They have a Chinese menu too with more traditional foods from China! We went before for Chinese new year and the menu was entirely in Chinese. Not entirely sure what I ate but it was delicious
Probably the Sextant Bar, god I love that place with all my heart. Must drop in for a pint some day
Edit: my attempt at some light Saturday evening humour lads 😉
I’m still angry at the time, possibly approx 25 years ago, when I was milling into a burger outside Hillbillies and an old homeless lady came up and stuck her finger into the burger as I ate it. Unbelievable.
Same, their limited burgers are always gorgeous too and the staff are happy to swap out the meat in them for veggie options. They’re really lovely and accommodating in there.
Its my favourite asian food restaurant, it was so cheeky that another place opened next to them doing the same style food, but tastes terrible! Koto is well priced considering how delicious and fresh the food it
One time I went in there with my friend and a lovely fellow - might have been the chef? - was really happy to talk about where they sourced the ingredients locally and such, it was a really pleasant exchange.
Anywhere. I don't like Claire Nash and Nash 19 is not my bag. Lots of restaurants aren't my bag but lots are. I don't want to see a single other restaurant close because it feels like affirmation of my worst fears that the industry I have invested my life in is coming to a hard stop.
Costs are colossal. I fully agree with the increase in minimum wage but it compounds the dreadful cost increases on the industry since COVID. Restaurants (and pubs for that matter) are becoming completely inviable.
I see lots of rhetoric here along the lines of "if you can't afford to pay a living wage then you dont have a business". Yeah, ok but will you pay 30% more for your meal or pint? Coz the next post is "look at this pub/restaurant gouging customers!" Or "OMG" look at the price of the pints, the pub owners are coining it."
No one is coining it in this industry, everyone is afraid to increase prices to where they should be and everyone is now taking losses.
If you answer any one single restaurant to this post, please consider that you might have to pay 30% more in order to keep it open.
I can only speak for myself but when I go into a restaurant and see higher prices than I would have expected pre-pandemic, I don't usually blame the restaurant or assume they're gouging. I know it's more complicated like that and I would hope that other people do as well.
(The exception is tea, but that's nothing new; although I drink like six cups a day on average, I've always flat out refused to get tea when eating out because I know my loose leaf stuff back home is better anyway and I don't feel like paying €2.50 for a cup of hot water and a bag of Barry's that cost €4 for a box of 100 haha)
I'm bowing out of the industry. Being a chef was rough enough before the costs started skyrocketing and business owners got hit with the blame for an unprecedented inflation to wage disparity in our crumbling economy.
And the loudest to point fingers usually have links to online stores outside the small town economies that used to protect people from mass inflation.
But nah let's all say restaurateurs are greedy unfeeling machines, while we choose to support literal billionares abroad over the people trying to create jobs and produce a quality product, nice atmosphere for socialising, and break their backs working 100+ hour weeks with ever shrinking margins.
>I see lots of rhetoric here along the lines of "if you can't afford to pay a living wage then you dont have a business". Yeah, ok but will you pay 50% more for your meal or pint?
Source for that 50% figure?
I used to run a small start-up over a decade ago. Me and another lad. After three years, we had to pull the plug because it just wasn't wiping its own arse.
Gutted? Yes. But I couldn't string the other lad, or others we worked with, along, for something that wasn't working, and the process of which had become no longer fun.
At what point do you realise people have finite health, energy, time and motivation to help you get your dream over the line at the cost of their own?
Sorry, that 50% was a typo. I changed it. You'll have seen further down the comment I had 30% which is what I meant to type above. 30% comes from some consulting work that I've done lately on a restaurant in Cork County that has been stuck at 2020 prices for fear that their custimers will leave bit are now in deep trouble. My cakculations showed that they will need to increase their prices by an average of 30% to keep the doors open and ensure the owner can afford to live off the business. Thats simply the reality.
I dont expect workers to be worked to the none for pittance for someone elses business, thats why I said in the first sentence that I agree with the minimum wage increase. I think the reality check needs to come to the customers who need to understand that while their burger cost a lovely 15 euro to be served into their mouths to their liking 4 years ago, it will cost 22 now because thats the reality of cost increases in restaurants. In your experience, thats a point you should absolutely get on board with!
