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MAC Cork - Dining & Drinking
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Many of Cork's best restaurants share the same philosophy of applying high standards in culinary training to fresh, locally grown, and organic produce used in season. Some are oriented towards the preservation of traditional Irish cooking, such as the Arbutus Lodge in Montenotte, which also offers spectacular views of the city, the Farmgate Café, overlooking the English Market, where Drisheen and tripe can still be sampled, and Ballymaloe, whose sterling reputation has been built on the principle that good food and wholesome food are inextricably linked, resulting in the establishment of modern Irish Farmhouse cuisine.

The Ballymaloe tradition is continued with a more contemporary flavour in restaurants such as Harold's in Douglas, and the Crawford Gallery Café. Spiced beef or Irish stew can be had alongside a pint in less formal surroundings at Reidy's Wine Vault on the Western Road. Fresh seafood is a speciality at the reasonably priced and ever popular Isaac's Restaurant, housed in a converted warehouse on MacCurtain Street. Next door, Greene's bar and restaurant delivers excellent fish dishes and overlooks a waterfall. No. 5 Fenn's Quay serves up delicious bistro flavours amid a wonderful atmosphere.

To sample a truly creative menu, check out the Ivory Tower where traditional European cooking is given a Japanese edge with startling results. The Yumi-Yuki Club in the Triskel Arts Centre is great for a quick sushi meal with sake. Although there isn't exactly a plethora of vegetarian restaurants in Cork, vegetarians will not be disappointed with the excellent Cafe Paradiso on the Western Road, where artfully prepared meals are served by a young and dedicated staff. The Quay Co-Op on Sullivan's Quay, a self-service vegetarian restaurant, is a Cork institution.

While Cork doesn't have the same diversity of cuisines present in larger, perhaps more cosmopolitan cities, there are nevertheless some places to go for those with an appetite for foreign food. Enthusiasts of Chinese food will love the Ambassador restaurant on Cook Street. For Indian food, the Eastern Tandoori restaurant, opposite the Opera House, provides diners with voluptuous meals and impeccable service, as does the award-winning Indian Tandoori on Princes Street. The recently opened Ruen-Thai serves the best Thai food in town and has some great lunch specials. Eco Douglas embraces a wide range of cooking styles from Thai to Mediterranean at reasonable prices.

New Irish cuisine has overtones of the Mediterranean at Jacque's Restaurant on Pheonix Street, while Proby's Bistro near Crosses Green is more overtly Mediterranean. Ristorante Rossini on Princes Street is an Italian restaurant serving delicious charcoal-grill, pizza, and pasta dishes, while those seeking value for money should try Bully's on Paul Street.

Pubs

If you are looking for a sophisticated stylish watering hole, try the Bodega on the Coal Quay. An eclectic selection of musical tastes are catered for here, there are regular Sunday gigs by top Jazz artists such as James Taylor and Louis Stewart, while on Thursday nights patrons are entertained in the Love Lounge by the ever popular Miss Ken D. For a similar vibe but on a smaller scale, The Roundy, just up the street, is an excellent location from which to acquaint oneself with this vibrant city's nightlife.

Lots of bars and restaurants are popping up around North Main Street. The most recent addition is Le Cheile, where friendly staff, sumptuous surroundings, and a low-key music policy, make this an essential stop-off for those who enjoy a cold drink and good conversation in a cosmopolitan setting. Similarly, the newly refurbished Raven Bar has lent this old part of town a European flavour with it's continental coffees and cool cocktails. For those interested in local beers, Cork has a long tradition of brewing. Located on South Main Street is the legendary Beamish and Crawford brewery. Directly opposite this are The Oval and Spailpin Fanach. The Oval is renowned for its lively, energetic atmosphere, with an interesting mix of all types of people. The 'Spailpin' is one of Cork's top bars: there are traditional music sessions nightly, the staff are friendly and if they run out of beer they can always pop over the road and pick up a keg or two in the brewery. The Franciscan Well on the North Mall is a micro brewery and its Shandon Stout should be tasted - it's creamy and smooth with a slight kick in the tail.

