Located on the west coast of Ireland, Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and home to a vast range of cuisines. Whether you are a local or in Cork for a holiday, the city offers a gastronomic experience like no other.
Cork is the food capital of Ireland. The city’s cultural identity is defined by many things, one being its celebrated cuisine. Blessed with lush countryside for dairy produce and livestock as well as a location that is rich in seafood, Cork has an abundance of fantastic places to eat and drink that are bound to amaze your taste palettes.
1. Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub
Situated in the heart of Cork, Franciscan Well Brewery is one of the oldest and best loved craft brewers in Cork. The Franciscan Well Brewery is a micro-brewery, pub & pizzeria, that offers organised tours, tastings and demonstrations of the fine art of craft brewing. In addition to serving their award-winning craft beers, the Brew Pub also offers food such as hugely popular pizzas prepared in their famous wood burning pizza oven by traditional local company Pompei Pizza.
2. Izz Cafe
At Izz Cafe, the menu celebrates traditional Palestinian cuisine, with a focus on their homemade hummus, falafel, and specialty dishes like premium Palestinian Medjoul dates and extra virgin olive oil. Izz Cafe brings the rich flavours and warm hospitality of Palestine to the heart of Cork. So, whether you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a coffee or a hearty meal, Izz Cafe is the place to go.
3. Jacobs on The Mall
Jacobs on The Mall is a standout choice for those seeking exceptional dining in Cork. It is a family run contemporary restaurant situated in a beautifully restored Georgian building that was once Cork’s Turkish Baths. Jacobs prides themselves on their good, honest, flavoursome dishes with an emphasis on locally sourced, free range and organic ingredients. Here the dishes are crafted with care, precision and creativity, that appeals to both traditional palates and adventurous food lovers.
4. Good Day Deli
Situated on Douglas Street, Good Day Deli is a sustainable foods cafe serving a mix of healthy, local, seasonal, organic and fair-trade foods with a commitment to sustainability throughout our food chain. The Cafe serves breakfast, brunch and lunch with a subtle South Pacific influence from New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Open Tuesdays to Sundays Good Day Deli is a cool place for dining in Cork be it for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
5. Liberty Grill
Liberty Grill, serves brunch, lunch and dinner using fresh, locally sourced ingredients with New England influences. All-day brunch serves classics like Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine, with lunch and dinner menus offering a choice of salads, and locally sourced grass-fed burgers and steaks. Liberty Grill caters to vegetarian and vegan guests with a variety of dishes, desserts and a selection of vegan wines, beers and cocktails. When it comes to seafood lovers, Liberty Grill offers a number of seafood starters as well fresh fish dishes sourced from the nearby Cork English Market which change regularly with the seasons.
6. The SpitJack
The SpitJack Cork, is located on Washington Street in the heart of Cork City. The restaurant reflects a Taste of Ireland with the quality and high standard of Irish meat enhanced by the wonders of rotisserie cooking. The SpitJack is predominantly meat focused yet also offers wonderful vegetarian menus and “free from” options.
7. Fishy Fishy Kinsale
Fishy Fishy in Kinsale is a popular spot to enjoy the fresh local ingredients of Cork. Fishy Fishy is a large seafront restaurant, offering a menu full of fresh, locally sourced produce. The menu changes daily to reflect the changing seasons and catches of the day, with dishes freshly cooked to order. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday with booking highly recommended. If sea food is your thing, Fishy Fish is one of the best places to eat in cork that you shouldn’t miss!
8. Goldie
With sustainability at its core, Goldie offers a unique and distinctive dining experience for everyone where some of the most brilliant chefs creatively transform lesser-known fish species into exceptional dishes. Perfect for those with adventurous palates or a passion for environmentally conscious dining, Goldie invites you to explore a fresh perspective on seafood. Every dish prepared here at the restaurant is a celebration of innovation, uniqueness, seasonality, and zero-waste philosophy. It doesn't matter whether you are a curious foodie or a dedicated seafood lover, this is where bold flavours meet thoughtful sourcing.
