It opens on January 30th.

And if you’re hoping to be one of the first diners to take a seat at Lil’s in Clonakilty, the first solo venture by award-winning Cork chef Sam Cronin, the booking link is now open.

Cronin’s Connolly Street restaurant, named in honour of his beloved grandmother, will be serving a selection of hearty local fare, with tables available for lunch, early bird slots for dinner and a full fine dining experience in the evenings from Thursday to Sunday.

The lunch menu features kimchi spiced chicken wings, seafood chowder, fish and chips and a steak sandwich.

Early bird diners can enjoy two courses for €45 from 5pm until 6.30pm and the dinner menu will be served from 5pm until 9pm with a four-course feast for €75.

 

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The first customers of 2025 will be treated to an amuse bouche of dashi waffle with roe mousse, lemon, horseradish and dill, starters including fresh scallops with Jerusalem artichoke, fennel, lovage and lumpfish roe or rabbit in Parma ham with watercress, pickled mustard and rabbit jus.

Among the mouthwatering mains is Sam’s signature dish; an 8oz beef fillet with bone marrow and tarragon custard, chanterelles, charred shallot and beef jus.

Vegetarians are also well catered for with a thoughtful selection of exciting dishes in what will be a welcome addition to the thriving Clonakilty food scene.

Ahead of the opening, Sam says he’s excited to watch his dream come to life: “I have so much pride and joy in this place and it’s such a special feeling. My main goal now is to make my future guests have the most memorable culinary experience possible.

“I know my team and I have the capability to do extraordinary things and put ourselves on the map in Clonakilty.”

You can check out the full Lil’s menu and make a reservation now here.