Some may say that Cork is the food capital of Ireland. 

To eat and drink well in Cork isn’t a difficult task since the second largest city in Ireland has long been known as an important port for exporting major ingredients, including: wheats, oats, seafood, dairy, beers and wines.

To truly taste the food gems of Cork, travelers will need to visit Kinsale, a town 30 minutes south of downtown by car. But if you don’t want to traverse too much and still experience the best flavors that this lovely city has to offer, then check out these places to eat and drink in Cork City Centre.

 

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Led by celebrated chef Aishling Moore, Goldie is arguably one of the best seafood restaurants in Cork. Situated on the city’s main hub Oliver Plunkett Street, Goldie is proof of a successful partnership between Moore and Stephen Kehoe executive chef of Market Lane Group, who is the former at Elbow Lane, making the two trendy hotspots “sister restaurants.”

Despite its popularity, Goldie has remained humble and down to earth. Hungry foodies come here for flavorful food, beautiful presentation, and fresh catches of the day, like: Pan Fried Turbot (with roast celeriac, chicken & miso butter sauce,) Pan Roast Hake (with beluga lentil and squid ink dhal, beetroot achar, lime pickle,) and Pan Fried John Dory (with caramelized chicory chutney, café de Paris butter.)

Elbow Lane is, by far, the perfect combination of fantastic meat and brew, both beautifully executed. Goldie’s sister restaurant is a smokehouse and a nano brewery. The meat is prepared in a wood-fire oven, in an open kitchen. Each is meticulously prepared, to explicit precision. From the wood grilled ribeye to T-bone, both are juicy and delightful, accompanied by smoked cascade butter. The Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs with house sauce was heavenly, every strip was devoured to the bone.

Elbow Lane’s house beers highlight’s Cork’s craft beer scene, from the Elbow Lager, Wisdom Ale to Angel Stout. Each is made with zero additives, created according to the German purity law. Defined by beers produced with solely four ingredients: malted barley, yeast, hops and water.

The Corner House is an Irish pub, featuring live traditional Irish music, right in Cork’s city center. Since 1994, this fan-favorite has been the inspiration for local artists, writers, and poets. Traveling musicians drop in and have spontaneous performances on the spot, making The Corner House a fun bar for both locals and visitors. It’s a lovely time with a pint of Guinness or a local brew.

Since 1788, English Market has been the heart of the city’s major indoor food market. For the best quality of produce, ingredients and prepared Irish dishes, there isn’t a better place that offers a wide selection that is both fresh and local. The English Market has been woven into the fabric of the city’s history and suffered through various hardships, including: wars, floods, and even the Great Famine. It’s become such an institution that even Queen Elizabeth II paid a visit here.

For truly one of the best brewery tours in all of Ireland, stop by Franciscan Well Brewery, situated in a former Franciscan monastery. This micro-brewery was opened in 1998, produces five beers and specializes in ale, lager and stout. It’s even more special since it’s believed that the water from the monastery’s well has healing powers. The brewery tour starts with an explanation in the mini factory. Then, ends with several delightful tastings.

The SpitJack is famous for its rotisserie fabulousness! In 2017, husband and wife, Richard and Laura, opened this delightful eatery after moving to Cork. With both of their backgrounds in luxury hospitality, the couple now are the masterminds behind a restaurant with locally-sourced produce, especially the Irish chicken. From the menu, the rotisserie chicken arrives in various forms: New West Cork, Rotisserie Pulled Chicken, the Rotisserie Roasted Chicken Burger and the Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad.

The Oliver Plunkett is a traditional Irish Pub, wildly popular with tourists. Aptly named after the Catholic Archbishop as well as the street it’s located on, this massive pub showcases some of the best live music in Cork. The wide beer selection spans from a classic Guinness or a Hop House, to delicious craft beers. Visitors can browse through fascinating photos, old Irish quotes and even song lyrics that embellish its dark walls and ceiling.

Right above JJ Walsh pub is Kelly’s Restaurant, serving up traditional Irish fare like bacon and cabbage, roasted turkey and stuffed chicken. With a giant Irish flag draped across the restaurant, Kelly’s has become a staple for elderly folks, making this beloved eatery a truly authentic experience for travelers. Since 1989, Kelly’s has been a family business started by Martin Daly and his brother, who gathered their savings and bought the former Turner’s Hotel. Before Martin passed away in December 2021, he gave the restaurant to his son Neil, who worked side-by-side with his father until his passing. Today, Neil works the kitchen while his wife Olivia manages the front end of the restaurant. Kelly’s isn’t fancy, but it sure is one of the best meals in Cork!