We found Packie's by accident and we are glad we did. We were driving around Kenmore, looking for a place to park. As we drove past Packie's, we thought it might be a possibility for dinner. The outside reminds us of a village bistro. When I saw red decals, I thought: wow a lot of Yelp'ers must like this place. They turned out to be annual Michelin awards. LOL. Always a good sign in Europe though. Once inside, we were struck by the coziness of the restaurant. It was their attention to detail, that will make you feel that you have walked into someone's home (photo). Lots of warmth. We arrived early and didn't have reservations. We were lucky and they had an opening. So call ahead Yelp'ers. After we were seated, some fresh warm bread was delivered and we exchanged some small talk with owner (I believe). The menu is a mixture of fish, chicken and pasta. I've posted a few pictures of it for you to gauge things. Prices seemed fair and appropriate for the more expensive dishes, like the Dover Sole stuffed with Prawns €36. We started with a glass of Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay, our salads came shortly thereafter. For our entrée, I chose the Spicy Coconut Chicken €17.90 and my wife, the Tagliatelle pasta €12.90 (photos). The Chicken had a mild kick, but it shined with a complex layering of tastes. Whereas the pasta reminded me of a good bolognese sauce. Both were delicious. For dessert, we shared their burnt cream, (as I like to call Creme Brülle) and Ice Cream. Both were €6.90 each. We also ordered an Irish Coffee €6.90 and a Cappacino €3.20 as an after dinner drink. Our bill came to €67.90 plus gratuities, which given the scrumptious meal we enjoyed, seemed very reasonable. It was probably our favorite meal during our stay in Ireland. Yes, we would come back in a heartbeat. As we left, I picked up their restaurant card, which inside was printed: "Packie's Restaurant offers quality food and wine in simple and informal surroundings." We would agree. Enjoy! read more

Our Airbnb host recommended us to this place. NO REGRETS Y'ALL. It's a small, cute, fancy place. I say fancy, but I showed up in pretty casual clothes and we were fine. The restaurant was packed, which is a good sign. Service was excellent! To begin with, we got the potato pancakes with garlic butter and ooommggahhhh so freaking good - definitely get these! I got the spaghetti, which tasted like regular spaghetti - so not bad, it was decent. My 2 other friends got the roasted cod and the coconut chicken. I tried the chicken and it was delicious. And that's not all folks, each entree comes with a side. We had potatoes on DECK - mashed potatoes and French fries (chips). If I'm back in Kenmare, I'll definitely be coming back - so try it if you're in the area! read more

See all

Most memorable meal at Packie's!!! Highly HIGHLY recommend this sweet restaurant. From the moment we were greeted to the last farewell, everyone was delightful and kind; the food 5 stars; my only regret was that we couldn't eat there every night!! read more

Made reservations for Packie's prior to leaving for Ireland. It didn't disappoint; in fact, we were quite surprised. The pancakes - how do they make these appetizers so light?! We tried numerous dishes - scallops, cod a gratin, john dory and crab cakes. The preparation and presentation were superb or lovely as the Irish say. Services top notch. We were running late and concerned but they greeted us with a smile on their face. Just go but don't forget to order the pancakes as well. read more

Had dinner reservations for a Friday night upon recommendation from our B&B hosts. As noted in other reviews, I would highly suggest making a reservation before trying to dine as there is limited seating and they book up quickly. The restaurant is cozy and romantic with a lovely fireplace which was perfect for our date night. Starters: - Potato Pancakes: delicious, somehow crispy and fried without being too heavy - recommend the garlic version! MmMm So crispy/airy- DELICIOUS. - Crispy Goat cheese salad: can't go wrong with crispy goat cheese! Yummy, but nothing out of this world, you must order. Mains: - Spicy Chicken - Roasted Chicken Both Chickens were cooked well, if given the choice between two, I would go with the Spicy chicken as it is unique- a small kick balanced with coconut milk. Sadly, I can't remember what we ate for dessert. Not that it wasn't good, it just didn't stand out enough for me to remember what we chose. read more

