Fish lovers will be delighted to find this dedicated Seafood Bar in the centre of Cork. A cousin business of the famous Quinlan's Fish Shops in Kerry, this simply-appointed but very comfortable restaurant doubles as a takeaway - and it offers a great selection of very fresh fish, good straightforward cooking and reasonable prices.
Sourced mainly from the Ring of Kerry (the family fishing and processing company, Quinlans Kerry Fish, is based at Caherciveen), and Dingle, the range of fish and seafood offered varies according to season and availability, but in summer might typically include lobster (very well priced), crab, hake, salmon, plaice, whiting, prawns and squid.
Fish & Chips is the main event on the menu but - when you can choose between whiting, plaice, haddock, cod, hake or salmon - this is no ordinary fish & chips, and you can have a salad instead of the chips, or half and half of you like.
Other dishes might include gorgeous deep water Atlantic Prawns, Dingle Bay Wild Squid and Sizzling Crab Claws on Sourdough bread, and there are always specials too - something like Pan-fried Brill with potato chips and garden salad, for example.
If you're on a budget - feeding a hungry family perhaps - check out Quinlan's great value combo: Seafood chowder served with an open sandwich (and salad) of either shrimp or their award-winning smoked salmon.
The chowder, the shrimp and the salmon all feature on the excellent list of starters, too - and they are rightly proud of their fish cakes as well.
Service is excellent and there's a good drinks list to accompany - a glass of Albarino or Sauvignon blanc, or a local craft beer or cider, will go down very well and there is short dessert menu for those with time to linger.
If you're in a hurry, on the other hand, they sell Ready to Eat Seafood meals and also a selection of fresh shellfish to enjoy at home. A real winner, home or away.
Also at: Tralee, Killarney and Killorglin.
