Zak's Restaurant Cork

We have been spending quite a bit of time in Cork recently, and expanding the Taste of Ireland site in the real capital. We have come across some very good restaurants, both very well established and some which are newer. One of these is Zak’s, which is just off Patrick Street on Marlboro Street. Recently refurbished, this all day restaurant struck all the right notes on a recent visit for Pat Kiely.

Zaks Restaurant was established in 2003 by the O'Keeffes, a local Cork family with over 30 years experience in the food business. Zak’s Restaurant is now managed by husband and wife team of Danny and Oonagh O'Keeffe, who take great care in choosing locally-sourced Irish quality-assured ingredients for all dishes. Full traceability is guaranteed at all times and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

The restaurant is bright and airy, and is decorated in creams and browns. Wooden floors, black and white photos on the walls and eclectic touches such as a chandelier add a touch of sparkle.

Zak’s open for breakfast, and they have a good choice of dishes including full Irish, a selection of pancakes with fruit or bacon and maple syrup. Needless to say the tea is Barry’s and the coffee is fresh.

Lunch is served from 12 noon and you can choose from light bites like soup, chowder or fresh sandwiches. There is a choice for several salads including a classic Caesar, or is you are in the mood for something more substantial you could pick from homemade burger, fish and chips or baked goats cheese salad. The lunch menu runs right through the afternoon, so you can pop in anytime even if it’s just for a coffee and cake while shopping.

In the evening here is a choice of the set menu, which offers two courses for €18.50 0r three for €20, or the a la carte. Starters include Ballycotton mussels with white wine and cream, crispy bacon and black pudding salad or seafood chowder. Main courses offer pan seared chicken breast, baked haddock, seafood gratin and a choice of steaks. On our visit we had had the prawn and salmon skewers with spicy cous cous and lemon butter, a well balanced dish that was very good. For the main course we had the oven baked haddock fillet with roast vegetables and baby potatoes. Fish was perfectly cooked and drizzled with a tomato and avocado salsa, adding a zest to the smooth fish.

Zak’s is cooking honest food, well made and taking care to get good quality, local ingredients. The set menu is excellent value, and they have a couple of coeliac menus. Zak’s is a good spot for a casual bite, and handy for a mid afternoon stop.