12 Kinsale Restaurants That Are Always 10/10 (2024)

Proudly donning the title ‘Ireland’s Gourmet Capital’, there are, unsurprisingly enough, a number of exceptional restaurants in Kinsale.

Kinsale’s colourful streets are a big hit among both international and domestic tourists, with hundreds of thousands flocking to the town each year.

And, while visitors can look forward to the town’s scenic setting, it’s the outstanding places to eat in Kinsale that often steal the show.

Below, you’ll discover the Kinsale restaurants that I find myself returning to, from Michelin-starred eats to outstanding pub fare.

The best restaurants in Kinsale

I’ve rewritten this guide towhat I thinkare the best restaurants in Kinsalemanytimes over the years, and I’ll continue to do so.

It tends to change after each of my visits to the town. Disagree with any of the below? Let me know in the comments. Enjoy!

1. Man Friday

You’ll findMan Friday at the townland of Scilly, a 10-minute stroll from the town centre along the Quay.

One of the longest-running places to eat in Kinsale, it has been operated by the Horgan family since 1978, and this tenure can be felt from the moment you walk through its doors.

As is the case with many of the best restaurants in Kinsale, seafood excels at Man Friday (though they do a fine steak, too!).

Two of their standout dishes are the Grilled Fillet of Hake (a delicate and flaky fish paired with a rich, creamy risotto) and the Confit Pork Belly (its succulent texture is enhanced by a sweet and tangy glaze.

Tip: On warm days, there’s a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can munch away while gazing out across the water

2. The Black Pig

The Black Pig Wine Bar is one of the fancier places to eat in Kinsale and you’ll find it down near the harbour, one street back from the water.

The interior is dimly lit, creating an immediate sense of intimacy. On cooler evenings, a stove crackles away, adding to the ambiance.

Although there is seating inside, the courtyard is worth experiencing. It feels more like something you’d stumble upon in Lake Garda or somewhere far more tropical.

Food-wise, you’re in for a treat. Try the Pan Fried Dublin Bay Prawns, cooked in a garlic and chilli butter, if you fancy fish, or the Organic Garryhinch Mushrooms on Toast with aged Parmesan for something heartier.

Book ahead: This is one of the more popular restaurants in Kinsale, so make a reservation to avoid disappointment

3. Fishy Fishy

Fishy Fishy is unsurprisingly enough, one of the best restaurants in Kinsale for seafood, and is located right on the harbour.

Head chef owner Martin Shanahan is one of Ireland’s leading seafood chefs, with several TV series and books to his name, and a long career, culminating in Fishy Fishy.

The award-winning, Michelin Plate restaurant serves up some of the best seafood in town and the daily specials vary depending on the catch of day.

Spread over 2 levels, the restaurant was previously an art gallery, and art still adorns the walls, along with a plethora of fishy memorabilia.

Try the Blue Room: Fishy Fishy’s wine bar that serves small plates alongside a packed wine and co*cktail menu

4. Bastion

While there are manyexcellentKinsale restaurants, only one has a Michelin Star –Bastion just off Main St.

Inside, the decor is restrained but tasteful, with flickering candlelight creating a cosy, intimate vibe.

Run by chef Paul and his wife Helen, who takes care of front of house, Bastion is a poky venue that packs a punchfar beyond its size.

At the time of typing, there’s a ‘Discovery Menu’ (4 course evening meal) and a signature tasting menu that is served over 3 hours.

Fancy a pre-meal drink? Bastion is a 1-minute stroll from The Tap Tavern – one of the best pubs in Kinsale

5. Finns’ Farmcut

You can’t miss Finns’ Farmcut (previously Finns’ Table) on Main St. thanks to its bright purple exterior.

The menu at Finns’ is reassuringly small and changes with the seasons. However, one thing that remains constant is their brilliantly cooked beef.

The secret? ‘Bertha’, Finns’ charcoal oven that blazes away at 350-400 degrees with American oak.

Menu highlights include their sticky pork ribs, the surf and turf and the leek and truffle mac’ n cheese.

Fancy fish? Look out for the daily fish special, courtesy of the waters of West Cork

6. Saint Francis Provisions

Saint Francis Provisions is one of the smaller restaurants Kinsale has to offer, but it has been making real waves since opening in 2019.

