If you are looking for the best places to eat in Cork City, you are right where you need to be!
From home cooking to Michelin star restaurants, the need for something delicious is in the back of everyone’s mind.
Food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in culture, but knowing where to go can be tricky.
These 7 remarkable restaurants are some of our favorite places to eat – Cork City edition!
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Every city has its hidden foodie gems, like the family-owned takeaway or a restaurant that is not as famous as it should be or the one with a Michelin star above its name.
Cork is no different and I wish to offer you my opinion on the best places to eat in Cork for those coming from all walks of life.
We have put together a guide to the best places to eat in Cork City by price range.
Let’s start from the lower price range and work our way up.
7 Best Places To Eat In Cork City
1. The Fish Wife
Cork being a coastal county, is known all over Ireland for having some of the best fish in the country.
With places like the English Market providing freshly caught fish every morning, it’s no wonder why it’s a gathering hub for foodies.
The Fish Wife is a family-owned takeaway and restaurant that gives you a little peek into old Irish eating with a twist.
They serve a large portion of homemade, thick-cut chips (fries) and a plethora of fish all coated in a golden crispy batter.
It’s clear why this low-cost, original Irish fish shop is voted #36 of 686 restaurants in County Cork on Tripadvisor.
If you’re looking for one of the best takeaway places to eat in Cork, The Fish Wife has got you covered. They offer a student discount for all those who can produce a student ID too.
2. Burritos and Blues
I know, I know, Mexican food in Ireland – it can’t be good right? Hear me out, I have my reasons as to why it makes the list.
With dietary restrictions on the rise and companies needing to keep a close eye on all the latest trends, it can be hard to keep everyone happy.
However, Burritos and Blues does it well offering a fully customizable menu for all your dietary needs.
As an example, Maria eats mainly a low carbohydrate diet for health reasons.
This just means that if she orders a burrito bowl, she replaces things like rice or tortilla chips with vegetables.
With a range of meats, veggies, and side options, you can fill your burrito or low-carb bowl to the brim.
There are plenty of options to choose from; they have everything you need to fill that gap and curb the hunger pangs.
For the brave of heart and iron of stomach, you can even go for the XXX Salsa Burn sauce.
They keep it behind the counter in case it accidentally gets into your burrito and trust me… it is hot.
You can get a beer with your food too and they give a student discount with a valid student card.
There are plenty of burrito places in the Cork city center and we’ve tried all of them. Burritos and Blues is the best.
It is the perfect place to eat in Cork to fill up and round out the evening!
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Mid-Range Places To Eat In Cork City
This is where Ireland, and specifically Cork City shines. With so many restaurants here it can be difficult to pick or find one that suits your needs and wants. Below are two of my favorites.
3. Liberty Grill
This is a New England-influenced, all-day brunch, burgers, salads, and steak kind of restaurant.
It is moderately priced and caters to a host of dietary needs.
They offer a selection of dishes designed specifically for vegetarians and vegans, along with a range of seafood dishes sourced from the English Market.
It is a great place to sit and eat alone or enjoy the company of others.
This is a personal favorite for mid-range dining places to eat in Cork.
It has been voted the #11 best restaurant in Cork on Tripadvisor.
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4. Market Lane
Market Lane has been the recipient of many awards here in Cork.
It is easy to see why with its beer brewed next door, a greenhouse for growing the freshest herbs, and local produce and meat from the English market.
The open-plan kitchen allows you to see the chef’s work.
It has a neat, compact seating plan with table service allowing you to sit, relax and enjoy the experience.
Outdoor seating is also available when you want to enjoy a meal and a glass of wine in the sun.
The menu covers all angles and they accept changes as needed to fit your dietary requirements.
The menu itself has options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten intolerance.
The food is delicious and well worth a drop by.
Top Places To Eat In Cork City
5. Greene’s Restaurant
Greene’s is one of my favorite places to eat in Cork.
With a classy feel as you enter, it is the closest to art you can get with food in Cork City.
Through beautiful colors and amazing tastes all around, you can see why they were granted the Certificate of Excellence in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
You can enjoy a modern whiskey and cocktail bar for those of you that wish to have some alcohol but don’t drink wine.
They also offer you a full-tasting wine list and wine pairing.
All food served is locally sourced, seasonal, and organic. They follow a simple rule, “local, fresh and true to each ingredient’s essence.”
For any interested in the process of cooking, they follow traditional food practices like pickling and fermenting.
However, this is paired with modern, innovative techniques to offer you a work of art.
It is perfect for an event, a romantic date or simply to enjoy the artistic side of cooking.
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6. Jacob’s On The Mall
Open for the last 14 years, Jacobs on the Mall is a ‘must have’ experience for any food lover.
They are the receiver of the Certificate of Excellence from 2016 – 2019 and a plethora of other awards. Jacob’s On The Mall offers a great dining experience in a romantic setting.
They offer a colorful and simplistic view of what fine dining is all about and then throw a hint of fun into the mix.
It is one of the first restaurants in Cork City where you had to add the caveat, “but you have to book as it’s always busy” when telling people to go.
With incredibly interactive deserts to choose from and the ambiance to keep you enthralled, you can forget you are out for a meal.
It offers a fancy experience without an empty wallet.
Like any high-quality restaurant, they source all the food locally. Everything you order will have a burst of flavor and color to match.
They offer something for everyone and always with a smile. If you are looking for a fine dining place to eat in Cork, you have it at Jacob’s on the Mall.
Cork’s Best Restaurant
7. Ichigo Ichie
The first of its kind in Ireland, Ichigo Ichie is a class all of its own.
This is shown clearly by its Michelin star.
Ichigo Ichie is a small, intimate restaurant with only 25 seats.
You can choose where to sit when booking from three options; Stone Garden, Harmony Dining, and Takashi’s Kappou Counter (the head chef’s table).
Chef Takashi Miyazaki performs his kaiseki multi-course tasting menu offering 12 courses of fresh Japanese-style fish dishes.
Each course offers a new emotion. You know what you are getting before going as they email you your set course.
They only serve in-season food which makes it a true foodie’s dream to experience.
Ichigo Ichie is more of an experience rather than a meal.
It is for those with deep pockets and open minds. It is probably one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants outside of Japan.
At a starting price of 120 euros per person, you can see why Ichigo Ichie stands above all others as the best place to eat in Cork City.
I hope you enjoyed my take on the best places to eat in Cork City for all price ranges.
Let me know you think about these Cork restaurants in the comments!
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