Cork, known as Ireland’s “food capital,” is a vibrant city filled with culinary delights that showcase the best of Irish ingredients and international influences. During my recent trip, I was lucky enough to explore Cork’s dynamic food scene, and I want to share the best restaurants I discovered. From traditional Irish cuisine to innovative contemporary dishes, Cork’s restaurants deliver unforgettable dining experiences. Here are some of my personal favorites, along with detailed insights into their location, atmosphere, menu, and prices.
1. Farmgate Café: The Best of Irish Tradition
Location: English Market, Cork City Centre
How to Get There: The Farmgate Café is located on the mezzanine level of Cork’s famous English Market, a historic indoor market in the heart of the city. If you’re staying anywhere in Cork City Centre, you can easily walk to the market, which is just a 5-minute stroll from Patrick Street. Buses stop nearby, too, including routes 202 and 203.
My Experience: Dining at Farmgate Café felt like stepping into a cozy Irish kitchen, with the added charm of being perched above the bustling English Market. I loved the casual, yet refined atmosphere, where you can watch market shoppers below while enjoying your meal. The café sources its ingredients directly from the market stalls below, ensuring everything is as fresh as can be.
I ordered the seafood chowder, which was rich, creamy, and full of locally caught fish. It came with a slice of brown soda bread that was perfect for mopping up the broth. For my main course, I chose their roast lamb, served with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a rosemary jus. The flavors were simple but perfectly executed, highlighting the quality of the local produce.
The café also offers a range of traditional Irish desserts. I couldn’t resist trying their apple tart with homemade custard, and it was the perfect sweet ending to the meal.
Prices:
- Seafood Chowder: €9
- Roast Lamb: €18
- Apple Tart: €7
Recommendation Rating: 9/10. The combination of fresh market ingredients and classic Irish dishes makes this a must-visit. Plus, the atmosphere of being in the historic English Market adds to the experience.
2. Paradiso: A Vegetarian’s Dream
Location: 16 Lancaster Quay, Cork City
How to Get There: Paradiso is located on Lancaster Quay, just a 10-minute walk from Grand Parade in the city centre. It’s also easy to reach by bus, with routes like the 208 and 220 stopping nearby.
My Experience: As someone who enjoys vegetarian cuisine, Paradiso was high on my list, and it did not disappoint. The restaurant is known for its creative, plant-based dishes, and even meat-eaters will find themselves impressed by the complexity and depth of flavors.
The ambiance is intimate and warm, with modern décor and an open kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs at work. I started with the potato and wild garlic croquettes, which were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, served with a tangy herb aioli. For the main course, I had the beetroot, walnut, and blue cheese gnocchi, which was a revelation. The gnocchi were perfectly light, and the earthy sweetness of the beetroot paired beautifully with the sharpness of the blue cheese.
Paradiso also has an impressive wine list, with plenty of organic and biodynamic options. I paired my meal with a glass of Bourgogne Aligoté, which was crisp and refreshing, complementing the richness of the gnocchi.
Prices:
- Potato and Wild Garlic Croquettes: €12
- Beetroot Gnocchi: €22
- Glass of Bourgogne Aligoté: €9
Recommendation Rating: 10/10. Paradiso is a culinary journey for anyone who appreciates innovative vegetarian cuisine. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, the flavors and creativity of the dishes will leave you satisfied and inspired.
3. Jacobs on the Mall: Contemporary Fine Dining
Location: 30A South Mall, Cork City
How to Get There: Jacobs on the Mall is located right in the city centre on South Mall, making it easy to walk to from anywhere in the central district. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Oliver Plunkett Street, and several bus routes, including the 205 and 215, stop nearby.
My Experience: Jacobs on the Mall offers an elegant dining experience, blending modern Irish and international flavors. The restaurant is housed in a former 19th-century warehouse, and the high ceilings and large windows create an airy, sophisticated atmosphere.
For starters, I tried the Dingle Bay crab and avocado salad, which was incredibly fresh and vibrant, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the crab and creaminess from the avocado. For my main, I couldn’t resist the roast duck breast, served with honey-glazed parsnips, a red wine jus, and a side of truffle mash. The duck was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, with the sweetness of the parsnips and richness of the mash creating a luxurious combination.
