Mimosa Wine and Tapas Bar

College St, Carlow

Located in the centre of Carlow town, this tapas bar has a real Spanish feel and atmosphere. Mimosa was awarded a TripAdvisor certificate of excellence this year. The tapas board changes weekly and there is a wide variety of dishes to choose from, with the main wine regions from around the world also well represented.

Call 059-917-0888 or visit www.mimosawinebar.com

Teach Dolmain Bar and Restaurant

76 Tullow St, Carlow

Teach Dolmain Bar and Restaurant holds a TripAdvisor 2014 certificate of excellence for its food and service. Local ingredients are reflected on the menus and a huge emphasis is placed upon fresh/quality produce. Teach Dolmain uses only 100% Irish meats and free range eggs, while all of their coffee is fair-trade. Teach Dolmain also features a cocktail bar and live weekend entertainment. Contact 059-913-0911 for more information.

Sol Bistro,

Thomastown, Co Kilkenny

Sol Bistro, run by Noel McCarron, is housed in a room filled with character and the cooking has the style of the Med but with local foods. Menu highlights include Kilkenny beef with gratin dauphinoise and Knockdrinna goat’s cheese with balsamic beetroot, walnut crust and rocket. The vegetarian choices are imaginative – truffle polenta with roast cauliflower and wild mushrooms and pearl barley risotto with sage and butternut squash. Call 056-775-4945 or visit www.restaurantskilkenny.com

Zuni Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

26 Patrick St, Kilkenny

Zuni is a European-style restaurant, in the heart of Kilkenny City that is recommended by John and Sally McKenna’s guide. Chef Maria Raftery presides over a menu celebrating modern Irish flavours with hints and influences from around the globe. Zuni also offers a tapas menu, along with its à la carte, early bird and Sunday lunch menus. Call 056-772-3999 or visit www.zuni.ie

Campagne,

5 The Arches, Gashouse Lane, Kilkenny City

Garrett Byrne and Brid Hannon

opened Campagne in 2008, serving modern French food using local and Irish produce. Campagne received a Michelin star in September 2013, and was awarded best restaurant in Ireland 2014 from the Restaurant Association of Ireland. Early bird specials include €25 for two courses and €30 for three courses, along with extensive à la carte options. Their most popular dish is lobster lasagne with lobster bisque. Call 056-777-2858 or visit www.campagne.ie