Walking down Henry Street can be a little daunting. There are sooo many shops and restaurants to choose from. On a rainy summer evening, I trudged to Packie's for dinner. There was quite a wait for a table, but my guidebook promised that this would be worth the wait. The restaurant is beautiful. From the street it just looks like another storefront, but inside you see the rustic, stone walls, candlelight, dark wood fixtures, and lively clientele. The feel is intoxicating! By the time we were seated, I was so excited (and starving). It's been a year and a half since my Packie's experience, but I still remember the mushroom soup and the lovely bread and butter that we began our dinner with. It was so unexpected and so perfect. The meal and service were both great. I don't remember what my entree was (it's just been too long), but I know that I left the restaurant very happy. It was a bit pricey, but I tend to splurge when I'm on vacation (especially on food), so I was okay with that. Kenmare is a lovely town. I'll have to return one of these days and sample more of what Packie's has to offer! read more

This restaurant deserves every bit of the five star rating I'm about to give it. Three of us were visiting Kenmare on the last leg of a week in Ireland before rising the next morning for Dublin. Dover Sole meniure, Dover Sole (on the bone), Scallops, were all 5 Stars in preparation and taste. Delicate preparation of apps/main courses/deserts evident as was the Serivce from Siobhan! They even went as far as running across the street to get me a Guinness on tap as they are a wine bar only. This is most likely the best restaurant in the city. Don't miss! read more

One of the best restaurants I ate at in Europe. A complete surprise. If you don't have a reservation, just show up right when they open. Otherwise you won't stand a chance! read more

See all

Amazing place. The seafood was, as expected so fresh, but the real extra was the preparation, delivery and combination of fresh herbs. My compliments to the chef, both creative and delicious. The decor is perfectly matched to the surroundings with that lovely Irish warm feeling. I can't wait to go back !!!! TIP: Limited seating so make a reservation well in advance. read more

Best food I have had in Ireland. Great service and atmosphere. Had the garlic potato pancakes which where great. The dover sole with the lemon butter was fantastic, fresh and pure. The monkfish was packed with flavor and was a favorite among the staff. Highly recommended! read more

Casual but upscale. The space is intimate and warm. The staff is friendly and attentive. And the food is absolutely amazing. Their Irish brown soda bread is baked fresh each morning, and the seafood is caught daily and their specialty. I had the monk fish (awesome!) and my wife had the scallops; she says the best she's ever had! A good wine list too, all at very reasonable prices. Some of the best Irish coffees too. This place is popular because it's simply amazing so recommend reservations. We'll definitely be back and would recommend Packies to all. read more

Finest dining in Kenmare! The second time we've been, first was in 2015 and it was equally wonderful! Great fresh fish, prolific wine selection, best sticky toffee pudding in all of Ireland. Cozy atmosphere and excellent service. Both times the chef has chatted with us as well. I cannot recommend it highly enough! Spectacular. read more

We rented a house in Kenmare and the owner recommended Packies, actually all of here recomendations were spot on. Having visited Ireland we don't expect too much on the food front but Packies was superb. Fresh thoughtful menue, charming little spot with ambiance galore. I seriously would have eaten here every night if I could! read more

Amazing!! Arrived into town about 9:15PM on the way to Dublin and most of the restaurants were flagged in Yelp as closing at 10PM, but we found almost all the kitchens actually closed at or before 9:30. Another woman scrambling for a place to eat told us it looked like the only food open in town was take out pizza, but we thought to try Packie's first, what a wonderful surprise; They were open until 10PM and great, actually one of the best meals we've had anywhere! We had the tomato-fennel soup (kind of like a tomato bisque) which was remarkable, the best tomato soup we've had (and better than most lobster bisques). We had the sole meuniere (again, the best version of sole meuniere we've had, and we've been to some great restaurants). Finally we had the the potatoes pancakes with garlic or thyme butter (we had both on the side and both were sublime) but the potato pancakes are not like potato pancakes I've seen before, perhaps this is the Irish version, puffed on the top and soft throughout, they were beautiful! Hands down the best meal so far on a long trip through Europe and one we would have missed had we not taken the chance to walk past the bars to near the end of the street. Quiet with no regular bar, they have limited beer in bottles but great wines. If you're a beer or whiskey fan you can always go to the pubs after dinner, don't miss this restaurant! read more

