2 The Parade, Kilkenny

Tel: (056) 777 5604 

rivegauchekk.com

An immediate hit when it opened in the Marble City in August 2015, this wood panelled bar and restaurant is big into its seasonality and foraging for wild local ingredients. With Kilkenny Castle nearby, and some of the freshest seafood in the Southeast, you can see why the reviews have all been rave.

Best Dish: Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder with Pancetta Peas, Baby Carrots & Mint Jelly – as part of the €29 Three-Course Dinner