If you're into eating out in Ireland and you're not hitting up Cork city on the regular, what are you at? Cork may claim to be the real capital of Ireland, but officially it gives Dublin and Galway a good run as another food capital. From Michelin-rated seafood to pizza slice shops (yes they have them too), here's eight places you shouldn't miss on your next trip...
The Glass Curtain, MacCurtain Street
A restaurant to rival any in the capital, The Glass Curtain on MacCurtain Street was opened by Cork-born chef Brian Murray in 2019. A buzzy dining room that offers both a sharing style menu and a tasting menu (including one for veggies), start off with the Cashel Blue martini for a truly special opening. If you're going sharing style, don't skip any of the snacks - they're bite size, you can take on all three, we believe in you. For mains they offer sharing size plates - either a larger cut of meat, a whole fish, or individual vegetable dishes. It's the cherry on Cork's dining scene.
Goldie, Oliver Plunkett Street
Aishling Moore's Goldie has made some serious waves in the country, let alone the city. Dubbed a "gill to fin" restaurant, Michelin were on the money awarding them a Bib Gourmand, and we wouldn't be surprised if that turned into a star some day soon. Their menu changes daily depending on the fish they can get, but oysters are always topped with the most delicious granita, and whichever fish gets to be schnitzeled comes with a wonderfully tangy gherkin and celeriac remoulade - the crushed colcannon is also non negotiable. The wine list is small but they offer plenty by the glass, and there's no argument that this is one of the best seafood restaurants in the country.
Paradiso, Lancaster Quay
Paradiso on Lancaster Quay has been a staple in Cork city for over 30 years, which is seemingly impossible for a fully veggie fine dining spot. Led by Spanish chef Miguel Frutos, they operate a tasting menu only, with their six course menu coming in at €68, and a natural wine pairing for a further €35, which in today's culinary climate is quite the bargain. Vegetables don't get better than this.
Miyazaki, Evergreen Street
You've probably heard of Miyazaki, Japanese chef Takashi Miyazaki's takeaway with a few counter seats in Cork city, but it's as good as it ever was, so make sure to pay them a visit on your next trip south. The specials are where it's at, but the OG Tatsuta Don bowl featuring succulent chicken fried perfectly overtop fluffy rice also needs a mention. In the evening if the counter is full, order it to go and enjoy it in O'Sho pub around the corner - an experience in itself. Also whatever sando is on for lunch, just get it. In fact, don't leave Cork without trying it - perfectly fried fresh fish in a fluffy milk bun will make you rethink any fish sandwich you've ever had. They don't have a website but you can find the menu and daily specials on their Facebook page.
Elbow Lane, Oliver Plunkett Street
Part of the Market Lane group (Goldie is also in this gang), Elbow Lane is an exciting microbrewery/smokehouse who are passionate about their suppliers (they have a very detailed list on their website). Their meat forward menu is cooked on an open-fire Ox Grill in front of your very eyes, and between killer cocktails, smoked meat, and craft beer made on site, what's not to love? Book well in advance.
MacCurtain Wine Cellar, MacCurtain Street
Sean Garango and Trudy Ahern met in Dublin while working in the restaurant scene. Trudy, originally from Cork, managed Etto, while Sean is a sommelier who did wine lists for The Legal Eagle. They opened up MacCurtain Wine Cellar in 2022, a wine shop turned wine bar at night with a focus on sustainable, natural, and organic wine. Their snacks are what girl dinner dreams are made of - cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish and crostinis. Bonus points for being able to pick up a bottle to go on the way out.
Frankie's Slice Shop, South Mall Boardwalk
If Bambino, Doom Slice, and Mani had a baby, it would be Frankie's Slice Shop. Intentionally not wanting to be bound by any particular convention or style - they blend the larger than life flavours inspired by NYC and Detroit, with the fluffy focaccia style of a Roman slice - try the Roman pepperoni and hot honey. Set in a glass box on the South Mall boardwalk, their dough game is strong - springy and chewy slices, with all the best toppings.
Good Day Deli, Nano Nagle Place
In the beautiful gardens of Nano Nagle Place, Good Day Deli serves up a feel-good, "so fresh it's almost jumping off the plate" menu of predominantly vegetarian food, but their Kai Moana fish tacos will never be allowed to leave the menu. There's a big focus on sustainable eating and living, and a nicely curated list of natural wine, organic tea and West Cork coffee, as well as unmissable homemade cakes.
Did we miss your favourite place in Cork? Let us know for our next visit by emailing info@allthefood.ie.
