Its vibrant restaurant culture is one of the best things about Cork.
Ireland’s southernly city is a haven for foodies, offering not just traditional Irish dishes bit their own distinct delicacies as well.
More than the city by the River Lee and it’s the location at the top of one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Cork is a city that’s truly worth exploring.
Have a literal taste of the city while you’re here, and try some of the most recommended restaurants in Cork.
Things you'll find in this article
10 Best Restaurants In Cork City, Ireland
Cafe Gusto
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A classic example of a small place but big in taste, Cafe Gusto serves casual dining fare that are hearty and delicious.
This is the Cork restaurant that’s known for its rolls, salads, and wraps, as well as tapas and hot dishes.
Try their filling sandwiches as well as dishes like Italian meatballs or Iberico Chorizo & Chickpea Stew.
Cafe Gusto also serves good coffee and if you’re going here in the evening, you may bring your own drinks for a minimal corkage fee.
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Coqbull
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Cogbull Burger is known for its offerings that are a cross between fast food and pub grub with an interesting twist.
It’s not just burgers, ribs, or rotisserie chicken – because the place guarantees that every item in the menu uses top-quality ingredients.
Coqbull also has a variety of salads that go well with the meat dishes. The wings are highly recommended whether as a starter or main dish, as well as their whip desserts.
Farmgate Cafe
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Farmgate Cafe is among the best restaurants in Cork for a reason, and it starts with its location.
It is in the mezzanine of the English Market, and you can even choose a seat where you can watch the hustle and bustle in the area.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, the dining room boasts of artsy walls that feature works by local artists and even poetry. This poetry wall features poems from Irish and international poets, carefully curated by the café.
A lovely place to visit any time of the day, Farmgate Cafe serves local dishes, using quality ingredients sourced from local producers.
A must-try is their tripe and onions with drisheen, Irish lamb stew, and their hearty sandwiches.
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Market Lane
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One of the most visited restaurants in Cork, Market Lane pretty much has it all.
A vibrant atmosphere, good service, and a creative menu made up of tasty dishes – this place is hard to beat.
Their ingredients are sourced from the iconic English Market of Cork as well as local artisan producers. The dishes are often unusual in terms of ingredients, but they always work and turns out to be crowd favorites.
An example of this is their quinoa and walnut cake with ardsallagh goats cheese and caramelized pear, a literal explosion of interesting flavors.
For dessert, try the cranberry and peach crumble or the orange and vanilla bread. They also have packed handmade fudge that you can bring home, a treat that you shouldn’t pass up.
Nash 19
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Art, culture, and great food await when you visit Nash 19, located just off Oliver Plunkett Street. With over two decades of providing some of the best meals you’ll ever have in Cork, this is a must-visit.
An ideal place for a meal or snack any time of the day, Nash 19 serves tasty breakfasts that include potato cakes made from a family recipe.
For lunch, try any of their sandwiches made with Arbutus handmade bread, while their cakes are best enjoyed with tea.
Apart from the food, Nash 19 also has an art gallery situated towards the back of the dining area. The space features contemporary art pieces from local artists.
Paradiso
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An award-winning Cork restaurant located close to the university, Paradiso has been serving innovative healthy dishes since 1993.
The menu is mostly meat-free and encourages healthy eating. The chef and owner Denis Cotter take pride in Paradiso’s creative and ever-changing menu, as well as their use of fresh local ingredients.
Some of the must-try dishes here include corn pancakes filled with leek, parsnip, and Dunmanus cheese; feta and pistachio couscous and vegan ice cream for dessert.
Strasbourg Goose
A restaurant in Cork known for its unbeatable value for money, Strasbourg Goose should be on top of your must-visit places to eat here.
They have the popular three-course menu that costs 21, with a varied menu for each course.
If you avail of this, there’s also an option to trade one course for a glass of wine.
Regular customers recommend that you try their seafood offerings as a starter, then go for the steak and finish with a decadent dessert.
The food is delicious and the portions are quite generous, so make it a point to visit this restaurant when you’re in Cork.
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Star Anise
Star Anise takes pride in its flavorful offerings that are reasonably priced. Fish dishes top the list of its best sellers, but the meat and vegetarian offerings are not to be missed as well.
The ingredients are always fresh and locally sourced, and the atmosphere makes every meal more enjoyable, too.
A meal at Star Anise is a feast for the senses, and among the numerous restaurants in Cork, this is a definite must-try.
The Ivory Tower
If you’re up for an adventure or a pleasant surprise for your next meal while in Cork, visit The Ivory Tower.
The menu selection is pretty varied – from Asian fusion to Brazilian to traditional Irish fare.
The menu actually changes every day, which depends on what ingredients Chef O’Connell was able to source for the day.
You wouldn’t really know what to expect but they guarantee that you’ll enjoy your meal and your visit this unique restaurant in Cork.
The Quay Co-op
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The Quay Co-op is the place to be if you’re vegan, have special dietary preferences or requirements, or simply want to keep eating healthy while in Cork.
The ingredients used are organic, locally sourced, and treated well.
One would expect that this place would be serving food that won’t be appreciated by non-vegans, but they’re in for a surprise.
The Quay Co-op offers a healthier take in the usual pub grub such as burgers, pasta, pizza, and tarts, but they remain tasty and flavorful.
This place also takes pride in their soups and salads, as well as an extensive dessert menu.
Their chocolate cakes and tarts are favorites among regular patrons. Open for lunch and early dinner, The Quay Coop is a Cork restaurant that you simply must try.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.