There have been loads of new places popping up in Cork over the past few months.
New restaurants, cafés, and shops are bringing a buzz to the city and reminding people of the importance of supporting local businesses. We already know that Cork is the food capital, and these new places just prove how spoiled for choice we are when it comes to delish food and drink in the ‘real’ capital. And shopping, too – of course.
Check out these must-try new openings in Cork and let us know what you think!
1. Léa’s at the Glucksman
The lovely Léa’s is hidden away on the gorgeous grounds of UCC and located underneath the Glucksman Art Gallery. Serving up a variety of dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, this sister restaurant of Joe’s + Bros has a chic design with seating both inside and outside. Why not try their chocolate porridge bowl for breakfast or their Hong Kong French toast for brunch? And a delicious coffee to wash it all down, of course.
2. Sweet Spot
You might remember these guys from our recent ‘Crumble Pot’ video on Instagram for Sweet Spot. Now located in their new home at Marina Market, Sweet Spot is certainly hitting the spot for everyone with a sweet tooth in Cork. This is where you’ll find some of the best and most unique crumbles in the city, and if that wasn’t enough, the also serve beautifully crafted pastries – think chocolate-covered croissants, gluten-free raspberry delights, and strawberry tarts. Definitely a must-try for your sweet treat cravings.
3. Paper Boys
The new cool kid on the block, Paper Boys, is located in the Triskel Arts Centre on Tobin Street. With Basquiat and Haring prints as well as their own iconic logo decorating the walls, the vibes in Paper Boys are always just right. Great portion sizes of avocado toast, crispy potato cubes, and loads of different sandwiches – you definitely have to check them out! Sip on a coffee after brunch and maybe check out a movie in the Triskel cinema afterwards – sounds like the perfect day to us!
4. Reiwa
Previously Uncle Pete’s Pizzeria on Paul Street, Reiwa is Cork’s newest Japanese restaurant. Opening their doors for the first time this summer, Reiwa serves up some of the best authentic Japanese dishes in town, ranging from Aburi salmon rolls, to Kyoto Shoyu Ramen and everything in between. Fun fact: the entrepreneurs behind Reiwa also opened one of Cork’s first bubble tea cafés back in 2021, Plus and Minus.
5. Bitesize
Ballincollig and Midleton’s beloved BiteSize Café Bakery has just opened their third location in the heart of Douglas. Famous for their (you guessed it) bit-sized treats, the bakery/café brand has gone from strength to strength since it’s inception in 2006. You can check out the new BiteSize café at East Village in Douglas.
6. La Cantina Company
You definitely have to try this food truck in the Marina Market that is serving up incredible homemade food from Venezuela. La Cantina Company has delicious empanadas and arepas that are full of flavour combinations that’ll transport you far away from the rainy Cork weather! You can’t miss their gorgeous red truck in the market – definitely worth stopping by for some delish Venezuelan classics.
7. Frankie’s Slice Shop
A sister shop to the popular Palmento in Douglas, Frankie’s Slice Shop is selling pizza by the slice as well as focaccia, beers, and wines. Located in the heart of the city and right next to the river Lee, this Italian-inspired eatery has a cool New York vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Why not grab a slice of their buffalo mozzarella, parmesan, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil pizza, or maybe try a slice of their pepperoni, mozzarella, and hot honey pizza? With gluten-free and vegan options as well, Frankie’s has something for everyone.
8. Hana Korean BBQ
Yet another mouth-watering stall in the Marina Market is Hana. Meaning ‘the one’ in
Korean, it’s easy to see why this spot is the place to go for Korean bbq in Cork! Specialising
in tacos, Hana has breakfast tacos from 9am to 12pm and loads of different taco
combinations from lunchtime until they close. Hana’s tacos range from bulgogi beef to spicy
pork belly to Korean bbq grilled chicken. Be sure to add Hana to your to-do list asap!
9. Cork Rooftop Farm
Take a stroll through the English Market and you’ll see the gorgeously multi-coloured stall of
Cork Rooftop Farm. Locally-grown fruit, veg, as well as plants hanging from the ceiling – it’s
a food-lover’s paradise! You can tell how much love has gone into growing all the fresh
produce, so why not pick some up the next time you’re in town and cook a delicious meal
for yourself? Good for your gut and good for the planet – a win-win situation!
10. Farmshop
This beautiful new shop has opened in the Marina Market and stocks all-things Cork: fresh
bread, locally-made apple juice, coffee beans from Alchemy and Stone Valley, My Goodness
kombucha, candles, cards, and more. It’s the perfect place for picking up your everyday
essentials as well as getting a few birthday presents – and some self-care bits as well, of
course. Foli, a new house plants and floristry store, has also opened up in the space –
blossomed, you could say – so now’s the time to check out both stores for all your home
and garden needs.