If you’re a food lover visiting Ireland’s cultural capital, read on. Here are Galway’s best-loved restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
If you find yourself in Ireland’s cultural capital on the hunt for delicious food, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re revealing the best restaurants in Galway.
From Irish cuisine to Japanese tapas, Italian cooking to fully-loaded burgers, the city’s varied dining scene offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or just fancy a cheap and cheerful bite, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice in Galway.
IB4UD’s top fun facts about the food scene in Galway
- Galway is known as the Food Capital of the West and is home to many award-winning restaurants and chefs.
- The city hosts several Irish food festivals throughout the year, including the Galway Food Festival and the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival.
- The Galway Market, which takes place every Saturday, is a popular spot for locals and visitors to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
- Many of the restaurants in Galway use locally-sourced ingredients, including seafood from the nearby coast and meat and dairy from local farms.
- The traditional Irish dish of fish and chips is a popular choice in this city, with several highly-regarded fish and chip shops in Galway.
- Galway is home to several craft breweries and distilleries, including the Galway Bay Brewery and Micil Distillery, which produces traditional Irish poitín.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming increasingly popular in Galway, with an abundance of vegan-friendly restaurants and several restaurants and cafes specializing in plant-based cuisine.
- The city also has a growing street food scene, with several food trucks and stalls specialising in different cuisines.
20. Da Roberta’s Ristorante & Pizzeria ‒ unforgettable pizza and pasta
Set on the Salthill Promenade, overlooking Galway Bay, Da Roberta’s Ristorante and Pizzeria is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Galway for fans of Italian cuisine.
Offering up Italian-style homemade pizzas, pastas, and meat and fish dishes, this popular spot is a firm favourite among both locals and those visiting the city.
Address: 161 Upper Salthill Road, Galway, H91 EN2T, Ireland
READ ALSO: Top 10 best Italian restaurants in Galway, ranked
19. Brasserie on the Corner ‒ for award-winning menus
Located in the heart of Galway City, this multi-award-winning dining experience offers a comprehensive selection of seasonal produce and traditional fish dishes.
The exposed brick interior, their creative approach to food, and friendly staff make this a favourite spot among Galway foodies.
Address: 25 Eglinton Street, Galway, H91 CY1F, Ireland
18. Cava Bodega ‒ for delicious Spanish dishes
First opened in 2008, Galway City Centre is a great spot that serves delicious Spanish food and Spanish wine.
Offering some of the finest tapas, beers, and wines you’ll ever try, Cava Bodega is an innovative restaurant you won’t want to miss. Focusing on organic produce that is, where possible, locally sourced, you won’t have to worry about your food miles here.
Address: 1 Middle Street, Galway, H91 AF89, Ireland
17. The Dail Bar, Galway ‒ for quality food and a wide range of drinks
If you’re looking for a local pub feel at the heart of Galway City Centre, then you need to head to the Dail Bar at the corner of Cross Street and Middle Street.
This all-day spot serves everything from delicious cocktails to a tasty lunch and dinner menu, beers, whiskeys, and more.
For the perfect weekend in Galway, The Irish Adventure offers a great guide for the best trip, with memorable things to do and the classic places to see.
Address: 42 Middle Street, Galway, H91 R8W3, Ireland
READ ALSO: IB4UD’s Top 10 BEST Pubs and Bars in Galway (for 2023)
16. Oscar’s Seafood Bistro ‒ for fresh seafood dishes
If you’re on the market for some Irish fish and classic cooking, then we highly recommend paying a visit to Oscar’s Seafood Bistro.
This casual dining restaurant offers a daily-changing menu, depending on fresh catch and what’s in season. Plus, they even offer a range of vegan options for those who don’t eat fish!
Address: Clan House, 22 Dominick Street Upper, Galway, H91 VX03, Ireland
READ ALSO: Top 10 best seafood restaurants in Galway
15. La Collina Restaurant ‒ one of the city’s best Italian ristorantes
La Collina is one of the best restaurants in Galway, thanks to a combination of factors. It is not just their great Italian cooking that keeps visitors coming back time and time again.
