15 perfect restaurants in Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Cork, where culinary wonders await! As you embark on this gastronomic adventure, be prepared to feast your eyes and your taste buds on the city's finest eateries. From classic Irish pubs serving mouthwatering fish and chips, to fancy restaurants offering fusion cuisine with a twist, Cork has it all – like a buffet of heaven for food enthusiasts! So loosen your belt, grab a napkin, and get ready to explore the top 15 restaurants that will make your taste buds dance a jig in this charming city by the sea.

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1. The Fish Wife

4.6 (478)

45 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 DVY3, Ireland

Welcome to The Fish Wife in Cork, where seafood lovers gather to indulge in a taste sensation that will have you hooked for life! This quirky little spot, situated amidst the bustling cobblestone streets, oozes charm and character. Don't be discouraged by the name - the only thing fishy about this place is the incredible freshness and flavors packed into every dish! As you step inside, prepare to be greeted by the warm and friendly staff, who will eagerly guide you through their mouthwatering menu. From succulent prawn cocktails that could charm even the pickiest mermaid, to their famous fish and chips that could quite possibly give mermaids a run for their money, The Fish Wife leaves no fin unturned in its pursuit of seafood perfection. The ambiance here is as delightful as the food. Adorned with nautical-themed decor, you'll feel as though you've set sail on a culinary adventure. So, grab your sea legs and dive headfirst into the ocean of flavors at The Fish Wife in Cork, where seafood dreams come true, leaving you swimming in delight long after you've left the shore.

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2. Holy Smoke

4.3 (386)

The, Mardyke Entertainment Complex, Sheares St, Centre, Cork, T12 CX7A, Ireland

In the charming city of Cork, amongst the hustle and bustle, you'll uncover a hidden gem called Holy Smoke. As you stroll through the streets, your nostrils will tingle with the mouthwatering aroma of smoky goodness. This temple of BBQ will tempt even the most committed vegans to join the carnivorous cult with its melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket and finger-licking ribs that have been perfected in what can only be described as a meat-loving paradise.

mardyke.com

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3. The Farmgate Cafe

4.4 (555)

The English Market, Princes St, Centre, Cork, T12 NC8Y, Ireland

Welcome to The Farmgate Cafe in Cork, where the food is so fresh, it practically tells you jokes before you take a bite! This quaint little eatery is tucked away in the heart of the bustling city, bringing a much-needed dose of charm. Prepare to indulge in scrumptious farm-to-table delicacies while being serenaded by the clucking of chickens, who clearly fancy themselves as the next stand-up comedians of the avian world.

farmgatecork.ie

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4. Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House

4.8 (962)

4 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 YH24, Ireland

Welcome to Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, where delicious food and craft beer collide to create a match made in culinary heaven! Tucked away in the heart of Cork, this quirky joint offers a smoky twist on traditional pub fare. Prepare to have your taste buds tickled as you explore their eclectic menu, boasting mouthwatering dishes that are smoked to perfection, accompanied by their own exquisite small-batch brews. Whether you're a meat lover, a beer enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a memorable dining experience, Elbow Lane is here to satisfy your cravings with a side of laughter and good times.

elbowlane.ie

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5. Taste at Ballyvolane House

4.4 (270)

111 Knockfree Ave, Fairhill, Cork, T23 XC92, Ireland

Nestled amongst the charming hills of Cork, Taste at Ballyvolane House beckons food lovers with its irresistible charm and delectable delights. This culinary paradise boasts an enchanting ambiance where you can indulge in the most delightful bites while feeling like royalty in a countryside manor. With an array of mouthwatering dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you'll be licking your plate clean and secretly plotting ways to convince the chef to move in with you.

fipy.me

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6. Fenn's Quay

4.2 (46)

Sheares St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Welcome to Fenn's Quay in Cork, where culinary delights meet a generous dose of Corkonian charm! This hidden gem seamlessly combines the best of both worlds – scrumptious food and an ambiance that will have you laughing till your belly hurts. So, grab a seat, loosen that belt buckle, and get ready for a gastronomic journey that will make your taste buds dance an Irish jig!