With Latino music and a late bar The Vineyard is another city-centre hot spot guaranteed to keep you on your toes into the small hours of the morning. For all you alternative rocker types, there's Fred Zepplin's. If you're feeling adventurous take a trip down to the Hi-B, have a seat on one of the old red leather couches, grab a beer and eavesdrop on the local cognoscenti discussing anything from Samuel Beckett to moving statues. Sin E and LV are two of Cork's quintessential bars - for funky sounds and service with a smile these are hard to beat. Sin E shows the Racing Channel in the afternoon and, with a turf accountant on the doorstep, is the perfect spot for those who enjoy an afternoon flutter.

On the south side, Union Quay contains the Strip, five pubs in a row, the perfect pub crawl for the weary or lazy. One of the most popular is The Lobby Bar, it is among Cork's most important live music venues and patrons can enjoy the sweet sounds of trad, folk and country while enjoying a fine view of the River Lee outside. The bingo at Loafers is a lot of fun on Tuesday's, and all proceeds go to charity. The Exchange on Georges Quay is the place for the discerning wine drinker; it has the best selection of old and New World wines available and DJs play at night.







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Ambassador


Best Chinese food in town
3 Cook Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 3261
This restaurant, spanning two floors, is conveniently located in the center of the city. The interior is tastefully laid out where white linen, dark wood and spotlights predominate, making each table feel like an intimate island. However, the real emphasis is on the quality of the food. The menu is huge: choose from fresh seafood, beef, lamb, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. The crispy beef with sweet chilli sauce, and the lamb hotpot in black bean sauce come highly recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ambassador photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
An Spailpin Fanac


Great place to hear some traditional music
27-29 South Main Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 7949
An Spailpin Fanac is justly famed for the live music performed here most nights. Local and visiting traditional musicians assemble to play a wide selection of Irish tunes. The atmosphere is relaxed, a nice open fire and good pints ensure a good time is had by all. The pub gets busy on weekends, and is especially popular with tourists. A good lunch can be had from Monday to Friday, while a function room is also available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
An Spailpin Fanac photo by Eoin O'Riordan
Photo: Eoin O'Riordan
An Spailpin Fanac photo by pj mallen
Photo: pj mallen
An Spailpin Fanac photo by owenkilleen
Photo: owenkilleen
 

 
Arbutus Lodge Hotel


Elegant town house overlooking the river Lee
Montenotte
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 450 1237
http://www.arbutuslodge.net/
This family-owned hotel was built in 1802. It's set in its own gardens, overlooking the river Lee and Cork city. The hotel houses a fine collection of modern Irish art; each room is individually decorated. Additionally, the restaurant is well worth a visit. The food here is prepared with an emphasis on applying a rigorous culinary training to fresh, locally grown produce. There's also an award-winning wine list. Connoisseurs won't be disappointed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Arbutus Lodge Hotel photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Bully's


Italian-style eatery
40 Paul Street
Cork
Ireland
Conveniently located at the heart of the charming Huguenot Quarter, this is part of a chain of successful Italian-style restaurants serving pizzas, home made pastas, fresh seafood, omelettes and grills. The atmosphere is relaxed and subdued, with soothing music playing quietly in the background. The staff are efficient and service with a smile is guaranteed. Diners can look forward to exceptionally good value at this Ballygowan, Bord Failte, and Egon Ronay-recommended establishment.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bully's photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Cafe Paradiso


