There are some great restaurants in Youghal, regardless of what you’re in the mood for!
One of the more popular towns in Cork, Youghal is a scenic seaside town on the estuary of the River Blackwater.
While there are plenty of things to do in Youghal, this guide will help you discover the towns best eats.
The best restaurants in Youghal
This town is home to some outstanding places to dine and many restaurants in Youghal have racked up mighty reviews online.
The first section of this guide tackles our favourite Youghal restaurants, from the Quays and Table 8 Bistro to some often-missed spots.
1. Clancy’s Bar & Restaurant
If you’re in search of Youghal restaurants that pack a punch, then a visit to Clancy’s is a must!
This spot boasts a combination of Irish hospitality and contemporary cuisine, with some excellent views, too!
If you’re a fan of seafood, the chowder and tempura prawns are worth a bash – they’re caught from the harbour, cooked and popped right on the plate.
If you are looking for a light bite, there are plenty of salads and wraps on offer. For something more filling, you got the oven baked salmon or roast stuffed turkey and ham or even the Striploin Steak.
2. The Quays
You’ll find The Quays located, unsurprisingly enough, right on the Quay, where it boasts wonderful views of the sea, especially if you opt to dine al fresco on the decking area.
There’s a bar menu and a lunch menu on offer, here, with everything from homemade beef lasagne and warm cajun chicken salad to fish and chips and more up for grabs.
If you’ve a sweet tooth, the warm apple pie and the double chocolate fudge both pack a punch, while the lemon meringue and the Baileys cheese cake both get mentioned in many online reviews.
3. Table 8 Bistro
Table 8 Bistro can be found inside Youghal Golf Club. It’s here that you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Youghal Bay while you eat.
Open seven days a week, this popular bistro serves a delicious menu featuring local seafood platters, grilled ribeye steaks, braised lamb shanks, and more.
Whether you’re a golfer starting the day with breakfast and pastries or someone looking to enjoy a hearty meal with a view, Table 8 Bistro provides a perfect setting.
4. The Old Imperial Hotel
Located in the heart of the town centre is the Old Imperial Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Youghal, dating as far back as the 18th century.
The restaurant in the hotel serves up everything from light bites and 3-course meals to carefully selected daily specials.
Although the menu is packed with the usual Irish classics, there’s also a nice bit of variety, with everything from Tandoori Chicken Wraps to Curried Lamb Kofta on offer.
One of the beauties of this place is that it’s a short walk from the sea (1km), so you can head for a post-dinner stroll when you finish up.
5. The Red Store, Bar & Restaurant
Situated adjacent to the historic Raleigh Quarter, this bar and restaurant is set inside a beautifully renovated grain store building.
It’s a lovely spot for breakfast (it’s hard to beat the scones and homemade jam from here!) and a great place for a hearty lunch.
Dinner wise, you’ve everything from the usual pub grub to a carvery that’s amassed some solid reviews online.
6. Ahernes Seafood Restaurant
This family run business has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1923, which makes it one of the longest running of the many Cork hotels.
It started off as a traditional pub and shop before becoming a restaurant that specialises in dishing up some of the finest seafood for miles.
Ahernes was voted one of “Ireland’s most romantic restaurants” by Bridgestone Guide, so it’s a good option if you’re looking to mark a special occasion.
Although seafood is their forte, you can also opt for steak or one of several tasty vegetarian options. Well worth nipping into!
7. Priory Coffee Co.
This place should be called ‘Priority Coffee’ because it’s the best place for high-quality coffee in town… OK, terrible pun, I know…
The small and stylish cafe doesn’t just serve up freshly brewed coffee, there is a wide selection of teas on offer, too.
You can also enjoy homemade scones and biscuits, or for something more filling, there are a number of gourmet toasties on offer. The smoked chicken, goat’s cheese or veggie ploughman toasties are highly recommended.
For the health-conscious out there, the smashed avocado with feta and peppers is superb. You might even have two!
8. Supermacs
Ah, Supermacs, Ireland’s best kept secret! Unless you live here, of course – then the chances are you’ll have nipped in here after a night on the town!
Supermacs is an Irish fast food chain with more than 100 locations in Ireland. You’ll find this place down near the harbour.
Expect the usual fast-food favourites, like burgers and chips, but you’ll also find everything from breakfast and fish here, too!
If you’re on the lookout for casual places to eat in Youghal, Supermacs is a handy, cheap spot for a tasty feed.
What great places to eat in Youghal have we missed?
I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some other great restaurants in Youghal from the guide above.
If you have a favourite Youghal restaurants that you’d like to recommend, drop a comment into the comments section below.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.