16 Of The Best Killarney Restaurants In 2023

In search of the best restaurants in Killarney? Our Killarney restaurants guide will make your belly happy!

The lively town of Killarney in County Kerry is home to countless places to eat that’ll leave your taste buds buzzing!

In the guide below, you’ll discover a mix of great places to eat in Killarney, from fine dining and pub grub to quirky cafes and more.

What we think are the best restaurants in Killarney

The first section of our guide is packed with our favourite restaurants Killarney has to offer.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the brilliant Bricín and the stunning Tan Yard to some often-missed places to eat in Killarney.

1. Bricín Restaurant and Boxty House

If you’re looking for authentic Irish cooking, then point your belly in the direction of Bricín!

It’s a cosy affair, with traditional wooden panelling, cheerfully coloured walls, and pictures of bygone days for you to admire.

It’s well worth considering the house speciality, the Bricín Boxty – an Irish potato pancake cooked on a griddle that comes with chicken fillet, ratatouille or Irish lamb.

On the menu, there’s also everything from succulent Irish scallops and a smorgasbord of seafood to a rack of Kerry lamb, pork apricot and lots more.

This is one of the more popular restaurants Killarney has to offer, and for good reason.

2. The Mad Monk by Quinlans

There’s no shortage of seafood restaurants in Killarney, but this place is special. And, while this monk may be mad, it knows its way around a kitchen!

The Mad Monk boasts a slick interior, great ambience and plenty of seating for groups and couples alike.

Food wise, the Dingle Bay Wild Squid with sweet chilli jam and seared Aran Islands scallops with cauliflower puree and crispy Parma ham pack a punch.

There’s also a delicious Portmagee crab bake, the very tasty Quinlan’s black sole, seafood chowder and plenty more.

3. Khao Asian Street Food

Next up is one of the best restaurants in Killarney for Asian cuisine. I’m talking, of course, about the brilliant Khao.

Leave the busy street behind as you cross the threshold of Khao Asian Street Food, and enter a world of calm and order.

It’s all about street food and a quiet dining experience here. Inside, the decor is unassuming, with a palette of neutral colours, dark timber tables and chairs, and minimalist adornments.

As the name implies, this restaurant serves up tasty plates and bowls of all your favourite Asian street food.

Grab some Gai Tang, Thai calamari with crushed peppercorns and lime leaves, or spicy Bang Bang chicken!

4. Treyvaud’s Restaurant

If you’re searching for Killarney restaurants that makes fine dining look easy, carve out some time to visit Treyvaud’s.

You’ll find a lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch menu on offer here, each of which boasts something that’ll tickle most tastebuds.

For starters, try the pan-seared chicken bruschetta or the delicious Treyvaud’s prawn cocktail.

For mains, you’ve your work cut out for you – the grilled fillet of fresh halibut is simple and delicious, while the wild forest mushroom risotto is a flavour-packed veggie option.

5. Kitty O’Se’s Seafood and Grill

Perched in the heart of Killarney, the beautiful Kitty O’Se’s makes for a nice change of pace. It’s light and airy and has open plan seating with plenty of tables and chairs.

It’s a popular spot with locals and visitors alike and can be very busy at peak times. As you’d expect, the seafood is next-level delish!

The chips are crunchy and perfectly cooked, and you can even choose which type of fish to have battered in their speciality beer batter; Wild Atlantic Way Haddock, Cod or Hake, all served with Kitty’s tartar sauce and mushy peas.

There’s everything from chicken wings and deep-fried brie to salads, fresh crab claws and tempura prawns.

6. Murphy Brownes Restaurant

You’ll find Murphy Brownes in a commanding location on High Street, a stone’s throw from many of Killarney’s top pubs.

The menu features a lot of popular classics, so you’re sure to find something to suit everyone: from the comfort of beef lasagne with crusty garlic bread, a fragrant chicken curry with basmati rice, or Killarney beer-batter fish and chips, no one will leave hungry!

You could easily do one of the Killarney National Park walks like Cardiac Hill or Torc Mountain during the day, and kick back with food and pints in Murphy’s at night. A fine combo.

Formal and fancy places to eat in Killarney

Now that we have what we think are the best restaurants in Killarney out of the way, it’s time to see what else is on offer.

The next section of our guide focused on some of the fancier places to eat in Killarney, from Panorama in The Europe to the excellent Malarkey.

1. Panorama

Located within one of the finest 5-star hotels in Kerry, The Europe, Panorama is sure to wow even the most discerning palettes.

As you’d expect from a venue of this calibre, the views are magnificent, with the restaurant overlooking Lough Leane.

The restaurant’s formal fine dining setting is in keeping with this dramatic theme, with dress white linens, long-stemmed glassware, and ornately folded napkins.

Equally, the menu is sure to impress, with dishes like oxtail consommé with king oyster mushroom and truffle foam, or the roasted saddle of lamb with baby gem and pea fricassee.

If you’re in search of Killarney restaurants to mark a special occasion, Panorama won’t disappoint.

2. Cronins Restaurant

Located in the heart of Killarney Town, Cronin’s is one of the best restaurants in Killarney if you go off online reviews (currently 4.6/5 from 870+ reviews on Google!).

This is a family-run business, and they’ve been welcoming locals and tourists alike since 1957!

For starters, there’s everything from Skellig prawn salad and cajun spiced calamari to golden friend brie and seafood chowders.

