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 'Cloud Nine', a refreshing combo of gin, cherry and lemon, delicious with hickory-smoked almonds. 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 summer berry pancakes, made with sustainable ingredients. The spiced carrot fritters are the highlight of the lunch menu. Served with beetroot hummus, coconut yoghurt and onion pickle, this is the perfect summer meal.
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 and Restaurant is a great spot to grab a table on Princes Street. Serving from 9am through to late night, the kitchen at Clancy’s focus on using fresh ingredients to put a twist on classic menu favourites. Try the fried chicken burger or tuna focaccia and don’t forget about the crispy calamari made with West Cork squid. 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 turkey ballotine with sausage meat and chestnut stuffing or the soy and red cabbage cured salmon. 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.
Focusing on seasonal ingredients and using them in bold and creative ways, Orso Kitchen and Bar stands out in the Cork foodie scene as one of the most inventive places to eat. Get the bean tagine and the spiced beef kaftas 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.
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.
There are so many great places to enjoy outdoor dining this summer in Cork City, from traditional meals by the water to delicious snacks on rooftop terraces. Check out some of the best things to do in the Rebel City and get inspiration for your next trip.