Had dinner at Packie's the week before last. What a great meal..... We stayed at the Park Hotel in Kenmare and Packie's came highly recommended by our bar tender for it's simplicity and food quality. Simply put, the food was delicious. I had the lamb chops and they were cooked exactly as I had ordered them. Everything else was delivered to the table fresh and savory. Can't wait to visit again. read more

We were advised to try Packies so we did on a Sunday night. The restaurant is nice and we were greeted by our waitress who told us first thing, what was not on the menu that night and it was a number of things. Not a great way to start a meal. I had lamb and it was cooked nicely but the portion was very small and the chops were cut in very thin pieces (never saw it like that). Kind of like they took a rib chop and carved off small pieces with a mandolin. The rest of the meal was not that memorable. I was taken aback when they delivered lemon with a fish dish and the label name was still on the lemon. So much for washing the skin. I heard many people ask that they expected lobster but they were out of it. They need to figure out that if they are going to open on Sunday, you have a full menu or just close on Sundays. I understand the restaurant was better a few years ago before that chef left and sold the business. I can't rate it poor and I can't rate it average so I will call it Poor + or "paverage"...... Go to Tom Crean down the street instead. read more

Unfortunately was very underwhelmed, especially after having various locals recommend it. I ordered Kerry lamb. The lamb was not seasoned at all but came with a very heavy gravy that almost overwhelmed the taste of the lamb itself. I ordered vegetable side, which included mashed potatoes/cabbage with no salt. Veggies were just steamed again with no salt. Perhaps its traditional that way, but definitely not worth €30. Service was great! But food seasoning and technique not matching the price. read more

A meal the equal of any we've had anywhere in the world! The potato pancakes defy description. Impossibly light. The monkfish and john Dory were grilled to perfection and the lamb melted in the mouth. Deserts? OMG! All the above plus great service make this a must do stop in Kenmare. read more

Very disappointing experience. We made a reservation for 8:00 PM. When we arrived the receptionist informed us that WE were incorrect, because the reservation was written in their book at 8:30. No apology about a mistake. We were also informed that there was a bar down the street where we could wait. We walked around town for 30 minutes and returned at 8:30. We were told that "our table was being set up". The same frosty receptionist then gave us menus while we were standings the desk "so we could order to speed things up" - we declined, explaining that the idea was to peruse the menu together as part of the dining experience. 20 minutes later the table behind us left, and that was where we were seated (the receptionist was completely lying about another table being set up). NO apology. NO offer to compensate us with a drink or anything. The cheese board was "not available". The much-lauded potato pancakes were good but not great and definitely not worth the 50 minutes we waited. All the other restaurants in Kenmare were lovely. If you visit this nice town, skip Packies. You will have a better experience. read more

We had a delicious meal with great service. We we're lucky to find a table without a reservation, and were seated right away. Our group tried the rack of lamb and stuffed Dover sole. Bother were very good. This place is small but very nice. Defyworth a stop. read more

I really must recommend this restaurant ... Sorry to sound a bit blah, but coming off a European tour where I dined in nine Michelin-starred restaurants (which was great too), I walked in to Packie's without a reservation and was immediately welcomed and they accommodated me by shifting some existing reservations around, so overall a great start. The food and service really was fantastic and you must try the potato pancakes (unbelievably light) and the sole meunière ... The pasta was excellent too. To finish the hazelnut meringue with raspberries and cream was sinfully gorgeous. Overall one must stop in when in Kenmare. read more

Fantastic hospitality and excellent food and wine! Comfy space. Had the prawn app and can appetizers which were very good.

Very good restaurant. One of the better ones on our weeklong trip to Ireland. Had the Monkfish and my wife had Dover Sole. Both dishes were excellent. We were in a small dark and very loud section of the restaurant with one large group after another. Servers were busy and service was adequate. read more