25 BEST Galway Restaurants To Try
Galway is a bustling Irish culture hub, mainly known for its lively pub scene, beautiful coastal surroundings, and cool art community. Galway has also become renowned as a gastropub paradise within Ireland, with some amazing Galway restaurants to enjoy.
As the country’s culinary capital, this sprawling city has a diverse selection of dining destinations to discover. From fresh seafood to European comfort fares to creative farm-to-table eats, it’s easy to spend an entire getaway roaming from restaurant to restaurant in Galway. These best Galway restaurants are sure to hit the spot.
The Best Galway Restaurants
An Púcán
Talk about great craic! An Púcán is above all an authentic Irish bar and one of the best restaurants in Galway. The garden is especially lovely for al fresco feasting and classic pints. It’s set in the heart of Galway and it offers a fun and friendly environment. The bar is stocked with all the best whiskies as well.
They serve an all-day menu and a dinner menu. There are typical breakfast dishes, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, and seafood, all with plenty of vegetarian options. You can also get platters to share for some lighter snacking. The most traditional pick has got to be the Irish Stew, and it does not disappoint.
The Quay Street Kitchen
For fast, affordable, and super fresh food in Galway Quay Street Kitchen should be at the top of the list. They focus on making healthy and nutritious cuisine and it’s such an easy spot to stop into. You can even order their eclectic eats online ahead of time. They cater to vegetarians, carnivores, vegans, and anyone gluten-free.
The daily salad selection is always changing and the meats are all slow-cooked. It’s good food from a holistic approach. Be sure to try the beer-battered organic tofu here.
Éan
Ean means bird in Irish, and this inventive bakery, full-service eatery, and wine bar should make it onto any Galway grub itinerary. Everything here is baked and made in-house creating one of the best Galway restaurants experiences. They offer seasonally inspired plates using locally sourced ingredients and artisan cooking techniques.
There are also small and large sharing dishes to order that go very well with the carefully curated wine bar. The Squash Fritters come highly recommended.
Kappa-ya
Kappa Ya is a Celtic Japanese restaurant that makes amazing fusion foods. They combine fresh Irish ingredients with traditional Japanese cooking methods. There’s a wide range of high-quality sakes to wash it all down with as well.
They serve rice dishes like Tam Don, soaked in dashi and topped with tempura. It’s an adorable and intimate spot with authentic Asian decor.
Trattoria Magnetti
Run by a local brother duo, Trattoria Magnetti is a one-stop shop for traditional Italian cuisine. It started from humble beginnings back in 1989. The main draw here is still the handmade pasta made fresh in house. It’s located in the center of the city and the atmosphere is warm and cozy.
The Tagliatelle Pasta Mixta is the signature plate, and there’s plenty of wine to pick from for pairing. You can buy their DIY kits to take home as well for a fun night of pasta or pizza making in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Wa Cafe (Wa Sushi)
Wa Cafe is the Galway go-to for sushi, blending harmony and tradition for all-round healthy offerings. It’s become a staple in the foodie scene here, originally opening in 2008. It was the first authentic eatery of its kind in all of Ireland.
Everything is expertly hand-rolled through the traditional Japanese art form using local Irish fish. They also offer amazing bowls of ramen if you’re looking for something besides sushi. There are plenty of vegan options as well.
John Keogh’s
John Keogh’s is what you’d call a classic Irish gastropub, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve spot on this best restaurants in Galway list. It’s an eatery with oodles of old school charm. It’s won many awards over the years and has become a must-try for anyone new to the city. The hand-cut steaks are all aged for 28 days, the pasta is handmade, and the seafood is local and fresh.
The dishes are full of bold flavors and no fuss. There’s separate menus for finger food and wine as well. The Buttermilk Chicken and Slow Roasted Lamb seem to be the stand out meals here.
Papa Rich
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Pan-Asian restaurant
- Address: Daly’s Place, 3 Woodquay, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Papa Rich has a few locations in the city and is a popular pick for locals and tourists alike. They make fresh and healthy food. They have an extensive menu offering noodle dishes, rice dishes, wok dishes, and curries. Grandma’s Favorite Curry, Thai Sambal Goreng, and the Japanese Dan Dan are some of the favorite eats to enjoy here.
Aniar Restaurant
- Price: $$$$
- Cuisine: Farm-to-plate Irish menu
- Address: 53 Dominick St Lower, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Aniar is just one of many Michelin starred restaurants in Galway. If you fancy a night out on the town, they offer an artisan and intimate affair. The tasting menu is made up of 18 dishes, all inspired by the terroir of Ireland’s west coast. It’s a celebration of the culture and history here, highlighting the local ingredients with impressive skill.
