The best restaurants in Cork

04/01/2025: The Speckled Door is an absolute gem! We visited it during our road trip in August because my girlfriend had been there 15 years ago and couldn’t stop talking about the legendary crab claws she had back then. When we arrived, it felt like time had stood still – everything was just as she remembered. The atmosphere is stunning: the cliffs by the sea, the breathtaking landscape – truly unforgettable! The ambiance left a deep impression on me and is something I’ll always cherish. Although the crab claws weren’t on the menu or the daily specials, we asked the incredibly friendly waitress if there was any chance we could still have them. Without hesitation, she checked with the kitchen, and they made them for us. It was my first time trying crab claws, and they were absolutely delicious! The service was outstanding: attentive, friendly, and accommodating. I’m already planning to return in 2025, almost solely because of these crab claws. A huge thank you to The Speckled Door team for making this such a memorable experience!

01/01/2025: Great spot outside Kinsale. Nice views as well. Food is delicious and something everyone. Quick turnaround with your order been brought out.

03/03/2025: great breskfast and service,not stay here but always stop for food if in area,top class food

13/02/2025: I recently had my wedding at The Mills Inn and I cannot praise the place enough. The owners, staff and everyone involved with the planning were exceptional. Our guests raved about the food and how amazing everything tasted. Thank you to the Mills for an exceptional wedding that myself and the guests will never forget.

21/02/2025: On the surface, a warm and thoroughly well stocked bar and restaurant. My thanks to our host, Fergus who took the trouble to send me the menu via email. What a pleasant surprise it was to experience the food. It was superb, our compliments to the chef. But a special shout out must go to Claire, Castletownshend's soon to be answer to Professor Elizabeth Tanner. Hold on to her for as long as you can Fergus. Claire was kind, genuine and a complete credit to your establishment. Thank you all for a lovely experience. Mark and Deirdre.

31/12/2024: Had a lovely lunch in here today. Staff were warm and friendly. Food was phenomenal. Would recommend the crab salad for starters. Pictured below is the specials dish of scallops and pork belly. Thanks team

16/03/2025: We arrived at 3:00 p.m. and they told us that it was full and that if we wanted to get on the list to wait for a table and we accepted, we asked for something to drink while. At 3:50 p.m., tired of waiting, we asked again if there was a long time left for our table, to which they replied that the kitchen closed at 4:00 p.m. and that we still had a table ahead of us...an hour wasted for NOTHING and having 2 children...fatal!

10/03/2025: We did the Food Circle for three night this last weekend keeping the Bullman up our sleeve for our last night. Arrived early for a drink in the bar downstairs - in truth wish we hadn't - young disinterested shabbily clad and utterly disengaged young lads who never came out from behind the bar - a pint of Murphys and a flat Prosecco at €13.90 was also a turnoff (even by Kinsale standards) - I stood up and went outside to re-read the plaques at the entrance from where some of our expectations were founded to see who had mis-led us with their recommendation and found my answer - if I'm not mistaken they are living on a long past reputation. Enough said with regard to downstairs. The girls upstairs were extremely welcoming and pleasant and the room is nicely appointed. We chose a mix of the Smoked Duck, Scallops, Yellow Curry and Chowder - the food is most definitely all its cracked up to be - full of exciting flavours and lovingly prepared - we both felt strongly though at €40's for a main course (with the side order of veg) that some really basic standards are sadly missing (not within the chef's remit). We were warmly welcomed, sat, order taken, served our food, cleared down and presented with our bill full stop! No offer of an aperitif (we would have), no checking in to see were we enjoying it (we were as it happens), no topping up of the wine (we would definitely have had another if it had been poured efficiently) - purely perfunctory! I'm not sure if this is inattentional and I am missing a modern twist but canteen stainless steel cutlery, paper napkins and a completely naked table at €40's even by Kinsale standards is to me sitting back on your food quality far too much - take your gifted chef out of the equation and good luck! There is no experience. It was not busy we were the last table and no one was under pressure. I have very pleasant memories of past times spent at the Bulman - ye need to re-assess guys - they're easy fixes but before the season kicks of .........

04/03/2025: Front of house rude. We left without eating.

