2022 Award Winners CHEF OF THE YEAR 2022


Garrett Byrne, Campagne, Kilkenny


Campagne

Casual dining may be the big story at the moment but fine dining is far from dead - and, regardless of style, the restaurants that are performing best are those led by people like our Chef of the Year, who are grounded in classical cooking. And, in this case, a beautiful setting lends a special sense of occasion. 

Garrett Byrne, former head chef at Dublin’s celebrated Chapter One, returned home to Kilkenny in 2008 to open this well named French-inspired restaurant with his wife and restaurant manager, Brid Hannon, and it has since been the hallmark of fine dining in the city. A sense of place is at the heart of everything here. Central to the décor, a set of colourful contemporary paintings vividly depicting rural life, by celebrated Kilkenny artist Catherine Barron, illustrates their passionately held food philosophy of involving local food producers. From the quietly superb service to the sublime rustically inspired classical cooking, understated finesse is the hallmark of Campagne; the meticulously selected seasonal ingredients are cooked to perfection and beautifully presented in dishes that may include updated Irish traditions - and the tone is invariably relaxed. It’s a place that works its magic on every diner – and, thanks to the proximity of the railway station and pricing that is very reasonable for the high standards offered, it is surprisingly accessible.


98%
10 votes

Campagne

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Restaurant
For Cooking & Service Well Above Average A selection of establishments outside the standard categories that should enhance the discerning travellers experience of Ireland Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality. Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade
Set in the corner of an attractively paved area beside the old arches of the disused Kilkenny/Portlaoise railway line (effectively back lit at night), a smart pea green canopy over matching green woodwork and half frosted full-length glass windows will ...


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