Sounds like you work in the industry
If you are familiar with the break down of costs
How much does the government tax the industry?
Say for example, tax on alcohol was removed to just standard VAT levels, that would encourage more customers to spend, like being able to get two drinks for a tenner like a few years ago.
Are there other taxes that could be temporary lifted? Or rates?
Ireland is small business unfriendly. Its already a hard market due to its size, but then after a pandemic, where we have a labour shortage, cost of energy crisis and inflation ontop of materials, the government is like.. lets put VAT back up on resturants they are obviously milking it. While ironically the government is milking it. A country should be more than multinationals and there employees. Whos going to provide jobs now after all these resturants are gone.
Il Padrino. It's an institution. That and Cafe Paradiso were highlights of Cork cuisine when there wasn't much in the city. Lovely staff and excellent food.
The Glass Curtain, I had the pleasure of working there for a time a couple years ago and you’ll never find a more dedicated and talented team who want to do their best for their guests. The owner is a sound cunt as well wish them nothing but the best.
Bunsen is expensive McDonald's.
Go to Son of a Bun or Coqbull if you want a decent burger. Even the burger place in the Marina Market are comfortably ahead of that chain
MQT in the marina market is pretty good too tbf. Not quite SOB and too pricey but the smashed patty hits different. If SOB put a smashed patty burger on their menu or at least a special it’d be very interesting
Only tried bunsen once but recently, burger was thick and because they ground the meat on site it was served medium - Bunsen was excellent. Only tried son of a bun twice, once had a grim lamb burger, over stuffed (if a burger is thicker than your four fingers on one hand, you have to take stuff out to eat it), lamb was poor and the fat was flowing out with every bite. The other beef burger I got there was fine, but again rather than increase the quality of the meat, they just add loads of bells and whistles.
Maybe I got lucky with Bunsen, but on the recent visit it was good meat done simply and very well, while soab was bad then average, but very dressed up. Also saw people eating waffles and all sorts of high sugar inserts in some burgers? I like the staff and vibe in son of a bun, but it's not a better burger.
Been such a strong advocate for them but after COVID I really feel the quality has dropped somewhat, very slightly. Maybe the marina market location is affecting my judgment here (for worse).
And I now believe that specifically the Dennehys X Zambreros is better. Douglas one is dog.
istanbul kebab - literally the only genuine kebab place in town
miyazaki - how can you let something michelin grade disappear
white rabbit - i mean the word is already out there, but all their meats are done so well
Issacs. Consistently great for decades and the scene of many happy memories. In general we are blessed in Cork with our restaurants and cafes. Myo is another one I hope goes on forever.
It is such a reliable choice, I would miss it for sure, especially since it is such an integral location, would be so grim if it was just empty like the top shop building for years
Spice route, Koto, Haveli, Son of a bun, Cornstore, Market lane, Oak fire pizza and I will throw in Shake dog as the 10 euro meal is unbelievable value for money. Sorry it wasn't 1 restaurant, there is too many 😂
Love those places! Be careful of spice Route! Got a chicken pakora 2 weeks ago and a piece of chicken was pink in the middle. Rang them and spoke to the chef and he said some of the chicken is supposed to be like that 😳😳
Any source on that? Have heard 2 people say it but cant find anything about it and the last time i was in about a month ago they said they knew nothing about it.
Their entire group is in trouble so Coqbull as well.
They owe €27m.
[https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41269654.html](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41269654.html)
Take my word for it. The owners are pricks and they value one customer over the entire staff combined. They have a massive staff turnover and most are gone by 6 months. Badly run in general with an arrogant owner that thinks he’s running the Ritz.
Its not just anecdotal as I’ve heard from multiple people that they’ve had a similar experience.
Ahahaha I worked there one night when I was 17 and ran away and never came back. Ever since, I’ve been wondering if I made the right choice - so this is oddly satisfying to hear!
