Don’t you know that Kinsale is known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland? It means when it comes to food, this quaint and picturesque little town is the place to visit!
You’re on the right track if you’re reading this. We’re going to explore Kinsale’s food spots and let you know what they have to offer and why they’re worth your visit.
And with this—let’s start!
Average Cost of a Meal at a Restaurant in Kinsale
According to various travellers who recently travelled to Kinsale, the average food cost for an entire day for the three major meals is around €45-50. However, since Kinsale is the culinary capital of Ireland, you might spend more than you intend to.
There are several cafes and restaurants in town, and they’re all worth a visit.
Top Restaurants in Kinsale:
We’re listing down the best restaurants in town using the following criteria:
1. The White Lady Restaurant
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The restaurant’s name might sound scary, but The White Lady Restaurant is nothing like a horror movie or entity. In fact, the only thing we think you should be scared about is how to get out of the food coma you’ll be in after visiting the restaurant!
For one, it’s known to serve really well-seasoned and freshly cooked food. It’s also in a prime location so it’s near several attractions and just the perfect place to stop by after you’re tired from your tour.
The regular customers whom we talked to recommended trying The White Lady’s seafood chowder and steak. And we actually agree, most especially with the steak—probably one of the best versions we’ve ever eaten!
But just in case steak is too rich for you, you have other options. The White Lady has a wide range of international and local food to try, and you’ll never go wrong with anything in terms of flavour and quantity.
The staff are lovely as well, and they make sure to attend to your needs and even recommend dishes if you have no idea which to try. However, we also want to warn you that it sometimes takes long for food to arrive, which can be bothersome to the hungry.
Also, we recommend booking in advance or coming in early at least. The restaurant accepts walk-ins and makes sure you let yourself wait somewhere cosy for your table, but if you don’t like waiting, reservation is the key!
Pros
- Long opening hours
- Near several local attractions
- Has a Jazz Bar
- Lovely atmosphere
- Well-seasoned and well-cooked food
- Serves international cuisines
- Decent portions
- Accepts walk-ins
- Friendly staff
Cons
- Long wait for service
- Small tables
Customer Reviews
Serves tasty international cuisine
We had a table for 4 in the bar area which is a golf-themed room with a very relaxing atmosphere. Tony was an outstanding host and made us all feel welcome. The food was outstanding. 2 of us had wonderful t-bones that were top-notch. The other two had Asian dishes that were also excellent. In a spot with a lot of good restaurants, we might have picked the best one. Highly recommend.— Delmar, Trip Advisor
Accommodates walk-ins
Walked around looking for a place to eat and ended up coming across The White Lady. We didn’t have a reservation and they were fully booked but the owner Anthony sat us at the bar until he had a table open up that we could sit at. He was extremely welcoming and friendly to us! We got drinks at the bar and once a table opened up Anthony sat us immediately. We placed our order and the food was amazing. I got the crispy chilli beef with noodles. I nearly licked the plate clean it was so good! We also ordered the steak, coconut chicken, and another chicken dish. We are ALL of it. Anthony is incredible and if you have the chance definitely come check this place out and chat with Anthony! We love it! Thanks Anthony!— Alexis Brady, Google Reviews
2. Fishy Fishy Kinsale
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Fishy Fishy Kinsale might sound like a shop from a fairytale, but there’s nothing fishy about what it can offer. This restaurant in Kinsale is known for its extensive seafood menu and the quality which you’ll never be able to forget after you dine in!
Some of the customers we talked to had nothing but good words for Fishy Fishy’s seafood menu. They told us they loved how they could taste the flavours so well it could only mean one thing—the restaurant would only use fresh ingredients for their dishes!
Another thing worth noting to us is that the restaurant has a great wine collection. You can choose anything that matches your food, which will pretty much add to the satisfaction you’ll feel.
We also love the fact that it has a kids’ menu. Even the pickiest kid eater will enjoy eating at the restaurant.
In terms of the atmosphere, it has a lovely and relaxing interior that adds to the cosy ambience. But just in case you want to enjoy the vicinity, you can also sit outside because the restaurant has outside seating.
Prices are reasonable as well. You don’t have to go way out of budget just to enjoy a meal at Fishy Fishy.
Just make sure you reserve in advance since it can get quite full! Also, bring a little patience when you can if you arrive on busy hours—it might be difficult to get the attention of the staff because of too many customers.
