Market Lane, Cork City

Market Lane is one of the most well known upper market restaurants in Cork City. It is a two-storey restaurant that also has a cocktail bar, so there is plenty of space. It caters to an upmarket crowd, and it is always busy. They are open for both lunch and dinner and can accommodate big groups.

The menu leans Irish and European, and what stands out is the sourcing. All the beef and dairy is sourced locally in Cork, and even the cider is produced locally. There is a good mix of chicken, beef and fish options available.

We were greeted at the door by friendly staff, and one member of the team actually recommended we move to a different table, which turned out to be a better spot. Small touches like that make a difference. The restaurant was busy and the atmosphere was lively without being too loud.

For starters, I went with the chicken liver pate, which was absolutely gorgeous. For the main course, I had the sirloin steak. Cooked to perfection, with a beautiful sauce and solid chips alongside it. It is hard to deny that this is one of the best restaurants in Cork.

The pricing is on the higher side, so keep that in mind. But you can keep costs reasonable if you stick to two main courses and two drinks. For the quality of the food and the sourcing behind it, you are getting what you pay for.

Cork Xtra Ratings

• Food: 9.2/10
• Facility: 8.5/10
• Atmosphere: 8/10
• Staff: 7.5/10
• Overall: 8.4/10