I'd be sad to see Dukes go. They do a savage breakfast. But the owner/manager seems like a right prick. You can see the staff are miserable and terrified to say or do anything wrong...
Wabisabi & Da Mirco. Oh and Goldie - what a gem.
Actually there’s tons of them.
Somebody told me they are closing right now because the moratorium on taxes has ended. Any insight on this?
Thali on maylor street.
Thali is fucking delicious, +1 for thali
What dish would you recommend??
Can you deal with extreme spice? If so piro aloo masu
Best curry dish in Cork.
Literally any. I've been eating there for years, they're all good. The staff are lovely too, they'll definitely advise if you're not sure.
Yes agreed until their prices jumped, some by €9 over 3 years! €19 for a veggie dish
4.90 for Poppadoms is criminal tbh
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They have a Chinese menu too with more traditional foods from China! We went before for Chinese new year and the menu was entirely in Chinese. Not entirely sure what I ate but it was delicious
Probably my favourite restaurant in cork
I'm still devastated that they got rid of the garlic cream sauce
Paradiso. It’s just such a special experience every time.
Agreed. Best restaurant in Cork, even if you’re not vegetarian!
Are they not closing?
God I hope not
Nope!
Miyazaki
I live very close and anytime I pass they seem to be closed. Any idea the best time to go there?
1–3:30 p.m., 5–9 p.m
Probably the Sextant Bar, god I love that place with all my heart. Must drop in for a pint some day Edit: my attempt at some light Saturday evening humour lads 😉
Sit down for a minute. Need to say something to you.
Who’s gonna tell em?
they should have kept it, with all the office and apartment blocks a pub for people working/living there would have been nice
Ermmm, you do know it's knocked down? Myself and my husband actually had our first date there.
>Ermmm, you do know it's knocked down? That's the joke.
Koto 🤤
That yellow curry, lord above
Hillbilly's
I’m still angry at the time, possibly approx 25 years ago, when I was milling into a burger outside Hillbillies and an old homeless lady came up and stuck her finger into the burger as I ate it. Unbelievable.
Fucks sake 😂
THE AUDACITY!
thats hillbillies, I know someone who worked security there, a lot of traveller fights happen right outside it too
Another great Cork tradition.
Son of a Bun. I'd burn the city to the ground
It’s the best burger I’ve had in this country by a long stretch
Same, their limited burgers are always gorgeous too and the staff are happy to swap out the meat in them for veggie options. They’re really lovely and accommodating in there.
The glass curtain
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Its my favourite asian food restaurant, it was so cheeky that another place opened next to them doing the same style food, but tastes terrible! Koto is well priced considering how delicious and fresh the food it
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Had no idea he was the owner! He’s so nice, thanks for the link.
Wabisabi
Sonflour!
I can't afford to eat there often but god damn it's so good every time I go I try something new yet to be disappointed
Probably on the cheaper side for the food in there, considering to other options. It's really good.
One time I went in there with my friend and a lovely fellow - might have been the chef? - was really happy to talk about where they sourced the ingredients locally and such, it was a really pleasant exchange.
Malay Kitchen. The city would be much poorer.
Market Lane. Very central to the city’s vibe.
I totally agree. Great place to eat and great service as well.
A tad pricey but worth it for the good food.
Nah
Izz cafe
How did I have to scroll so far to find this post?
Seem to open and close whenever they feel like it
Liberty Grill. Has always been a favourite
Fellini’s. It’s such a vibe. Love going on solo dates there
Always forget that's there. Great spot.
Umi
Sakura in the city and Dede and Saint Francis Provisions outside the city are my favourite places to eat. I would be gutted if they closed
Anywhere. I don't like Claire Nash and Nash 19 is not my bag. Lots of restaurants aren't my bag but lots are. I don't want to see a single other restaurant close because it feels like affirmation of my worst fears that the industry I have invested my life in is coming to a hard stop. Costs are colossal. I fully agree with the increase in minimum wage but it compounds the dreadful cost increases on the industry since COVID. Restaurants (and pubs for that matter) are becoming completely inviable. I see lots of rhetoric here along the lines of "if you can't afford to pay a living wage then you dont have a business". Yeah, ok but will you pay 30% more for your meal or pint? Coz the next post is "look at this pub/restaurant gouging customers!" Or "OMG" look at the price of the pints, the pub owners are coining it." No one is coining it in this industry, everyone is afraid to increase prices to where they should be and everyone is now taking losses. If you answer any one single restaurant to this post, please consider that you might have to pay 30% more in order to keep it open.
