Location: Kenmare
Top Restaurants in Kenmare
Kenmare Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kenmare
The “little nest” of Kenmare is part of the famed Ring of Kerry, making it a prime stop for a spot of lunch and a pint. But before you go on your merry way, check out the area’s Bronze Age stone circle, one of the largest in southwest Ireland. The peaceful glens and streams of Gleninchaquin make a wonderful backdrop for a picnic, which you can work off on a walk along the Kenmare section of the Beara Way.
Things to do in Kenmare
1. No 35
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 734 reviews
No. 35 is a family-run, characterful and confident local dining room. We cook with the best of what's around us, using ingredients in season. On our farm, just a mile up the road, we breed our own pedigree rare breed Saddleback pigs for the delicious free-range pork we serve at No. 35. Open for lunch and dinner
Reviewed By NiamhGaillimh
We were walking past this restaurant and saw a young lady sitting outside waiting for someone to come with the keys to open up. She was so enthusiastic about the restaurant and helpful that she immediately set the tone so we booked dinner for that evening. We were very glad that we did. The food was lovely and there was a wide choice.
2. The Lime Tree Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 621 reviews
The Lime Tree is recognised as Kenmare's landmark restaurant. Housed in a beautiful building dating back to 1832, the food and service continues to win accolades and many new customers. The quality ingredients are sourced locally and then carefully prepared with passion. Fish from the cleanest waters in Europe is delivered daily and lamb is provided by the local farmer. Simple caring preparation ensures tasty food. The service is friendly and efficient with an emphasis on value for money in an informal manner.
Reviewed By jerseyjoy1 - United States
We have been vacationing in Ireland and in Kenmare numerous times in the past 21 years. The Lime Tree was always a favorite spot of ours so we always book in advance. This year is unfortunately the end of the line. Due to an inexcusable rip-off situation, we will never return.
There are two main issues. First, the Goats Cheese Croquettes which are supposedly a vegetarian "Main" would be a laughable portion if I weren't so angry starving all night after eating them.
They served 5 minuscule "bon bon" portions of goat cheese with a small amount of salad greens "filler" (in the center of the plate) as I call it as it disgusts me when a restaurant tries to augment a tiny main portion with salad greens as though they would fill me up. There was not even ONE TABLESPOON total of beetroot scattered in various places on the plate. I was shocked and utterly disgusted and remain so, one week after having eaten there. I do not want salad filler on my plate masking as a main! This shows an utter lack of regard for the fact that vegetarians NEED hearty portions of REAL solid food (NOT a tiny pile of salad greens) as vegetarian food is clearly less calorie-dense than meat/seafood. And why in the world they could not provide an adult portion of beetroot is beyond me.
The pathetic factor of it all continued as when we received the bill, there was a ridiculous 2.50EUR credit. I asked why and they said for the vegetarian meal. I had not complained at this point so they must feel so guilty that they do this meaningless discount. A measly 2.5 EUR credit is NOT acceptable as an amount or to compensate in ANY way for my being served what was clearly a STARTER portion and left me absolutely hungry.
It is further evidence of how much I was ripped off when I compared what one of the genuinely fine restaurants --our #1 restaurant in Kenmare--offered. They served the EXACT SAME SIZE of bon-bons as a STARTER and gave me 4 each night. The fact that The Lime Tree thinks they can get away with 5 of these same-sized bon bons as a main dish is not only lazy but a true, gobsmacking ripoff.
We have no idea why people rave about The Lime. Perhaps they have not eaten at the truly brilliant restaurants in Kenmare or perhaps they don't do research in advance and rely on recommendations from (compromised?) B&B owners. (For the names of the best restaurants in Kenmare, see my other reviews or private message me.)
In addition, the set price of 45EUR is a total ripoff. Our favorite two restaurants in Kenmare, which are truly gourmet off-the-charts vis-a-vis The Lime, charge on 32EUR for their set menus and serve adult portions.
The only positive I can report is that the crepes dessert are delicious.
It is really a shame that The Lime is so overpriced as their building is fairy-tale like and truly the best exterior in Kenmare.
In a food destination such as Kenmare, we can only hope that they mend their ways because you can only fool people so long.
PS: My husband is not a vegetarian but he also felt that the set price was too high for what he ordered.
3. Mulcahy's Bar and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Reviewed By JimDeBerry - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Beef Wellington is top notch, The Wifey had Roast Halibut aka Sea Bass. for dessert I recommend the Vanilla Creme Brulee and we closed out with a nice Irish Coffee
4. Packie's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 676 reviews
Reviewed By Gryphon2 - United Kingdom
This is a great restaurant.. a little pricey in my opinion but great service and greatly quality of food. The brown bread amazing, have the sole with dingle prawns excellent . I would go back tomorrow1
5. The Horseshoe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By jeeprz2 - Prescott, Arizona
We asked where we could get good food and this was a recommendation from a local. The wife had fish and chips which were very tasty. I had the special, smoked fish cakes and seafood chowder. It was sensational! The staff was friendly and helpful. A great place to eat!
6. Jam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Reviewed By John M
Stopped off here on Saturday afternoon and I was amazed by the selection of wonders.
There such a wide range of sweet and savoury choices but there was only ever going to be one winner when I saw the Lemon Meringue!
It was easily the biggest slice I had ever been served and it was the tastiest too.
This is a busy place but every member of staff had a smile and were polite and friendly at all times.
All well priced and gladly would return.
7. PF McCarthy's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Reviewed By BigDaddyDave55138 - Knoxville, Tennessee
Walking along Main Street in Kenmare, we came to P.F. McCarthy’s Pub and Restaurant. We checked out the posted menu and then stopped in for lunch. The dining areas in the restaurant were a bit broken up but in total there was had quite a bit of Seating. I thought that what it did lack was more of that cozy Irish pub/restaurant atmosphere. However, our small pub style table was in a front window where we could watch the world go by.
Blackboards in use… McCarthy’s posted a decent selection of brews for us to choose from and each of us enjoyed a quality Irish craft beer, The daily specials were listed on another blackboard… I was tempted to order either the Stuffed Pork Loin or the Kerry Beef and Guinness Hot Pot...but decided that it was just too much to eat for lunch.
Two of us ordered “Beef Burgers”. (12.00E/$14.40 US) These cheesy but tasty ‘messes’ came with French fries and a small side salad. Despite the fact that the burgers were cooked more than we prefer, the meat was still flavorful and juicy. The other two ordered a ‘closed’ Lyonnaise Parker Steak Sandwich on crusty bread. (14.00E/$16.80 US) The crusty bread with the beef was a winner!
We were all pleased with this tasty but straight-forward basic lunch fare. Service was decent and the restaurant was orderly and clean. We did think that the price of lunch was a tad high, but then again, this is a mainline tourist town and prices tend to be a little higher than in places off the beaten path. We suggest that you drop in and check it out for yourself!
8. Tom Crean Fish & Wine & Accommodation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By sandra l - Kenmare, Ireland
Oysters to start( Kenmare Bay). What better way to start your evening. Eileen and family will be there to assist. Eileen being the great granddaughter of Tom Crean.
Steaks, every fish and something different. Totally sublime. Not for children. Celebrate or just have a night together over fine dining. Enjoy.
9. The Sailors Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
The Sailors Bar is located just three miles from the picturesque town of Kenmare on the Castletownbere Road (R571). Come and experience a traditional Irish Bar coupled with great food. We have extensive outdoor Seating overlooking the beautiful Kenmare Bay. All tastes catered for, seafood & steaks a speciality. A favourite spot with the locals....
Reviewed By sandra l - Kenmare, Ireland
Went for Sunday lunch with a few friends. Did not matter wether it was wet or sunny. Great Seating arrangements for both. Children really welcome. Local sea scallops was my choice, cooked to perfection on a bed of lemony veg, served with salad or. Veg of your choice. Roast of the day was popular. Local Kerry Lamb. Children had lots of choices , half meals served. Friendly and very attentive local staff(owners)
10. The Strawberryfield Pancake Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Our Pancake Cottage is beautifully located up in the Mountains on the Moll's Gap to Sneem road, between the Ballaghbeama Gap and the Gap of Dunloe. When travelling from Killarney town, take the road through the Killarney National park and at Moll's Gap you take the road to Sneem (R568). We have a good selection of sweet and savory pancakes, homemade soup, apple-pie and scones. A little playground and a lovely gift/craft-shop.
Reviewed By FarFarAwayToo
The Strawberryfield Pancake Cottage is certainly off the beaten track but well worth a scenic drive for pancake lovers. The bright mustard coloured cottage with it's ornate gates and garden ornaments is certainly quirky! Cheerful and helpful staff along with the great range of sweet...MoreThank you very much for your lovely review!
