By Ciara McDonnell
With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, Cork people are passionate when it comes to food. As you journey through the county, you’ll find it hard to eat a bad meal. Here are some of our best picks in the County Cork.
Cork City
If you can manage to get a table at Takashi Miyazaki’s Ichigo Ichie on Sheares Street in Cork, you are in for a treat. Awarded a Michelin star, the restaurant is Miyazaki’s realisation of a life-long dream and is as much about performance as it is the food.
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- Chawanmushi at Ichigo Ichie
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- Enjoy the Japanese décor at Ichigo Ichie
Celebrating the art of Japanese kappou, guests are treated to an elaborate multi-course meal prepared and plated by the chef as you watch; expect a dozen courses spread over three hours or so. If you want to taste Mikazaki’s food but missed out on a seat at Ichigo Ichie this time, then check out their sister noodle bar, Miyazaki for a casual but still incredible meal.
The Wild Atlantic Way
A seaside town that marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale has long been considered a jewel in Cork’s culinary crown. This year, Bastion, one of its high-end and consistently popular restaurants received its first Michelin star, and it is well-deserved. Here expect food that pushes the boundaries of your perception, in the best possible way.
Bastion offers Michelin star dining
Martin Shanahan’s Fishy Fishy is as much a reason to visit Kinsale as any. Renowned for fish that comes straight out of the sea and into his kitchen, Shanahan extended his offering in 2019 by opening The Blue Room, a restaurant specialising in small bites, just behind the main restaurant.
A seaside town that marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale has long been considered a jewel in Cork’s culinary crown
Quality informal dining
Clonakilty is renowned for its culinary feats, and is heaving with cafes, pubs and restaurants all eager to feed you well. An Súgán has been in operation since 1979 and is an ideal spot for a bowl of soup and a sandwich at lunchtime. Sticky Bun cafe serves incredible scones, sandwiches and lots of local treats – essential for a midday stop-off to stave off the hunger that comes with exploring West Cork!
Cafe culture is well and truly alive and kicking in the county
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is an institution in Clonakilty. The bar offers family-friendly food with a view of the stunning beach below the hotel. Inchydoney is famous for its afternoon tea, which is well-deserved after a morning spent lounging in the magnificent onsite Thalassotherapy spa.
A short drive from Clonakilty brings you to Long Strand Beach and The Fish Basket, one of the area’s most popular foodie destinations. Serving out-of-this-world fish right on the beach, this restaurant comes into its own during the summer months when it’s hard to find a seat, and well worth queuing for one.