Exquisite food in a relaxed surroundings
16 Lancaster Quay
Western Road
Cork
Ireland
+353 (0)21 427 7939
http://www.paradisorooms.com/d...
Quite simply one of the best restaurants in Cork; even the most ardent of carnivores will be pleased. Among the many delectable dishes, you'll find gingered sweet potato spring rolls with sesame cabbage and a creamy coconut sauce, vegetable tempura with a sweet chili sauce, wild rice and parsnip fritters with mushrooms in cider and thyme and leek-smoked mash. The menu changes with the season. This is an extremely popular eatery, with a young, well-trained and dedicated staff serving beautifully prepared food in a friendly atmosphere.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cafe Paradiso photo by David Bettoney
Photo: David Bettoney
 

 
Cork Opera House


Entertainment on a grand scale
Emmet Place
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 0022
http://www.corkoperahouse.ie/
Situated in the heart of the city beside the river Lee, the Opera House has been providing Cork with entertainment of varying kinds for many years. The building is modern, it was constructed in 1965 after its predecessor had been destroyed by fire ten years before. There are large windows at the front allowing a view of the city to those enjoying a drink in the attractive bar. The programme of events is varied, and includes opera, drama, music and films. Recent productions have included Aida, the acclaimed Druid production of Martin McDonagh's The Beauty Queen of Leenane, and the final of the legendary "Over 60s" talent show. At the beginning of October, the Opera House is the base of the Cork Film Festival. It has a capacity of around one thousand.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cork Opera House photo by Sean O'Sullivan
Photo: Sean O'Sullivan
Cork Opera House photo by Miriam Giudici
Photo: Miriam Giudici
Cork Opera House photo by Mark O'Hagan
Photo: Mark O'Hagan
Cork Opera House photo by Peter McCourt
Photo: Peter McCourt
Cork Opera House photo by Mweelrea IRL (on Holidays!!)
Photo: Mweelrea IRL (on Holidays!!)
Cork Opera House photo by Shane Supple
Photo: Shane Supple
Cork Opera House photo by Brendan O'Connell
Photo: Brendan O'Connell
Cork Opera House photo by David James
Photo: David James
 

 
Crawford Gallery Café


Loved by Corkonians
Crawford Gallery
Emmet Place
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 4415
This eatery is located on the ground floor of the Crawford Art Gallery. It comprises a large room, painted dark blue. There are three big windows making it quite a bright, fresh space. Some watercolours adorn the walls, while a few more abstract objects d'art are also displayed. Members of the Allen family run the cafe; the style of cooking associated with Ballymaloe House is certainly evident here too. Using only the freshest produce and traditional methods, the chef conjures up dishes such as chargrilled chicken with cream cheese and herbs served with Shanagarry potatoes and vegetables, and baked cod with chive butter.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Eastern Tandoori


Genuine cuisine in sumptuous surroundings
Emmet Place
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 2020
This restaurant does more than just serve food, it offers diners a genuine insight into a different culture. The decor is plush, blue velvet seating surrounded by lots of Indian ornaments and artefacts. There's a huge menu, with seafood, poultry, lamb, and vegetarian dishes to choose from. If you are having any difficulty deciding what to have try one of the chef's recommendations - the half spring chicken stuffed with diced lamb and cooked in a red wine and cream sauce is especially good. Indian beers are available, and the wine list is also quite good.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Eastern Tandoori photo by Dipen Kotecha
Photo: Dipen Kotecha
 

 
Eco Douglas


Environmentally friendly
1-2 Eastville, Douglas Village
Cork
Ireland
Just four miles from the city centre, Eco Douglas is a recently opened restaurant specializing in contemporary world cuisine. The menu ranges from modern Mediterranean to new Thai cooking, and includes dishes such as roast red pepper salad, escalope of pork Parmesan, and stir-fried vegetables with chilli, crushed peanuts and coriander. Hot beverages include anything from a Korean ginseng to a steaming cappuccino, and the wine list is extensive, with over eighty different wines to choose from.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Franciscan Well