Pros
- Has outside seating
- Has a kids’ menu
- Warm atmosphere
- Lovely and relaxing interior
- Wide range of seafood menu
- Extensive cocktail menu
- Food is served warm and fresh
- Accessible
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- Needs reservations
- Difficult to call for the servers’ attention
Customer Reviews
Aesthetically pleasing which adds to the warm vibe of the place
Absolutely super restaurant that was beautifully and tastefully decorated, and gave great service and superb food. We ate in several restaurants in Kinsale during our holiday and ‘Fishy Fishy’ was far superior to the others in every way – from being aesthetically stunning, with well-trained and well-presented staff that gave the best service and served food that lived up to its great reputation. If we visit Kinsale again, we’ll be sure to book this restaurant every single night. Can’t recommend it highly enough.—Wirral, Trip Advisor
Flavourful seafood menu
Dining at this Kinsale seafood restaurant was a delightful experience. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, the service exceptional, and the coastal setting added to the charm. A must-visit for seafood lovers!—Happiness, Trip Advisor
3. The Black Pig
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Are you craving for tapas? If yes, The Black Pig is the place to go—it arguably has the best tapas in town according to both locals and tourists we’re able to talk to!
In fact, according to them, the tapas are a must-order. Flavourful and well-seasoned, it’s one of the signature dishes of Black Pig that goes so well with its cocktail menu.
Speaking of the menu, if you’re not into tapas, you don’t have to worry! The restaurant has a wide range of modern European culinary dishes that even the pickiest eater will have something to order.
Another thing we love about Black Pig is that it has such a charming atmosphere. It makes the place cosy and relaxing—the perfect ambience if you want to enjoy your food while having small conversations.
We love that the place is clean too—including the bathroom—which adds another point. There’s relaxing background music as well which is just loud enough to add to the warmth of the place.
The staff can be quite inattentive during peak hours because the place can really get busy. However, they’re also very accommodating, so when you need help, just call on them and they’ll assist you or make recommendations if you don’t know what to order!
Just don’t expect huge portions! Some customers complain about not having enough serving to even share, but we still think it’s worth splurging on just because of the quality.
Pros
- Extensive food and wine lists
- Clean bathroom
- Charming atmosphere
- Well-seasoned and well-plated food
- Best tapas in town
- Knowledgeable staff who make good recommendations
- Relaxing background music
Cons
- Small portions
- Some staff are too busy to be attentive to customers
Customer Reviews
Best tapas in town
Without a doubt, one of our best dining experiences. Tapas portions are brilliantly prepared and a wine list is rarely seen. While reservations are recommended well in advance, they have 2 tables and a bar for walk-ins. But queue up at 5 to get a seat. It’s worth the wait!—Paul Wichmani, Google Reviews
Varied food and drink menus
One of the best meals I have ever had! We booked ahead based on Trip Advisor reviews and we were blown away by the quality of food and varied menu. We had 7 small plates between 3 of us with lashings of red wine. Simply outstanding and the bathroom area smells amazing! Can’t wait to return when next in Kinsale!—Jaz, Trip Advisor
4. The Spaniard
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If you ask us, The Spaniard isn’t only about the food—it’s also about the ambience. This restaurant in Kinsale is located in a charming, quiet street with a lovely vicinity—perfect for a relaxing dine-in.
According to its regular patrons, The Spaniard has such a warm atmosphere you’ll feel like you’re family. The staff are very accommodating and the owners are very hospital—they always have stories and jokes to pass around!
The food is amazing—local Irish food which is always served fresh and warm. Ordering local pints is also recommended because they go well with the savoury dishes!
We love the large servings as well so you’d better come hungry! Some of the menu items are quite pricey, but we think it’s still a good value for money especially if you’re going for taste, portion, and experience.
In terms of customer service, we think The Spaniard trains its staff well not to dwindle with their attentiveness even during busy hours. The food is served quickly and it’s easy to call for their attention if you need assistance.
It’s not pet-friendly though so if you plan on dining in, it’s better not to bring your furry friends. Also, The Spaniard has a limited vegetarian menu so that’s also one thing you might want to consider if you have companions who have dietary restrictions.
Pros
- Kid-friendly
- Accommodating staff
- Large servings
- Hospitable owners
- Well-seasoned food
- Lovely establishment
- Warm atmosphere
- Quick arrival of food
Cons
- Some menu items are pricey
- Limited vegetarian menu
- Not pet-friendly
Customer Reviews
Timely served warm food
The customer experience from the time we waited to be seated at a table to our departure the customer service was exceptional. The food was beautifully cooked and served in a timely manner and nothing was a problem. The staff were very attentive and in particular Pat the Manager. Pat ensured that our dining experience at the Spaniard was a memorable one and we will definitely be returning. Well done to everyone at The Spaniard for a 10 out of 10 customer experience.—Venue, Trip Advisor
Generous portions and flavourful food
We had a delicious meal at The Spaniard. All the food was fresh and full of flavour and the portion sizes were very generous. Both the Thai curry and the brie starter were amazing. We were welcomed like family by all of the friendly staff. The bar felt very cosy and we loved the sense of history from the original 17th century features. We loved it so much that we came back for lunch the next day.— Jennifer, Trip Advisor
5. Cosy Cafe
| WEBSITE | https://www.cosycafe.net/ |
| ADDRESS | Church Square, Sleveen, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 KP21 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +(021) 470 0685 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday l 08:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday l 08:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday l Closed |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Our experience at Cosy Cafe was delightful. They provided excellent service, with friendly staff who were attentive to our needs. The efficiency of their operations ensured that we were promptly seated and served.
