Cornstore Cork — Restaurant in Cork

I had heard great things about the Cornstore, so when my family from Korea requested we go for a steak dinner to close out our wedding week, I happily chose the Cornstore. When I emailed for a reservation, I got a call back almost immediately from a lovely lady named Clodagh. She was so accomodating and friendly, ensuring that we would be on the ground floor since my mother in law is in a wheelchair, I was already impressed with the restaurant's service. She even let us know that they had a nice T-Bone special on, which would be great for our special occasion.

When we arrived, we were shown to our table by a tall gentleman who I assumed was the manager as he was dressed in a shirt and tie. Service was quite slow, but we assumed it was because they were busy despite several empty tables.

We wanted to give our visiting family a great send-off, so went the whole hog ordering appetizers and drinks to start before excitedly ordering our steaks. The tuna carpaccio was lovely, the crab brulee was cold but tasty (not sure if it was meant to be warm or not but it was lovely regardless) and the bruschetta was ok.

We ordered filet steaks and a T-bone special expecting great things. All but 1 steak arrived overcooked, and that one was undercooked. None of the orders had the correct sauce, the sides arrived undercooked (except for the broccolini which was yellowed and mushy). When you're paying upwards of 30-40 EUR per steak, we didn't think it was unreasonable to send all of them but one back to be cooked correctly (my husband decided he would just eat his as he was starving, despite it being very overcooked). The Manager apologised and honestly, we were a bit disappointed/hungry but we weren't too fussed as these things happen - we just wanted our steaks cooked right.

When my husband went to eat his steak, we were shocked to see that it was butterflied and in 2 pieces. When we asked the manager what the deal was, he very matter-of-factly explained that the kitchen had been backed up and in order to serve it faster he cut the filet steak in half to rush cook it. I have never, EVER heard of any self-respecting chef BUTTERFLY a FILET steak to cook it faster.

Needless to say, at this point I was embarrased (had said that Ireland had great steak, they were in for a treat etc etc) and annoyed - when the Manager asked how things were I explained that the while the steaks being incorrectly cooked is not a problem (again, these things happen) being served a butterflied, overcooked filet steak was not ok. I asked him would he be happy being served a filet steak this way and he just mumbled something about a discount. I told him it wasn't about the cost, we would really just rather have our steaks cooked properly so we could enjoy our dinner but he kept interrupting and repeating that he would take it off the bill.

The steaks came back cooked semi-correctly, but the meat was tough and super bland - overall, ok but disappointing. At this point, the we were all were tired of waiting for stuff and a bit deflated so we asked for the bill.

We raised an eyebrow when we saw that 10% had been taken off the bill but were charged a 15% service fee.

I have not had such a bad experience at a restaurant in the whole of Ireland ever - the whole thing was sorely disappointing and the worst part is is that it ruined our intentions of giving our family a great sendoff with great food.

I hope this is a one-off but I can't recommend anyone come here - for the prices, you'd be getting a WAY better dinner and service at the likes of Market...

First night in Cork and wandered around following people to see what’s for dinner. My stomach was a bit unsettled from the travel so it wasn’t ready for a fish and chips pub crawl.

Cornstore looked warm and quiet from the outside. I was greeted warmly and given great service. Their set menu was a treat as it let me choose a variety.

I went with the prawns, the hake and the posset. YUMMY! foodie town indeed!

The prawns were spicy with a warm sourdough. Had the obligatory Guinness which was smooth and easy. Truly a treat.

The hake in bur blanc was delicate and full bodied. I loved the beets as it grounded the dish along with the sliced ham. Paired this lovely with their local rock shore lager. Crispy and smooth foil to the luscious fish.

Desert! Had to try the posset because I had no idea what that was but I knew that lemon and rhubarb were gonna zing. And it did. A great palette cleansing end to a great meal.

My waitress was super attentive and described the dishes with great detail. The host seemed to go out of his way to make me feel comfortable. Loved every minute is this place.

Great spot to eat and relax without the super loud pub...

Absolutely one of the finest dining experiences I've ever had. If your ever in cork city centre and haven't eaten here you have to try it. Only aludridge lodge in wexford marginally beats this experience but both are without doubt the finest places to eat in the country.

The a la carte and set menus have a wide selection to choose from the set menu is extremely reasonably at 37 euro for 3 courses. The staff were courteous polite and extremely helpful I've never seen nicer in a restaurant before. Cocktail menu is a little out there none of the standard regulars you see there all a bit out there but the ones I tried.were delicious

The 12 hour slow roasted pork belly I had was mouth watering I'd lick the plate but my wife would kill me there's easily 4 mains I wanted to try and next time I'm in cork I have to go back it's an extremely popular place so my advise is book in advance as early as you can.

I would like to thank management for accommodating us we had a 60th birthday my aunt and they surprised us with a candle in her creme brule and sang happy birthday which we weren't expecting it's nice touches like that which places like this you...