8 Best Restaurants in New Ross in 2027

Looking for the best restaurants in New Ross, Co.Wexford? Whether you’re visiting the town for the first time, exploring the South East Greenway, or simply searching for somewhere good to eat, New Ross has plenty of options worth discovering.

Situated on the River Barrow in County Wexford, New Ross is a historic town with a growing food scene. From award-winning contemporary Irish cuisine to cosy cafés, traditional gastropubs and international restaurants, there’s something for almost every appetite.

And after a morning walking or cycling the New Ross Greenway, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a well-earned meal.

In this guide, we’ve selected eight of the best restaurants and cafés in New Ross, including places for breakfast, lunch, dinner and special occasions.

Best Restaurants in New Ross: Quick List

Here are our eight recommended places to eat in New Ross. Click on any restaurant below to jump directly to its section.

• Bearú – Best for Contemporary Irish Cuisine
• Mannion’s Pub – Best for Traditional Irish Pub Food
• The Holy Grail – Best for Indian Food
• The Captain’s Table – Best for River Views
• Ann McDonald’s Café & Bistro – Best for Breakfast and Family Dining
• The Cracked Teapot – Best for Vegetarian and Vegan Options
• The Library Bar at Brandon House Hotel – Best for Relaxed Hotel Dining
• Café Nutshell – Best for a Fresh and Casual Lunch

1. Bearú – Best for Contemporary Irish Cuisine

Location: 52 South Street, New Ross

If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience in New Ross, Bearú deserves a place near the top of your list.

Pronounced bah-roo, the restaurant takes its name from the Irish name for the River Barrow, which flows through the town.

Bearú has quickly established an impressive reputation for its modern approach to Irish food, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, local produce and carefully prepared dishes.

The restaurant has received several prestigious accolades, including Best Newcomer at the 2025 Irish Restaurant Awards and Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine in Leinster in 2026.

During the day, Bearú operates as a café, offering freshly baked pastries, speciality coffee, gourmet sandwiches, soups and seasonal salads.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, it transforms into a contemporary restaurant with a more refined dinner menu.

It’s an excellent choice for couples, food enthusiasts or anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Good to know: Breakfast and lunch are walk-in only, while evening dining is available on Fridays and Saturdays. Booking ahead for dinner is advisable.

Website: bearu.ie

2. Mannion’s Pub – Best for Traditional Irish Pub Food

Location: Mount Elliott, New Ross

For those who enjoy traditional Irish hospitality alongside excellent food, Mannion’s Pub is well worth a visit.

Situated just outside New Ross town centre at Mount Elliott, this family-run gastropub has developed a strong reputation among locals and visitors alike.

Owned by Emmet and Lisa Hall, Mannion’s combines the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub with an emphasis on high-quality cooking.

The kitchen focuses on locally sourced ingredients, including fresh and homegrown produce, creating dishes that balance familiar Irish favourites with more contemporary flavours.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely Sunday lunch, a family gathering or an evening meal with friends, Mannion’s offers a welcoming setting.

Another attraction is its covered and heated outdoor dining area, making it a pleasant option throughout much of the year.

Unlike several restaurants on this list, Mannion’s is located outside the main shopping streets, so it’s particularly convenient for visitors travelling by car.

Good to know: Mannion’s typically serves food from Thursday through Sunday. Check opening times and book ahead, particularly for weekends.

Website: mannionspub.ie

3. The Holy Grail – Best for Indian Food

Location: 8 The Brewers, Irishtown, New Ross

Fancy something a little different from traditional Irish food?

The Holy Grail is one of New Ross’s established Indian restaurants, offering an extensive menu of Indian, Asian and European-inspired dishes.

Opened in 2015 by Shijo Bhaskaran and Parvathi Shijo, the restaurant has become a familiar name in the town’s dining scene.

Its Indian menu includes well-known favourites such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, biryani and a selection of vegetarian curries.

There’s also a choice of starters, rice dishes, naan breads and other accompaniments, making it a good option for sharing several dishes around the table.

The Holy Grail is particularly suited to families and groups with different food preferences, as the menu extends beyond Indian cuisine.

Located in Irishtown, it is conveniently positioned for anyone spending an evening in New Ross.

Takeaway is also available if you’d prefer to bring dinner back to your accommodation after a busy day exploring County Wexford.

Good to know: The restaurant generally opens for evening dining from Tuesday to Sunday.

Website: theholygrailrestaurant.com

4. The Captain’s Table – Best for River Views

Location: Dunbrody Famine Ship Visitor Centre, North Quay, New Ross

Few restaurants in New Ross can compete with the Captain’s Table when it comes to location.

Situated on the first floor of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Visitor Centre, the restaurant enjoys impressive views over the River Barrow, the Dunbrody Famine Ship and the New Ross quayside.

It’s an especially appealing choice for tourists who want to combine a meal with one of the town’s best-known attractions.

The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, with a menu featuring a mixture of lighter options and substantial meals.

Expect choices such as freshly prepared breakfasts, sandwiches and hearty lunch dishes, with an emphasis on ingredients sourced from local Wexford producers.

A Sunday lunch menu is also available, making it an attractive option for families visiting the town at weekends.

One of the biggest advantages is its central location. The restaurant is only a short walk from the main streets of New Ross, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.

You could visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship in the morning before heading upstairs for lunch overlooking the river.

Good to know: The Captain’s Table operates year-round, with seasonal closing times.

