Quay Co-Op Café, Cork

I really don’t like this place. The food is overpriced and pretty bland-tasting: I can’t remember exact prices but I remember being charged over a tenner for a very small falafel “burger” which seemed to have been sitting there for hours.

Unless you will only eat vegetarian food, I’d steer clear.

On holiday for five days (June 2005), we ate here on four evenings, lunch on one occasion and once for breakfast. I thought the breakfasts were expensive, but all meals were excellent with a lot of choice for vegans/vegetarians/gluten-free people and good value for money. The portions were large and the desserts fantastic, particularly the trifle. It was also good to have soya cappuccino. The cafe is attractive with the plants and different colour tablecloths, nice colour schemes, newspapers to read and an airy feel. What let the place down badly was the rude and off-hand staff who seem to dislike their work and their customers! (One young man in particular) It was peculiar that they were so unfriendly because everyone else we met in Cork was wonderful - very warm - and so helpful. On our last day we encountered a different girl behind the counter who made up for the others to a degree - she was delightful and chatty and made us feel welcome for a change - she even gave us a gift of a loaf of freshly baked bread on our last visit, which was very kind! (Of course, all staff may have changed by now as I am talking about three years ago) All in all though, a good place to eat. With an evening meal for two, including coffees, for around 25 Euros, it was pretty good value for the hungry vegan or vegetarian traveller! (The wholefood shop downstairs is superb - we bought a lot of cold food/snacks to take back to our hotel and on picnics)

One of Cork’s best vegetarian restaurants. Its radical history is intriguing, its ethical stance is admirable, but really the food is why I come here. Gorgeous salads, beautiful breads, lovely main courses.

Great for a quick healthy lunch. Perfect place in the evening for a relaxed, no fuss meal without feeling like a big night on the town.