Though we technically did not eat a full meal there, I feel that Cafe Gusto warrants its own post because it is a place I personally endorse and want to see thrive – not that it really needs my help, as the wall-to-wall patronage was testimony enough to its outstanding fare and popularity.

Steffie’s latte of love

We knew about Cafe Gusto a bit of time before heading to Ireland because we befriended @CafeGusto on Twitter (and so should you if you’re going to be in the Cork area anytime soon!) after I Twit-shouted for Cork eatery suggestions.

My travel pal Steffie and I went to Cafe Gusto on our very first full day in Cork – we were tired and weighed down by our grocery shopping, but determined to go for “Tweet-Up Tuesday” ~ which included a buy one get one free hot beverage.
We did not know which location to go to, so we headed for the original Cafe Gusto located on Washington Street. Like the total n3rds we are, we declared why we had come, and after stiffing their giggles, the kind staff sent for Cafe Gusto co-owner aka The Man Behind the Twitter, Denis.

Cafe Gusto itself is hip without being pretentious, with a wide variety of beverages as well as a healthy stocked menu and an array of delectable desserts. Regrettably, I had eaten elsewhere (at a fine establishment, I just ordered something that I knew I wasn’t really all that into. I ordered out of necessity for food, not to my taste.) so I went for a pot of peppermint tea (free with Steffie’s latte order! 2 for Tuesday!) and an order of pancakes (Unlike here in America, pancakes appear to be mostly reserved for dessert occasions in Europe & UK).

My words directly from my travel journal say this regarding the pancakes:

“…they were small + squishy looking like crepes and came with chocolate sauce and OHMYGOD did they hit the spot, I want more!!!”

Denis swung by and hung out with us as we were finally able to unwind and really enjoy our day. He chatted with us about out trip and gave us so much valuable information on what’s going on around the city (Street Performer Championships), great places to eat (Ivory Tower – it’s on my 30 before 30!) and more. We felt all the more welcomed after chatting with him, happy to have made a new acquaintance.

Cafe Gusto, along with its sister restaurant Liberty Grill, is an integral part of Cork foodie culture, as it is a vital piece in moving Ireland (Cork in particular) up in the world as a foodie force to reckon with.

Cafe Gusto
3 Washington Street
Cork, Ireland

-secondary location-
The Boardwalk, Lapps Quay, Cork

Cafe Gusto – Website
@CafeGusto – Twitter
Cafe Gusto – Facebook