Italian Connection
A family-run Italian gem near Kilkenny Castle, serving authentic pizzas and pasta with a focus on fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Italian Connection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-run Italian gem near Kilkenny Castle, serving authentic pizzas and pasta with a focus on fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.
"Experience authentic Italian cuisine with professional chefs and a truly exceptional atmosphere."
Book in Advance
Secure your table by making a reservation, especially for lunch or evening dining, as the restaurant is often busy.
Try the Pasta
Reviewers highly recommend the pasta dishes, praising their authenticity and delicious flavors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+353 56 776 4225
Address
38 Parliament St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 Y966, Ireland
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Italian Pizza
Savor pizzas crafted with genuine Italian flour, real mozzarella, and aged Parmesan for an unparalleled taste experience.
Delectable Pasta Dishes
Indulge in a variety of pasta options, from classic Lasagna to highly recommended homemade pasta dishes.
Warm & Inviting Atmosphere
Experience an exceptional atmosphere with friendly staff and an open kitchen concept that showcases culinary professionals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Secure your table by making a reservation, especially for lunch or evening dining, as the restaurant is often busy.
Try the Pasta
Reviewers highly recommend the pasta dishes, praising their authenticity and delicious flavors.
Authentic Pizza Experience
Order pizza made with genuine Italian flour, fresh mozzarella, and high-quality Parmesan for an authentic taste.
Great Value
Enjoy top-quality Italian cuisine at reasonable prices, making it a great value for money.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Secure your table by making a reservation, especially for lunch or evening dining, as the restaurant is often busy.
Try the Pasta
Reviewers highly recommend the pasta dishes, praising their authenticity and delicious flavors.
Authentic Pizza Experience
Order pizza made with genuine Italian flour, fresh mozzarella, and high-quality Parmesan for an authentic taste.
Great Value
Enjoy top-quality Italian cuisine at reasonable prices, making it a great value for money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Italian Connection for its exceptional atmosphere, friendly staff, and authentic Italian cuisine, especially the pizzas and pasta dishes. While many find the food delicious and reasonably priced, a few reviewers have noted inconsistencies in pasta sauces or the texture of mince, and some found the tables to be a bit too close together during peak times, leading to a lively, though sometimes loud, environment. Desserts like tiramisu and ice cream are frequently highlighted as delightful concludes to the meal.
"The atmosphere is exceptional. Very friendly staff, very clean, open kitchen, nothing to hide. Chefs are extremely professional, every bit of the food you get is absolutely unbelievable. Pizza is made of Italian flour, real mozzarellacheese, parmezan is genuine, meat is tender and fresh. You can also get a draft Moretti bear. Tiramisu is delicious, ice cream is also top quality.
I advise to book a table as this place might be pretty packed in lunch time or evenings. If you are looking for top quality meal, good Italian wine, Italian pizza all at affordable but luxurious atmosphere that's your go."
Lukasz Smetek
"Place was very busy for a Tuesday night. Was great to see. The restaurant looked very classy and there was a great selection on the menu.
I had the Spaghetti Bolognaise and My partner had Meatballs with Spaghetti.
The Food was okay. The sauce wasn’t spectacular but was okay all the same. The past a was cooked nicely and was enjoyable.
The mince however in the spaghetti was grainy and mushy. I didn’t enjoy this and picked around it.
My partner enjoyed his food but would also agree that the tomato sauce could be better seasoned. The restaurant was lovely and clean and the staff were friendly. The table we were at was a little bit too close to other tables. Was very loud also in the restaurant so if you are looking for quieter dinner experience this is not the place at busy times but it was great atmosphere and was great to see the place busy.
Our dessert was great. I had tiramisu and my partner had panna cotta. Both yummy!
Would return but would definitely go for one of the pizzas as the looked incredible."
Casey Maher
"Great Italian food — really enjoyed it!
I had the salmon pasta and it was delicious. I definitely recommend this place and trust the team behind it.
The food arrived within 20–25 minutes, which was perfectly reasonable."
arri mosaika
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for lunch or dinner, as the restaurant can get quite busy.
Reviewers highly recommend the pasta dishes and the pizzas made with authentic Italian ingredients.
The atmosphere is described as exceptional, sophisticated yet relaxed, and family-friendly.
Yes, the restaurant offers takeaway options, including pizzas with delicious sauces.
The restaurant mentions offering vegetarian and vegan options, and also lists gluten-free pizza.
Yes, families with small children are welcome at the restaurant.
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You can’t beat a family run restaurant for good food and an Italian family run restaurant for good pizza!. Italian Connection speaks for itself and serves fresh authentic Italian food for a very reasonable price. As you step in, leaving the brisk Irish air behind, you are transported into something resembling a movie set.
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As we keep plowing on towards Parliament Street, You will encounter the Smithwicks brewery (more on that later, a definite must-visit) We also pass The Italian Connection, a cracking Italian Restaurant well worth checking out. Like Aroi it’s another you should book in advance.
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Italian Connection is one of Kilkenny’s finest Italian Restaurants, located in the heart of the city. The talented team at Italian Connection produce classic Italian favourites using local ingredients. Family run, friendly and open 7 days a week from 12noon to 10pm.
5 Best Restaurantsof Italian in Kilkenny in our ranking.
17/09/2025: Delicious and fresh tasting food, even better than some of what we had in Italy. Nice presentation, and excellent desserts. 09/09/2025: I liked it.
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Located in the heart of medieval Kilkenny City, Italian Connection is renowned for providing quality Italian cuisine at great value for money.
Ristorante Rinuccini, described as "being probably the best Italian restaurant in the county, ... one of the best restaurants in Ireland.
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