Best Restaurants

Galway is long established as being the culinary capital of the West of Ireland. With its various cultural quarters, the city has a wonderful mix of gourmet cuisine options, from artisanal pie-makers to wood-fired pizzerias to some of the finest seafood restaurants in the country. Below is a list of our top  restaurants in Galway but note there are many other excellent restaurants in the city on a par with those listed below which can be viewed on our Best Galway Restaurants Map here. Further afield, why not check out our recommendations of the best restaurants in Connemara, or discover our the Best Foodie Experiences in Galway too.

Best Restaurants in Galway City 🍴

Aniar Restaurant

Aniar has the enviable accolade of being Galway’s only Michelin starred restaurant, having been awarded their prestigious star back in September 2012. Aniar is an innovative restaurant, bringing terroir-based dining to Dominick Street in Galway City. The word terroir is usually associated with winemaking and the combination of factors that gives a wine its distinctive character: soil, climate and environment. Aniar, owned by the people who brought you Cava Restaurant (next door to Aniar) is focused on local earthy ingredients and natural influences. An example starter might consist of ‘salt beef, raddish, kohlrabi and hazelnut; main courses include ‘wild brill, celeriac, celery, clams and lovage’, and you could spoil your palette with ‘seabuckthorn pannacotta, caramel, apple, crumble’ for dessert.

Address: 53 Lower Dominick Street, Galway City, Ireland
Tel: +353(0)91 535947
Aniar Restaurant

Kai Café and Restaurant

The philosophy at Kai Café and Restaurant is very simple, fresh, organic produce is sourced from local suppliers to create daily menus bursting with flavor, texture and colour. If you’re lucky you might even get an edible flower on your plate.
All menus change on a daily basis dependent on what is fresh and in stock from local suppliers. Head Chef, Jess Murphy takes an artisan approach to food by combining her classical culinary training with an affinity for distinctive and fresh seasonal produce. She directly sources raw ingredients of the highest standard, while overseeing the entire preparation and cooking process until the finished product leaves the kitchen. Chef Jess Murphy, originally from New Zealand but has been in Ireland for many years. Murphy worked with Kevin Thornton in his Michelin restaurant, then Ard Bia and of course Bar 8 where she was awarded Best Chef in Connacht this year. Cooking is excellent and based strictly around whatever is in season and available locally.

Address: Sea Road, Galway City, Ireland
Tel: +353(0)91 526003
Kai Café and Restaurant

Ard Bia

Ard Bia Nimmo’s has gone from strength to strength since winning Food & Wine magazine’s Best regional restaurant award a few years ago. The eclectic arty dining room overlooking the Corrib in historic Spanish Arch is renowned for its to-die-for delicious food that uses the best of local sourced and seasonal produce. The mezze plate, Rib-eye steak with roast shallot potato cake and Crozier Blue sauce and chickpea pancake with spinach and feta are our favourites. Ard Bia also a local gallery upstairs with some fabulous artwork to browse and chat about over coffee.

Address: Long Walk, Spanish Arch, Galway City, Ireland
Tel: +353(0)91 561114
Ard Bia

Oscars Seafood Bistro

Oscars Seafood Bistro is a multi-award winning restaurant in the heart of Galway’s West End, on Dominick street. Run by Chef and Co-owner Michael O’Meara and his team they offer the finest and freshest local seafood, meats and vegan dishes. Expect options like their delicious Galway Hooker ale battered fish and patatas bravas with remoulade aioli, or their slow cooked beef bourguignon with delectable buttery mash – or the impossibly chunky pieces of hake served with sweet potato hash and fresh avocado salsa. Michael’s knowledge of seafood is second to none, being the author of ‘SEA Gastronomy’ which is the most comprehensive book of Irish seafood ever produced in Ireland. Oscars Seafood Bistro has a well earned reputation for exceptional seafood dishes and friendly service.

