Expectations were high when Rachel Allen announced that she would open her first restaurant in Cork City. As one of Ireland’s favourite TV cooks, and a member of the legendary Allen family, all eyes would be on the food and decor of this new venue.
The resulting Rachel’s is a confident and contemporary venue, delivering both a restaurant and piano cocktail bar on the ground floor of the Courthouse Chambers building. The decor is industrial chic with smart polished concrete floors, shades of soft blue grey and immaculate linen-covered tables. Striking pieces of art, including a giant pitchfork by artist Patrick O’Reilly, and a collection of vintage cameras, are featured throughout the restaurant and bar to great effect.
At the rear of the building, the piano bar is a relaxed spot for drinks at any time. Cocktails range from imaginative house specials to classic drinks.
As you’d expect from a graduate and teacher at the world famous Ballymaloe Cookery School, the emphasis at Rachel’s is firmly on local produce. Fruit, vegetables and herbs are sourced, where possible, from the gardens at Ballymaloe. Fish comes fresh from Ballycotton, free range chicken comes from Robert Fitzsimmons in East Ferry and pork from Darren Allen in Shanagarry.
A large wood-fired pizza oven and stacks of logs are on display in the open kitchen, with the menu featuring dishes such as oven-fired ale and caraway flatbreads as starters and wood-fired pizza or fish of the day for mains.
Dishes are classically inspired but delivered by head chef Anne Zagar and her team with modern styling and flavours. Delicate baby buttered carrots are served with local buffalo ricotta, while modern influences result in a fresh, bright ceviche, using local fish. Mains might include rack of spring lamb or maybe a wood-fired piece of Dover sole, coated in gremolata. All mains are accompanied by a selection of sides, including rosemary salt skinny fries, green leaves and organic new potatoes.
To match the food, there’s a good wine list, full of modern choices and staff are happy to help guests choose. Cocktails from the bar are also available at the table. Some dishes seem pricy, but with a genuinely warm Cork welcome, and friendly, efficient service, Rachel’s is a welcome addition to the southern city.
