In the buzzy Coal Quay renewal area, this Cork restaurants a sister establishment to the highly regarded Aubars in Limerick (see entry) is in a stylishly converted two-storey granite mill building.
Colourful Spanish tiles in the reception area lead to an expanse of polished wooden floors cleverly divided into areas of alcoves, flexible table and chair seating and more intimate booths, as well as a bar counter popular with singletons in for a quick drink or snack.
Lobster is something of a speciality here, appearing as a starter with warm lemon butter; whole or half with hollandaise, pea purée and proper house chips as a main course, or the trencherman's surf & turf option of medallion of beef with half lobster and béarnaise sauce. Silky duck liver paté with Cumberland sauce is a popular starter, as is the generous fresh prawn cocktail served in a crushed ice coupe with real Marie Rose sauce.
For sharing there is a freshly baked country loaf served with tapenade, hummus, and pesto for dipping, and a range of stone-baked pizzas come straight from special ovens. The Cornstore's premium steaks are 100% Irish beef, hung 21-28 days- and choices range from the 10oz rib-eye to a 16oz T-bone.
A short but irresistible list of homemade desserts features treats like pecan tart with mocha ice cream, crème brulée with shortbread biscuit and a different chocolate dessert each day - the molten-centred chocolate fudge cake is worth a detour.
A well-balanced wine list leans towards the New World, and features 20 wines by the glass (EUR4.50-EUR9.95) .
Not surprisingly perhaps, The Cornstore has become one of Cork's hotspots, attracting customers with top class food, value for money and sharp service that manages to be both friendly and efficient.
Seats 180; children welcome (children's menu); wheelchair friendly; air conditioning; reservations recommended. L & D Mon-Sat, 12-3pm & 5-10.30pm, Sun all day 12-9pm. Set 2 course L €15.95; value D €24.95 all night Sun-Thur, to 6.30pm Fri/Sat; set D €34.95. House wine from €19.95. SC 10% on groups 10+. Closed 25 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
