The best restaurants in Cork

29/04/2025: My wife and I had an unfortunate experience at Sugarloaf Café. We entered and noticed a free table by the window, which would have made for a pleasant spot. I asked the waitress if we could sit there, and she responded with a question, “for two?”, then, without any further explanation, directed us to a table right next to the entrance, which was far less comfortable. The lack of courtesy and unwillingness to accommodate such a simple request made us feel unwelcome. I decided not to spend our time or money in that environment, so we left. Just across the street at Loughavoul Inn, we were warmly welcomed and invited to choose any table we preferred, no questions asked. The contrast was significant. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend Sugarloaf Café. -------------- Follow-Up Response to the Owner’s Reply Following the owner’s response to my original review, I would like to provide further clarification: Before visiting your café, I reviewed previous feedback. While many reviews are positive, they largely seem to come from short-stay visitors - often tourists - which is understandable given the beautiful location. However, many of these reviews may reflect a brief impression rather than a comprehensive evaluation of service quality. I also noticed a pattern in how negative reviews were handled: often with sarcasm, defensiveness, or inappropriate remarks. This influenced my decision to leave a clear and respectful review of my experience. My review is not simply about the table. It reflects how my wife and I were treated, hospitality is about welcoming and caring for guests, not just serving food. A simple, polite explanation regarding seating could have completely changed our impression. Instead, we felt dismissed and chose to spend our time and money elsewhere. Additionally, there was a strong smell of food in the seating area, suggesting a lack of proper ventilation, something other visitors might wish to consider. Regarding the awards mentioned: while I respect any recognition, it is important to understand that the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award reflects popularity based on volume of positive tourist reviews, particularly in low-competition, tourist-heavy areas like Glengarriff. It does not necessarily guarantee excellence in service or hospitality. Finally, I have posted hundreds of reviews across many places and rarely leave negative feedback. I reserve one-star ratings for experiences that genuinely warrant them - as was the case here. I stand by my review as an honest, respectful account of our visit. Disclaimer: This follow-up reflects my honest personal experience and opinions, intended solely to assist future visitors in making informed decisions.

15/04/2025: Every time we’re in Glengarriff, we have to pop into the Sugarloaf Café — it’s like visiting family. There’s such a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff are always incredibly friendly and kind. The paninis are delicious, the coffee is consistently great, and the homemade treats are absolutely worth saving room for. It’s one of those places that feels like a little home away from home.

17/05/2025: Impeccable breakfast, seriously the best breakfast and possibly the best food so far. Ordered the open salmon toast breakfast. It came with a perfectly dressed micro green salad, the smoked salmon and toast were excellent as well. I got the full plate that came with poached eggs and halloumi as well. Halloumi was nice and lightly salty and well grilled. The eggs were either made by someone who actually likes poached eggs or has been well trained. No water, excess egg white gone, slightly runny yolk. Best poached eggs I have had outside my own kitchen. The service was friendly and the iced coffee was delicious. They also have a counter which was nice for a solo traveler to not feel bad about taking up an entire table. I will be back before leaving Kinsale!

17/05/2025: I'm still thinking about how good the breakfast sandwich was two weeks later. Lovely place, amazing food, wonderful service.

08/05/2025: Nice friendly staff but food was only ok overall. Chips were good .

25/04/2025: Staff only serve their friends first, externally poor service.

13/05/2025: Such a great pub! Amazing stew and the best swordfish steak.

04/05/2025: Good food and good drink! With good gluten-free options🙌🤗😋

06/05/2025: Toilets are clean. Staff very friendly. Had a good wait between courses. Food was ok. Had monkfish scampi dish. Plate was wet in middle which made the fish soggy. 4 pieces. Load of chips. Which had tartar sauce and mary rose sauce in small bowls. Price 28 euros for main course.

29/04/2025: Went for Sunday lunch with partner on Sunday 27/04/25 What a great experience Partner had home made vegetables soup with homemade brown bread Soup was lovely and hot bread was delicious She also had roast beef and it was so soft just melted in mouth Great generous portions I had traditional fish and chips Just superb again generous portions and served with lovely salad Most impressed overall Thank you Rory and the great polite staff Will definatly be back Highly recommended The Glandore Inn Regards Frank O Riordan

22/04/2025: Una de las mejores comidas que he tenido en mucho tiempo. La ubicación también, es preciosa, y el personal es el mejor de todos. Volveré pronto.

21/04/2025: Excellent food coupled with an extensive menu. With a very friendly atmosphere it's a most excellent spot.

16/05/2025: Lovely food and a great atmosphere. Staff were great even though they were really busy.

14/05/2025: The chowder was fantastic, as was the beet salad. Good service for our lunch visit. The place was busy. Prices were reasonable. Friendly folks and smiling faces! Recommended by a local and did not disappoint.

11/05/2025: This place is a gem. Simple options really well done and great service. I would seek out this mini chain. Loved it.

06/05/2025: Their chicken salat is LEGENDARY!!!

26/04/2025: Great place for a meal. Local to us, were lucky to have good food just 10 minutes away!

13/04/2025: Food is always excellent no matter what you go for on the menu. Friendly staff .

16/05/2025: Wow is all we can say! Everything was incredible - calling out the Potato Gravas and the green salad complete with local flowers - amazing!

15/05/2025: Decent B&B, quiet, no breakfast, good and clean room. Nice restaurant, good food but little quantity.

02/05/2025: Beautiful Burger, lovely chips, And the Girls 🤤

10/04/2025: People nice food good. And the best Cans of coke around 👌 A1

27/04/2025: We liked it a lot. Food and service were good. Ambience - as always - a matter of taste

12/04/2025: Fish chowder was very good. Service was slow.

04/04/2025: Nice place. Very warm welcome and quality products 👍

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.

10/05/2025: Stayed at The Mills for 3 nights April 2025 while on a motorcycle trip with two other bikers. Great rooms, friendly efficient staff, delicious food all in a beautiful setting. Brian G.

27/04/2025: Another delicious meal at the Mills for both kids and adults. Friendly service and a lovely setting.

01/05/2025: Yera tis grand i work across the road in Macroom Tool Hire and we often call here for the lunch and a few pints most day's.

22/04/2025: Great Bar /Restaurant, fantastic place for live music