Campagne
Kilkenny, Ireland
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This long-standing restaurant is a living embodiment of the mantra that sometimes less is more. You won’t find anything superfluous on your plate here – just confidently cooked, skilfully balanced dishes, with exemplary plating, saucing and seasoning. Chef-Owner Garrett Bryne really knows his craft, resulting in richly flavoured, classical dishes like royale of Challans duck. His partner Brid Hannon runs the relaxed, friendly service with ease and the sleek décor includes curved banquettes and striking local artwork. Look out for the early evening menu as it's an absolute steal.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
1. Location Under Historic Railway Arches
Campagne is uniquely situated under the old railway arches on Gas House Lane in Kilkenny, giving it a distinctive architectural and atmospheric setting that blends history with fine dining.
2. Artistic Interior Featuring Local Art
The restaurant’s interior is notable for its modern paintings depicting rural life by Kilkenny artist Catherine Barron, combining culinary and visual arts to create a culturally rich dining environment.
3. Philosophy of French-Inspired Cuisine Using Finest Irish Produce
Campagne’s culinary approach is unconventional in its fusion of regional French inspiration with a strict focus on the finest seasonal Irish produce, reflecting a modern interpretation of countryside flavors in a Michelin-starred setting.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Campagne in Kilkenny are centered on top-quality Irish seasonal produce, showcased in classic French-inspired dishes with confident, skillful cooking. Key ingredients include:
- Irish seasonal vegetables: These form the backbone of many dishes, emphasizing freshness and local sourcing.
- Irish meats and seafood: Used in richly flavored, classic preparations without unnecessary modernist techniques.
- Potatoes: A staple in Irish cuisine, often elevated in refined dishes.
- Mushrooms and root vegetables: Commonly featured to complement main proteins and add earthy depth.
- Butter and cream: Classic French elements used to create balanced sauces and enrich dishes.
These ingredients are significant because the chef Garrett Byrne focuses on highlighting the natural flavors of high-quality Irish ingredients through traditional, well-executed techniques rather than trendy foams or smears. The dishes are known for their bold, complementary flavors, exemplary plating, saucing, and seasoning, reflecting a refined yet unpretentious approach to fine dining.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Campagne, Kilkenny - Current Menu Options and Prices
Early Bird Menu (Set Menu)
- Price: €35 for three courses
- Description: A very decently priced early-bird menu offering three courses. This menu is a popular choice for those seeking Michelin-starred quality at a more accessible price.
- Menu Examples:
- Starter options include dishes like monkfish with coco de paimpol beans.
- Main courses may feature pheasant in pastry with parsnip puree or beef filet in a buttery bearnaise sauce with a Parmesan cheese croquette.
- A full vegetarian menu is always available.
- Dessert example: warm caramelized pear with cinnamon ice cream.
- Note: The early bird menu offers fewer options than the a la carte but maintains the same high standard of food.
A La Carte Menu
- Starters: Approximately €10 to €15
- Main Courses: Around €30
- Description: The a la carte menu is short but subtly inventive, focusing on French-Irish cuisine with high-quality Irish ingredients. Dishes are confidently cooked with exemplary plating and seasoning.
- Examples:
- Starters in the €10-15 range.
- Mains around €30, including options like monkfish, pheasant, and beef filet.
- Wine: Bottles range from €25 to €84; a 500ml carafe of house white costs €16.50.
Special Notes
- The restaurant offers a full vegetarian menu.
- No specific tasting menu or seasonal menu details were found.
- The atmosphere is sleek and modern with colorful art, suitable for special occasions.
Summary Table
| Menu Type | Courses | Price (€) | Description Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Menu | 3 courses | €35 | Reduced options, same quality, includes vegetarian option |
| A La Carte | Starters | €10 - €15 | French-Irish dishes, inventive, high-quality ingredients |
| A La Carte | Mains | ~€30 | Confidently cooked dishes like monkfish, pheasant, beef |
Sources:
Menu and pricing details from Frommers and TheTaste.ie reviews, reflecting current Michelin-starred offerings at Campagne, Kilkenny.