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7. Paradiso

4.8 (510)

16 Lancaster Quay, Mardyke, Cork, T12 AR24, Ireland

Welcome to Paradiso, Cork's culinary haven where fruits and veggies have found their eternal paradise! This tastefully quirky restaurant promises a heavenly experience for food enthusiasts seeking a vibrant and plant-based journey. Prepare to indulge in their masterpieces, where every bite will make your taste buds boogie and even the most devoted carnivore consider a spiritual conversion to vegetarianism.

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8. Jacobs On The Mall

4.6 (724)

30 S Mall, Centre, Cork, T12 NY22, Ireland

Welcome to Jacobs On The Mall in Cork, the gastronomical oasis where even the most hangry wanderers find solace. Nestled in the heart of the city, this culinary sanctuary offers a delightful melange of flavors that will transport your taste buds to levels of joy you didn't know existed. From their melt-in-your-mouth seafood chowder to their crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside fish and chips, Jacobs On The Mall will have you reciting love sonnets to your plate. Stepping inside this eatery feels like entering a world where calories don't count, and taste is the only currency that matters. Be prepared to embrace the concept of "plate cleaning" as you savor every delightful morsel that Jacobs On The Mall presents. And don't be alarmed if you catch yourself wiping away happy tears after a single bite – it's a common side effect of their unbelievably delicious homemade desserts. With a setting as cozy as your favorite childhood blanket, this joint effortlessly blends warmth, charm, and a sense of Irish hospitality. The friendly staff will welcome you like long-lost family, and the ambience will make you feel like you're dining in a fairy tale wine cellar – complete with rustic stone walls and magical candlelight. So, embark on a scrumptious journey filled with laughter and lip-smacking flavors at Jacobs On The Mall – where culinary dreams and satisfied bellies come together in perfect harmony.

www.jacobsonthemall.com

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9. The Ivory Tower

4.6 (56)

First Floor, The Exchange Buildings, 35 Princes St, Centre, Cork, Ireland

Nestled snugly amidst the vibrant streets of Cork, The Ivory Tower stands as a culinary haven for those seeking an adventurous gastronomic experience. Immerse yourself in the whimsical wonderland of flavors as you twirl your fork around the dishes, each with more twists and turns than a Choose Your Own Adventure book. With artful presentations and an ambiance that screams "fancy without pretense," this charming eatery will make you feel like a discerning food critic, just without the snooty demeanor and oversized spectacles.

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10. Farmgate Restaurant & Country Store

4.5 (442)

Broderick St, Midleton, Co. Cork, Ireland

Nestled in the heart of Cork, Farmgate Restaurant & Country Store offers a charming escape into the countryside without sacrificing your urban comforts. Enter a realm where hearty Irish cuisine meets quirky farmyard ambiance, complete with occasional goat sightings and friendly chickens gossiping about local tales. Known for its delectable farm-to-table fare and carefully curated selection of Irish artisan products, it's a haven where foodies can feast and urban wanderers can indulge their countryside fantasies (minus the hay allergies).

www.farmgate.ie

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11. Orso Kitchen & Bar

4.6 (583)

8 Pembroke St, Centre, Cork, T12 YY90, Ireland

Welcome to Orso Kitchen & Bar, where the culinary delights of Cork merge with the vibrant atmosphere of a buzzing social hub. This quirky joint is a real gem, known for its fusion of Mediterranean flavors with a side of trendy coolness. Whether you're craving a slice of delicious homemade pizza or searching for the perfect spot to sip on a cocktail, Orso has got you covered like cling wrap on leftovers – except here, you'll never want to leave a single bite behind.

www.orso.ie

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12. Market Lane

4.6 (2949)

