Orso Kitchen & Bar: Mediterranean Flavours in the Heart of Cork
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours in a cozy, stylish Cork city centre restaurant with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Orso Kitchen & Bar, located at 8 Pembroke Street in Cork city centre, is a cozy, modern restaurant offering vibrant Mediterranean, Lebanese, and Moroccan-inspired dishes. Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a menu rich in plant-based and meat options, Orso combines bold spices and fresh herbs to create a memorable dining experience. The intimate setting, attentive service, and creative cocktails make it a standout culinary destination in Cork.
A brief summary to Orso Kitchen & Bar
- 8 Pembroke St, Cork, Centre, T12 YY90, IE
- +353212438000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Thursday 11 am-9:30 pm
- Friday 11 am-10 pm
- Saturday 11 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Make reservations in advance as the restaurant is popular and can get busy, especially on weekends.
- Try the stonebaked bread with hummus and the sesame baked cauliflower, both highly praised dishes.
- Consider sitting away from the door in colder months to avoid chilly drafts.
- Explore the cocktail menu with house-made syrups for a creative drink experience.
- Look out for vegan and gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Orso Kitchen & Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Orso Kitchen & Bar
A Culinary Fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Flavours
Orso Kitchen & Bar brings a unique blend of Mediterranean, Lebanese, and Moroccan influences to Cork’s dining scene. The menu showcases vibrant dishes crafted from fresh herbs, bold spices, and locally sourced produce. Signature offerings include stonebaked bread with hummus, sesame baked cauliflower, lamb kofta, and fresh fish of the day. The kitchen caters thoughtfully to diverse dietary needs, with an array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options clearly marked. This fusion of Old World flavours and contemporary culinary techniques creates a distinct and memorable gastronomic experience.Atmosphere and Ambience
The restaurant’s interior is small but inviting, designed for comfort and intimacy. The space is clean, modern, and well-organized, with a cozy atmosphere enhanced by attentive and friendly staff. Despite its compact size, Orso manages to feel warm and welcoming, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. Some seating near the door can be a bit chilly during winter evenings, but the overall vibe remains relaxed and inviting.Drinks and Desserts to Complement the Meal
Orso offers a balanced selection of Old World wines and innovative cocktails, many infused with house-made syrups. The cocktail menu is praised for its creativity and quality. Desserts include Middle Eastern milk pudding with rhubarb and hibiscus compote, which provides a light, comforting finish to the meal. The restaurant also caters well to non-dairy preferences, with options like oat milk lattes and vegan desserts available.Commitment to Quality and Local Sourcing
A key feature of Orso is its dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure quality and sustainability. This approach supports local producers and enhances the freshness and flavour of each dish. The kitchen’s attention to detail extends to allergen awareness and accommodating special dietary requirements, reflecting a modern, inclusive dining philosophy.Location and Accessibility
Situated in the geographic centre of Cork city, just steps from the General Post Office, Orso Kitchen & Bar is easily accessible. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for lunch or dinner while exploring Cork. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday, serving lunch and dinner with slightly extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.Distinctive Dining Experience in Cork
Orso Kitchen & Bar stands out as a culinary gem in Cork, combining vibrant Mediterranean flavours with a cozy, stylish setting. Its focus on fresh, bold dishes, excellent service, and an inviting atmosphere makes it a must-visit for food lovers seeking a taste of the Levant region and Mediterranean sunshine in Ireland’s southern city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
S Mall
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Father Mathew Statue
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National Monument - Cork
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Nano Nagle Bridge
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Medieval City Wall (Balla Cathrach na Meánaoise)
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Eamon de Valera Bridge
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Original Walls of Saint Mary of the Isle
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Dundanion House Bridge
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Blarney Castle & Gardens
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Blarney Stone
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Old Church
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Cobh
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1 Pearse Square
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Camden Fort Meagher
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Kindred Spirits: Choctaw Native American Monument
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Unmissable attractions to see
Oliver Plunkett St
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Historic heart of Cork city, Oliver Plunkett Street buzzes with shops, eateries, and vibrant nightlife in a charming pedestrianised setting.
Merchants Quay Shopping Centre
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A vibrant shopping and dining destination in the heart of Cork city, blending major retailers with cozy cafés and lively urban energy.
Cork Tourist Information Centre
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Cork Historic Walking Tours
0.3 km
Discover Cork’s layered history on foot with a local guide, from medieval streets to modern markets in the heart of Ireland’s second city.
Cork Ghost Tour
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Experience Cork's haunted history with a thrilling walking tour that blends ghostly tales, historical facts, and comedic frights.
Kilkenny Design Emmett Place
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Discover authentic Irish craftsmanship and contemporary design at Kilkenny Design, Cork’s premier destination for fashion, art, and homewares.
Crawford Art Gallery
0.4 km
Discover the artistic treasures of Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, where history and contemporary creativity converge in a stunning cultural experience.
Saints Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church
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Michael Collins Statue
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A lifelike tribute to Michael Collins, capturing the spirit of Ireland’s revolutionary hero in the heart of Cork city.
Berwick Fountain
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A historic fountain in Cork's Grand Parade, symbolizing gratitude and civic pride since 1860. A popular meeting point and landmark.
Grand Parade
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Paddywagon Tours Cork
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Red Abbey Tower
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Bishop Lucey Park
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Nano Nagle Heritage Centre
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Essential places to dine
Orso Kitchen & Bar
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Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours in a cozy, stylish Cork city centre restaurant with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
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Market Lane
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Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sheena's Boutique
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Penneys
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Affordable fashion and homeware in the heart of Cork’s vibrant Saint Patrick’s Street shopping district.
Olori
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Flying Tiger
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Colorful Scandinavian design meets budget-friendly shopping in Cork's vibrant city centre.
The North Face Cork
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Your go-to outdoor store in central Cork for The North Face clothing, footwear, and gear for hiking, climbing, skiing, and everyday adventures.
Carrolls Irish Gifts
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Explore Carrolls Irish Gifts in Cork for the best selection of authentic Irish souvenirs, showcasing the rich culture and craftsmanship of Ireland.
Born Clothing
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Trendy and affordable fashion for men and women in Cork’s vibrant Merchants Quay Shopping Centre.
Carrolls Irish Gifts Store
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Samui
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Nine Crows Cork
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My Cork Gifts
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Søstrene Grene Cork
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The English Market
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Pinocchio's Toys & Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Paladar
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The Shelbourne Bar
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Edison
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Cask
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cozy
- Relaxing
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
