Love is in the air and so is the promise of great food, cosy corners, bubbles, cocktails and pint of Murphy’s. All About Cork has rounded up the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with something to suit every taste and every pocket. From candlelit dinners to lighter bites with clinking glasses, your perfect Cork date starts here.
Ristorante Rossini
There is always a great buzz at the iconic Rossini’s, and you’ll be well-looked after thanks to its great staff. Expect beautifully prepared food made using handpicked fresh ingredients selected daily from the English Market, and made using authentic Italian recipes handed down through the generations. Don’t just take our word for it – Elvira Fernández (Simon Zebo’s wife) gave Rossini’s a great shout-out on her Instagram after dining there
Address: 33-34 Princes Street, Cork. Tel: 021 427 5818
Paladar
This award-winning Latin American-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant is the sister of Cask, and its standout feature is its gorgeous bar. It does great cocktails and there is always a very cool, buzzy atmosphere. We love its tapas – it does a great range of small plates and sides – but given the day that’s in it, you might prefer to choose a couple of its sharing plates.
Address: 6 Bridge Street, Cork. Tel: 021 229 0045
Cornstore
When you go to Cornstore, you always get the greatest of welcomes from Mike and the gang. Its kitchen garden in Ballingarry plays a central role in inspiring its menus and delivering fresh, seasonal ingredients. Cornstore does great steaks and fish dishes and is known for its cocktails, and it has a special Valentine’s Day menu this year with some romantic choices for sharing.
Address: 40a Cornmarket Street, Cork. Tel: 021 427 4777
The Raven Bar
Located in what was a viking settlement, the building that The Raven Bar is in has operated as a bar since 1862. It’s a great place for creative cocktails, craft beers and fine wines together with a fab menu of mains, tacos, burgers and salads that uses the best seasonal ingredients. You’ll love it.
Address: 100 South Main Street, Cork. Tel: 021 427 7307
See https://www.theravenbar.com
Isaacs Restaurant
Isaacs has been a standard-bearer for good food in Cork for three decades, and is known for its great food, warm staff and lovely atmosphere. Located in a restored former 18th century warehouse, it’s the perfect location for dinner if you’re heading to the Everyman theatre across the street. Or you just want to hang out with your loved one.
Address: 8 MacCurtain Street, Cork. Tel: 021 450 3805
See https://isaacsrestaurant.ie
Jacobs on The Mall
Situated in what was once Cork’s Turkish Baths, Jacobs is always a city favourite. With an emphasis on locally sourced, free range and organic ingredients, you can expect outstanding quality, superbly-cooked food and a great wine list at Jacobs – not to mention a warm welcome from manager Niall.
Address: 30 South Mall, Cork. Tel: 021 425 1530
See https://jacobsonthemall.com/
Greenes Restaurant
Greenes has a gorgeous interior filled with velvet seating to statement lighting, and its menu is a celebration of local flavour and Irish heritage. It is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu on February 13 and 14, which it describes as an evening of “refined flavours and candlelit charm”.
Address: 48 MacCurtain Street, Cork. Tel: 021 455 2279
See https://greenesrestaurant.com/
The Castle, Blackrock
Set in the beautiful village of Blackrock in the grounds of Blackrock Castle, The Castle restaurants a gem that provides great value in an unforgettable setting. The food is great and you get a very friendly service, and with the Observatory on its doorstep, it’s a great place to visit. Oh, and go for a drink in The Leaping Salmon first.
Address: Blackrock Castle, Blackrock. Tel: 021 435 7911
See https://www.castlecafe.ie/
Eco
Eco’s menu features an assortment of dishes that range from exotic international flavours, to simple, lovingly prepared comfort foods. It’s consistently great so make sure you go hungry, and don’t leave without one of their legendary desserts. Pop into Barrys of Douglas for a drink first.
Address: 1-2 Eastville, East Douglas Street, Douglas. Tel: 021 489 2522
See https://eco.ie/
Moody Café Vin
Moody is a great place for a glass of wine with small bites, gentle music, friendly service and a cosy setting. You’ll be surrounded by local art with fun staff looking after you, and we’re particular fans of Moody’s fabulous tapas menu.
Address: Tower Building, 1-3 Lower Glanmire Road. Tel: 021 241 8041
See https://www.moodycafevin.com
Clancy’s, Cork
You always get a great welcome from Shane the manager at Clancy’s, which is a truly happening place with four unique experiences under one roof. Discover the immersive Guinness Experience at Arthur’s Bar, dine in its restaurant Saints & Sinners, sip creations from its Cocktail Lab and enjoy panoramic views from its rooftop party, Sky Bar. It’s next level!
Address: 15 – 16 Princes Street, Cork. Tel: 021 234 4455
