Carlow Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Carlow

January 18, 2018 Janette Largent

Carlow (/ˈkɑːr.loʊ/; Irish: Ceatharlach) is the county town of County Carlow, Ireland, in the south-east of Ireland, 84 km from Dublin. At the 2016 census, it had a combined urban and rural population of 24,272. The county of Carlow has a population of 56,932.
Things to do in Carlow

1. Lemongrass

Hanover Square Kennedy Avenue, Carlow, Ireland Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Asian, Thai, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$173 - HK$290 +353 59 913 9392
Excellent
45%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 196 reviews

Lemongrass

Reviewed By kingdom_warrior98 - Kilkenny, Ireland

Disappointed with the Carlow branch of Lemongrass. Ordered ribs and they were simply full of fat and grisle so sent them back. Pad Thai was ok but noodles overcooked and sloppy. Staff were lovely but on food terms I wouldn't be going back in a hurry

2. The Forge

Kilbride Cross | Ballon, Carlow, Ireland Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Irish, Cafe, Soups Lunch, Breakfast HK$47 - HK$133 +353 59 915 9939
Excellent
54%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 90 reviews

The Forge

Our restaurant is a casual place in which to get honest food in a warm and welcoming setting. Lunch is served from 12:30 every day Tuesday - Sunday. From 10:30am onwards our traditional Irish scones are fresh out of the oven - along with our fresh tarts and other diet crushing desserts. We have a strong association with the local farming community and are committed to local suppliers for meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable and other produce. All are welcome & we are wheelchair accessible. Looking forward to welcoming you and yours to The Forge.

Reviewed By PATJORDAN - DUBLIN , Ireland

We called in after a visit to nearby Altamont Gardens. We were warmly greeted and invited to chose our prefered seats.
We shared a starter of deep fried mushrooms, followed by two sandwiches. I chose double cheese toastie, my wife had roast beef ciabbata. Both were very well presented and very nice indeed.
For dessert, my wife had home made rice pudding, I opted for warm crumble. Both were delicious.
The staff were really friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

3. Mimosa Wine & Tapas Bar

College Street, Carlow R93 V275, Ireland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +353 59 917 0888
Excellent
77%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 573 reviews

Mimosa Wine & Tapas Bar

Reviewed By Sophie B

Dined in this restaurant last night and it was my first time to have tapas so wasn’t quite sure what to expect. When we arrived the place was extremely busy so we were taken to a separate bar area to wait on our table, we waited for over an hour but the atmosphere was lovely so we didn’t find the time. There is a great variety of dishes available from seafood to meat to vegetarian options. I ordered 3 tapas. The dishes were quite small as a tapas would be but were full of flavour. I think tapas is a selective choice, the food was nice but overall not as filling as a single meal would be elsewhere, I suppose it depends on the person and what you are into

4. Sha-Roe Bistro

Clonegal, Carlow, Ireland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Highchairs Available Irish, European, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Lunch, Late Night +353 53 937 5636
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 172 reviews

Sha-Roe Bistro

Reviewed By Christy D - Kildare, Ireland

My wife and I had the pleasure to book lunch in this Bistro and have to say it was as good as we got anywhere top class food matched by top class Staff and Service WILL BE BACK.

5. Lennons@VISUAL

VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art & GB Shaw Theatre | Old Dublin Road, Carlow, Ireland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Irish, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +353 59 917 9245
Excellent
60%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

Lennons@VISUAL

00353 59 9179245<br>opening hours mon - sat 10.30 - 5pm lunch 12--3pm<br>thurs.fri sat 6---9.30 last orders<br>sunday brunch 12--4pm

Reviewed By emmbot01 - Carlow, Ireland

I have been to Lennons for both lunch and dinner, and the food here - particularly their dinner menu - is incredible. The decor is lovely by day, incredibly romantic by night and the service is top notch. Also, Lennons have the reputation of serving the best coffee in Carlow and it's well deserved! I've never had a bad experience here and a trip to Lennons is a treat I love to look forward to. A fantastic restaurant.