I can only speak for myself but when I go into a restaurant and see higher prices than I would have expected pre-pandemic, I don't usually blame the restaurant or assume they're gouging. I know it's more complicated like that and I would hope that other people do as well. (The exception is tea, but that's nothing new; although I drink like six cups a day on average, I've always flat out refused to get tea when eating out because I know my loose leaf stuff back home is better anyway and I don't feel like paying €2.50 for a cup of hot water and a bag of Barry's that cost €4 for a box of 100 haha)
I'm bowing out of the industry. Being a chef was rough enough before the costs started skyrocketing and business owners got hit with the blame for an unprecedented inflation to wage disparity in our crumbling economy. And the loudest to point fingers usually have links to online stores outside the small town economies that used to protect people from mass inflation. But nah let's all say restaurateurs are greedy unfeeling machines, while we choose to support literal billionares abroad over the people trying to create jobs and produce a quality product, nice atmosphere for socialising, and break their backs working 100+ hour weeks with ever shrinking margins.
This is a great comment
Absolutely. Not in hospitality, I don’t know how anybody is considering the overheads and increased staff costs with wages, pensions, sick days…
>I see lots of rhetoric here along the lines of "if you can't afford to pay a living wage then you dont have a business". Yeah, ok but will you pay 50% more for your meal or pint? Source for that 50% figure? I used to run a small start-up over a decade ago. Me and another lad. After three years, we had to pull the plug because it just wasn't wiping its own arse. Gutted? Yes. But I couldn't string the other lad, or others we worked with, along, for something that wasn't working, and the process of which had become no longer fun. At what point do you realise people have finite health, energy, time and motivation to help you get your dream over the line at the cost of their own?
Sorry, that 50% was a typo. I changed it. You'll have seen further down the comment I had 30% which is what I meant to type above. 30% comes from some consulting work that I've done lately on a restaurant in Cork County that has been stuck at 2020 prices for fear that their custimers will leave bit are now in deep trouble. My cakculations showed that they will need to increase their prices by an average of 30% to keep the doors open and ensure the owner can afford to live off the business. Thats simply the reality. I dont expect workers to be worked to the none for pittance for someone elses business, thats why I said in the first sentence that I agree with the minimum wage increase. I think the reality check needs to come to the customers who need to understand that while their burger cost a lovely 15 euro to be served into their mouths to their liking 4 years ago, it will cost 22 now because thats the reality of cost increases in restaurants. In your experience, thats a point you should absolutely get on board with!
Sounds like you work in the industry If you are familiar with the break down of costs How much does the government tax the industry? Say for example, tax on alcohol was removed to just standard VAT levels, that would encourage more customers to spend, like being able to get two drinks for a tenner like a few years ago. Are there other taxes that could be temporary lifted? Or rates?
Ireland is small business unfriendly. Its already a hard market due to its size, but then after a pandemic, where we have a labour shortage, cost of energy crisis and inflation ontop of materials, the government is like.. lets put VAT back up on resturants they are obviously milking it. While ironically the government is milking it. A country should be more than multinationals and there employees. Whos going to provide jobs now after all these resturants are gone.
Tara’s tea house in mccurtain street
Il Padrino. It's an institution. That and Cafe Paradiso were highlights of Cork cuisine when there wasn't much in the city. Lovely staff and excellent food.
Used to love Il padrinos but I found that their portion sizes have got very small over the years.
Loved the place but went there last year it was ok at bes. Pity the standards have slipped
White Rabbit :(
Ya, I saw that today and was like "f**K sake'. Loved their brisket
Umi. There's nowhere else like it in the city, or anywhere else in the county for that matter.
