Nothing says summer like fresh seafood.

Whether it’s golden crisp battered haddock and piping hot chips you’re craving, a steamed pot of mussels drenched in white wine and cream, or a decadent chowder with a hunk of stout bread for dipping, as a coastal county, we’re spoilt for choice.

The classics are top-notch, but fish fanatics will also be thrilled to see some seriously creative takes on the day’s catch popping up on casual lunch menus as well as on evening offerings.

Here are six superb Cork seafood plates to sample this summer: 

1. QUINLANS

14 Princes Street, Cork, open 12pm to 9pm daily

True to their ‘tide-to-table’ ethos, Quinlan’s bring the freshest catch from the coast to their Cork city kitchens daily, whether you’re after a traditional beer-battered haddock and chips or something fancier, like the seared scallops with crispy Parma ham in a creamy mint pea purée.

They make a mean cocktail too – try the new Jameson Cherry Sour.

 

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2. THE LODGE BAR

Myrtleville, open Wednesday to Sunday, 3pm to 9pm

Take a seat in the salty air of the courtyard overlooking Myrtleville Bay and order the Portuguese salt cod fritters (pastéis de bacalhau) a fried delicacy made with salt cod, potato, onion, and garlic.

The harissa fried prawns in garlic sauce are delectable too.

 

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3. GOLDIE

128 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, open Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm – 9.45pm 

You can always rely on the Goldie crew to bring the wow factor. Case in point; this week’s red mullet with apple, rhubarb, lime and coriander tostada. Perfection on a plate and even better served alfresco at a balmy streetside table.

Our advice: Make a night of it.

 

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4. ST FRANCIS PROVISIONS

Short Quay, Kinsale, open Wednesday to Saturday for walk-ins until 9pm

There’s something joyful about every plate that emerges from the St Francis Provisions kitchen. We challenge you not to be briefly but fully contented with life as you dig into a monkfish Adana flatbread with fried pickled mussels and a cold glass of Achillee Pinot Blanc.

 

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5. O’CONNOR’S SEAFOOD

Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry, open Thursday to Monday 9am-10pm

Planning a West Cork staycation this summer? Make a date for a visit to O’Connor’s in Bantry for the enormous Sharing Seafood Platter – a mix of hot and cold favourites including mussels popcorn, calamari, prawns. chowder smoked salmon and penny loaf.

 

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6. AN SÚGÁN SEAFOOD BAR

41 Wolfe Tone Street, Clonakilty, open Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-8pm

This little restaurant and guest house has a fine reputation for serving the freshest local catch. The garden terrace reopened this month (reservation by phone on 023 8833719) so it’s the perfect time to try their famous seafood pie, West Cork crab and Bantry Bay Mussels.

 

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