Glamity-Jane

There’s something truly special about discovering a place that manages to feel both effortless and elevated—a space where food, atmosphere, and service are in harmony. Late at the Leaf, the new Friday and Saturday night dining experience at The Lemon Leaf Café in Kinsale, is exactly that kind of place.

While the Lemon Leaf has long been a local favourite for daytime dining, its evening alter ego delivers something altogether different: a curated small plates menu, candlelit ambiance, and the sort of social, wine-in-hand energy that makes weekends feel a little more luxurious.

Helmed by the talented and passionate Chef Thomas—who also oversees the daytime menu—Late at the Leaf puts seasonal, locally sourced Irish ingredients centre stage. The result? A confident, flavour-forward menu that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.

Let’s get straight to the highlights.

The patatas bravas were, quite simply, the best I’ve ever tasted. Crispy golden perfection, soft in the middle, with a sauce that walked the line between spice and indulgence with absolute finesse. I would return for these alone.

Then came the fishcakes—delicate yet substantial, filled with fresh fish and garden herbs, and accompanied by wild garlic aioli that lifted the dish into something utterly elegant. They’re indulgent in all the right ways and deeply satisfying.

And not to be overlooked—the wild garlic bread. This dish deserves a category all of its own. Light, airy, almost sponge-like in texture, yet decadently rich with garlic and herbs. It’s the kind of bread that demands to be dragged through every last drop of aioli or sauce on the table. A quiet hero.

The menu also features stunning vegetable-forward plates like crispy mushrooms with Aleppo pepper and garlic aioli (earthy, punchy, and moreish) and maple roasted carrots with sesame miso hummus and pine nuts—an ode to balance and texture.

But it’s not just the food that sets this place apart. The service was exceptional—warm, intuitive, and deeply knowledgeable. The staff exude a genuine passion for what they do, happy to recommend pairings or offer insight into each plate’s ingredients and origins. You get the sense that you’re in the hands of people who truly care about creating a memorable experience.

The wine list is elegant and well considered, and the cocktails are equally refined. Whether you’re sitting solo at the bar for a glass and a nibble or gathered with friends for a full evening of shared plates, the vibe is relaxed but polished—perfect for a glamorous night out that doesn’t feel pretentious.

Late at the Leaf is currently available Friday and Saturday evenings only, but I suspect it won’t stay limited for long. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available, and the setting is everything you’d want in an Irish coastal town—bright and open by day, ambient and intimate by night.

Kinsale has long been known as a foodie destination, but Late at the Leaf offers something refreshingly new. It’s a modern Irish dining experience with soul—anchored in quality, led by talent, and executed with style.

Whether you’re local or just passing through, do yourself a favour: book a table, order the bravas, and prepare to be impressed.