Packie’s

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 décor 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 entrée 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!