Ireland’s culinary capital is joining the meatless revolution; here are the top ten best vegan restaurants in Cork to fulfil your plant-based dreams.
Whether you’re following a strict vegan lifestyle or are just trying to cut down on your meat intake, there are plenty of new and exciting vegan-friendly restaurants popping up across the Emerald Isle.
More and more people are becoming aware of the multitude of benefits of a vegan diet. From its positive environmental impact to its myriad health benefits, people everywhere are choosing to cut down on their intake of animal-derived produce.
As the country’s culinary capital, it is no surprise that Cork has joined in this meat-free revolution that is sweeping the island of Ireland.
So, if you are taking a trip to Cork and want to chow down on a delicious vegan meal, read on. Here are the top ten best vegan restaurants in Cork you need to check out.
10. Izz Café – for fantastic Palestinian cuisine
Kicking off our list of best vegan restaurants in Cork is the brilliant Palestinian Izz Café on George’s Quay.
With flavourful dishes, such as Flat Manooshet Falafel, an aromatic dough topped with falafel, hummus, special salad, tahini sauce, rocket leaves, and a slice of lemon, this is a true flavour experience.
Address: 14 George’s Quay, Ballintemple, Cork, T12 EY24, Ireland
9. Good Day Deli – an ethical eatery
Located in the beautiful Nano Nagle Place, Good Day Deli offers a varied vegan menu that is sure to impress, with its amazing vegan restaurant.
This mainly vegetarian café boasts a menu that is 50% vegan. Sourcing local, seasonal, organic, and fair trade foods fused with a commitment to sustainability, you can dine here guilt-free.
We particularly love their ‘Vibrant Vegan Trio’, which features a trio of sourdough toasts topped with lemon cashew cheese and sumac roasted squash, beetroot hummus and seeds, and parsley pesto and roasted organic tomatoes.
Address: Nano Nagle Place, Douglas St, Cork, T12 PXV1, Ireland
8. Iyer’s – for a delicious South Indian feed
This fantastic Shandon eatery is a small, family-run vegetarian restaurant that specialises in delicious South Indian cuisine.
With plenty of vegan options to choose from, those following a plant-based diet will be spoilt for choice. Vegan options include mushroom pakora, spiced vegetable and bean kati rolls, and masala dosa.
Address: 38 Popes Quay, Shandon, Cork, T23 YA07, Ireland
7. Sonflour – for vegan Italian food
Sonflour is a sustainable Italian eatery that is redefining the Italian food scene in Ireland right from Cork City. It is one of the finest restaurants serving vegan options.
Serving innovative Italian street food, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and natural wine, this is a restaurant not to be missed.
From a fresh, vegan twist on traditional Italian pizza to homemade vegan ravioli and more, we never knew plant-based Italian food could be so delicious.
Address: 9 Castle St, Centre, Cork City, T12 AD9E, Ireland
6. Café Paradiso – one of Cork’s most popular eateries
Café Paradiso is popular among vegans, vegetarians, meat-eaters, and everyone in between. As one of the most popular restaurants in Cork, Café Paradiso offers something for everyone.
Focusing on seasonal ingredients and an enjoyable dining experience, you can enjoy this flavour experience through a series of small plates.
Emphasising rich, complex flavours, guests can enjoy a fantastic nine small savoury plates. Their sample menu includes creative offerings such as crispy aduki bean wonton, chilli-glazed tofu, fried potato pave, pumpkin ginger risotto, and more.
Address: 16 Lancaster Quay, Mardyke, Cork, T12 AR24, Ireland
5. LovingSalads – for a healthy lunch
LovingSalads is undoubtedly one of the best vegan restaurants in Cork for those on a health kick. Serving salads that are full of flavour, LovingSalads is a must-visit for a delicious lunch.
Making the most of local vegetables and seasonal fruit, the flavour combinations here are truly exquisite.
Providing the people of Cork with healthy, unprocessed, fresh food, vegan salads on offer include a roasted sweet potato and puy lentil, beetroot relish, curried chickpeas, and more.
Address: 15 Academy St, Centre, Cork, T12 PW02, Ireland
4. Jacobs on the Mall – a plant-filled dining experience
When it comes to eating meat-free in Cork, you can’t miss Jacobs on the Mall. This family-run restaurant is located in what was once Cork’s Turkish baths.
Today, this contemporary eatery serves a delicious Modern European menu with various global influences. There are plenty of options for carnivores to enjoy. However, it’s their meat-free menu that really shines.
With a delightful vegan and vegetarian menu offering dishes like deep-fried tofu, chickpea burgers, puy lentil curry, and more, plant-based dieters will be spoilt for choice with the vegan food on offer.
Address: 30 S Mall, Centre, Cork, T12 NY22, Ireland
3. Liberty Grill – one of the top eateries in Cork
Everyone who has been to Cork has heard of the iconic Liberty Grill in the city centre. Thus, vegans can rejoice that they don’t have to miss out on the delights of this famous Cork eatery.
Serving a New England-inspired menu, Liberty Grill offers a delicious array of vegan options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Vegan offerings include quinoa fritters, a San Fran salad with tempeh, hot sauce, noodles, and crispy vegetable, a blackened tempeh burger, and more.
Address: 32 Washington St, Centre, Cork, T12 T880, Ireland
2. My Goodness – food to make you feel good
Located in the vibrant English Market, My Goodness is an absolute must-visit when you’re in the Rebel County.
Inspired by the ethos of ‘food to make you feel good’, you can’t go wrong with a delicious takeaway dish from here. Plus, everything is vegan, probiotic, and gluten and refined sugar-free.
Address: Unit 2 English Market, Princes St, Cork, T12 W9XP, Ireland
1. Quay Co-op – one of the best vegan restaurants in Cork
Topping our list of best vegan restaurants in Cork is Quay Co-op, one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in the city with vegan dishes.
Serving a delicious menu that is fully vegetarian, organic, and sustainable, this is a spot not to miss. From mezze boards to nut roasts, burgers to buddha bowls, Quay Co-op offers something to suit all tastes.
Address: 24 Sullivan’s Quay, Cork, T12 X867, Ireland
Notable mentions
Koto: Koto serves a wide range of Asian street food and Asian cuisine and has been in operation in the city from 2017.
Umi Falafel: There is also Umi Falafel in Belfast and Dublin, a Lebanese restaurant with a range of vegan dishes and vegan food.
Bia Blasta: Ideal for a meal with friends if you are all on the lookout for some delicious vegan and vegetarian options in Cork city.
Check out some Chinese restaurants in Cork: HERE
FAQs about the best vegan restaurants in Cork
What are vegan foods?
Vegan is plant-based food that includes the likes of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, rice, and pasta. There are vegan tapas, vegan mozzarella, and vegan prawn crackers. There are also vegan cakes and vegan pizzas as alternatives to the normal version of the food.
Can you eat vegan foods in Ireland?
Yes. Ireland is now one of the more vegan-friendly countries in Europe, with many vegan cafes and restaurants opening in other parts of the country.
Is Dublin good for vegans?
Yes! Dublin has recently been ranked as one of the most vegan-friendly capitals of Europe and has a range of vegan restaurants to choose from.