Website: dunbrody.com/restaurant

5. Ann McDonald’s Café & Bistro – Best for Breakfast and Family Dining

Location: 8 Mary Street, New Ross

Ann McDonald’s Café & Bistro is a well-established favourite in New Ross, known for its welcoming atmosphere, generous meals and extensive menu.

Located on Mary Street in the heart of town, the café is an ideal stop for breakfast, brunch or a relaxed family lunch.

Its breakfast selection is particularly popular, with traditional cooked breakfasts and pancakes among the highlights.

For lunch, visitors can choose from a range of freshly prepared dishes, including wraps, sandwiches and home-style meals.

One of the things that makes Ann McDonald’s particularly appealing is its versatility.

Whether you’re visiting with young children, meeting friends for coffee or looking for a substantial meal after a walk, the menu offers plenty of choice.

The café also features an outdoor dining area, which is especially enjoyable during the warmer months.

Its town-centre location means it’s within easy reach of local shops and attractions.

For families exploring New Ross, this is a convenient, informal dining option without the need for a special occasion.

Good to know: Dine-in and takeaway options are available, with breakfast, lunch and later meals offered.

Website: annmcdonaldscafe.com

6. The Cracked Teapot – Best for Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Location: 6 Quay Street, New Ross

Tucked away on Quay Street, the Cracked Teapot is one of New Ross’s most characterful places to enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.

This charming tearoom combines traditional décor with a menu that makes good use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

It’s particularly popular with visitors looking for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.

Alongside its selection of teas and coffees, the menu features freshly prepared breakfasts, homemade soups, sandwiches, baked goods and cakes.

The café is also known for its tempting sweet treats, making it an excellent stop for coffee and cake after exploring the town.

For something savoury, visitors can look out for locally inspired options such as bacon and Wexford cheddar toasties.

Its Quay Street location is another advantage. The café is just a short stroll from the Dunbrody Famine Ship and the River Barrow.

If you’re exploring New Ross on foot, it’s a lovely place to take a break before continuing your journey.

Good to know: The Cracked Teapot is primarily a daytime café. Afternoon tea is available by arrangement, and it’s worth checking opening hours before visiting.

7. The Library Bar at Brandon House Hotel – Best for Relaxed Hotel Dining

Location: Brandon House Hotel, Southknock, New Ross

The Library Bar at Brandon House Hotel offers a comfortable alternative to the town-centre restaurants.

Located at the well-known Brandon House Hotel, it combines traditional surroundings with a varied food menu and scenic views across the River Barrow countryside.

The Library Room itself is full of character, featuring high ceilings, period windows and an open fire during the colder months.

Food options range from lighter lunches to substantial evening meals.

Depending on the menu, visitors can expect familiar dishes such as seafood chowder, fish and chips, burgers, steak and other traditional favourites.

The hotel also serves a Sunday carvery, making it an option for families looking for a traditional Sunday lunch.

Another attraction is the live entertainment, with local musicians regularly performing on Friday and Saturday evenings.

For visitors staying overnight in New Ross, or anyone who prefers the convenience of hotel dining, the Library Bar is a practical choice.

Good to know: Lunch and evening menus are available, with a separate Sunday carvery service.

Website: brandonhousehotel.ie

8. Café Nutshell – Best for a Fresh and Casual Lunch

Location: 8 South Street, New Ross

If you’re looking for a casual lunch in the centre of New Ross, Café Nutshell is another option to consider.

Situated on South Street, the café is associated with a wholefood shop and deli, creating a slightly different experience from a conventional restaurant.

Its food offering focuses on freshly prepared dishes, with options including soups, salads, sandwiches, savoury lunches and homemade desserts.

Vegetarian-friendly choices are another reason visitors may be drawn to the café.

The combination of café and food shop also makes it a convenient place to browse for something to take away.

It’s particularly suitable for visitors who want a lighter meal rather than a full restaurant dinner.

Whether you’re stopping for a coffee, meeting friends for lunch or looking for something to eat before exploring the area, Café Nutshell provides another daytime option in central New Ross.

Good to know: Café Nutshell is primarily a breakfast and lunchtime destination rather than an evening restaurant.

Where Should You Eat After Exploring the New Ross Greenway?

One of the great things about visiting New Ross is that you can combine outdoor activities with some excellent local food.

The New Ross Greenway is being developed to connect New Ross with Waterford City, following the route of the former railway line through South Kilkenny.

The New Ross to Glenmore section is already open, providing approximately 6km of off-road walking and cycling, while other sections of the wider route remain under development.

After finishing your walk or cycle, head into New Ross town centre for a meal.

If you’re after a quick lunch, the Cracked Teapot, Ann McDonald’s or Café Nutshell are convenient options.

For something more substantial, Bearú, the Holy Grail and the Library Bar are worth considering, depending on the time of day.

Alternatively, enjoy a meal overlooking the River Barrow at the Captain’s Table.

You can learn more about the route, local attractions and places to visit on our New Ross Greenway website.

Final Thoughts: Discover the Best Places to Eat in New Ross

New Ross might not be the largest town in County Wexford, but it offers an enjoyable variety of restaurants, cafés and casual dining options.

From the contemporary Irish cooking at Bearú to the traditional atmosphere of Mannion’s and the riverside views at the Captain’s Table, there’s plenty of choice.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting New Ross as part of a trip along the South East Greenway, make time to explore the town’s food scene.

And remember, menus and opening hours can change, so it’s always worth checking directly with the restaurant before travelling.

Planning a visit to New Ross? Explore more of our local guides, walking routes and recommendations at NewRossGreenway.org.