresh breads, pastries and desserts made on the premises.
No cards accepted
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THE RAFTER DEMPSEY'S
4 Friary Street, Kilkenny
T: 056 7722970 F: 056 7789797
rafterdempseys@eircom.net
For those in the mood for traditional bar food in a typical Irish pub, this is the place to visit.
Weekdays 10.30am - 7pm
Friday and Saturday 10.30am - 8pm
May-Sept 10.30am - 9pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
On Friary Street just twenty metres off the High Street
CHOOSE US
Just one minute's walk from the Castle and the Tourist Office. Just 20 metres off the High Street shopping area.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Home cooked foods such as Bacon & Cabbage, Meatloaf, Homemade Lasagna, Roast Rib of Beef, Beer Battered Fillet of Cod.
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WATERSIDE
The Quay, Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny
T: 059 9724246 F: 059 9724733
E: info@watersideguesthouse.com
www.watersideguesthouse.com
Visitors to County Kilkenny would be well advised to allow enough time to fit in a night or two in the lovely riverside village
of Graiguenamangh - and this aptly named restaurant with rooms overlooking the River Barrow makes a most enjoyable
place for a meal. Appealing menus, sound cooking, attentive service: unmissable.
Light lunches Daytime Summer only
Summer 7nights from 6.30pm
Winter nights Friday and Saturday only from 6.30pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
At the heart of Graiguenamanagh, Waterside is prominently located close to the bridge, take the R705 coming from New Ross Direction, or R703 from Thomastown.
CHOOSE US
The Waterside is in a 19th Century Granite Cornstore on the banks of the River Barrow in the medieval river town of Graiguenamanagh amidst beautiful valleys and super hill-walking in the Blackstairs mountains.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Irish & Continental cuisine featuring game in season, local specialties such as smoked eel and an extensive international wine list.
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ZUNI RESTAURANT AND TOWNHOUSE
26 Patrick Street, Kilkenny.
T: 056 7723999 F: 056 7756400
E: info@zuni.ie
www.zuni.ie
This smart contemporary restaurant enjoys a particularly attractive and convenient central location and offers a highly
enjoyable contemporary dining experience - with the bonus of having terrace tables available in fine weather.
Lunch Thursday t0 Saturday 12.30 - 2.30pm
Dinner Monday to Saturday 6.30pm - 10pm
Sunday Lunch 1 - 3pm
Sunday Dinner 6 - 9pm
FULL BAR LICENCE
FIND US
City centre location off main shopping street - 100 yards up Patrick Street on right hand side
CHOOSE US
Sublime food served in our striking restaurant, a room with a wonderful feeling of space, tastefully designed with a subtle open plan kitchen. The attention to detail in the furniture and fittings, the sense of light, and of course the wonderful food, create a unique dining experience. Whether you're here for lunch or dinner you'll love the restaurant either way.
OUR SPECIALITIES
Modern Irish food with Middle Eastern and Asian influences. Try our Early Evening menu for excellent value.
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