Address: Dominick Street, Galway, Ireland, H91DXH7
Tel: +353 (0)91 582 180
Oscars Seafood Bistro

Il Vicolo Restaurant

Il Vicolo is an award winning Italian restaurant in a wonderful setting overlooking the River Corrib at the old historic Bridge Mills building in Galway City. The restaurant combines passion, heart, and soul along with their strong work ethic to serve the finest rustic Italian food with a pronounced southern influence. Discover their modern Italian menu that combines seasonal Cicchetti with pasta, risotto, fish, and meat. Their wine list is 100% Italian and presently offers over 75 wines extending from the Italian Alps to the tip of the boot of the Italian Peninsula and the isle of Sicily. Il Vicolo is enthusiastic about all things Italian and only uses the finest Irish produce, regional producers, and Italian peninsula exports. Il Vicolo provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the best that Italy has to offer in the West End of Galway, as the River Corrib flows by while you dine in the unique surrounds of the old flour mill.

Address: The Bridge Mills, Dominick St Lower, Galway, H91 R1WF
Tel: +353(0)91 530 515
Il Vicolo

Brasserie on the Corner

Brasserie on the Corner is a fine restaurant in the centre of Galway City which specialises in seafood and steak dishes. A wide range of locally sourced seafood starters and beef, lamb and seafood mains will leave you spoilt for choice. The creative and varied menu together with an extensive boutique wine list has something to suit all tastes. The stylish, comfortable décor and the friendly staff makes for a wonderful dining experience. Not to be missed.

Address: Eglinton Street, Galway City, Ireland
Tel: +353(0)91 530 333
Brasserie on the Corner

Best Restaurants in County Galway

Lignum Restaurant

The term “lignum” (Latin for “wood”) refers to the traditional practice of cooking over an open flame. Lignum is the brainchild of Chef Danny Africano who has, along with his talented culinary team has developed one of the most impressive and revered restaurants, showcasing fine Irish cuisine, that you’ll find anywhere in Ireland. The inventive menu at Lignum demonstrates a genuine understanding of how to get the maximum flavor and nutritional value out of foods, and the dishes are bursting with complementing textures and flavors.

With its light filled wood and glass dining area to the side of an old stone stable, its bold black walls and large rustic tables made from ash, Lignum evokes a Scandinavian escape in the countryside village of Bullaun, east Co. Galway, 6 km northeast of Loughrea. The restaurant has consistently received excellent reviews; in 2020, the Irish Times scored it nine out of 10 and praised it for being “innovative, accomplished and delicious”.

Address: Slatefort House, Bullaun, Co. Galway, H62 H798
Tel: +353 (0)87 330 0559
Lignum Restaurant

White Gables

Traditional Irish cooking in a restored Stone cottage at a crossroads in Moycullen village. White Gables Restaurant serves only traditional Irish dishes, with a focus on seafood, including fresh lobster from their fishtank. Warm, homely red tone, floral lampshades and dark mahogany furniture, portray a picture of Ireland in a different time. All fish is fresh off the boat, but meat is not off the menu either with traditional Irish favourites fillet steak and t-bone on offer.

Address: Moycullen, Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353(0)91 555744
White Gables

Powers Thatch Pub and Restaurant, Oughterard

Irish cuisine at its best, Powers Restaurant is a must if staying near Oughterard and is certainly worth the journey if touring Galway. The unique traditional cottage setting with stylish yet unfussy décor together with exceptional food is a recipe for a wonderful dining experience. The kitchen is run by Head Chef Cillian Hanrahan and was originally set-up in collaboration with top Galway Chef Jess Murphy of Kai Café and Restaurant. This arrangement has created a foundation for a menu of consistent high quality. The extensive choice of dishes includes everything from the creamiest seafood chowders, wings, steaks, monkfish, burgers, currys, salads and much more. The great food combined with the warm ambience and inviting and friendly staff means Powers comes highly recommended.

