
Petronella
Experience modern Irish and European cuisine in the historic heart of Kilkenny, within a charming medieval setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Petronella

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience modern Irish and European cuisine in the historic heart of Kilkenny, within a charming medieval setting.
Book in Advance
Secure your table by making reservations, especially during busy periods or for special occasions.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the recommended signature dishes like the brie or hake for a truly memorable culinary journey.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Irish and European
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Charm & Atmosphere
Step back in time in a historic medieval setting with exposed stone walls, antique decor, and charming jazz music.

Exceptional Irish & European Cuisine
Savor signature dishes like tender short ribs and perfectly cooked steaks, praised for their flavor and quality.

Welcoming Staff & Chef Interaction
Experience truly outstanding service with genuinely kind and attentive staff, sometimes even featuring the chef.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Secure your table by making reservations, especially during busy periods or for special occasions.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the recommended signature dishes like the brie or hake for a truly memorable culinary journey.
Relaxed Dining
Visit during off-peak hours for a more tranquil dining experience without feeling rushed.
Explore Brunch
Discover their brunch menu, featuring delicious cinnamon buns and chef's kiss worthy dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Secure your table by making reservations, especially during busy periods or for special occasions.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the recommended signature dishes like the brie or hake for a truly memorable culinary journey.
Relaxed Dining
Visit during off-peak hours for a more tranquil dining experience without feeling rushed.
Explore Brunch
Discover their brunch menu, featuring delicious cinnamon buns and chef's kiss worthy dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Petronella offers a delightful dining experience in Kilkenny, praised for its outstanding food and the exceptional warmth of its staff. Diners frequently highlight the unique medieval atmosphere and the quality of dishes ranging from comforting classics to modern European fare. While most reviews are glowing, some patrons noted that portion sizes for certain dishes, like the Sunday roast, felt a bit overpriced.
"The atmosphere with great jazz music and antiques make for the start of a great experience that is topped by excellent food and the kindest owner and staff.
I can't recommend this place enough. We had the shephard's pie and the short rib croquettes. Both were excellent; the croquettes were the best I've had."
R Bates
"Beautiful place to have a nice meal. Everything was good, especially the croquettes that we had for starters. We went for the sunday roast and it was good, a bit overpriced for the portion, in my opinion. Other than that, really good, will be back again soon."
Ricardo Santos
"This place is a gem! The endive starter salad and Burrata cheese appetizers were great. The main dishes were truly the stars of the meal. I had the chicken, and the vegetables that came with the plate were out of this world. The broccoli and carrots that came with this meal were hands down some of the best I’ve ever had. I only wish this dish came with the mash potatoes that came with my husband’s short ribs! Overall the service was great. The ambience was phenomenal as well. Highly recommend."
Rebekkah Merrell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is named after Petronella de Meath, the first woman in Europe to be burned at the stake for heresy in 1324. The building itself dates back to 1602.
Yes, Petronella has an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, alongside other options.
Yes, the restaurant is described as family-friendly, with staff being kind to children and offering tasty options.
It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak times, to ensure you get a table.
Diners describe the ambiance as charming, warm, inviting, romantic, and often mention great jazz music and antique decor.
Popular dishes mentioned include short rib croquettes, shepherd's pie, sirloin steak, and various vegetarian options.
No specific dress code is mentioned, but the atmosphere suggests smart casual attire.
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Family Friendly Restaurants Kilkenny
Petronella restaurant and café combines medieval Kilkenny with what is best in the city’s dining and evening entertainment today. Petronella’s unique location on the Butterslip, one of the busiest tourist routes in the city and its modern Irish and European cuisine, create an irresistible welcome that you are sure to return to time and again. A charming dining experience, whether over a brisk lunch, leisurely evening meal or time set aside for an all important coffee, will always be guaranteed by their friendly and attentive staff.
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This enchanting city restaurant offers a warm, charming, inviting atmosphere, ideal for intimate city weddings up to 50 guests. Dating back to 1602, Petronella is rich in history and has recently been relaunched by the multi award-winning O’Neill family who are behind Mountain View wedding venue. Located in one of the city’s oldest buildings on the bustling Butterslip Lane at the mediaeval heart of Kilkenny city, Petronella is a tribute to the magical medieval charm of the city and celebrates the finest local Irish produce.