5-6 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 T959, Ireland

Welcome to Market Lane in Cork, where you can satisfy your belly with delicious Irish cuisine and strike a pose for your Instagram feed. This quirky lane is a foodie's dream, with charming cobblestones leading you to an array of tantalizing eateries that will make your taste buds dance like a traditional Irish jig. So, grab a pint of Guinness and prepare for a culinary adventure that will leave your stomach singing "Hallelujah!"

www.marketlane.ie

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13. Isabelle's Restaurant & Bar

4.5 (509)

48 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 F6EK, Ireland

Welcome to Isabelle's Restaurant & Bar, where the taste buds have a rendezvous with gastronomic delight, and the drinks flow smoother than a river rumba. Nestled in the heart of Cork, this lively establishment is a charming oasis for foodies and thirsty travelers looking to drown their sorrows or clink glasses in celebration. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will have you exclaiming, "Who needs a passport when you have Isabelle's!"

www.isaacsrestaurant.ie

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14. Café Paradiso

4.8 (510)

16 Lancaster Quay, Mardyke, Cork, T12 AR24, Ireland

Nestled in the heart of Cork, Café Paradiso is a delightful vegetarian haven where even the most carnivorous eaters will shed a tear of joy. Its vibrant atmosphere is the culinary equivalent of a big, warm hug from your favorite aunt. Prepare to surrender your taste buds to a symphony of flavors as the chef performs a magical dance in the kitchen, leaving you wondering if your fork just did the tango with a beetroot.

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15. Greenes

4.6 (702)

Greenes Restaurant, 48 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork, T23 F6EK, Ireland

Nestled in the heart of Cork, Greenes is a culinary oasis that will make your taste buds dance a jig. Prepare to be charmed by the whimsical decor, reminiscent of a leprechaun’s secret hideout. The chef’s creations will have you questioning your allegiance to potatoes, as each dish is a delightful twist on traditional Irish cuisine.

greenesrestaurant.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cork by plane is to fly into Cork Airport, which has direct flights from many major cities in the UK, Europe, and the US.

Car

The best way to get to Cork by car is to drive on the M8 motorway from Dublin, which takes around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take the N71 coastal road from Killarney or the N20 from Limerick.

Train

There is a train station in Cork, but the best way to get there by train is to take a train to Dublin and then transfer to a train that goes to Cork.

Boat

The best way to get to Cork by boat is to take a ferry from Roscoff or Cherbourg in France to the nearby port of Ringaskiddy, which is just a short drive from Cork City.

Bus

The best way to get to Cork by bus is to take a bus from Dublin or another major city in Ireland. There are many bus companies that offer routes to Cork, including Bus Éireann and Citylink.

More guides

Experience the Best of Cork in Two Days

A trip to Cork, Ireland as a tourist would start with a stroll through the charming English Market, followed by a visit to the historic Cork City Gaol. Next, a jaunt to the impressive St. Fin Barre's Cathedral and picturesque Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone is a must-do. The trip would end with sipping Irish coffee in one of the city's cozy pubs and taking in the vibrant nightlife.

Cork in 4: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

Explore the charming city of Cork on a budget-friendly trip to Ireland. Discover historic landmarks like the Cork City Gaol and the English Market, and take in the stunning views from St. Anne's Church. Treat yourself to delicious local cuisine and a pint of Guinness at a traditional Irish pub, all while keeping costs low.

Cork, Ireland: A 5-Day Family Adventure Full of Charm

Cork, Ireland offers a delightful family-friendly trip with a blend of vibrant city life and picturesque natural beauty. Explore the charming streets of Cork City where you can visit the iconic English Market or enjoy a fun-filled day at the Fota Wildlife Park. Take a scenic drive along the stunning coastline, discovering sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and enchanting castles, perfect for creating precious family memories.

Cork in 3 Days: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastlines

As a tourist, a trip to Cork, Ireland is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Irish culture. From the historic streets to picturesque landscapes, Cork offers a rich and diverse experience that will leave you in awe. Visitors can expect to explore cultural landmarks, taste local delicacies, and enjoy the famous Irish hospitality at its finest.