Gone are the days when making healthy choices while dining out meant sacrificing flavour. Ireland’s eateries are now catering to all kinds of dietary needs and preferences. Galway City has an abundance of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious, healthy meals.
While once upon a time, vegetarians and vegans were limited to a side salad or a sad plate of lonely fries. We’re now spoiled for choice when it comes to delicious plant-based meals.
So, without further ado, here’s our countdown of Galway’s 5 finest vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes.
5. Temple Cafe – for daily specials
While the specials change from day to day, you can expect the likes of vegan ciabattas, flavoursome organic soups and freshly squeezed juices, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
Temple Café is known for its healthy but delicious vegan treats. If you have a sweet tooth, then pop in and grab yourself a coffee and one of their super tasty vegan pastries. The café has a chilled-out vibe. It’s furnished with palettes and old furniture converted into tables and chairs, all hand-painted by the café’s team.
Their diverse menu makes Temple Café a great place to grab a wholesome and healthy breakfast or lunch. Oh, and you can get their soup and a sandwich deal for just €8.00.
Not only is the food itself guilt-free, but the café is also a social enterprise café meaning all profits go towards supporting local charities.
Address: St. Augustine Street, Galway, Ireland
4. TGO (The Gourmet Offensive) Falafel Bar – the budget-friendly option
Just because TGO Falafel Bar is one of the more affordable eateries on our list, that doesn’t mean it will disappoint. TGO is one of the top Galway restaurants and it’s a popular spot with students looking for a cheap and cheerful veggie or vegan meal.
TGO is the perfect spot to munch on falafel, curry, Gado-Gado, beetroot arancini, seitan, soup and other vegan/vegetarian dishes. Indulge yourself at the toppings bar where you’ll find a fantastic selection of hummus and delicious sauces to make your meal even more enjoyable. If you enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, this is a must!
If falafel isn’t tickling your fancy, you can pick up a great vegan burger and fresh-cut chips. Be warned, you should probably work up an appetite because TGO doesn’t skimp on the portions. (Not that we’re complaining!).
Address: 11 Mary St, Galway, H91 T227, Ireland
3. The Kitchen – for a range of diets
While The Kitchen is not strictly a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, they provide an excellent choice of vegan breakfast, lunch and brunch options.
You can expect to see dishes like vegan mezze (with lots of yummy hummus), crispy tofu salad, a vegan Mezza platter, tofu veggie wraps and vegan chocolate cake.
Besides their delicious menu, The Kitchen is known for its quick service, wholesome fresh food and quaint décor. And the best thing about The Kitchen? It just so happens to be on the premises of the Galway City Museum, so why not check out an exhibition before your meal?
Address: Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, Galway, H91 CX5P, Ireland
2. The Quay Street Kitchen – for vegan comfort food
Ask any Galway native to recommend a nice place for dinner and they’ll point you towards the Quay Street Kitchen.
While they’re renowned for their seafood, the Quay Street Kitchen has an unbeatable vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu.
The restaurant offers everything from vegan lasagne to vegan Sheppard’s pie to yummy desserts like vegan chocolate cheesecake. The friendly staff will always greet you with a smile and the venue’s ambience makes for an enjoyable dining experience. It is unsurprising that this spot is known as one of the best restaurants in Galway.
Address: Unit B The Halls, Quay Street, Galway, Ireland
1. The Lighthouse Cafe – the healthy hidden gem
The Lighthouse is a small but cosy vegetarian and vegan restaurant located on Abbeygate Street Upper.
It really is one of Galway’s healthy hidden gems. Yes, it’s small but The Lighthouse is renowned amongst vegetarians and carnivores alike for serving up a colourful and broad veggie and vegan menu… and that’s why they’ve earned their place as number one on our list.
Tuck into a vegan hotpot or a white bean tofu burger. Their veggie cuisine made with only the freshest ingredients makes The Lighthouse the best spot in town to grab a healthy plant-based meal. Their nutritious menu caters to all sorts of dietary requirements, offering gluten-free friendly options too.
After your meal, you can treat yourself to something sweet like an oat-milk cappuccino and a vegan tart or brownie. Oh, and their vegan hot chocolate is second to none, but don’t forget the marshmallows!
While it’s not ideal for big parties, the restaurant’s intimate setting makes it the perfect place to catch up with an old friend or sit and enjoy a good book making it one of the top restaurants in Galway.
Address: 8 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway, H91 V9D3, Ireland
But don’t take our word for it, why not pop in and see for yourself. Next time you’re rambling around the colourful streets of Galway, why not sit down and grab a vegan-friendly bite to eat in one of these tasty spots?
Written by Stephanie Meagher.