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Down the narrow alley of Butterslip, Petronella is an intimate restaurant with original oak beams and stone walls, where you’ll find a mishmash of Italian and Irish vibes on the menu – think sourdough bruschetta and fried Wicklow brie. It’s worth paying a visit if only to pay homage to its namesake, Petronella de Meath. The handmaid to Alice Kyteler, Petronella ended up taking her place in the witchcraft trial and was therefore the first woman in Ireland to be burned at the stake for heresy.
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Petronella Restaurant – located at one of the most unique locations in Kilkenny, historic Butter Slip Lane, the friendly staff at this popular restaurant serve up home cooked, hearty meals. There’s an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as plenty of meaty options for lunch and dinner that may even be one of the best meals you’ll have in Ireland. I went for the vegetarian burger, which was full of flavor and my kids enjoyed the tasty crumbed chicken goujons.
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After arriving into Kilkenny City, we had quite the hunger pangs from the drive down and thankfully we were booked into Petronella. A local hotspot, the decor of this restaurant reflects the history behind the name with the original beams and exposed stone walls still standing, decorated with a lot of red and honey-coloured wood. Owner Frank Curren explained how the name refers to the first woman to be burnt at the stake in Europe.
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Hidden away in the charming Butterslip passageway, Petronella’s name actually comes from a gruesome event in Kilkenny from 1324 where one Petronilla de Meath became the first woman in Europe to be burnt at the stake for heresy. But enough about that. Offering quality Irish and European cuisine, Petronella is a rustic little spot with stone walls, wooden flooring and friendly service.
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This is one of my partners favourite restaurants in Kilkenny and I have to agree. The food at Petronellas is fresh and delicious, with a variety of options cater for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free. Located in the historic Butter Slip, the restaurant is not only known for its delectable food but also for its rich history and warm ambiance.
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Prepare to embark on a journey that combines medieval charm with the very best of Kilkenny’s dining scene. Welcome to Petronella Restaurant and Café, where history meets flavor in the heart of our beloved city. Located on the bustling Butterslip, one of Kilkenny’s favorite tourist routes, Petronella offers a dining experience like no other.
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Petronella Restaurant in Kilkenny, located on the bustling Butterslip, offers a unique dining experience with its medieval charm. Known as one of Kilkenny’s top spots, it pays tribute to Petronella, the first Irish woman executed for witchcraft. After your meal, enjoy the historic ambience and explore the nearby Kilkenny town hall.
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Situated on one of the most famous lanes in Kilkenny, Butterslip Lane is the beautiful and historic Petronella. Named after the first woman in Europe to be burned at the stake for witchcraft, this restaurant is steeped in history and mysticism. Admire the original stone walls and beams that were there when Petronella lived here.
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Another great option is Petronella’s, an underrated restaurant housed in a medieval building on Butterslip Lane. Petronella’s offers the best vegetarian and vegan options in Kilkenny and is full of atmosphere. I can’t fail to mention that one of the light lunches is a Tayto sandwich and bar of Cadbury’s chocolate for only €5.
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If you ask us what makes Petronella stand out among Kilkenny restaurants, we’ll tell you it’s because of two things. One, the food is all homemade—from starters to dessert; and two, the interesting history of the place. Petronella isn’t easy to find—you have to walk a few minutes and traverse smaller streets.
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The idea is to support the industry by encouraging people to eat out, and it’s a great opportunity to try established favourites like Zuni, Rinuccini’s, Paris Texas and Petronella’s, as well as dining spots in high-end hotels like Mount Juliet, Lyrath or Butler House.
Restaurants in Kilkenny | Georgina Campbell Guides
Simply oozing the genuine character that can only be gained over centuries, Petronella is set on the most attractive of Kilkenny's famous slipways, just off High Street. Not the place to expect handy parking or gardens, but instead you'll find an immac ...
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Petronella Restaurant-Cafe is located on Butterslip lane and it is definitely a hidden gem. Expect an intimate and relaxed dining experience that offers something different to its customers. Their menu has a lot of choice which is always a good thing.
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Petronella is a cozy two story restaurant featuring lovely decor and amazing food. We made a reservation for dinner and sampled fried Brie, paté, hake, and chickpea escalope in an elegant setting on the upper floor..
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Petronella’s unique location on the Butterslip , one of the busiest tourist routes in the city and its modern Irish and European cuisine, create an irresistible welcome that you are sure to return to time and again.
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Rive Gauche, Petronellas, and Restaurante Rinuccini are great dining options. The Pembroke Hotel and Butler House are good lodging bets. Butler House was the Georgian-style dower house for Kilkenny Castle.
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My friend Ann and I stumbled upon this lovely restaurant yesterday (Saturday) we had a gorgeous lunch. I had a wonderful beef and risotto dish omg so...
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit