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Fléva

Located over shops, beside Kilkenny’s Town Hall, a bright red door will attract you to this bright and spacious first floor restaurant, which is in three interconnecting rooms overlooking High Street - and it is just the kind of place that visitors enjoy finding.

Well-appointed in a slightly funky style, with cheerful Mediterranean colours, white-clothed tables and exhibitions by local artists, its most obvious asset initially is friendly and welcoming staff, who go out of their way to make arriving guests feel at home (iced water promptly offered with very good brown bread).

Talented young head chef Michael Thomas continues the house style of ‘international food with a contemporary Irish twist’ and is committed to using the best of local produce; the famous Kilkenny beef is always on his menus of course, but you will also find less likely choices such as game, in season, and a good choice of seafood including less usual items like hand-dived scallops when available, and he is proud to support small local producers.

He sources Kilkenny lamb Dick Dooley at Ballyragget and a house speciality is delicious roast rack - with rosti potatoes, crunchy beans and lamb jus with redcurrants, perhaps. Homemade desserts are a highlight too - a mixed plate of three small desserts (bread & butter pudding, baklava and tiramisu), or a classic pavolva, crunchy and soft in the centre.

With a lively atmosphere and creative cooking, backed up by good service and an extensive wine list (although some with no vintage and no shipper named), this is a great place to watch the world go by (book a window table).

*An unusual and innovative feature at Fléva is a monthly Slow Food Sunday, when Slow Food is the theme for the set lunch menu, children’s menu and an afternoon Slow Art Workshop.

Seats 60; children welcome before 8pm (high chair, childrens menu). Open Tue- Sun, L&D Tue-Sat, 12.30-3pm & 6-10pm (Sat D 5.30-10.30); Sun L & D, 12.30-3pm & 5.30-9pm. Set Sun L €26.50; early 3 course D €26.50, 6-7.15pm (Sat 5.30-6pm). House wine from €22.50. SC 10% on groups 8+. Closed Mon, 25 Dec. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Beside the Tholsel, Kilkenny's historical town hall on High Street