Popular Kilkenny restaurant closes its doors with heartfelt message
Kilkenny restaurant closure: Royal Spice shuts down after years serving the community
Royal Spice restaurant in Kilkenny City has closed its doors, with a notice displayed at the premises confirming it closed 'permanently' on March 24.
The message, posted in two windows at the restaurant, thanked customers for their support and loyalty over the years.
“We would like to inform you that our restaurant will be closing permanently as of 24/03/2026,” the notice read.
Royal Spice also thanked customers for being part of its journey, signing off the message with “warm regards” from management.
The closure marks the end of an era for the restaurant, which had built up a loyal customer base over a number of years.
Amongst the reviews left of the business in recent years were ones of glowing praise, for example: "I have traveled to many countries in my life, and sampled many Indian cuisine restaurants… Truly, “Royal Spice” is the most authentic, divinely-balanced, true-to-spice rendition of Indian food I have had in all my journeys."
Another read: "The best Indian we have had in 25 years in Ireland. Wow, absolutely beautiful food. Authentic atmosphere, wonderful front of house staff all in all it was a five star evening."
Picture: 2/3 Watergate Street, Kilkenny via Daft.ie
The listing notes that "the building is being offered on a shell and core basis, with the existing restaurant fit-out available by separate negotiation with the outgoing tenant, providing flexibility for incoming operators."
Rent sought is listed at '44,000 [sic] per annum' with a 'minimum 10 years' lease term.
Kilkenny Live has contacted the business for further comment.