Must-see restaurants in County Cork

  • Farmgate Restaurant

    County Cork

    The original, sister establishment to Cork city's Farmgate Cafe, the Midleton restaurant offers the same superb blend of traditional and modern Irish…

  • Nash 19

    Cork City

    A superb bistro and deli where locally sourced food is honoured at breakfast and lunch, either sit-in or take away. Fresh scones draw crowds early; daily…

  • Manning's Emporium

    County Cork

    This gourmet deli and cafe is an Aladdin's cave of West Cork's finest food. Grab a menu, choose a table, and order at the counter – tasting plates are the…

  • Black Pig Wine Bar

    Kinsale

    This candlelit hideaway is set in an 18th-century coach house with a charming cobbled courtyard out the back, and offers a mouth-watering menu of gourmet…

  • Paradiso

    Cork City

    A contender for best restaurant in town of any genre, Paradiso serves contemporary vegetarian dishes, including vegan fare: how about corn pancakes filled…

  • Mews

    The West Cork Coast

    Hidden away in an alley across from Baltimore Castle, this place looks like a top designer has reimagined an old fisherman's cottage. Similar creativity…

  • Josie's Lakeview House

    Beara Peninsula

    Captivating views over Glanmore Lake accompany scrumptious, home-cooked food at Josie's, set on a hill above the water. Choose from salads and sandwiches…

  • Farmgate Cafe

    Cork City

    An unmissable experience at the heart of the English Market, the Farmgate is perched on a balcony overlooking the food stalls below, the source of all…

  • Finn's Table

    Kinsale

    Owning a gourmet restaurant in Kinsale means plenty of competition, but John and Julie Finn's venture is more than up to the challenge. Elegant but…

  • Seasalt

    Cobh

    This stylish cafe, run by a Ballymaloe-trained chef, brings fresh local produce to brunch dishes such as Gubbeen chorizo hash, or eggs Royale with…

  • Bastion

    Kinsale

    Holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2016, this place offers diners a relaxed and informal entry into the world of haute cuisine. Waitstaff will guide…

  • Ocean Wild

    Beara Peninsula

    Opened in 2017 by local sisters Mairead and Eileen (one the chef, the other front of house), Ocean Wild has quickly established a reputation as the Beara…

  • Fishy Fishy Cafe

    Kinsale

    One of the most famous seafood restaurants in the country, Fishy Fishy has a wonderful setting with stark white walls splashed with bright artwork and…

  • Glandore Inn

    The West Cork Coast

    Picture-postcard views over the harbour, especially from the outdoor tables, and a superlative menu make this one of West Cork's best pubs for eating out…

  • Market Lane

    Cork City

    It’s always hopping at this bright corner bistro. The menu is broad and hearty, changing to reflect what’s fresh at the English Market: perhaps roast hake…

  • Scannells

    The West Cork Coast

    The sheltered, flower-filled garden at this gastropub is absolutely hopping, rain or shine, thanks to an ambitious menu that ranges from superb West Cork…

  • Square Table

    County Cork

    The sisters who run this cosy little restaurant are passionate about Irish produce, as shown in a menu that puts local seafood, pork and beef, Gubbeen…

  • Organico

    County Cork

    This bright and lively wholefood shop and cafe serves tinglingly fresh salads, sandwiches and soups, and lunch specials such as falafel platters with…

  • The facade of Tara's Tea Rooms

    Tara's Tea Room

    Cork City

    You’ll search long and hard to find a cuter cafe in Ireland than this place. The vintage decor manages to be kitsch yet charming and food is served on…

  • Inside Feed Your Senses is a small dining room with a homely atmosphere,

    Feed Your Senses

    Cork City

    This tiny tapas restaurant may be a bit cramped and cluttered but that only adds to the sense you're getting a home-cooked meal made with love. A great…

  • Miyazaki

    Cork City

    Here's something you don't see every day – a takeaway food joint run by a Michelin-starred chef! You can sample Takashi Miyazaki's superb dishes – the…

  • Ichigo Ichie

    Cork City

    More theatre than restaurant, this bold venture by chef Takashi Miyazaki immerses diners in the art and craft of Japanese kappou cuisine – an elaborate…

  • Glebe Gardens

    The West Cork Coast

    Whether lounging over breakfast in the sofas at the back, or enjoying a candlelit dinner, you can be sure that the food served here uses locally sourced…

  • Ballymaloe Cafe

    County Cork

    Part of the famous Ballymaloe House empire, this always busy cafe serves freshly prepared seasonal and organic produce from its own farms and gardens (and…

  • Lettercollum Kitchen Project

    The West Cork Coast

    This busy artisan bakery and deli turns out fresh breads, savoury tarts, pastries and pies daily, and also serves salads and hot dishes such as Thai curry…

  • Fuchsia Cafe

    Beara Peninsula

    Vibrant colours (it's painted fuchsia-pink) and vibrant flavours characterise this cheerful cafe on the bustling village square. The menu runs from…

  • Liberty Grill

    Cork City

    A gleaming white outpost on an otherwise drab street of brick facades, the Liberty Grill is popular for its locally sourced menu of crowd pleasers, such…

  • Orso serves food with a Lebanese twist.

    Orso

    Cork City

    Cross your fingers to get a table at this tiny restaurant as they don’t take bookings. Its menu – full of fresh Irish ingredients cooked with a…

  • The door to Fellini.

    Fellini Cafe

    Cork City

    This beloved movie-themed cafe, formerly the foyer of a cinema, is decorated in an odd mix of homey comfort and French bohemian elegance. Take your pick…

  • Staff serve up colourful salads at Rocket Man.

    Rocket Man

    Cork City

    Mouth-watering seasonal food sourced from local farmers and merchants. Take your pick from colourful salads, unusual falafel creations, gluten-free…

  • Berehaven Lodge

    Beara Peninsula

    The restaurant at this complex of self-catering cottages, 6km east of Castletownbere, is open to all. The dining room has an outdoor terrace overlooking…

  • Jacques Restaurant

    Cork City

    The Barry sisters draw on a terrific network of local suppliers built up over three decades to help them provide the freshest Cork food cooked simply,…

  • Gourmet Burger Bistro

    Cork City

    At this chic, minimalist spot, organic burgers span the globe: from Asian (tandoori lamb with raita) to Middle Eastern (falafel burger with rocket and…

  • Filter

    Cork City

    The quintessential Cork espresso bar, Filter is a carefully curated shrine to coffee nerdery, from the rough-and-ready retro decor to the highly…

  • Electric

    Cork City

    The market-sourced menu at this transformed art deco bank runs from seafood chowder to succulent steaks. There's a rustic Mediterranean-style fish bar too…

  • An Súgán

    The West Cork Coast

    A traditional bar with a reputation for excellent seafood, where you dine in a room crammed with knick-knacks – jugs dangle from the ceiling, business…

  • Sage

    County Cork

    Stylish modern decor set off with polished wood and copper make an elegant setting for relaxed fine dining at this deservedly popular restaurant. Simple…

  • OHK Cafe

    Kinsale

    The black sheep of Kinsale's cafe family, OHK occupies an artfully distressed dining room and serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu that includes off-the…

  • Leona's@Nine Market Street

    Kinsale

    Black-and-white floor tiles, warm golden wood and old photographs set the relaxed mood at this appealing little cafe-cum-bistro. Freshly prepared…

  • Glebe Gardens & Café

    The West Cork Coast

    The beautiful gardens here are an attraction in themselves (admission is €5). If you're dining, lavender and other herbs add fragrant aromas that waft…