We were impressed by the quality of the food at Cosy Cafe. Each dish was freshly prepared and bursting with flavor. From breakfast classics to lunch specials, every item on the menu exceeded our expectations.
The ambiance at Cosy Cafe added to the overall dining experience. The cozy atmosphere and charming decor made us feel right at home. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family.
In terms of cost, Cosy Cafe offered reasonable prices for the quality of food and service provided. We found the menu to be affordable, with options to suit every budget. It was refreshing to dine at a restaurant where we felt we were getting great value for our money.
Overall, we highly recommend Cosy Cafe for anyone looking for a satisfying dining experience. Their combination of excellent service, delicious food, inviting ambiance, and affordability makes them a top choice in the area. Our visit to Cosy Cafe left us thoroughly satisfied, and we look forward to returning again soon.
Pros
- Accommodating staff
- Hospitable owners
- Warm atmosphere
- Quick arrival of food
Cons
- Busy during peak days
6. High Tide
| WEBSITE | https://hightidekinsale.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 3 Main Street Kinsale Co. Cork Ireland |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 083 0445676 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Wed: 09:00‑11:45 & 17:30‑21:00 Thu: Closed Fri: 17:30‑21:00 Sat: 09:00‑11:45 & 17:30‑21:00 Sun: 12:00‑15:00 Mon to Tue: Closed |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Our dining experience at High Tide in Kinsale was absolutely delightful. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the attentive staff and seated promptly. The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting, with cozy seating arrangements and charming decor creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Transitioning to the quality of services, we were impressed by the level of professionalism and hospitality displayed by the staff throughout our meal. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations, ensuring that our dining preferences were met. The attention to detail and genuine care for the customers’ dining experience were evident in every interaction.
In terms of efficiency, High Tide excelled in delivering prompt and efficient service without sacrificing quality. Our orders were taken promptly, and our food was served in a timely manner, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling rushed. The staff maintained a seamless flow of service, attending to our needs promptly while ensuring that we had everything we required.
Moving on to affordability, we found High Tide to offer excellent value for the quality of food and service provided. The menu featured a diverse selection of dishes to suit various tastes and budgets, with reasonable pricing that made dining at High Tide accessible to a wide range of diners.
Our overall experience at High Tide was nothing short of exceptional. From the quality of services to the efficiency of operations and affordability of the menu, High Tide stands out as a top choice for dining in Kinsale. We highly recommend High Tide to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in a charming seaside setting.
Pros
- Accommodating staff
- Hospitable owners
- Warm atmosphere
- Quick arrival of food
Cons
- Busy during peak days
7. Bastion
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Staff professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If you’re looking for an intimate, quiet place to dine, we recommend Bastion at Main Street. It’s a Michelin-rated restaurant for a reason, so in terms of service and food—you won’t be disappointed!
In fact, according to its loyal customers, Bastion serves the best food in terms of flavours and presentation—worthy of its title. The taste is always spot-on—the food is well-seasoned and cooked to perfection.
We love that the chefs at Bastion take advantage of the local and fresh produce. They elevate simple ingredients and turn them into amazing global dishes that your taste buds will never be able to forget for a long time.
The food is presented nicely as well. We love that the chefs take time to make sure the food doesn’t only appeal to the taste buds but also to the eyes—it shows the effort they put into each and every meal!
The customer service is great as well! The staff are very attentive to the customers’ concerns and they are also very knowledgeable about the menu—you can ask them for recommendations if you don’t know what to order!
We just want to emphasise though that dining in at Bastion requires strict reservations. It’s always fully booked days in advance, so we recommend timing your booking.
Also, don’t expect huge servings of your food. If you’re a big eater, you might be a little dissatisfied with the small portions.
Pros
- Michelin star restaurant
- Charming interior
- Relaxing and quiet atmosphere
- Accommodating and attentive staff
- Good food
- Great wine list
- Lovely food presentation
- Elevates simple and fresh ingredients to culinary wonder dishes
Cons
- Strictly requires advance table booking
- Small servings
Customer Reviews
Impeccable service
We had a wonderful evening at Bastion last night. The restaurant room is charming, the food was beautifully presented and delicious. Helen, Paul and Pierre combined friendliness with impeccable service. A memorable night for us.—Paul, Trip Advisor
Creative food presentation
The service was superb, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. The presentation was excellent. The food was extraordinarily good. The rack of lamb was amazing. The chef deserves more than one star. The dining room is comfortable and quiet. Chef McDonald’s creativity is outstanding, combining simple ingredients with surprising results, such as trout with beets and langoustines with apples, buttermilk and horseradish.—Jerry O, Trip Advisor