Cork Restaurants and Dining

(Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland)

Dining out in Cork involves a choice of everything from upscale restaurants, both stand-alone and in hotels, through to international and local cuisine, and hearty pub meals to fast foods. There is literally something for everyone to suit all budgets and preferences. The city of Cork is a gourmet's paradise and focuses on fresh local Irish ingredients.

Black pudding (drisheen) is a regional favourite, traditionally served with tripe - perhaps not quite such a favourite with many visitors! 'Crubeens' (pigs feet), are also popular in various guises. Irish cheese is newish to the market and delicious, especially with fresh home-baked bread.

What to Eat and Where

For a fast and tasty take-out, the food stalls in the English market have a great choice, and the park opposite is a good place for an impromptu picnic. Fish and chip shops are another popular option, with the fish locally caught if you're lucky. Middle range restaurants and similar eateries in Cork offer a huge choice of Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, Thai and local menus, as well as vegetarian dishes, while the top-end dining establishments include classic French and Spanish oriented offerings at a price.

In a category of its own is pub grub, with many pubs in Cork offering a favourable alternative to restaurant dining, serving fresh-caught seafood, together with traditional Irish stews, bacon and cabbage, meat or seafood pies and fish chowders. Guinness and Irish music or jazz complete the picture in friendly pubs across the city.