6. Brooks Carlow

Tullow Street, Carlow Ireland, Ireland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Irish, European, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Late Night +353 59 913 3111
Excellent
43%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 151 reviews

Brooks Carlow

The newly renovated Brooks is a much loved haunt for coffee lovers by day and a great spot for relaxing and unwinding in a warm, friendly atmosphere over breakfast, brunch, a delicious signature Sandwich or a popular lunch special – all made to order with fresh, local ingredients.<br><br>As the evening sets in, Brooks transforms into a casual dining restaurant offering an evening menu with fresh seafood, steak, burgers, pizza’s and a range of classic dishes as well as a selection of sharing platters and light bites.<br><br>TripAdvisor have awarded a 2016 Certificate of Excellence to Brooks.

Reviewed By Niamh B

I took residents I work with to Brooks for their lunch & the young girl that served us was so lovely & very accomodating to what we wanted. I was very pleased with her service but I was disappointed with my lunch, I chose the pasta from the kids menu in a large portion but it was cold! I ate it as I was starving but other than that I was very pleased with everything.

7. Dinn Ri Bar

Tullow Street, Carlow, Ireland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Irish, Bar, European, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night +353 59 913 3111
Excellent
46%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 209 reviews

Dinn Ri Bar

Reviewed By saphaireblue - Wexford, Ireland

Stoped In this fabulous pub before meeting up with friends had a quick drink on route would of loving to stay longer but looking forward to go back to enjoy an evening there nxt time I'm in Carlow.

8. Teach Dolmain Pub & Restaurant

Teach Dolmen 76 Tullow Street, Carlow, Ireland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Irish, Bar, European, Pub, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +353 59 913 0911
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 394 reviews

Teach Dolmain Pub & Restaurant

Teach Dolmain Bar & Restaurant with its award winning food and great service has become the standard by which others aspire to. Superb food of the highest standard is available all day which begins at 9.30am for breakfast & our famous morning coffee menu. Lunch is served from 12.15pm to 3pm and a full evening and A la Carte menu available from 3pm until late. Local ingredients are reflected on the menus and a huge emphasis is placed upon fresh / quality products always using 100% Irish meats and free range eggs. All of coffee is fair-trade and we strive to use local ingredients from local suppliers as much as possible. Group bookings are always welcome either in the main dining areas or the private function room upstairs. Whatever you’re party needs we here at Teach Dolmain will help you organise a night to remember. You are invited to Teach Dolmain Bar and Restaurant in Carlow where you will enjoy professional knowledgeable staff, an excellent wine list, cocktail bar, great entertainment and superior food at its best.

Reviewed By fajita C - Kilkenny

Lovely food,busy spot,staff friendly and attentive,the buffalo wings were top class... We both had sirloin steaks cooked perfect the pepper sauce was lovely,will be back....

9. Riverbank Restaurant

Mill Court, Carlow, Ireland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wheelchair Accessible Irish, European, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Late Night +353 59 915 2944
Excellent
68%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Riverbank Restaurant

The Riverbank Restaurant is a award winning restaurant over looking the River Slaney. The restaurant is over two floors catering for large groups, families and romantic couples. Their is a extensive variety of food available ranging from Irish Beef to freshly caught fish to include scallops, crabmeat, monkfish, cod and a House favorite Seafood Pancake. There are also a wide variety of stir fry, curry and pasta dishes available. A la Carte menu and Early bird menu served from 6pm daily, Early Bird Menu is a three course meal which to include steak at no extra supplement for €25. We specialise in home cooked fresh food and have a wide choice of homemade dessert which are mouth watering just to look at! Also a special place for a relaxing Sunday Lunch with main courses priced at on €10.95. Looking forward to cooking for you in my restaurant. Sharon - Chef /Owner

Reviewed By joero - Ireland

I was among a group of 60 people , approx, here recently for a function.
I only heard very good reports from those around me about the food. I had the very nice soup, the melt in your mouth lamb shank and cheesecake. All were very very nice. The service was also excellent , given the crowd size.
I would highly recommend the Riverbank.

10. Reddy's of Carlow

67 Tullow Street, Carlow, Ireland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Irish, Bar, International, European, Pub Lunch, Dinner HK$55 - HK$259 +353 59 914 2224
Excellent
46%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 100 reviews

Reddy's of Carlow

Reviewed By Joan S - Wisconsin

In early September, 2017, my family and I ate here while we were investigating our heritage. The food was excellent, authentic and generous. It was busy and obviously popular with the local citizens. We also enjoyed a bit of genealogy searching at the Carlow Museum, just a short walk away.

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