Rather, their warm and welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and extensive menu make this a food experience you won’t forget.
Address: 169 Upper Salthill Road, Galway, Ireland
14. Wa Café ‒ for traditional Japanese dishes
Perhaps the most popular Japanese restaurant in the city, Wa Café is a must-visit for great sushi and traditional Japanese dishes.
Making the most of high-quality Irish produce cooked in a traditional Japanese way, this is the perfect fusion of the two separate food cultures.
Address: 13 New Dock Street, Galway, H91 P5FR, Ireland
13. O’Grady’s on the Pier ‒ for top-quality seafood dishes
Located in Barna, County Galway, O’Grady’s on the Pier is a must-visit for top-quality locally caught seafood.
With fantastic seafront views, dining here offers much more than just fresh and delicious seafood. Head chef Michael O’Grady ensures each and every guest enjoys an unforgettable experience here. So, it’s no wonder everyone keeps coming back for more.
Address: Seapoint, Barna, Co. Galway, Ireland
12. Zappi’s Restaurant ‒ delightful Italian cooking
Set in the heart of the city, Zappi’s offers an amazing menu that brings together Irish food with traditional Italian cooking techniques.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, this is the perfect romantic weekend destination for a date or catch up with friends. Diners can enjoy everything from fresh pasta to salads, pizza, and more.
Address: 16, 18 Eglinton Street, Galway, H91 YX62, Ireland
11. Hooked ‒ another top seafood spot
A true family-run Galway institution, Hooked on Henry Street is undoubtedly one of the top eateries the city has to offer. It’s also one of the best places to get fish and chips in Galway.
Serving up locally caught seafood, diners can have their pick of everything from crispy fish tacos to tempura prawns, fish pie, and much more. Galway is known for its seafood, so you need to visit this fantastic spot while in the area.
Address: 65 Henry Street, Galway, H91 DP78, Ireland
10. Handsome Burger ‒ try the most famous burgers in Ireland
Want to try some of the most famous burgers in Ireland? Then you need to visit Handsome Burger on Dominick Street.
Serving Galway’s ‘best burgers and craft beer since 2017’, Handsome Burger is known across the city for its delightful menu of delicious comfort food.
Offering both sit-in and takeaway dining, you can choose from fresh beef or chicken burgers, bean burgers, Beyond burgers, and more,
Address: 49 Dominick Street Lower, Galway, H91 P08F, Ireland
READ ALSO: IB4UD’s Top 5 unexpectedly EPIC restaurants in Galway
9. John Keogh’s Gastropub ‒ one of the best restaurants in Galway
John Keogh’s is an award-winning gastropub and party venue at the heart of Galway City Centre.
The ideal place to enjoy Irish cooking, great craic, and a true cultural experience, this pub and eatery has something for everyone. With an ever-evolving menu of old-school classics and fresh, innovative dishes, the flavours on offer here are unforgettable.
Address: 22-24 Dominick Street Upper, Galway, H91 WNH0, Ireland
8. The Galleon Restaurant ‒ a Galway institution
Located on the famous street in Galway, known as Salthill, The Galleon Restaurant provides an upscale dining experience with incredible views of Galway Bay.
This third-generation family-run restaurant specialises in intricate creations, excellent produce, and indulgent desserts for those who fancy a delicious sweet treat.
Address: 210 Upper Salthill Road, Galway, H91 YR99, Ireland
7. Loam ‒ for a fine dining experience
This one-Michelin-star restaurant is an excellent spot for fine dining and refined cuisine in the heart of the city.
First opened in 2014 and located just off the bustling Eyre Square, Loam has grown to become one of the most loved restaurants in the city.
Focusing on modern, ambitious cooking that is rooted in tradition, their seasonally driven menus are truly a feast for the senses.
Address: Geata Na Cathrach, Fairgreen Rd, Galway, Ireland
6. The Dough Bros ‒ for some of the best pizza in Europe
Ranking among the best pizzerias in Europe, above some of the most popular in Italy, The Dough Bros is a must-visit for fans of the famous Italian pie.
