Cork Restaurants

Cork is a fairly small city that is not divided into areas when it comes to cuisine. You will find a wide range of international restaurants on offer, from Chinese and Thai through to Italian and French. There are also a growing number of sushi and tapas bars opening up all over the city.

Where to eat

Many of the best restaurants can be found off the main downtown streets such as French Church street, or across the river to MacCurtain and Bridge streets. The best restaurants share the same philosophy of applying high standards and use fresh, locally-grown and organic produce whenever possible. Prices also vary considerably, partly influenced by the student population, and you should always be able to find something to suit your budget.

Local cuisine

Seafood is very popular and of a particularly high standard, as fresh catches are delivered daily from the local fishing towns. Restaurant menus offer plaice, cod, lobsters, oysters, trout and anything else you might fancy.

If you want to try something a little different or maybe want to prepare a picnic, head to the English Market on Grand Parade and Princes street. This superb indoor food market has vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, local and international products, cheeses and breads. You will also find many local favourites such as crubeens (pig’s feet); clonakilty (black pudding); drisheen, which is a type of blood sausage; and tripe, made essentially from animal stomach. It's certainly worth popping along to have a look, even if you don't want to try the delicacies!

A special mention should be made here for drinks that most people will be familiar with. Ireland is famed for its range of whiskies including Old Bushmills, Jamesons, Tullamore Dew and John Powers. Liqueurs such as Baileys and Irish Mist are both made from a base of Irish whisky. Finally, Guinness is known worldwide and can be found everywhere in the city.