Try Late at the Leaf where small plates go bold

Tucked away in the heart of beautiful Kinsale, the Lemon Leaf Café has launched an evening offering that’s could become a local favourite.

Late at the Leaf runs every Friday and Saturday night—and while the menu might be built around small plates, the flavours are anything but.

With a relaxed, candle-lit atmosphere and a warm welcome from the team, it’s the perfect spot whether you’re catching up with friends or flying solo for a quiet night with good food and great wine. You can perch at the bar with a cocktail and a nibble, or settle in for a proper graze session at one of the cosy indoor tables—or out on the terrace if the weather’s on your side.

Now, let’s talk food. Curated by the very talented Chef Thomas (who also lends his magic to the café’s daytime menu), the evening offering is crafted with seasonal ingredients and bold flavours. You can taste the passion on every plate.

Two dishes absolutely stole the show for me. First: the patatas bravas. I don’t say this lightly, but they are hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and paired with just the right amount of heat and sauce—they’re addictive.

Then there were the fishcakes—fresh, flaky, and indulgent in all the right ways. Served with wild garlic aioli and garden leaves, they struck that perfect balance between comforting and elevated. If you’re a seafood lover, do not miss them.

And let’s give a moment to the wild garlic bread. This wasn’t your average side dish. It was light and airy—almost cake-like in texture—but rich with garlicky, herby goodness. It was made for mopping up every last bit of sauce from the sharing plates. I could have ordered another round just for that.

Other standouts? The crispy mushrooms with Aleppo pepper and garlic aioli were an umami lover’s dream, and the maple roasted carrots with sesame miso hummus offered a sweet-savoury punch that made them feel like more than just a side.

There’s also a smart little wine list and some very sip-worthy cocktails. The service was faultless—warm, informed, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food they’re serving.

Desserts? Yes, they have them. Yes, you should save room.

At the moment, Late at the Leaf is only running on Friday and Saturday evenings, but it has all the hallmarks of a place that’s going to get very popular, very fast. So if you’re thinking of heading down—book ahead. Trust me.

The space is as charming as ever—bright by day, softly lit and intimate by night. It feels sociable without being noisy, and it’s just the right level of casual comfort with culinary finesse.

If you’re in Kinsale or planning a weekend trip, make Late at the Leaf part of your plans. Incredible food, relaxed vibes, and a true love of flavour—it’s everything I adore about small Irish hospitality done right.