Starting its journey with food trucks at the Galway Market back in 2013, this iconic pizza spot has grown to become one of the most-loved eateries in Galway that uses the freshest Irish ingredients.
Address: Cathedral Buildings, 1 Middle Street, Galway, Ireland
5. The Quay Street Kitchen ‒ for delicious food and daily menus
Located in Galway’s Latin Quarter, The Quay Street Kitchen is a vegan and gluten-free friendly eatery that welcomes walk-in dining only,
With a great range of delightful dishes offered for both sit-in and takeaway dining, this is certainly one of the best restaurants in Galway, suited to all tastes.
Address: 1 Quay Street, Galway, H91 CP22, Ireland
READ ALSO: Top 10 best vegan restaurants in Galway, ranked
4. Kai Café + Restaurant ‒ a top-quality Galway eatery
A Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant in Galway’s Kai Restaurant offers a creative lunch and dinner menu that is full of flavour.
A truly remarkable dining experience, this is a must-visit for those who enjoy carefully curated dishes made using the highest quality ingredients. They have great vegetarian options, too.
Address: 22 Sea Road, Galway, H91 DX47, Ireland
3. Aniar Restaurant ‒ for contemporary Irish dining
The flagship restaurant of chef JP McMahon, Aniar Restaurant celebrates local produce and wild ingredients from the west of Ireland.
A Michelin-starred restaurant and cookery school set in the heart of the city, the flavours on offer here are truly exquisite. Offering up a contemporary Irish dining experience, Aniar is truly a one-of-a-kind in the city, if not in the whole of Ireland.
Address: 53 Dominick Street Lower, Galway, H91 XH52, Ireland
READ ALSO: Ireland named 2nd most affordable country for Michelin-starred dining
2. Ard Bia at Nimmos ‒ one of the city’s longest-standing restaurants
Showcasing casual dining and seasonal local produce, Ard Bia at Nimmos enjoys a prime location at the Claddagh, beside the Spanish Arch on the River Corrib.
Taking inspiration from all over the world to offer a truly unique Irish dining experience, the food is only a small part of the charm of this brilliant restaurant.
Located within a historic restaurant at the city wall, Ard Bia at Nimmos boasts quirky interiors and a friendly feel.
Address: Spanish Arch, The Long Walk, Galway, H91 E9XA, Ireland
1. Dela ‒ one of the city’s most-loved restaurants
Topping our list of best restaurants in Galway is Dela on Dominick Street. Offering an exquisite evening menu and brunch menu, this is a great place to visit, no matter the time of day.
With a seasonally-inspired menu and a great range of natural wines, you can’t go wrong with making a reservation here. So, if in doubt, book yourself a table at Dela.
Address: 51 Dominick Street Lower, Galway, H91 E3F1, Ireland
Notable mentions
The Cellar Bar and Restaurant: For traditional gastropub grub, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere, we highly recommend heading to the Cellar Bar and Restaurant.
The Skeff Bar: Located in Eyre Square, The Skeff Bar and Kitchen serves a delightful range of tasty comfort food dishes.
Pizza & Pasta Napoli: Fans of Italian cuisine will be in heaven at this fantastic restaurant located on Cross Street Upper.
56 Central Restaurant Café: Located on Galway’s bustling Shop Street, 56 Central Restaurant Café specialises in tasty modern dishes made from scratch.
The Pullman Restaurant: The Pullman Restaurant overlooks Lough Corrib and the beautiful Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate. Dining here is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Sheridans Wine Bar: A little hidden gem and one of the best on the Galway restaurant scene.
Your questions answered about the best restaurants in Galway
If you still have some questions, we have you covered! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about the best restaurants in Galway.
What are the best places to eat in Galway for a fancy evening meal?
Aniar Restaurant and Loam are two great restaurants for a fancy evening meal in the city.
What are the top casual restaurants in Galway?
We love Hooked and The Dough Bros for a tasty, casual bite to eat.
What are the best places to eat in Galway for special occasions?
Dela Restaurant is our top pick for celebrating a special occasion.
