Our epicurean tour starts on the banks of the River Lee that flows through the heart of Cork city. Book in for a sumptuous meal at The River Club in The River Lee Hotel and really treat yourself. Try some local delights and order the English Market tasting board or the Ballycotton seafood chowder, served with a tasty slice of Guinness brown bread.

While you're here, make time for a pre-dinner drink at the River Club’s Bar & Terrace. Mediterranean inspired, this fern-lined bar is soaked in natural light and the ideal place to sip on a cocktail after a long day in the city. Our drink of choice is the 'East 8 Hold Up', a zingy  combo of vodka, Aperol, pineapple, passionfruit, topped off with a sliver of fresh lime. Relax on the year-round heated terrace and take in stunning views of the river. 

Sit on one of the nicest patios in the city at the Good Day Deli in Nano Nagle Place. Listen to birds sing from the treetops as you tuck into a yummy breakfast of poached pear pancakes, made with sustainable ingredients. Or treat yourself to the miso butter mushrooms, served with organic fried eggs, black garlic rayu and a pickled radish salad. 

The staff at Good Day Deli have a strong focus on protecting culture, heritage and the environment and they champion these through thoughtfully selected ingredients and displaying local artwork. Visit Nano Nagle Place afterwards and learn about one of Cork’s most beloved people.

Making up part of the famous Flying Enterprise Complex, The Courtyard on Sober Lane is one of the best places to eat in Cork when the sun is shining. Mingle on the buzzing outdoor space and enjoy crowd pleasing dishes like their mighty sirloin steaks, pizzas hot from the oven and decadent desserts that please even the sweetest of tooths.

As the sun sets on this incredible city, pull up a seat beneath a parasol and the outdoor heaters, and see for yourself why The Courtyard makes the ideal place for catch-ups that run late into the evening.

Corkonians have embraced alfresco dining with open arms, recently pedestrianising Princes Street in the heart of the city centre. Cork city has created a truly special outdoor dining setting that rivals anywhere else.

Clancy’s Bar is a great spot to grab a table on Princes Street. Serving from 9am through to late night, the kitchen at Clancy’s focuses on using fresh ingredients to put a twist on classic menu favourites. Try the fried chicken burger or their classic fish and chips and don’t forget about the prawn pil pil drenched in an infused oil, accompanied with crunchy garlic bread. Find a seat on Princes Street or call ahead and get one of the coveted spots on the rooftop terrace.

Take a short cycle from the city and soak up the sun in The Anglers' beer garden in Carrigrohane. In the 200 years it has been in business, the pub has gone from being a safe house during the War of Independence to a destination venue serving magnificent food in an unbeatable setting.

There’s no end to the delicious meals here, with their varied breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Discover why people rave about the dry aged beef burger with Cashel reserve cheddar and crispy onions or Ballycotton Pier scallops with black pudding and nduja. After your meal, check out the Whiskey Bar and unwind under the marquee by the water’s edge.

Beautiful, sunny days tend to bring out a zest for Mexican food and Tequila Jack's on Lapp's Quay is a firm local's favourite. Indulge with their fresh bowls of flavour packed guacamole, traditional servings of fish tacos and sensational Tex-Mex plates of nachos and Buffalo chicken wings. Pick a drink to go with your meal and let the expert staff talk you through their four types of margaritas.

Relax under leafy trees on Tequila Jack's outdoor dining area, or spoil yourself and book a table at Dine at Dome. These six seater tables are covered by a dome creating a unique and private dining experience in Cork city.

Tequila Jack's Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Tequila Jack's Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Cork City, Co. Cork

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Focusing on seasonal ingredients and using them in bold and creative ways, Orso Kitchen and Bar stands out in the Cork food scene as one of the most inventive places to eat. Get the spiced aubergine fritters for the table for lunch, they’re almost too good to share.

Unwind afterwards on their covered patio on Pembroke Street with a latte and freshly baked treats. 

Opening up shop in an old antique dealers has allowed the team at Cask in Hotel Isaacs to create an unforgettable meal out in Cork city. The eye-catching tiled floor and beautiful decorations as you make your way to the outdoor dining area are just a taste of what’s to come.

Savour flavourful main courses crafted by award-winning chefs, like their tasty tapas dishes, while overlooking the waterfall in the courtyard. 

When it comes to food trends, bao buns are a big deal and Electric on South Mall make some of the best in Cork City. Walk by and nab a table by the river to try this brilliant Asian dish and order a side of salty edamame beans to go with it. 

Best known for their cocktails, the staff at Electric whip up wonderful creations that work brilliantly on their own or paired with a dessert (the wasabi cheesecake steals the show here). Electric don’t take bookings so walk by from 3pm to 11.30pm Wednesday to Saturday to grab a seat. (Please note: Electric is temporarily closed and is set to reopen in July of 2025).

Serving wood fired pizza with a craft beer is a tried and tested practice that Franciscan Well Brewery have mastered in Cork’s North Mall. Reserve a table in their covered outdoor dining area bursting with bright flowers and enjoy the latest flavours and creations. Explore their core range of traditional beers like the Chieftain IPA and Frier Weisse, or their selection of specialty beers that use intriguing ingredients like coffee and clementine.