Kilkenny’s Best in Food and Hospitality Celebrated at the Irish Restaurant Awards Leinster Regional Final 2025

The very best of the food and hospitality sector in Kilkenny and Leinster were honoured last night at the Irish Restaurant Awards Leinster Regional Final 2025. Held at the Killashee Hotel in Naas on Tuesday evening, 11th March, the event saw over 1,000 guests gather to celebrate the unveiling of the Leinster winners.

In Kilkenny city, Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro had a standout night, winning in two categories: ‘Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine’ and ‘Innovator of the Year’.

Langtons Kilkenny was named ‘Best Gastro Pub in Kilkenny’. “We are beyond thrilled,” Langtons posted to social media. “A huge thank you to our incredible team and wonderful customers,” they said. This adds to their other recent win of ‘Best Civil Ceremony Wedding Venue’ for 2025.

Other winners from Kilkenny included Knockdrinna Café in Stoneyford, which collected the ‘Best Café’ award, and The Greenhouse Bar & Eatery at Mountain View in Ballyhale, which picked up the ‘Best Sustainable Practices’ award. Tabú in Thomastown scooped ‘Best World Cuisine’, while the Dizzy Goat Restaurant near Owning was named ‘Best Newcomer’.

On the individual front, Tracie Daly was honoured as Kilkenny’s Local Food Hero, and Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant’s John Kelly was named ‘Best Chef’. Kilkenny’s other Michelin-star restaurant, Campagne, was again named ‘Best Restaurant’.

The county winners in a range of categories will now advance to the All-Ireland final in May, with winners set to be announced at the All-Ireland Irish Restaurant Awards Gala Dinner in Dublin on 19th May.