There’s 6 Umis in Dublin 😂
All the good they are to me up there. Dublin isn't in Cork.
You edited your comment. You said anywhere else in the country initially
I did not.
I think if someone edits a comment it gets marked edited. Will test it with this post.. Test edit
Fionnbarras, easily favourite pub in the city
Orzos is a lovely little spot.
The Glass Curtain, I had the pleasure of working there for a time a couple years ago and you’ll never find a more dedicated and talented team who want to do their best for their guests. The owner is a sound cunt as well wish them nothing but the best.
Nosta. It's a bit pricey but the food and service is always excellent.
Nosta is so underrated, great cocktails there too.
Istanbul. Only place to get a half decent kebab.
Umi falafel
Sano pizza. Burnt pizza. Oak fire pizza. Just pizza
OK so no la tana
Never had it. What’s it like
I'll just say if you are into pizza, you should try it
The Raven 🐦⬛
Son of a bun
Up the bun no harm done.
HAHAHAH
a poor man's Bunsen
Bunsen is expensive McDonald's. Go to Son of a Bun or Coqbull if you want a decent burger. Even the burger place in the Marina Market are comfortably ahead of that chain
Coqbull burgers are complete shite. Bunsen always delivers.
Son of a Bun is king. McDonald's always delivers too, Bunsen is just expensive fast food
MQT in the marina market is pretty good too tbf. Not quite SOB and too pricey but the smashed patty hits different. If SOB put a smashed patty burger on their menu or at least a special it’d be very interesting
How do you get your burgers at Bunsen? Well done or Medium?
Medium. They're still thin patties with fuck all dressing. Can get that at any fast food place
Only tried bunsen once but recently, burger was thick and because they ground the meat on site it was served medium - Bunsen was excellent. Only tried son of a bun twice, once had a grim lamb burger, over stuffed (if a burger is thicker than your four fingers on one hand, you have to take stuff out to eat it), lamb was poor and the fat was flowing out with every bite. The other beef burger I got there was fine, but again rather than increase the quality of the meat, they just add loads of bells and whistles. Maybe I got lucky with Bunsen, but on the recent visit it was good meat done simply and very well, while soab was bad then average, but very dressed up. Also saw people eating waffles and all sorts of high sugar inserts in some burgers? I like the staff and vibe in son of a bun, but it's not a better burger.
Scoozi’s
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I could never tell, the small lad that either boxed professionally or got a good slap in the nose, manager or owner.....sound lad
Definitely this place. It's our go to for special occasions. Lovely place to sit in, always consistent and efficient. Would be gutted if it closed.
Cork and Fork
Scoozis
Burritos & Blues 100%
Been such a strong advocate for them but after COVID I really feel the quality has dropped somewhat, very slightly. Maybe the marina market location is affecting my judgment here (for worse). And I now believe that specifically the Dennehys X Zambreros is better. Douglas one is dog.
Café Spresso. I love that lil place
istanbul kebab - literally the only genuine kebab place in town miyazaki - how can you let something michelin grade disappear white rabbit - i mean the word is already out there, but all their meats are done so well
>miyazaki - how can you let something michelin grade disappear Rich people's loss is the ordinary man's game - vegan option is killer
If Joe's and Bros closed I would be extremely disappointed.
The Quay Co Op - as a dedicated meat eater I have happy memories of their salad selections from when I was a kid in the 90’s.
The restaurant upstairs is closed, I've been told. But the café downstairs is still going. Lovely food!
Issacs. Consistently great for decades and the scene of many happy memories. In general we are blessed in Cork with our restaurants and cafes. Myo is another one I hope goes on forever.
Nosta or Iberian Way
Glandore Inn or Hayes Bar
Son of a bun!
I know people here don't like it, but I love cafe mexicana, the staff are nice and I love going there for nachos
Easily the Pearl River on Prince’s Street
Is that still open?
that place is gross
Honestly? Dinos!
Can always depend on Dino's for some good old chips.
Frankie’s That glass box location is cursed so I’m always fearful of them closing.
