There’s good news for fans of dining in Kilkenny with the opening of a new outlet in the city.
Lyla’s on William Street is the latest offering from brother and sister hospitality entrepreneurs Michael O’Neill and Bee O’Grady who also run Petronella in the nearby Butter Slip as well as their original premises Mountain View Estate in Ballyhale.
Named after Michael’s daughter, the opening of the new 46-seater premises represents the newest chapter in a three‑generation Irish hospitality story. The O’Neill family includes eight siblings, a growing number of grandchildren, and a grandfather who built the original family farm and Mountain View golf course. The same 120‑acre site is now home to the award‑winning The Greenhouse restaurant, wedding venue, glamping village, and weekly markets. Michael and Bee continue to build on a legacy that has become synonymous with innovation, warmth, and excellence in Irish hospitality and are fast becoming one of Ireland’s most recognisable independent hospitality portfolios.
“Opening Lyla’s is an important milestone for our family,” says co-founder Michael O’Neill. “It’s named after my daughter and represents both our family’s history and its future. We’re proud to contribute to Ireland’s vibrant food and hospitality culture and to introduce a restaurant that reflects who we are and what we value.”
The O’Neill family’s achievements have been recognised nationally, with Mountain View previously winning Food Innovator of the Year at the Good Food Ireland Awards for transforming their family farm into a destination venue. Mountain View is also home to The Greenhouse Restaurant, which was crowned Best Sustainable Practices at the Irish Restaurant Awards. The estate continues to earn national recognition for its commitment to local sourcing, sustainability, and exceptional guest experience.
Lyla’s extends this ethos into a contemporary city centre setting, introducing a new culinary and cocktail destination poised to become one of the South East’s most sought‑after reservations.
“Lyla’s is designed as an intimate, welcoming space where people can connect over great food and great drinks,” says co-founder Bee O’Grady. “It’s an intimate dining room with a strong sense of style and atmosphere, and we’re excited to bring something fresh to Ireland’s dining scene while continuing our family tradition of warm hospitality.”
The restaurant’s culinary direction is led by Group Executive Chef Ger Dunne, a Kilkenny native whose international experience and deep respect for Irish produce inform a menu that is elevated yet approachable. Dunne oversees the culinary teams across Mountain View and Petronella, bringing a seasonal, ingredient‑focused approach to Lyla’s.
“Lyla’s is about showcasing the best of Irish produce in a modern way,” says Dunne. “The menu is rooted in seasonality and local sourcing, but it also draws inspiration from the energy of New York and the precision of London’s dining scene — flavour‑driven dishes designed to feel both special and comforting.”
Alongside the dining room, Lyla’s cocktail bar will serve a curated list of signature serves, seasonal creations designed to create a complete evening experience.
Lyla’s will also introduce a signature dining experience, Table Six, a six‑seat chef‑led service featuring a bespoke tasting menu, paired drinks, and an unmissable champagne ritual.
The good news follows last night’s announcement of county winners at the Irish Restaurant Awards’ Leinster heat.