In 2023, this 13-seat restaurant was honoured with a Bib Gourmand distinction by the Michelin Guide, which should give you a sense of what to expect!

Their innovative menu changes daily, so I can’t tell you what will be on it when you visit, but I can promise that whatever they are serving will exceed your expectations.

They are known for dishes with a distinctive Mediterranean twist that are simply constructed but crafted with both excellence and precision.

7. The Bulman Bar

The Bulman Bar (a 30-minute walk from the town) is one of my favourite pubs in Kinsale, but there’s far more on offer than a great pint.

The restaurant, like the bar, is brimming with character, with traditional charm meeting contemporary comfort.

Just 10 meters from the ocean, seafood is the main attraction, and a team of award-winning chefs whip up an incredible menu that changes depending on what’s been reeled in.

Freshly caught lobster, oysters, prawns, fish and more are regular features on the menu, but there’s also Irish pies and a wealth of other traditional Irish dishes.

Tip: If you do the Scilly Walk, you can grab a bite to eat at the Bulman at the halfway point before continuing on to Charles Fort!

8. Max’s Seafood

Max’s is one of three restaurants in Kinsale to be awarded the Michelin Plate. It’s run by owner Anne-Marie, who manages the front of house, and her husband, head chef Olivier.

Here, you’ll find French cuisine with an Irish twist, featuring dishes that use foraged mushrooms, self-caught razor clams, and many other ingredients collected just feet from the restaurant.

The indoor dining area is sleek and modern, while the garden patio offers a tranquil escape from the town’s hustle and bustle.

The daily specials change with the seasons, making the most of the best seafood available. Besides seafood, you can also enjoy a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes.

9. The Supper Club

The Supper Club is the newest addition to this Kinsale restaurants guide, having been included in the most recent iteration.

Run by Tom and Grainne Kay, it first opened in March 2016 and relocated to its current, colourful location in 2018.

Expect a comfortable setting, attentive service and a good mix (terrible pub unfortunately intended…) of well-priced co*cktails.

For starters, the Steamed Taiwanese Bao Buns are a showstopper. For mains, it’ll be a tough choice between the Hampshire Pork 2 Ways and the Roast Fillet of Hake!

Visiting the town? Find loads to see and do in our Kinsale attractions guide

10. Bruno’s Italian Eatery

Next up is one of the better-known Kinsale restaurants (both due to its very quirky exterior and the hearty food they dish-up!) Bruno’s

I know what you’re going to say — why go to Kinsale to eat Italian grub? Well, when you’ve grown up on a diet of Irish stew, sometimes you yearn for something a little different..!

The wood-fired pizzas are the main draw, but there’s an ever-changing menu of pasta and salad dishes as well.

A fantastic selection of artisanal Italian wines pairs perfectly with the amazing food, making dinner at Bruno’s a reliable choice for a feed!

11. O’Herlihys

Originally established as a pub in 1864, OHK has been run by the same family ever since. Nowadays, it operates as a cafe, and cultural and creative hot spot, run by sisters Sarah and Carol.

Now, when some people see a ‘cafe’ in a restaurant guide they immediately disregard it. However, it’ll be their loss in this case as OHK is exceptional.

Using specially selected artisanal produce from Cork, they serve delicious meals for breakfast and lunch, as well as tempting cakes and baked goods.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Kinsale in a relaxed environment with top-notch service and grub, get yourself here!

12. High Tide

High Tide is another good option to enjoy the delights of the ocean.

The family run, chef owned restaurant has a strong focus on seafood, though meat lovers can enjoy a hefty 10oz ribeye steak, and vegetarians are also catered for.

They create daily specials depending on what has been caught that day, as well as their seasonal a la carte menu, which features delights such as Thai-style monkfish curry.

The restaurant itself is cosy and welcoming, with friendly staff and excellent service. Plus, the prices are decent, especially with such a central location.

Explore beyond the Kinsale restaurants

Know you know where to eat in Kinsale, it’s time to look at what to do (see my Kinsale hotels or my guides if you need a place to stay!).

There are plentyof things to do in Kinsale, including:

• James Fort
• Charles Fort
• The Old Head of Kinsale
• Kinsale Beach

What Kinsale restaurants have I missed? Let me know in the comments below!