Izz Cafe

In Izz Cafe, on the banks of the River Lee, owner Izz Alkarajeh spent the festival giving demonstrations of his tiny coffee roastery. A Palestinian refugee who relocated to Cork, Alkarajeh started out selling maneesh flatbread pizzas in the farmers’ market before opening his cafe in 2019. “Looking at the food scene in Cork, we realised there was potential for a Middle Eastern food place,” he explained.

An authentic Palestinian restaurant run by refugees and asylum seekers. After coming to Ireland a couple of years ago, the community helped them to get started with the business, and since then they’ve become a much-loved part of the Cork food scene. They do the most amazing manaeesh, chunky soups and breads.

A couple of years ago, Palestinian couple Izz and Eman Alkerajah and their children were entangled in Ireland’s asylum-seeker system when they began selling Eman’s traditional recipes from a tiny farmer’s market stall. Success was immediate and — asylum status now granted and full Irish citizenship in the pipeline — a year later they established a brick-and-mortar presence in Cork city, centered around their menu of manaeesh, or Palestinian flatbreads. Try the version with chicken, sweet braised red onions, and pine nuts, with sumac and olive oil for seasoning.

If you haven’t been to Izz Café on George’s Quay in town yet, where have you been!. They have the most delicious Palestinian food on offer, ranging from hummus with bread, baba ganoush, stuffed vine leaves, manooshet falafel, and more. If you have room for dessert after their generous portions, definitely try the vegan cinnamon roll because it’s absolutely out of this world – it’s topped with a date caramel and some pecans.

At Izz Cafe, the menu celebrates traditional Palestinian cuisine, with a focus on their homemade hummus, falafel, and specialty dishes like premium Palestinian Medjoul dates and extra virgin olive oil. Izz Cafe brings the rich flavours and warm hospitality of Palestine to the heart of Cork. So, whether you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a coffee or a hearty meal, Izz Cafe is the place to go.

Kicking off our list of best vegan restaurants in Cork is the brilliant Palestinian Izz Café on George’s Quay. With flavourful dishes, such as Flat Manooshet Falafel, an aromatic dough topped with falafel, hummus, special salad, tahini sauce, rocket leaves, and a slice of lemon, this is a true flavour experience. Address: 14 George’s Quay, Ballintemple, Cork, T12 EY24, Ireland

2.) Izz Cafe is owned by a Palestinian immigrant family and as you might expect, the vibrant flavors of that region shine through in everything they serve. The main attraction here is a Middle Eastern flatbread called manaeesh, which can be baked with a variety of toppings. We tried the tasty falafel version.

Izz Café, nestled in Cork City, beckons vegan enthusiasts with its diverse and flavorful menu. From aromatic plant-based coffees to delicious vegan pastries and light bites, this café offers a cosy atmosphere and a delectable range of options. It’s the perfect spot for delightful vegan food in Cork City.

Izz Cafe: Not only are they feeding health heroes for free, but Izz Cafe on George’s Quay is also looking after the rest of us with their full lunch/early dinner menu available delivered here. You can drop by for collection if you order by phone on 021 229 0689, 12pm-5pm, Tuesday- Saturday.

Producing unbelievably delicious Palestinian food, Izz Cafe on Cork’s George’s Quay in the city of Cork is helping to revolutionise the city’s culinary scene. Specialising in Maneesh – flatbreads topped with all kinds of yumminess, a visit to Izz is essential.

The story of Eman Alkarajeh and her husband, Izz, is one that is often shared. From the Palestinian territory to direct provision and, finally, opening their own cafe, they bring Palestinian food to life. Many dishes are vegetarian by nature.

Other Cork restaurants that have made the list include Izz Cafe, who offer the "best of Palestinian cuisine in ireland,", Da Mirco, an authentic Northern Italian spot, and Bastion in Kinsale, which has been awarded Michelin stars before.

If you're craving flavourful Palestinian cuisine, Izz Café should be at the top of your list. Izz is one of the few restaurants in Cork where you can savour a genuine taste of Palestinian flavours alongside warm hospitality.

Izz Cafe is one of the most delightful cafes in Cork located on George’s Quay. You can easily get here from your student accommodations in Ireland. It is highly praised for its friendly service and cosy ambience.