Kilkenny has a good range of cafes, restaurants, and pub kitchens for a city its size. The market town feel means there is plenty of fresh produce in the shops, and the better restaurants make use of local suppliers.
Cafe Sol on William Street is a reliable daytime cafe doing good breakfasts and lunches; their soups and sandwiches are particularly good. It gets busy at lunchtime on weekdays.
Campagne on Gashouse Lane is the most ambitious restaurant in the city — a French-influenced bistro that has held a Michelin star and takes its food seriously. Worth booking ahead.
The pub kitchens at Langton's and Kyteler's Inn both serve reliable food in atmospheric settings. Most pubs in the city serve food until around 9pm.