The plates sound simple, like lobster and roe or beef and arrowgrass but the flavors are out of this world. For an added perk you can get expert drink pairings for each course. They’ll accommodate any dietary restrictions, just let them know in advance when you make a reservation.
Kai Cafe
Set in Galway’s West End, Kai Cafe is named after the Maori word for food as it was opened by a couple of Kiwis. Their formula for such amazing cuisine is surprisingly simple with organic or wild ingredients sourced locally and cooked intelligently. It’s a seasonal menu, with lunch being casual and dinner being a little more elevated.
The space has a homey feel with bright colors and warm woods. It’s a gourmand’s dream and saving some room for dessert is definitely recommended here.
Cava Bodega
Cava Bodega is a celebration of Spanish cooking in Galway. Tapas are served in a communal style for a casual feast in a warm environment. The drinks list is devoted to Spanish wines and many of them are natural and organic.
You can order anything from nibbles to platters which include cured meats, cheeses, and canapes. They cater to all kinds of dietary restrictions.
Ard Bia
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Irish restaurant
- Address: Spanish Arch, The Long Walk, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Ard Bia at Nimmos is one of the most iconic restaurants in Galway. They’re open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The latter is a tasting menu that does require reservations. It’s an arty space with eclectic works adorning all the walls. The main dining room has an air of sophistication and style. There’s even a gallery and a cafe upstairs.
The food has earned a stellar reputation. The Mezze Plate is one of our favorites for enjoying a little bit of everything, though the menus do change every day based on what’s available seasonally.
Brasserie on the Corner
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood restaurant, farm to table
- Address: 25 Eglinton St, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
For fine dining in the center of the city, we always head to Brasserie on the Corner. They specialize in steaks and seafood with a farm-to-table focus. You can customize any order by choosing how you want it cooked, the sauce, and the temperature. The ingredients are sourced locally, the dishes are seasonal, and the wine list is world-class.
Most of the bottles come from boutique family-owned vineyards in Europe. The decor is stylish and it’s a creative menu.
Dela
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Irish restaurant, farm to table
- Address: 51 Dominick St Lower, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Dela delights its diners with artisan cuisine that’s always worth the long wait. They have their own farm where they grow as much of the produce used as possible. In the right season, the plot to plate time is minutes! It doesn’t get any fresher than that. The drinks section is focused on an impressive range of craft beers from all the best breweries in Ireland.
The fare is inspired by Scandinavia with a regional twist. It’s one of the most delightful spots to go for a beautiful brunch. The Beetroot Risotto and the Braised Pork Belly are two of the stand out orders.
Loam
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Irish, wine bar, fine dining restaurant
- Address: Geata Na Cathrach, Fairgreen Rd, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Loam is a Michelin star restaurant and wine bar that’s been thriving in the Galway foodie scene since 2014. They serve modern and ambitious food rooted in local tradition. The only ingredients used are from the West of Ireland and sustainable practices are a big focus here. Many dishes are entirely foraged.
We recommended taking advantage of the daily cheese selection with a small board to start. The tasting menu has seven courses to choose from for a main. Vegan and vegetarian options are available and the wine cellar is superb.
Oscars Seafood Bistro
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Seafood bistro
- Address: Clan House, 22 Dominick St Upper, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Oscars Seafood Bistro is located in Galway’s West End. Everything is caught fresh by the best fisherman right off the coast of Galway. You may know them from their famous cookbook Sea Gastronomy, but basically they’re experts in cooking seafood.
Pan-fried scallops, chunky baked white fish, and creamy oysters all grace the menu here to tantalize the taste buds. The space is newly renovated and it’s super comfortable with a spacious bar area for sipping cold pints.
Hooked
One taste and you’re hooked is an ideal motto for this modern outpost. It’s a family-run seafood spot perfect for a casual meal in Galway.
There are three convenient locations throughout the city to choose from. It’s a bright space filled with light woods and sunshine for a subtle nautical theme.
The fish fare is all wild and locally caught on the coast and prepared fresh on-site. The go-to is of course the Fish and Chips, though the steamed mussels and fish tacos are close seconds. Order a pint to wash it all down with!
Handsome Burger
Home to Ireland’s best burger, this venue is ideal for anyone craving juicy, hand-rolled, 100% beef patties before heading to a Galway pub. They have local craft beers on tap and refreshing cocktails to enjoy. The menu is packed with inventive options served with a choice of loaded fries.
