
Kai Cafe & Restaurant
Award winning food in Galway’s West End
Kai Restaurant on Sea Road in Galway’s vibrant Westend, embodies the spirit of its eclectic neighborhood, celebrated for its unique character and burgeoning food scene. Drawing its name from the Maori word for food, Kai opened in 2011 with a clear ethos: to serve exceptional dishes crafted from locally sourced, often organic or wild, ingredients. The restaurant’s inviting stone floors and homely interior immediately evoke a sense of familiarity, a deliberate choice reflecting co-owner Jess Murphy’s culinary inspiration rooted in cherished memories.
In shades of green and grey, with a central glass conservatory roof and plain furnishings, Kai is a most unusual dining space. In fairly basic surroundings, which may not appeal to everyone, Jess displays her talents for cooking that are unashamedly dedicated to the very best of local foods, cooked in her own inimitable manner. She cuts no corners in seeking out the very best raw materials and then cooking them simply with a minimum of fuss.
Kai champions a philosophy of no-WiFi, encouraging genuine connection over digital distractions, while its daily changing menus celebrate seasonality and ethical sourcing, promising a visually stunning and delicious experience for both lunch and dinner. This commitment to quality and creativity has garnered Kai numerous accolades, including “Best Restaurant” and “Best Chef in Connacht” for Jess Murphy.
Opening hours ⏰
Lunch: 12.00 – 3.00 Tue – Sat
Dinner: 6.00 – 9 Tue-Sat
Closed: Sunday and Monday
Contact
Phone: (091) 526 003
Email: [email protected]




