Six Restaurants to Fuel Your Cork Jazz Festival
Words: Luxmi Shanmuganantha
Hero Images: Kristel Hayes
You don’t need a reason to find yourself in Cork city but the Jazz Festival is certainly a good one. Running from October 22-26, these are a glorious five days. The city is buzzing with live music and the best way to enjoy it is with a full belly and no plans to go home early.
With so much on, you’ll want something good to eat between sets, before the gig, or when the night finally winds down. Here are six of our favourites.
The Pre-Show Feed
Tacos are the ultimate party food, so if you’re heading out with your mates, use your pre-night food to start you off strong. Great to hoof down before running out the door, ordering a few tacos for everyone is high-effort friend behaviour. A rake of tacos is the perfect way to line the stomach before heading out.
Char’s Choice: Birria Beef Taco
The Post-Gig Feed
It’s the end of the show, the music is still ringing in your ears and hunger has seriously set in. Burgers are handheld, filling and exactly what’s needed after a long day of jazz. You can place the order on your way home. What a way to finish up.
Char’s Choice: Double Smash Cheeseburger
The Crowd Pleaser
Got a group in tow? This is perfect for sharing and great for keeping everyone happy. A bit of sushi, a bit of ramen and a bit of gyoza, there’s something for everyone. Order a few rolls to share or opt for some noodles if you’re looking for something cosier.
Char’s Choice: Chef’s Favourite Roll (Salmon, tempura, flying fish roe, wasabi fish roe and spicy mayonnaise)
When You’ll Be Out For The Day
If you’re planning to bounce between venues all weekend, you’ll want something substantial in you before you head out. This much-loved Egyptian-Irish spot started life as a food truck and now has a permanent home with even more on the menu. Go wild with a loaded Egyptian-style mac and cheese, or stick to the classics. Either way, it’s filling, comforting and full of flavour. Honestly, you can’t go wrong.
Char’s Choice: The Mini Munch Box (chicken and beef shawarma, Egyptian-style mac and cheese, rice, seasoned fries, homemade pickles and fresh salad).
The Comfort Pick
Pizza is the great festival leveller: easy to share, easy to eat and impossible to be mad about. Novecento has been serving artisan pizza in Cork city since 1999 from its Douglas Street restaurant, these guys are serving authentic Italian pizza. With delivery available, it’s an easy win for a pre-gig feed at the gaff, or a late slice when the music finally stops. You can’t beat a good pizza.
Char’s Choice: Diavola Pizza
The Cork Classic
A Cork city institution, so it’s a bit of a rite of passage to hit up Dino’s during the festival. The family chip shop was founded in 1970 by Denis “Dino” Cregan, and it specialises in traditional fish and chips, as well as burgers and other fast food. You can’t beat a good chipper.
Char’s Choice: Catch of the Day Meal (Fish & chips with lemon, tartar sauce and a drink)
