The 10 Best Restaurants in Limerick, Ireland

The elegant dining room at Cornstore Restaurant is the perfect place for a special meal out in the city. The eatery is known for its dry-aged steaks, but there is so much more to the menu than the standout beef. Sample the crispy duck leg confit with bok choi or indulge in the delicious, slowly-cooked pork belly that takes 12 hours to roast. The prices match the quality of the food, but the early bird set menu is an absolute steal at 29 euros for three courses.

The line out the door tends to be the first hint that Texas Steakout is one of Limerick’s best restaurants. This country western-themed restaurant is a hit with meat lovers, who claim it serves up the best steak in the city. However, the menu has plenty of options for vegetarians and offers dishes as varied as Tex-Mex fajitas and Thai veggie curry. The cocktails are also a major draw at the lively eatery.

Listening to live Irish music at The Locke Bar is one of the best things to do in Limerick. Period. The only way to make the experience even better is to tuck into the seafood dishes at this beloved gastropub. Dig into the beer-battered fish and chips with mushy peas, or order the Fisherman’s Pie for a decadent meal of smoked and fresh fish in pastry. Of course, there are plenty of non-fish options as well, like the Irish lamb stew. With a side of live performances seven days a week, The Locke Bar an excellent place for a meal.

Those in search of traditional Japanese dining in Limerick should look no further than Taikichi. The master sushi chefs here create some of the best sashimi and rolls in the city. All of the food is made to order, which means each plate is carefully prepared and incredibly fresh. If you can’t decide where to start, try one of the excellent Bento boxes as a way to sample the gyoza, norimaki, tempura haddock, and rice.

Whether it's chicken (coq) or beef (bull), Coqbull makes drool-worthy burgers and rotisserie in central Limerick. All of the meat is Irish and locally sourced, with options for vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb diners as well. For a burger with a kick, try the Raging Bull, a beef patty topped with sliced jalapeño, spicy red onion marmalade, and habanero mayo. For a truly decadent meal, order Dirty Fries piled with cheese and garlic on the side. 

A trip outside Limerick’s city center to the nearby Adare countryside is well worth the effort to dine at The Mustard Seed. This gourmet restaurant has a four-course dinner menu that will leave you wanting more of chef Angel Piriv’s creations. The menu changes with the seasons as many of the ingredients are sourced from the garden behind the kitchen. If the rural setting is too enchanting to leave after dinner, the restaurant is actually located at Echo Lodge, a luxurious B&B that offers room and board packages for overnight guests. 

For the best morning meal in Limerick, book a table at The Buttery. There are platters of pancakes to be had and avocado toast to be nibbled. If someone in the group doesn't like breakfast foods, a great selection of lunch plates is also available. The Buttery takes its coffee seriously, so be sure to order a cup (or two) to start the day right. This cheery café has an evening menu for dining later in the day, as well.

The airy Hook and Ladder café has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for family meals right on Sarsfield Street. More than a simple restaurant, the café is also a cooking school, home goods store, and furniture shop. With people browsing for food and cute home accessories in this multi-space venue, this beautiful restaurant is imbued with a welcoming atmosphere. The menu has an emphasis on healthy, home-cooked foods, including farm-reared sausages and fresh eggs for breakfast and wholesome Buddha Bowls for lunch. Of course, there are lots of sandwiches and Irish classics mixed in to please even the pickiest little ones. Just be sure to save room for the baked goods for dessert.

Dig into chili and lime-salted calamari or opt for the wild mushroom risotto. All of the food at this gastropub hits the spot for a hearty lunch with a contemporary twist. Sit on the outdoor patio for drinks and fresh mussels served with crispy fries. Along with having some of the best food in Limerick, the Curragower has enviable views out over the Shannon.

Da Vincenzo Food & Wine Hall is no ordinary hotel restaurant. This excellent Italian restaurant is located inside The George Limerick and serves some of the best pizza in the city, including the Eroe (Hero). It's topped with prosciutto, salami, red bell peppers, and fresh mozzarella—an excellent option for hungry travelers. Along with their thin-crust pizza, Da Vincenzo’s also has delightful pasta dishes, like lasagna with slow-cooked beef ragù. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure a table.