And with a click of a finger, January became February.
Last month’s list of places to go for lunch went down so well that we’re back for a second course with six different spots you could be trying for lunch in Kilkenny this month. We’ve got another 10 months of the year to get through, and countless spots to get a bite in so remember that this list is by no means exhaustive. No sooner were January’s recommendations published when the phone started ringing asking “Where’s this restaurant?”, “You forgot to put such and such on”. I know, I know. We’ll get there.
Each month I’m trying to mix it up with some of the obvious and not-so-obvious, but at the very least I’m hoping these six suggestions will give you food for thought and might encourage you through the doors of somewhere you’ve not tried previously. Let’s take a look at February’s picks.
1. Arán Bakery & Bistro
Barrack St., Kilkenny
I think I’ve made three trips to Arán’s deli, opposite the restaurant, in the past month. An eatery that doesn’t need much of an introduction for locals, Arán’s impact on the Kilkenny food scene was immediate, most welcome, and is ever-developing. Opening in 2019, Arán arrived in a whirlwind of sourdough goodness, navigated Covid, scooped countless awards, expanded to a second operation across the road, continue to hit markets, host restaurant nights and more.
Whether it’s the French toast, breakfast sandwich with John Joe Cullen’s rashers and sausages (butcher across the road-ish), the brunch burrito, Eggs Benny, Buddha Bowl or anything else for that matter, there’s plenty to choose from with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options also available. Expect it to be jammers at the weekend. It’s walk-ins only for brunch unless you’re coming with a group (in which case, make a booking). Open Wednesday-Monday from 9/9.30am. Deli available from 7am.
For lunch, you’ve loads to choose from and I challenge you to leave without a cake or pastry for afters.
2. Billy Byrne’s
John St., Kilkenny
Around the corner-ish from Arán / at the top of John Street (opposite the train station if that’s how you get to Kilkenny), you’ll find Billy Byrne’s, a veritable melting pot of music and food goodness. If you’re lunching early, you might be lucky enough to get in on the tail end of the breakfast menu (starts around 9am, finishes at midday) where the vegan breakfast with falafel, mushrooms, tomato, tofu scrambled egg, guacamole, beans, roast garlic and onion hummus and more ticks a lot of boxes.
On the lunch front, there’s plenty to savour with a light bites menu available right through the day covering soups, wraps and pittas, wings, a buddha bowl, and chicken caesar, on to the more belly-busting beef burger, fish & chips, chicken burger (with streaky bacon and avocado) and an 8oz sirloin steak. If you miss lunch, there are pizza options after 5pm.
3. Tower & Castle
John St, Kilkenny
You’d nearly eat their Instagram profile at times when you see some of the plates coming out at Tower & Castle. I realise I’m quite John Street heavy for February’s list but having had a belter of a breakfast here to start the month, I’m tipping Tower & Castle for lunch this month as well.
There’s a new Chicken Caesar Sandwich (with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado and Parmesan) served on sourdough from Mueller & O’Connell in Abbeyleix, or the pulled pork blaa (looks to die for). You can also pick up an avocado & halloumi salad, a toasted vegan wrap, three cheese toastie, their all-day breakfast blaa and the Green Goddess Tuna Melt. Majority of the lunch menu is €12 including a tea or Americano, with €16 getting you the lunch combo of soup of the day, sandwich of choice and coffee/tea of choice – decent going on the wallet.
4. Zuni
Patrick St., Kilkenny
Another eatery that needs no introduction on the food front to locals, but no harm to remind you that you can lunch here (and now do breakfast from 8.30am, as well as a top-class dinner).
I’d encourage you to read the menu in full but when it comes to Zuni, I usually end up losing myself at the slow cooked pork belly or the featherblade. There’s soup every day, salad options including a dinger of the beetroot and goat cheese salad, fish cakes or tempura Goatsbridge trout to start. On the mains end of things, joining the pork belly and featherblade are a turmeric & ginger hummus (with bulgar wheat quinoa, edamame, spiced chickpeas, picked carrots, garlic flat bread), their beer-battered fish & chips and a salmon fillet. If you’re lunching for two but fancy sharing a main course, there’s a €2 surcharge.
Dinner awaits me later this month but if you fancy a quality lunch in a quality setting, you know where to look.
5. Pennefeather
High St., Kilkenny
When you’re done in the Book Centre downstairs, or you’re looking for a lunch option on High Street, pop your head upstairs to Pennyfeather Cafe. It’s been a staple on the street for years, but if you’ve not been in over the past year or two, you’ll notice a wealth of changes. On the lunch front, go cheeky with the loaded fries (available with vegan cheese and tofu), honey wings, a buddha bowl (thematic this month) or their signature smash burger. There are also plenty of wrap and sandwich options available and a kids menu suited for under tens.
As an aside, they’ve also teamed up again this year with Jason Quan, have a whole whack of healthy and protein-packed options going on the breakfast menu along with a Saturday running club no less.
6. Louie’s Café & Wine Bar
Patrick St., Kilkenny
An ideal spot for breakfast or lunch, Louie’s is part of the Left Bank / Rive Gauche universe and you can tell the minute you walk in the door. The soup is on from 11am with sweet or savoury waffles, their brunch bap (with Paddy Kenna around the corner supplying the goods) available across the day. Jump into the Hallouminator sandwich, chicken coronation wrap, the house club, or make your own poke bowl. Come the summer, with the loading bay outside given over to seating, this place can be buzzing.
Louies.ie and online ordering here.
Where are you eating this month?
So those are my shouts for somewhere to eat this month. 12 down, a bucket-load more to go. What about you? Have you somewhere that’s an absolute must when it comes for somewhere for lunch in Kilkenny? Is there one place that you simply can’t get enough of? Sound off in the comments below and let me know!
Just had a fab late lunch@tabutapas in Thomastown. Try the soft shell crab bao buns. Absolutely yummy on a bank holiday Monday.
Sounds like my kind of lunch! For certain they’re on the March list 😀