My name is Rachel Hornibrook, I have a food blog called Little Muffin Blog (@littlemuffinblog on Instagram and Facebook). My page focuses on recipes for bakes, brunches & all other bites in between. I am a total devotee to all things food and I love nothing more than browsing the Kinsale farmers market on a Wednesday, grabbing tasty al fresco breakfasts, sussing out the best takeaways and just enjoying the incredible food scene that Kinsale has to offer. I don’t think I speak alone when I say I can’t wait until we can all dine again in some of the amazing cafés & restaurants that are based in Kinsale, Co. Cork.

When it comes to great food, we are totally spoiled for choice in Cork and Ireland as a whole. In particular, Kinsale is a foodie’s paradise, with so many delicious places for food on offer. Over the past few years I’ve realised just how lucky we are to be on the doorsteps of so many phenomenal producers, cafés, restaurants and more. Here I have put together a list of some of my personal favourites – go forth and enjoy their amazing food!

O’Herlihy’s Café create the most delicious brunches & lunches. They are takeaway for now, however they have inside dining for when restrictions ease up. Think dishes that use top notch quality produce, utilising seasonal flavours. Their eggs benedict is a must and their coffees are also divine. They also have a Neighbourfood collection point within their premises if you like shopping for local farmers market produce weekly.

For breakfast Tuesday-Friday, they have a variety on offer such as chia pots, Spanish tortilla & avocado toast. Their lunch offering has gorgeous toasties, soups, a daily hot plate, salad plates etc. For weekend brunches, they go all out! Eggs a variety of ways including Eggs Benedict with serrano ham, the full OHK, French toast, acai bowls, the works. A must visit for brunch when in Kinsale.

Food U is a super breakfast & lunch spot situated next to Kinsale Yacht Club. Their lobster salad is a favourite of my parents! They have plenty on offer, with homemade scones & pastries alongside delicious sandwiches, artisan style rolls, soups & salad boxes. A special lunch time treat is their daily soup for me, which they serve with a toasted garlic cornbread roll – It is insanely good! Their sausage rolls are also a huge hit in our family and the breakfast roll is the best Sunday fill you’ll ever find! If you’re not hungry, grab one of their hot beverages and stroll along the pier.

If you are looking for food to go, the Gourmet Pantry is amazing. They have an extensive selection of ready prepped meals, artisan goodies, a deli to go counter with all sorts of deliciousness including savoury pastries, salads, quiches, wraps, sandwiches – the list is endless!

They also have gorgeous freshly baked breads and sweet cakes & pastries on offer. Their custard tarts are out of this world! The salted caramel profiteroles are also outstandingly good. Aside from the fabulous food, Sabrina and the whole team inside are so helpful and welcoming to everyone who walks through their door. One of my go to spots every week. Their minestrone soup is gorgeous for lunch too, I would highly recommend.

If you are looking for the most delicious local Irish chocolate, look no further than Koko Kinsale. They have a huge range of chocolate treats to choose from, including beautiful hand-finished chocolates which you can personally choose to make up a box of your choice. Their peppermint dark chocolate bars are one of my all-time favourites! They do online orders, perfect for sending a care package to loved ones you might be missing at the moment. They are also open for takeaway hot beverages, making it the perfect spot to pick up a coffee and some treats for a browse around Kinsale. If you are feeling like something hot, pop next door the donut shop where they do fresh donuts and other delicious treats!

Saint Francis Provisions use sustainably & locally sourced ingredients in the most delicious sounding dishes, it has been on my list to try for some time. They are currently offering takeaway picnic boxes which look out of this world gorgeous. A perfect treat for a day trip down to Kinsale. They also have a takeaway counter offering up artisanal sandwiches, treats & hot beverages.

The Black Pig creates the most divine smaller tapas style dishes and boasts an extensive wine menu. Their menu uses seasonal, local ingredients and changes depending on the time of year you visit. It is one of my favourite dinner spots and I miss it dearly at the moment. The best prawns pils pils I have ever eaten was here – Dublin Bay Prawns swimming in the most delicious garlicky chilli sauce. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment as it is usually booked far in advance due to the demand.

Man Friday is a firm favourite of ours for many years. The views from this place are incredible, overlooking all of Kinsale. They have an outdoor area which was an addition last summer and makes the most of the amazing setting it offers. The food is always superb in Man Friday. I always get the fried brie to start, stuffed duck for mains and the Man Friday Special for dessert with chocolate or raspberry sauce, dependent on my mood!

They aren’t open for takeaway at the moment however they are running a pop up called Bruce Burger which is really good, offering straight up no nonsense delicious burgers. They also are doing takeaway desserts – try the tiramisu. You won’t be disappointed!

Fishy Fishy is also another firm favourite of ours. We would regularly visit Fishy Fishy on the weekend or their wine bar upstairs, The Blue Room. They offer the most delicious fish dishes with fresh and exciting flavours. One of my personal favourites is their black sole, it is gorgeous. Any of their risotto dishes are always superb too! They are currently open for takeaway with their weekly menu posted on their Facebook page.

For outdoor dining and drinks, Hamlets is a brilliant spot. They offer a varying menu of woodfired pizzas, chargrilled dishes, meals from their gourmet food truck such as fish goujons and tacos, delicious desserts and tasty cocktails. They usually do live music on the weekends when they are open, in an outdoor seating area ideal for the summer months ahead. They are adjoined to the Blue Haven Hotel, which also does delicious food in a more relaxed setting in their bar area. We had a gorgeous meal here last year, and I will definitely be returning as soon as they reopen. They have also recently opened ‘Rare at Blue Haven’ restaurant, which is on my list to try next for sure.

Bruno’s do really good proper Italian takeaway. Think delicious pizzas, bruschettas, salads, pastas, the works. They also do a selection of takeaway wines. Would highly recommend here, their food is extremely tasty. I can’t believe I only tried it for the first time recently! I will be back soon for sure.

The Bulman is situated just on the outskirts of Kinsale next to Charles Fort in Summercove. It is the perfect spot to grab a pint, eat outside and take in the beautiful view. They offer a range of different dishes focusing on Irish cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood. Whilst they are not open at the moment, I can’t wait to get back there when they reopen.

I hope this guide gives you some inspiration to soak up delicious foodie spots here in Kinsale. There is so much choice to choose from, this is just a snippet and some of my personal favourites! If you do happen to try any of them or would like any further food inspiration or recipes, you’ll find me @littlemuffinblog on Instagram/Facebook.