The Best Restaurants in Limerick, Ireland

Set on the River Shannon between the rocky Galway coastline and the lively second city of Cork, Limerick offers plenty to do while exploring Ireland.

This historic city is also an excellent place for a good meal. Boasting contemporary Irish restaurants focusing on farm-to-table cuisine as well as riverfront pubs and one of the best traditional Japanese restaurants in the country, Limerick is a great city for foodies.

From breakfast to dinner—and all of the brunching and snacking in between— here are the best restaurants in Limerick, Ireland.

01 of 10

Best for Refined Dining: Cornstore Restaurant

pink chairs with orange sofa and blue wall in restaurant dining room — Courtesy of The Cornstore

Address

19 Thomas St, Limerick, V94 XR44, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 61 609 000

Web Visit website

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.

02 of 10

Best for Steak: Texas Steakout

dark woof and leather chairs in restaurant — Tarmo Tulit, Photographer

Address

116 O'Connell St, Limerick, V94 DDW7, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 61 410 350

Web Visit website

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.

03 of 10

Best for Irish Pub Fare: The Locke Bar

exterior of Locke Bar in Limerick on a sunny day in spring — Courtesy of The Locke Bar

Address

3 George's Quay, Limerick, V94 K8KX, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 61 413 733

Web Visit website

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.

04 of 10

Best for Sushi: Taikichi

platters of japanese food on light wood table — Courtesy of TAIKICHI

Address

Ireland, V94 PX3T, County Limerick, Limerick, O'Connell St, IE

Get directions

Phone +353 61 313 725

Web Visit website

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.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05 of 10

Best for Burgers: Coqbull

blue exterior of restaurant with tables and chairs outside — Courtesy of Coqbull

Address

50 Thomas St, Limerick, V94 P8P2, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 61 311 011

Web Visit website

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.

06 of 10

Best for Fine Dining Outside the City: The Mustard Seed

Hand placing green garnish on slate plate — Courtesy of The Mustard Seed

Address

Cloontemple, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick, V94 EHN8, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 69 68508

Web Visit website

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.

07 of 10

Best for Brunch: The Buttery

Green interior of restaurant with wood beam ceiling — Courtesy of The Buttery

Address

10 Bedford Row, Limerick, V94 A667, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 61 597 668

Web Visit website

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.

08 of 10

Best for Kids: Hook and Ladder

pastries with cream and raspberries — Courtesy of Hook and Ladder

Address

7 Sarsfield Street, Limerick, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 61 413 778

Web Visit website

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.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09 of 10

Best for a Beautiful Setting: The Curragower Bar & Restaurant

close up of burger with ragu sauce and chips — Courtesy of The Curragower

Address

Clancy's Strand, Limerick, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 87 701 4723

Web Visit website

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.

10 of 10

Best for Italian: Da Vincenzo Food & Wine Hall

pizza on a cutting board with ingredients scattered — Courtesy of Da Vincenzo Food & Wine

Address

Shannon St, Limerick, Ireland

Get directions

Phone +353 61 460 425

Web Visit website

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.