The Bad N’ Baji Burger is full of Indian flavors and the Handsome Roost has buttermilk fried chicken. There’s also a Beyond Burger for any vegans.
Sheridan’s Cheesemongers
The upstairs wine bar at Sheridans Cheesemongers may be the best-kept secret of Galway. The shop below is famous for its phenomenal selection of local and international cheeses plus a huge range of European artisan fares from oils to pasta to sauces.
It began as a small stall at the Galway market offering farmhouse cheeses in 1995. Today, the kitchen cooks up fresh pestos, chutney, and crackers to pair with their perfect array of cheeses and cured meats.
Urban Grind
Urban Grind is the best place for any vegans to start the day in Galway. They serve delicious brunch dishes along with coffees, teas, smoothies, and pastries. They’re always rotating roasters to try.
The Vegan French Toast and Bacon Egg Roll are some of the tastiest morning meals in the city. It has a clean, cool, modern decor that’s lovely for eating in or grabbing quick something to go.
Moran’s Oyster Cottage
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
- Address: The Weir House, Roymore, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Galway is home to the Clarenbridge oyster bed. It’s over 700 acres of natural seabed where the Dunkellin and Clarenbridge rivers meet the ocean. Moran’s is a family-run cottage and dates back almost 250 years.
Straight from the sea to the table, the seafood dishes here are all super fresh. The Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes and Chili Coconut Prawns are always a great order, alongside some oysters of course.
Want more Oysters? Make sure to check out the Galway Oyster Fest!
Tartare Cafe
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: European, Irish, Cafe, Wine Bar
- Address: 56 Dominick St Lower, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Tartare is a terroir-based cafe and wine bar in the West End of Galway. A contemporary brunch is available each weekend. In the morning they offer coffee and freshly baked pastries, for lunch there’s a selection of gourmet sandwiches, and in the evening you can try their signature mains such as oysters and tartare.
The plates are always changing based on seasonal availability. They work with small ethical producers only and all of their tableware is compostable, so it’s the ultimate eco-friendly stop.
McDonagh’s
McDonagh’s is an iconic fish and chip bar in the city and eating here is one of the best things to do in Galway. It’s a must-try for enjoying one of the most legendary Irish dishes. They’ve been around for four generations, first opening on Quay Street in 1902. The seafood comes from sustainable stocks and is prepared fresh each day on-site.
It’s all made to order to ensure maximum flavor, as well. Everything from oysters to salmon to scallops can be found on this menu. It’s a craveable Celtic classic in a cozy and charming setting.
Renzo Gallery Cafe
Renzo is an Italian style coffee shop. It’s been in the heart of Galway for over 10 years and has a very relaxing atmosphere. There’s a high-quality selection of espresso drinks, from frothy cappuccinos to classic americanos. They have hearty breakfasts, like croissants sandwiches and paninis for lunch.
Local artists’ work is displayed on the walls here and an abundance of books are available for sale.
Pullman Restaurant
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Irish
- Address: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Bushypark, Galway (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Pullman Restaurant is on the grounds of the luxurious Glenlo Abbey Hotel. It’s one of the best Galway restaurants and offers one of the most unique dining experiences in all of Ireland. The eatery is actually inside of two original carriages from the Orient Express.
They are beautifully restored and boast stunning views looking out over the Lough Corrib. Locally sourced food is prepared thoughtfully and there’s a lovely list of fine wines. You can get two or three courses, and the Wild Mushroom Tartlet and the Lamb have gotten rave reviews.
Quick Ireland Travel Tips
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Gaelic: “Dia dhuit” and “Go raibh maith agat”
- Currency: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: The Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland are separate countries on the island of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland known as ‘Ireland’ grants 90-day visas. Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom also grants 90 days.
- Weather: Expect lots of weather! Ireland is known for having rapid shifts in and lots of rain – it’s only the only reason a country like Ireland remains so green and fertile. See our full packing list here.
- When is the best time to visit Ireland? Ireland is a fantastic country to visit year round. Though you’ll find crowds during the summer. My favorite time to visit Ireland is in September when the weather is cool and the crowds are low. You can read all about the weather in Ireland here.
Ireland Travel Planning Resources
- Packing Guide — Check out our Ireland Packing List to help pack your bags and ensure you don’t leave anything at home.
- Rent a Car — We suggest most visitors consider renting a car for the best trip possible. Try Discover Car Hire to compare quotes from different rental agencies. Check the Price Here!
- Protect Your Trip — We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Tours in Ireland — Check out our list of the best tours you can enjoy in Ireland!
- Travel Adapter – Make sure you find a suitable adapter to keep your electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