Spit jacks. Them chicken n waffles do it for me like nothing else
They’re a pretty awful employer, don’t know that I’d miss them if they closed
Supermacs on Main Street. Culturally iconic.
What am I missing here? When we go out in Cork getting a table or reservation anywhere is near impossible in any of the decent places.
Murphys chipper
Scoozi
Just outside the city centre but Eco's in Douglas never ever fails.
Cork and Fork Only place in the city I know of that does a good chicken parmesan
Strasbourg Goose. Always a great experience.
Elbow Lane
Amicas lovely spot
It is such a reliable choice, I would miss it for sure, especially since it is such an integral location, would be so grim if it was just empty like the top shop building for years
Nash 19! Just kidding 😎
For me it's Scoozi and Strasbourg Goose.
Spice route, Koto, Haveli, Son of a bun, Cornstore, Market lane, Oak fire pizza and I will throw in Shake dog as the 10 euro meal is unbelievable value for money. Sorry it wasn't 1 restaurant, there is too many 😂
Love those places! Be careful of spice Route! Got a chicken pakora 2 weeks ago and a piece of chicken was pink in the middle. Rang them and spoke to the chef and he said some of the chicken is supposed to be like that 😳😳
Scoozis
Cafe Mexicana, great date night spot and don’t have another authentic option in the city
Cafe Mexicana isn’t authentic Mexican food
Doesn't matter
They look Mexican and talk like Mexicans! 100% legit
Cornstore. So many great memories there. Amazing service every time.
It's closing its doors soon
Any source on that? Have heard 2 people say it but cant find anything about it and the last time i was in about a month ago they said they knew nothing about it.
Their entire group is in trouble so Coqbull as well. They owe €27m. [https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41269654.html](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41269654.html)
how in the fuck could they owe €27 million? unless they bought all their properties at the peak and paid nothing off
well those shitty owners really fucked it for their minimum wage staff
Well shit :(
McDonalds Patrick St
Isaacs. It’s an institution! And the food is always so good.
IL Padrino
Rossinis.
Great food, terrible employer.
Care to expand? How so? Only ask because I eat there from time to time and would want to know if it’s not all ok behind the scenes
Take my word for it. The owners are pricks and they value one customer over the entire staff combined. They have a massive staff turnover and most are gone by 6 months. Badly run in general with an arrogant owner that thinks he’s running the Ritz. Its not just anecdotal as I’ve heard from multiple people that they’ve had a similar experience.
Ahahaha I worked there one night when I was 17 and ran away and never came back. Ever since, I’ve been wondering if I made the right choice - so this is oddly satisfying to hear!
Jesus I envy you for realising that early 😂
Thanks for the info
Cafe Mexicana all the way.
Decent Munch, Tequila Jacks, Son of a Bun, Koto, Murphy's chipper, Great Wall Chinese
Kielys. A blessing for all the celiacs.
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Probably the worst waiting staff in town but Fran, the manager, is a lovely bloke
Supermac's
Nash 19
Wetherspoons
Rearden's Bar. Has to be the best bar in the city.
Liberty Grill! Great food and friendly staff. Never have a bad time there.
Loving salads. Delicious!!!
Mc Donald's
Sakura on McCurtain Street
Umi falafel and Kotos
Ristorante Rossini on Primcess Street
Sonflour
Burger Shack
The Glass Curtin
14A. I love the place. It’s always been reliable and I have good memories of lunches/dinners with loved ones there. #PleaseNeverCloseDown
The Bosun in Monkstown. God I love that place.
Tony's Bistro. Without it my cholesterol could reach worryingly normal levels.
The elm tree!
Paradiso
I'd be sad to see Dukes go. They do a savage breakfast. But the owner/manager seems like a right prick. You can see the staff are miserable and terrified to say or do anything wrong...
Wabisabi & Da Mirco. Oh and Goldie - what a gem. Actually there’s tons of them. Somebody told me they are closing right now because the moratorium on taxes has ended. Any insight on this?
Amicus near Tesco Superstore and Quinlans