For mains, there’s lots of fish (the fillet of organic Irish salmon sounds divine!) along with everything from veggie stir fries to a hearty shepherd’s pie.

3. The Tan Yard

Few Killarney restaurants boast an interior like our next spot. It’s a little bit Boho in feel, with shabby-chic lights and ferns dotted around, and it has a quiet confidence that only comes from a team boasting buckets of skill and experience.

The Tan Yard is a real gem. Come for a cocktail at the bar, sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows and admire the greenery outside, or settle yourself at one of the rustic wooden tables with their moody lighting and enjoy a meal.

For seafood lovers, it has to be the Wild Atlantic seafood chowder with homemade soda bread. Otherwise, we recommend the roasted chicken with lemon and garlic to really satisfy.

4. Malarkey

Inside or outside, fancy or relaxed, whatever your mood or reason for dining at Malarkey, there’s a setting to match. If the weather’s iffy, make yourself comfortable inside with the formal tables and dappled downlights.

But, if the sun’s gracing your presence, then it has to be dining al fresco in the year garden. Regardless of the setting, it’s the food here that does the talking.

Sample some of their smoked salmon boxty, the vegan asparagus and tarragon soup, or maybe even the duck salad.

If you’re looking for restaurants in Killarney that excel in service, consistency and the delivery of memorable culinary experiences, Malarkey is sure to delight.

At the time of writing, the restaurant is currently being refurbished and is set to reopen in September 2023. We’ve marked our calendars!

Related read: Check out our guide on what to do in Killarney (it’s packed with hikes, walks, waterfalls and more).

5. Rozzers Restaurant

Part of the Killeen House Hotel, the spectacular Rozzer’s Restaurant is a fine-dining legend. The restaurant has been voted TripAdvisor’s “Number One Fine Dining Restaurant In Ireland” for 2021 and 2022.

Head Chef, Paul O’Gorman, prepares a delicious seasonal menu from fresh and local produce and prides himself on its superior quality, which has, in part, helped grow the restaurant’s outstanding reputation.

Come for the set menu dinner, including options like Cromane oysters and pan-fried fillets of Irish beef, and stay for the chocolate fudge cake or vanilla crème brûlée.

Worry not if you’re too full to leave, you can always stay on and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in the morning! This is one of the more popular Killarney restaurants for good reason.

Casual places to eat in Killarney that pack a punch

There are heaps of casual Killarney restaurants for those of you looking for great grub without the hassle.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the mighty Manna Cafe and the incredible Garret’s to some of the best places to eat in Killarney with friends. 

1. Manna Cafe & Bistro

If you’ve read our guide to the best breakfast in Killarney, you’ll have seen us rave about Manna Cafe & Bistro.

There are no flashy gimmicks here. Instead, it’s classically stylish with bentwood chairs, cafe tables, and plenty of space to sprawl with your nearest and dearest.

The menu has toasted cheese sandwiches, stacks of fluffy American-style pancakes with banana and Nutella, banging burgers and hearty Irish breakfasts!

2. The Laurels

Next in our guide to the best places to eat in Killarney is the mighty Laurels – arguably one of the best pubs in Killarney.

Set inside a quintessential Irish pub building, it’s everything you’re looking for when it comes to authentic local dining.

As you’d expect, menu options are abundant with something for everyone! Vegetarian? No problem, get stuck into a stir-fry.

Feeling fishy? The fish and chips or seafood chowder will see you right! Fighting off a serious rumblin’ tum, then head straight to the beef ribs in ale with a side of classic champ.

3. Garret’s

You’ll find Garret’s on College Street, less than a minute from many of the restaurants in Killarney mentioned above.

There’s a day-time and night-time menu, each packed with beautifully prepared dishes.

On the day menu, you’ll find everything from soups and open sandwiches to burgers, hot-filled ciabattas and salads.

In the evenings, there’s everything from pan-fried hake and pan-sautéed fresh potato gnocchi to twice-cooked pork belly and more.

4. Curious Cat Café

This popular little cafe could go toe-to-toe with some of the best restaurants in Killarney if you go off Google reviews (4.6/5 from 450+ reviews at the time of typing).

The cafe has eclectic decorations, with corrugated iron wrapping around the bar, herringbone flooring, rustic timber tables and plush bench seating!

Check out their tapas menu, it includes some great options like patatas bravas, smoked Spanish olives, chorizo and wine, and a timeless classic, Chilli con Carne.

You can also get a great sharing platter to enjoy over conversation with friends.

5. Porterhouse Restaurant

Last but by no means least in our Killarney restaurants guide is the excellent Porterhouse.

There’s a clatter of tasty dishes on offer here, from homemade onion pakoras and large gambas pil pil prawns to hand-battered cod and baked cajun salmon.

However, this place hasn’t earned a rep as one of the best restaurants in Killarney for steaks and burgers for nothing!

There’s everything from a massive 40oz ribeye tomahawk and a signature 10oz beef burger to a four-hour braised lamb shank. That’s only skimming the surface of the jam-packed menu at Porterhouse!

What great Killarney restaurants have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some great Killarney restaurants from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let us know in the comments section below and we’ll check it out.

FAQs about where to eat in Killarney

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the best places to eat in Killarney for pub food?’ to ‘Where to eat in Killarney that does fine dining?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.