Here are some reviews from menupages.ie a good resource for restaurants in some areas of Ireland. menupages.ie/Cork/…Hardwood_Restaurant.aspx

It is located on Pope's Quay which is on the north channel of the River Lee. From your hotel walk up any street north away from the water (south channel) and when you reach the north channel cross over and walk upstream (to your left) to Pope's Quay.

Thanks for that, website would indicate some very satisfied diners for the Hardwood. Sounds like it is walking distance from Lapps Quay, would you say 10 - 15 minutes or so ? Weather will decide whether we walk no doubt. Great website - so many restaurants in Cork !!

More like 10 than 15. Enjoy.

I wouldn't like it and wouldn't recommend it - I've eaten there a couple of time and the food has been good but the service shocking -

Well based on some friend's recommendation & website mentioned above, I booked a table via e-mail and the prompt friendly response from Hardwood looks good so far - will report back on service received in a couple of weeks ! Are there any other restaurants you would recommend ?

Les Gourmandise in Cook St off Patrick St is lovely. You could try Isaacs in Mc Curtain St. - very near the Clarion. Star Anise in Bridge St - a continuation of Patrick St also near Clarion is very good. Fenns Quay off Washington St. is very good. I have not been to Club Brasserie which is almost next door to the Clarion but am told it is very good. The Ambassador Chinese Restaurant in Cook St is excellent. I have just been told about a tapas bar in Oliver Plunkett St. which is next to the Clarion - Meades - very unique place nice wine and tapas

Foodie Cork- we could have done with your recommendations but have been to Cork and come back so to speak. Still others will no doubt find the suggestions helpful. We did get to the Hardwood which was excellent in all respects but due to bad weather (end of the world type rain and winds) ended up staying in the Clarion on the other nights - the Synergie restaurant there was good too so no complaints.