9. Paradiso
Operating since 1993, Paradiso has long been celebrated for its innovative vegetable cuisine. Now an iconic institution in the Cork dining scene as well as the wider Irish food culture. The restaurant continues to innovate and evolve, with creative and distinctive menus, offering elaborate dishes focused on the best seasonal vegetables making it one among the most unique places to eat in Cork. The restaurant houses its own sommelier Dave O’Mahony, who expertly matches food and wine pairings. Paradiso provides customers with a relaxed and uniquely enjoyable service. Paradiso
10. The Glass Curtain
Located in the Old Thompson Bakery, The Glass Curtain is a restaurant where flavour is their holy grail. The Glass Curtain menu is designed to offer you lots of flavour, and choice, with menus closely based on the seasons. If you're adventurous and can't decide what you want to try, The Glass Curtain offers tasting menus where you can enjoy a selection of different dishes reflecting the favourites of the moment.
The tasting menu offers customers a taste of local, seasonal produce served over five courses.
11. The Bulman Bar & Restaurant
Situated on the outskirts of Kinsale, The Bulman Bar & Restaurant is barely 10 metres from the Atlantic Ocean. The Bar & Restaurant is steeped in tradition, full of character, and has history in abundance. Whether you pop in for a drink, or a bite to eat, The Bulman Bar & Restaurant will provide you with a warm and cozy atmosphere.
12. Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House
The Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is a restaurant in Cork City that is located at the end of Oliver Plunkett Street. The Restaurant merges an in-house nano brewery with a smoke house, creating a unique,exciting venue that serves food and drinks including their own Elbow Lane beers in a cozy and intimate setting. It is ideal for craft beer enthusiasts, meat lovers, couples, and those seeking a unique and convivial atmosphere.
Elbow Lane is one of the Cork City restaurants who are committed to their efforts in sustainability and locally sourcing their ingredients. This is evident from their operations where you will find a fermentation room in the restaurant for developing ingredients like miso and soy.
13. 51 Cornmarket
Located on Corn Market Street, 51 Cornmarket is a highly regarded restaurant and point of interest in Cork. The restaurant offers customers a delicious menu and memorable dining experience, serving seasonal local food. The menu contains a variety of dishes catering to the varying palettes of diners, with pricing reflected from climate, producers and elements needed to produce a local and seasonal experience for customers.
14. Greenes Restaurant
The Greenes Restaurant was recently renovated creating a moodier space to enjoy one's company. The Restaurant is a 3 minutes’ walk from Patrick Street, located in a beautiful courtyard. The Restaurant provides menus stocked with local ingredients, and the finest seafood and meat available in Cork, only offering what's in season, often organic but always artisan prepared. Greenes Restaurant features an extensive wine list, cocktails and a full bar licence with great food ensuring it remains one of the best restaurants in Cork City.
15. Isaac's Restaurant
Located on McCurtain Street, Isaac’s Restaurant has been a leader of good food in Cork for nearly 28 years. It's not just the food that makes a visit to Isaacs a pleasurable dining experience, the restaurant is located in a restored elegant former 18th century warehouse. The menu changes twice daily combining the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced locally & served simply. Isaac’s Restaurant is open for lunch Monday to Saturday and dinner seven nights a week.
16. Ichigo Ichie Bistro and Natural Wine
Ichigo Ichie Bistro and Natural Wine is a Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant, focused on local, casual-style food, fun and sustainability. The popular Japanese bistro ensures a relaxed, lively atmosphere, which emphasises unfussy dishes that use quality produce. When dining at Ichigo Ichie Bistro you must try the matcha panna cotta with lychee ice cream, or sample one of their carefully sourced natural wines. Check out Ichigo’s menu here.
Summary
Blessed with lush countryside for dairy produce and livestock as well as a location that is rich in seafood, Cork has an abundance of fantastic places to eat and drink. It’s a haven for artisan food producers and craft breweries, as well as a destination that is leading the way in food festivals, gourmet trails or farmers’ markets making dining in Cork an interesting and unique experience.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Cork?
Choose from our two 4-star hotels in Cork city for your next romantic city break.
