Cobh is one of the most colorful cities in Ireland (and that’s saying a lot). The only time that color died was the night the Titanic sailed from its port. Still, the city honors the lives of all those lost as it continues to reign in splendor.
Let’s take a look at the best spots to soak up a little local cuisine and cap off any day with delicious delights.
1. Titanic Bar & Grill
Titanic Bar & Grill sits pretty atop the world’s second largest natural harbor. When you visit, you simply must enjoy your meal on the riverside deck. As if the ocean views aren’t spectacular enough, it’ll be fun to watch the cruise liners come and go.
Given those ocean views, I definitely recommend their Atlantic seafood chowder. Sticking with the seafood theme, their Castletownebere crab and smoked salmon sandwich is delicious.
If you dine here on a Friday night, you’ll enjoy the pulse of live music as you sip on a savory cocktail. Truly, this is a memorable experience that you’ll be glad you drank up.
Titanic Bar & Grill
Address: 20 Casement Square, Cobh, Ireland
Website: Titanic Bar & Grill
2. The Quays Restaurant
From one oceanside delight to another, The Quays features its own private marina and large outdoor seating area. The staff is equally delightfull.
If you’re here for an evening affair, start out with their Prawn Pil-Pil, served in a lovely garlic and paprika oil. Then, you might want to enjoy some classic fish and chips. If you’ve already been there, done that, then I definitely recommend the Chicken Supreme, wrapped in bacon and served with scallion mash. Oh dear. My mouth’s starting to water…
The Quays Restaurant
Address: 17 Westbourne Place, Cobh, Ireland
Website: The Quays Restaurant
3. Gilbert's Bistro in the Square
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.
Cobh has two beautifully historic squares. Gilbert’s has the fine luck of being situated on one of them. This is a nice spot enjoyed by the locals, given its traditional menu. Even their coffee beans are locally grown!
I’m afraid I must insist on the fish and chips this time. If, however, you’re just not in the mood, then the traditional beef and Guinness stew will satisfy you right down to the tips of your toes. It comes out steaming hot but, no worries, finish up that pint of Guinness while it cools.
If you end your evening with a slice of their Baileys and white chocolate cheesecake, you’ll sleep like an angel. A couple sips of their Bailey’s coffee never hurt a soul.
Gilbert's Bistro in the Square
Address: 11 Pearse Square, Cobh, Ireland
Website: Gilbert’s Bistro in the Square
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4. Harbour Browns Steakhouse
You can’t go wrong with lunch or dinner at this lovely spot but, for me, their lunch holds a particular kind of magic. As you sit by the harbor, the sparkle from the ocean seems to wave right at you. There’s just something about it. It’s a lovely setting and their carvery lunch is every bit as sumptuous as advertised.
Dinner, of course, is quite special, too. Their Ballycotton mussels are pulled fresh out of the pot. It’s nice to dine in a restaurant that so effortlessly pairs elegant cuisine with casual dining. It’s truly the best of both worlds, in the most charismatic setting.
Harbour Browns Steakhouse
Address: 11 West Beach, Cobh, Ireland
Website: Harbour Browns Steakhouse
5. Trade Winds
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.
Trade Winds is a pretty little pub with buckets of character. You can’t go wrong with any of their meals. Their bangers and mash are spectacular. The beef medallions are cooked to perfection. You’ll find that the portions are generous and the staff is top-class.
With its homey and traditional setting, Trade Winds is likely to become one of your favorite spots during a magic-filled time in a color-coated town.
Trade Winds
Address: 16 Casement Square, Cobh, Ireland
Facebook page: Trade Winds
6. Jacob's Ladder
Located within the luxurious WatersEdge Hotel, Jacob’s Ladder offers a fine feast. You’ll definitely want to treat yourself to an evening here. Their all day à la cart menu is brimming with selections ranging from honey roasted ham, to red thai curry, to traditional dishes such as boiled bacon and cabbage (delicious).
Their dinner menu is usually set, but you can trust that what they’ve laid out will be magnificent. Poke around a little, stay awhile, and take as many pictures as you can with both your memory and your digital camera. Jacob’s Ladder is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Jacob's Ladder
Address: Yacht Club Quay, Cobh, Ireland
Website: Jacob’s Ladder
7. Coffee Cove
Coffee Cove had me at Yeats. They quote him, saying, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.” You’ll bump into the locals here, along with those fellow traveling friends you haven’t met yet.
But, truthfully, what’s better than a morning treat along the misty shores of Ireland? Coffee Cove provides just that. With your cup of freshly brewed tea, stroll along the ocean in the company of a soft spray of harbor breezes.
Coffee Cove
Address: 15 West Beach, Cobh, Ireland
Website: Coffee Cove
8. Kelly's Bar
If you’re looking to rest your weary feet with a rejuvenating pint of Guinness, Kelly’s is waiting for you. They don’t serve any food here; all they have to offer is liquid love.
At Kelly’s, you’re likely to discover live music pouring through the windows. Equally important, you’re absolutely guaranteed to experience the kindest waitstaff in all of Europe.
People rave about Kelly’s from shore to shore and, when you stop by for a pint, you’ll quickly understand why.
Kelly's Bar
Address: 19 Casement Square, Cobh, Ireland
Facebook page: Kelly’s Bar
9. Cuppacity Coffee
Change it up one morning. After you’ve tried Coffee Cove, slip into Cuppacity for some more herbal tea. Armed with your tea and scone, you know where to go - back over to that early morning harbor light.
If you happen to be passing Cuppacity around lunch time, scoop up one of their chicken salad sandwiches. How about a chai latte? Who knew heaven could be found in a little shop in Cobh!
Cuppacity Coffee
Address: 3 Roger Casement Square, Cobh, Ireland
Website: Cuppacity Coffee
Watch color palettes comes to life
Who knew color palettes could stand up and dance to life? I tell ya, strolling through Cobh’s color-coated streets will remain one of the most spectacular experiences of your life.
Tasty treats and misty breezes are not an everyday affair. But, as those harbor breezes gently sweep along your face, you’ll be thanking the lucky stars that such a place exists.