22/02/2025: Beautiful food staff are spot on

12/03/2025: Excellent every time we go there. The carrot ginger orange soup was out of this world. Chicken kebab with tortilla and chips highly recommended, too. Best place in town. Extremely friendly staff. Thank you.

01/03/2025: Lovely friendly place and food is of good standard and very fair price

14/03/2025: Come here everytime I am over. I travel from England to see family. Really nice food, lovely homely atmosphere. Staff are attentive and kind, always make you feel welcome. Very clean too. I have either lasagne or turkey and ham. Tried a dessert this time, the death by chocolate. Highly recommend.

19/02/2025: Food absolutely fantastic, never fails to disappoint. Service airy fairy. Nearly ten minutes from first main course to the table to the last and it wasn't a bit group. Ordering desert before water was brought to last few at table. Extra sides not brought at all.

01/03/2025: Excellent food, presentation and service.

28/02/2025: Indian restaurant. Nevertheless, brilliant food. First class. Don't get mixed up with Pakistani cuisine. This is indian.

11/02/2025: Beautiful food but expensive expecially the minerals they are 5euro for a small coke. The staff are very kind ,would recommend highly.

02/01/2025: Beautiful food and a lovely restaurant. Good variety in the menu.

13/03/2025: food was really disappointing especially for that price, save your money and go elsewhere. everything was flavourless and just over salted to cover up the fact. the staff all seemed totally depressed and the atmosphere was miserable. everyone inside felt rushed, and the wine tasted cheap for that cost too. wish i hadn’t wasted my time here

08/03/2025: One of the greatest meals and restaurant experiences I've ever had. Couldn't recommend more.

15/02/2025: Terrible service and treat the customer very poorly. I made a reservation 2 months in advance for a special occasion only to receive an email last week saying my reservation is cancelled as the restaurant will be closed on the Saturday I’d booked. I replied to that email to complain that it is disappointing they let people book knowing it would be closed as it’s now going to be difficult to find somewhere else last minute and received no response since. They clearly do not care about their customers. I would be careful booking here as they are not reliable or honest in their bookings.

15/02/2025: Terrible service and treat the customer very poorly. I made a reservation 2 months in advance for a special occasion only to receive an email last week saying my reservation is cancelled as the restaurant will be closed on the Saturday I’d booked. I replied to that email to complain that it is disappointing they let people book knowing it would be closed as it’s now going to be difficult to find somewhere else last minute and received no response since. They clearly do not care about their customers. I would be careful booking here as they are not reliable or honest in their bookings. I have dined here in the past and to be fair the food is good but not worth it in my opinion due to the way they treat their customers.

14/12/2024: I visited about 15 years ago. I used to wear my hair loosely tied in a scrunchie, I was on the staircase and felt someone touching my hair. There was no one around.

08/12/2024: Bantry House is one of the most stunning places in West Cork. Their gardens are a must visit, but if you have time I highly recommend staying in their B&B, breakfast is delicious, attention is second to none and everyone is super friendly, it feels like home. I really can’t wait to go back.

08/03/2025: What a great place. Visiting from America we were great with great service,food, and a lovely atmosphere. Would highly recommend for a local feel if you have one stop.

08/03/2025: Lovely food, friendly staff and good atmosphere, we'll definitely be back

27/03/2025: I didn’t eat here myself, but the food looked great and those around me seemed to be enjoying it. The staff were very friendly—genuinely welcoming—and the drinks were spot on

25/03/2025: Amazing good, great staff and dog friendly, had a lovely lunch there with my wife and 2 dogs.

03/03/2025: We visited Kinsale for only part of a day while on a cruise tour. (what an adorable town!!) I stopped at their outdoor window to order a chai to warm up. Wow! Blown away by the flavor!! The tastiest I've yet to have in my 50 years of life! If I could bring their recipe back to the States.. I gladly would!! Everything is so bland here!! Thank you for the tasty warm drink on our chilly day in Kinsale! 🥰

01/02/2025: I’ve visited OHK a few times and it’s always 10/10. Such a gem that we travelled down from East Cork. I’ll need to return again for the Turkish eggs and the vegan cookie!!