Pub and micro-brewery combined
14 North Mall
Cork
Ireland
This is the only bar in the city that sells its own brews. It's quite stylishly decorated with giant copper holding kegs right behind the bar that set the tone for the color scheme. Obviously, the most important thing here is the beer and it certainly lives up to expectations. The Shandon Stout is particularly good; it's creamy and light, but has a nice toasty bite at the finish. The wheat beer is also very tasty. During the summer, barbeques are held in the beer garden on Thursday nights.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Greene's


Innovative food in stylish surrounds
48 MacCurtain Street
Cork
Ireland
Take a turn off busy MacCurtain Street into another world. Located at the end of a cobblestone arch, Greene's is a veritable oasis of good food and drink. At the end of the archway, diners are greeted by the austere red rock face of one of Cork's hills. As if that wasn't dramatic enough, there's also a waterfall. The food here is equally unique and of a very high standard. Seafood is a speciality but carnivores and vegetarians are catered for too. Dishes include Barberry duck with apple sauce served with sesame coated eggplant, and baked brill on the bone with a shellfish ravioli and bisque sauce. The dining room is bright and spacious with modern stylish furniture.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Greene's photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Issac's


A bustling bistro
48A MacCurtain Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 450 3805
This busy restaurant, located in a converted Victorian warehouse, is friendly and informal. The decor is modern with everything situated in one large attractive room. The menu is international and eclectic, prepared using high quality local produce. As well as traditional fare, such as colcannon and salmon with potato cakes, the menu includes many contemporary dishes like warm salad of grilled Clonakilty black pudding with glazed apples.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Issac's photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Ivory Tower


Inspirational organic food
The Exchange Buildings
35 Princes Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 4665
If you feel that you deserve a real treat, then The Ivory Tower is the place to go. The menu is inspired, changes daily, and includes seafood, game, and vegetarian specialities. There is a strong emphasis on wild and organic food, while smoked shrimp and sushi have been known to appear as surprise tasters. Blackened swordfish with banana ketchup, venison served with spinach in a bitter chocolate sauce, and organic fillet steak are among the dishes served here. It's also very refreshing to be able to enjoy this marvellous culinary experience in the comfort of a comparatively casual atmosphere.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ivory Tower photo by Joanna Ostolska
Photo: Joanna Ostolska
 

 
Jacque's Restaurant


20 years of expertise
Phoenix Street
Cork
Ireland
Although in business for over 20 years now, the Barry sisters, Eithne and Jacqueline, have never lost sight of the ever-changing world of modern cooking. Their food has always been contemporary; it has tended, over the years, to display greater and greater Mediterranean influences. Menu highlights include Mediterranean chicken with polenta and roast vegetables with a basil pesto, crab cakes with a salsa verde, brace of quail with a field mushroom risotto, and steak Diane. As with many of Cork's better restaurants, the atmosphere here is quite informal and relaxed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jacque's Restaurant photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Loafers


Friendly colourful pub
26/27 Douglas Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 431 1612
This is a relaxed gay bar with friendly and efficient staff. Some great modern art adorns the walls and is a fitting backdrop to this funky pub. There's often a good old-fashioned bingo night with proceeds going to various charities. The pool table ensures that the restless always remain busy. Be sure to check out the beer garden if you're stopping by during the summer - don't forget your shorts. With a recent refurbishment, the bar is now more comfortable and welcoming than ever, and the webpage lists upcoming events. Additionally, great DJs play on the decks here most weekends, making a visit to Loafers simply a must for all party people!

Review © 2007, Wcities
Loafers photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Lobby


Premier music venue
1 Union Quay
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 431 1113
http://www.lobby.ie
The Lobby is an excellent bar and live venue, especially for lovers of traditional and folk music. Upstairs, live music is played every night, and many of Cork's emerging artists such as Nomos and Sinead Lohan play regular gigs here. There are also appearances by some overseas and international musicians. During the day, there's a great view of City Hall and the river Lee from the large upstairs windows. Downstairs is a regular pub complete with friendly bar staff.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lobby photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
No. 5 Fenn's Quay