Address: Main Street, Oughterard, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353(091) 557 597
Powers Thatch Pub and Restaurant

Morans Oyster Cottage, Kilcolgin

Moran’s Oyster Cottage is one of the most timeless places to eat in the west of Ireland. The restaurant is housed in a 250-year-old thatch cottage overlooking an inlet of Galway Bay. Also known as Morans of the Weir, it is one of the most well known bar and seafood restaurants in county Galway. This family business is run by Michael Moran, the 7th generation of the Moran family to manage the restaurant. Expect the freshest seafood of the highest quality with staples of the menu including exceptional smoked salmon, locally sourced crab claws, oysters, lobster and the latest catch from Galway Bay. Oozing character, this seafood restaurant draws visitors from all over the world and is a favourite spot for many celebrities over the years as evidenced from the photos adoring the walls. Now with a large sheltered outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and open all year round.

Address: Morans Oyster Cottage, The Weir, Kilcolgin, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353(091) 796 113
Morans on the weir Galway

West Restaurant @ The Twelve

West Restaurant in Barna is a contemporary urban club style restaurant upstairs at The Twelve Hotel. The Twelve has a long established reputation for great food and the West restaurant only raises it to another level. Classy, ambient, elegant – it is decorated with american style booths with a grown up vibe, the perfect compliment for indulging your tastes buds. A place for real foodies, the menu features innovative dishes that highlight the best of Galway and the season’s finest ingredients. This multi-award winning restaurant is only 10 minutes drive from Galway City centre in the scenic coastal village of Barna.

Address: Barna, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353(091) 597 000
west restaurant

Guys Bar, Clifden

After a long day touring Connemara, the only place you’ll want to go is a comfortable pub to relax and take stock of the day’s events. Guys Bar & Restaurant in Clifden is just that place. One of the oldest bars in Clifden, its inviting, rustic decor of old traditional snugs and cosy corners with a roaring turf fire make it the ideal spot to enjoy the company of family or friends. The menu offers great meals for all ages and tastes, from the freshest seafood, traditional stews, gourmet pizzas, rice dishes, and good vegetarian options, there’s even a free baby bowl for the little ones. A great casual dining option when visiting Connemara.

Address: Main St, Clifden, Co. Galway, Ireland
Tel: +353(095) 21130
Guys Bar, Clifden

Top Restaurants in Galway FAQs

What are the best restaurants in Galway that deliver?

Probably the most popular restaurants that do takeaway and deliveries in Galway are:

  • Handsome Burger (Dominick St.)
  • Da Roberta’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (Salthill)
  • Dough Bros (Middle St.)
  • Milanos (Middle St.)
  • Zappi’s (Eglinton St.)
What are the best places to eat in Galway for special occasions?
For family occasions or just celebrating with friends we think West @ The Twelve, Il Vicolo, Oscars Seafood Bistro and White Gables are some of the best options if you want a dining experience to remember.
What are the best value casual restaurants in Galway?
For great value restaurant dining in Galway without compromising on quality and taste Papa Rich is definitely a winner, but you can’t go wrong with Dough Bros, Zappi’s on Eglinton Street or Handsome Burger.
Which are the best food & drink experiences in Galway?

Sample a range of both local and international flavours at these top Galway Eateries:

  • Chef Laura Rosso Restaurant
  • Vocho Mexican
  • Ard Bia
  • Kai Restaurant
  • Brasserie On The Corner
  • Beef & Lobster
What are the best restaurants for large groups in Galway?

The larger restaurants in Galway most suitable for group dining are:

  • McSwiggans Bar and Restaurant (Woodquay)
  • Brasserie On The Corner (Mary’s Street)
  • Martine’s Restaurant and Winebar (Quay Street)
  • John Keogh’s Gastropub (Dominick Street)
  • Monroe’s Tavern (Dominick Street)
  • Rouge (Dominick Street)
  • Oslo Bar and Microbrewery (Salthill)
  • Da Robertas (Salthill)
  • The Front Door Sonny’s Bar and Restaurant (High Street)
  • NEO (Galway Docks)

Map of Galway Restaurants

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