To finish, I indulged in the dark chocolate fondant, which was rich and decadent, with a molten center that paired beautifully with the homemade vanilla ice cream.
Prices:
- Dingle Bay Crab Salad: €16
- Roast Duck Breast: €28
- Dark Chocolate Fondant: €10
Recommendation Rating: 9/10. Jacobs on the Mall is ideal for those looking to treat themselves to fine dining in Cork. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuffy, and the food is creative and beautifully presented.
4. The Quay Co-op: Cork’s Best Vegan Café
Location: 24 Sullivan’s Quay, Cork City
How to Get There: The Quay Co-op is located on Sullivan’s Quay, just a 10-minute walk from Cork City Hall. It’s easily accessible by foot or by bus, with routes 206 and 208 stopping nearby.
My Experience: The Quay Co-op is a legendary spot for vegans and vegetarians in Cork. The café has been serving plant-based meals since 1982, and it remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The space is relaxed and welcoming, with large windows offering views of the river.
I started with their lentil and vegetable soup, which was hearty and warming on a cold day. For my main course, I chose the chickpea and sweet potato curry, served with brown rice and a side of roasted vegetables. The curry was bursting with flavor, with just the right amount of spice, and the sweet potato added a lovely sweetness to balance the dish.
For dessert, I went with their famous vegan chocolate cake, which was moist, rich, and decadent without being overly sweet. It’s hard to believe it’s dairy-free!
Prices:
- Lentil and Vegetable Soup: €7
- Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry: €14
- Vegan Chocolate Cake: €6
Recommendation Rating: 8/10. The Quay Co-op is a great spot for a casual meal, especially if you’re looking for healthy, plant-based options. The portions are generous, and the atmosphere is laid-back and friendly.
5. Isaac’s Restaurant: A Cork Classic
Location: 48 MacCurtain Street, Cork City
How to Get There: Isaac’s Restaurant is located on MacCurtain Street, about a 10-minute walk from the city centre. The restaurant is close to Cork’s Kent Station, making it convenient if you’re arriving by train. Several bus routes, including the 205 and 226, also stop nearby.
My Experience: Isaac’s is one of Cork’s most beloved restaurants, known for its commitment to local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is housed in a historic 18th-century warehouse, and the atmosphere is both elegant and cozy, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting.
I started with the grilled Castletownbere scallops, served with a cauliflower purée and black pudding crumble. The scallops were perfectly seared, and the combination of flavors was exquisite. For my main, I opted for the roast monkfish, served with a shellfish bisque, sautéed spinach, and potato gratin. The monkfish was tender and flavorful, and the bisque added a rich, creamy element to the dish.
For dessert, I had the lemon posset, a light and refreshing end to the meal, served with shortbread and raspberries.
Prices:
- Grilled Scallops: €14
- Roast Monkfish: €28
- Lemon Posset: €8
Recommendation Rating: 9/10. Isaac’s is a Cork institution, and for good reason. The food is outstanding, and the atmosphere is perfect for a special night out.
6. Miyazaki: Cork’s Best Japanese Food
Location: 1A Evergreen Street, Cork City
How to Get There: Miyazaki is located on Evergreen Street, about a 15-minute walk from the city centre. It’s slightly off the beaten path, but well worth the journey. You can also take the 206 or 207 buses, which stop nearby.
My Experience: As a huge fan of Japanese cuisine, I was excited to try Miyazaki, which is known for its authentic, high-quality dishes. The restaurant has a minimalist, modern décor that creates a calming atmosphere, and the open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs in action.
I began with the edamame and miso soup, both of which were fresh and perfectly seasoned. For my main course, I had the chicken katsu curry, which was crispy and delicious, served with a rich, slightly spicy curry sauce over fluffy rice. The dish was accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables and a small salad.
For dessert, I tried the matcha ice cream, which was creamy and had a lovely, subtle flavor of green tea.
Prices:
- Edamame: €5
- Chicken Katsu Curry: €18
- Matcha Ice Cream: €6
Recommendation Rating: 8/10. Miyazaki offers some of the best Japanese food I’ve had outside of Japan. The dishes are authentic, and the atmosphere is both relaxed and stylish.
Cork is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. From traditional Irish fare to innovative vegetarian dishes, each restaurant I visited offered a unique and memorable experience.
