9 Of The Best Restaurants in Killaloe

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

Located on the banks of the Shannon River and Lough Derg, Killaloe is a historic town in County Clare just across the 13-arch bridge from its sister community, Ballina.

We’ve hunted down some of the best restaurants in Killaloe, and if we occasionally stray across the river to Ballina, rest assured it’s worth the trip!

The best restaurants in Killaloe

The first section of our guide to the best restaurants in Killaloe tackles our favourite places to eat in Killaloe.

These are pubs and restaurants that we (one of the Irish Road Trip team) have munched away in at some point over the years. Dive on in!

1. Tuscany Bistro

Tuscany Bistro on Main Street Ballina brings a touch of authentic Italian cuisine to the shores of the River Shannon.

It began as an upscale mother-and-daughter catering company and now has two restaurants promising the ultimate in Italian dining.

Rooted in a passion for authentic Italian cuisine by a family originating in Italy, this is a restaurant that never fails to delight.

From the signature pizzas with a pantry-full of toppings to the sirloin steaks served with asparagus wrapped in parma ham, Tuscany Bistro provides a divine experience for foodies.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Killaloe (you’ll find everything from stuff to do in the town to places to visit nearby)

2. Flanagan’s on the Lake

Right on the waterfront in Ballina and just a hop from the bridge, Flanagan’s on the Lake is everything an award-winning Gastropub should be.

It has it all – a scenic location, extensive menu, great atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating and a good choice of beers, wines and spirits.

The menu has something for everyone with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Whiskey lovers will appreciate joining in a whiskey tasting in the iconic whiskey tower experience. This superb eatery is open from noon to midnight 7 days a week

3. The Pipers Inn Bar and Restaurant

The Piper’s Inn Killaloe is an authentic Irish alehouse-cum-restaurant with over 100 years of history.

Opened in the 1920, it was Tony Keegan who introduced traditional music in the 1980s.

This family run pub continues the transitional with a stylish restaurant, bar with snug and a campsite if you want to pitch a tent and sleep off the night’s partying!

Lunch (noon to 6pm) flows seamlessly into dinner with a menu of tasty starters, burgers, roast beef and Yorkshire pudds, fresh fish and local meat all attractively priced.

4. Goosers Bar and Restaurant

Goosers is a charming all-Irish thatched pub restaurant which is said to have put the area on the radar for gourmands many years ago.

On fine days, there’s a nice little beer garden out the front where you can sip, eat and watch the world go by.

Menu highlights at Goosers Bar & Eating House include the succulent Hereford Beef Burger, topped with Irish cheddar and dry-cured bacon, served alongside crispy fries.

For seafood lovers, the Deep Fried Scampi, featuring breaded prawns with tartare sauce and a side salad, is a must-try.

5. Ponte Vecchio

Of course, Killaloe has its own little taste of Italy at Ponte Vecchio, aptly named after Florence’s famous bridge.

Beneath the rafters, this charming grocery and coffee shop is heaped with delicious food, wine and coffee.

Pick up gourmet ingredients for dinner or spoil yourself by letting Andrew and his team cook it for you.

From toasted ciabatta and handmade pizzas to fresh clams and Sicilian arancini, it all goes down sublimely with a glass of wine – Italian of course!

6. The Lakeside Hotel

Standing on the Ballina side of Lough Derg since 1894, the imposing Lakeside Hotel makes a great first impression with its lovely garden dining and scenic views.

They specialise in sourcing the best farm-to-fork ingredients used in extensive and creative menus.

The menu here boasts everything from prime Irish Hereford steaks swim in creamy peppercorn sauce with crispy onion rings or how about seared seabass fillets with couscous and a coconut and chilli sauce followed by strawberry and ginger creme brulee?!

If you’re looking for Killaloe restaurants where you can mark a special occasion, you can’t go wrong with an evening spent at the Lakeside Hotel.

7. Brian Boru on the Hill

Named in honour of the High King of Ireland who was born in Killaloe, Brian Boru on the Hill is equally impressive as a top-notch dining establishment. Established in 2003, it frequently features on lists of the best restaurants in Tipperary and beyond.

This high-class restaurant and the adjoining O’Donovan’s Bar serves cocktails, lunch and dinner and caters for vegetarians with both Irish and European cuisine.

Consistently rated “Excellent” by diners, this classic restaurant in Ballina is known for its Sunday lunch and catered functions with amazing food and wonderful service.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best hotels in Killaloe (with something to suit most budgets)

8. The Wooden Spoon

At the foot of Convent Hill on Main Street, Killaloe is the Wooden Spoon. This is another of the more casual Killaloe restaurants that’s perfect for a post-adventure bite-to-eat with friends or family.

Passers-by beware – it seduces with its aromatic offerings of fresh bread, pastries, sausage rolls, Irish cuisine and lemon pie that are all made fresh daily in the kitchen. Opened in 2009 by Laura Kilkenny, the Wooden Spoon has an imaginative menu of all things good.

The cafe-style menu offers great latte and hot chocolate to accompany sweet treats, but if it’s lunch you’re after delve into the grilled meats, salads and quiches. They’re all good!

9. Bóruma Gastro Bar

Formerly Mollys Bar and Restaurant, Bóruma Gastro Bar is a welcoming open-plan restaurant and bar right on the lakeside and close to the bridge.

On the ground floor, traditional bar food is served including pastas and pizza and the extensive drinks menu ranges from milkshakes and cocktails to wine and draught beers.

Head upstairs to enjoy outdoor dining with fantastic views of Killaloe, or perhaps you’d prefer to embrace the fresh air and riverside views from street-side tables. After dark, the basement comes to life as a local nightclub so everything’s covered.

What great Killaloe restaurants have we missed?

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

If you have a favourite Killaloe restaurant that you’d like to recommend, drop a comment into the comments section below.