Recommended by the Bridgestone guide
Sheares Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 9527
http://www.fennsquay.ie
This stylish restaurant is located in Cork's oldest terraced Georgian building. A combination of friendly efficient service, inventive bistro cooking and an upbeat vibe account for the considerable and sustained success of this eatery. Toulouse sausage, deep-fried calamari with tomato and lemon salsa, and poached monkfish with walnut and aubergine mash are just a few of the highlights on a very imaginative menu. Don't forget to save some room for the sticky-toffee pudding; it's quite simply a show-stopper!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Proby's Bistro


Bistro food at its best
Probys Quay, Crosses Green
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 431 6531
http://www.probysbistro.com/
You'll find this modern bistro adjacent to St Finbarre's Cathedral, one of Cork's best-known landmarks. The style of cooking incorporates Mediterranean flavors, complementing the local ingredients used such as seafood, vegetables, beef, lamb and poultry. Everything is in-house prepared and the menu changes with the season.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Proby's Bistro photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Quay Co-op Cafe


Wholesome vegetarian meals
24 Sullivan's Quay
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 31 7660
http://www.quaycoop.com/
Overlooking the river Lee, the Quay Co-op is something of a Cork institution, it was the first vegetarian restaurant in the city. Patrons are free to enjoy anything from a coffee to lunch or dinner in this friendly self-service restaurant. Each day, the menu features vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free choices. Sample dishes include: spiced lentil burger, spinach, mushroom and corn pizza, and cashew nut and vegetable paella. The daily specials can be particularly good value.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Quay Co-op Cafe photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Ristorante Rossini


Busy Italian bistro
34 Princes Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 5818
Rossini's is an attractive Italian restaurant conveniently located in the city centre. There is a good choice of lunch specials and if you grab a seat near the window, you'll get a nice view of Princes Street. The menu is broad-ranging, with diners free to chose from a selection of pizzas, homemade pasta dishes, or something from the charcoal grill. Charcoal specialties include the "Fillet Steak Rossini" and grilled salmon or chicken dishes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Roundy


Pints in the round?
Castle Street
Cork
Ireland
This central bar is an ideal place to relax in the afternoon, with a coffee or a bowl of home-made soup, and watch the city glide by. As the name implies, the Roundy is circular in shape; the decor is stylish, smart and modern. It comprises two floors and bars, though upstairs is closed during the day. The vibe on the ground floor tends to be a little more subdued, as the party people usually head upstairs to enjoy the bass-heavy party sounds. DJs Stevie G and Alan O'Keefe (of Bass Odyssey fame) play on Thursdays, Angie and Jelly K on Fridays, and Lulu, Gina G, or Miss Ken D on Sundays. The staff members are very friendly, as is the general ambience. One of the city's better pubs.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Roundy photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Triskel  Arts Centre


Modern centre of the arts
Tobin Street
Cork
Ireland
+353 21 427 2022
http://www.triskelart.com/
Offering a comprehensive programme of drama, film, visual art, literature and education to the public, the Triskel is the spiritual home of modern art in Cork city. Each month, the centre presents a varied schedule of events, featuring artists and performers from both home and abroad. The centre is housed in a three-storey restored townhouse and comprises an auditorium, a gallery and a workshop. Upstairs, the Yumi-Yuki Club is open six days a week and offers an excellent sushi menu throughout the day.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Triskel  Arts Centre photo by Aine Scannell
Photo: Aine Scannell
Triskel  Arts Centre photo by SiMPa-tica
Photo: SiMPa-tica
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Cork - Dining & Drinking"
Cork
Cork - Historical Background
Cork - Neighborhood Guide
Cork - Where to Stay
Cork - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Killarney (72 miles)
Galway (157 miles)
Dublin (212 miles)
Belfast (345 miles)
Plymouth (346 miles)
Cardiff (366 miles)
Liverpool (405 miles)
Bristol (408 miles)
Bath (427 miles)
Birmingham (453 miles)

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