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Vegetarian Eating in Cork

by Edwin O'Shea ©

Cork is arguably and probably the world's greatest city. Yes, the writer is a Corkonian! If you're from the U.S., Cork is a far cry from the 'grid system' so carry a good map or else ask people how to get to where you want to go. Think 'landmarks', not 'street names'. Most restaurants have one or two vegetarian meals on the menu, which more often than not tend to be an afterthought consisting of pasta-sauce and cheese. The vegan option tends not to be an option. If you stick with the restaurants listed here you shouldn't go wrong. Like everywhere else, "Can the chef put something together for a veg*n diet?" will do no harm and may yield a surprising result as many chefs will see it as a challenge and a welcome change from the set menu.

Suggested itinerary:

Start off by picking up a loaf of MultiSeed bread at the Alternative Bread Company: in the Old English Market, the centre of Cork. If you don't know where the Old English Market is follow the elderly ladies with headscarves or else just ask someone. Don't worry if you're the only one who'll eat it, it'll last for days with the aid of a toaster or a decent airtight packing. Go early as they often sell out.

A wander of Cork's bookshops should begin with Waterstones in Patrick's Street. This has a good choice of veg*n related books (from environment to cooking) although the animal rights selection is poor.

If you prefer to support local, find what you like in Waterstones and then move on to the bookshops of the side-alleys off Paul's Street. Again, ask someone for directions if it's your first time in Cork.

Hungry? The Quay Co-op restaurant and shop: Cross the River Lee from the Grand Parade and you should see a large white/grey building called the 'Tax Office' and, with the river to your back, it's less than 100 metres to the right the tax office, on the quay.

Really good, honest, affordable food for both vegan and vegetarian. Self service with a full meal for less than €7 (at date of review) or simply get a freshly ground coffee! Great character and a stylish interior makes the Co-op a must. Go down the stairs to the organic and wholefood shop for helpful service and a huge selection. This has simplified the practical challenges of my veg*n transition ten-fold and will do so for you too.

Cafe Paradiso: from the Capitol Cinema on Grand Parade walk 500 metres up Washington Street and it's on your right after the Kino Cinema but before and across the way from Jury's Hotel.

This gourmet restaurant has quite a fan-following and it is justified. The food is decent veggie gourmet but with a high price. The fact that I spend €25 per person (at date of review) on a meal here and still feel hungry doesn't do much for me! That said, it is very good and worth the splash.

The Franciscan Well Brewery: from the Capitol Cinema on Grand Parade walk 100 metres up Washington Street and take a right at the first set of traffic lights. You should be on North Main Street. Keep on this street and you'll come to the North gate Bridge after 250 metres. Cross the bridge and take an immediate left on the quay and it's on the right hand side, a white building with an archway. You can't miss it.

This is the only place I can have veg*n pint of stout in Cork! And it's really good. In case you didn't know, most stouts and may beers use isinglass (gelatin from tropical fish) as part of what's called the fining process. The Franciscan Well Brewery follows the 'Bavaraian law' of brewing, which states they can only use 4 ingredients: Water, hops, yeast and malt. Unfortunately, I cannot be held responsible for your actions when you leave this establishment!