Must-see restaurants in County Galway

  • Pullman Restaurant

    Galway City

    One of the two original 1927 Orient Express train carriages at Glenlo Abbey Hotel was used in the filming of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient…

  • Loam

    Galway City

    Enda McEvoy is one of the most groundbreaking chefs in Ireland today (with a Michelin star to prove it), producing inspired flavour combinations from home…

  • Aniar

    Galway City

    Terroir specialist Aniar is passionate about the flavours and food producers of Galway and west Ireland. Owner and chef JP McMahon's multicourse tasting…

  • Mitchell's

    Clifden

    Seafood from the surrounding waters takes centre stage at this elegant spot, from velvety chowder and open crab sandwiches at lunchtime to intricate…

  • Cava Bodega

    Galway City

    More than 50 regional Spanish tapas dishes are given a gourmet twist by star chef JP McMahon, whose other ventures include Michelin-starred Aniar…

  • O'Dowd's

    Connemara

    Roundstone lobster, Aran Islands hake, plaice and sea bass, local crab and mackerel smoked in-house are sourced off the old stone dock directly opposite…

  • John Keogh's

    Galway City

    Dark-wood panelling, snugs, stained glass, antique mirrors, book-lined shelves and blazing open fires set the scene for standout gastropub fare. John…

  • Ard Bia at Nimmo's

    Galway City

    Casually hip Ard Bia ('High Food' in Irish) is decorated with works by local artists and upcycled vintage furniture. Organic, local, seasonal produce …

  • Oscar's

    Galway City

    The menu changes daily at this outstanding seafood restaurant but it might include monkfish poached in saffron and white wine and served with cockles,…

  • Moran's Oyster Cottage

    County Galway

    Some of County Galway's finest seafood, including lobster (€45) in season, is served in this atmospheric thatched pub and restaurant, set in a quiet cove…

  • Sheridans Cheesemongers

    Galway City

    Heavenly aromas waft from this fabulous cheesemongers filled with superb local and international cheeses. But the real secret is up a narrow flight of…

  • Bayview Restaurant

    Aran Islands

    At Bayview there's local art on the walls, and a deal of artistry on the plates. Beautifully presented dishes might feature Aran goat's cheese with baked…

  • Teach an Tae

    Inisheer

    Wild island raspberries and blackberries, home-grown salads, eggs from the cafe's chickens and apples from its heritage orchard are used in dishes here…

  • Urban Grind

    Galway City

    Creative hub Urban Grind whips up fantastic breakfasts (cinnamon porridge; organic ciabatta with grilled chorizo and poached egg) and lunches (black- and…

  • O'Grady's on the Pier

    County Galway

    A roll call of County Galway's finest seafood – Barna mackerel, Connemara smoked salmon, Kilkieran Bay crab, Hillary Harbour mussels, Cleggan lobster and…

  • McDonagh's

    Galway City

    A trip to Galway isn't complete without a meal here. Galway's best fish-and-chip shop fries up shoals of battered cod, plaice, haddock, whiting and salmon…

  • Kai

    Galway City

    Set in an olive-green building with exposed stone, bare timbers, fresh flowers and a glass-roofed atrium, this rustic West End spot is a fantastic place…

  • Dough Bros

    Galway City

    Beginning life as a food truck, this wood-fired pizza maker has found a permanent home. The bright-green-fronted space overflows with regulars, including…

  • Connemara Hamper

    Clifden

    Irish farmhouse cheeses, Connemara smoked salmon, pâtés, dips, jams and chutneys, plus cakes, biscuits and hearty pies, make this terrific deli your one…

  • Asian Tea House

    Galway City

    Decorated with rattan seats and bamboo lampshades, this stylish, low-lit restaurant serves well-executed pan-Asian dishes that range from Malaysian to…

  • McCambridge's

    Galway City

    Superb salads are among the perfect picnic ingredients at this gourmet food emporium. All high ceilings, blonde wood and busy staff, the upstairs cafe has…

  • Kasbah

    Galway City

    Set beside Galway's famous Tigh Neachtain pub (and also providing its bar food), the Kasbah flies the flag for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. So you…

  • O'Dowd's Cafe

    Connemara

    Big windows overlooking Roundstone Harbour make this seasonal, two-story cafe a scenic spot for breakfast (until noon), pastries, seaweed hummus, Java…

  • Oliver's

    Connemara

    At much-loved Oliver's bar, specials depend on the catch, so your seafood feast might be locally landed lobster, pan-seared scallops or sea bass with…

  • Griffin's

    Galway City

    A local institution, this bakery has been run by the Griffin family since 1876. Behind its iconic emerald-green facade, the ground-floor counter is laden…

  • Old Barracks Pantry

    County Galway

    Cakes, scones, muffins and more are baked on-site daily at this sunflower-yellow-trimmed cafe, which serves breakfast until noon, meal-size salads, and…

  • Seafood Bar at Kirwan's

    Galway City

    Hidden on a tiny square within footsteps of several busy streets, Kirwan's gives top billing to the provenance of the ingredients used in its creative…

  • Bog Bean Cafe

    Connemara

    Cork-roasted Badger & Dodo coffee, full Irish breakfasts and sweet treats such as rhubarb-and-raspberry slice make this cheerful cafe worth a stop. Or…

  • Off the Square

    Clifden

    Surf meets turf on the menu of this busy town-centre bistro. Full Irish breakfasts and casual lunches (smoked salmon on soda bread; Irish stew) give way…

  • Pie Maker

    Galway City

    Walls decked out in copper and emerald green encase the clutch of tables at this busy spot, which dishes up pies made with organic spelt flour. Savoury…

  • Le Petit Pois

    Galway City

    French-run Le Petit Pois has gained a following in Galway for authentic dishes like seared foie gras with wild mushroom purée and pastis-marinated…

  • Powers Thatched Pub

    Connemara

    The only thatched building on the main road, this comfy pub has open fires, welcoming service and an impressive menu of seafood (freshly caught trout,…

  • Food 4 Thought

    Galway City

    Besides providing organic, vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, savoury scones and wholesome dishes such as cashew-nut roast, this place is great for finding…

  • Tigh Ned

    Inisheer

    That the daily seafood special is caught by the owner speaks volumes. Snug, welcoming Tigh Ned's has been here since 1897 dishing up inexpensive…

  • Paddy Burkes Oyster Inn

    County Galway

    At Paddy's your oysters come with a dollop of history – it's an ancient pub named after the man who set up the first Clarinbridge Oyster Festival in 1954…

  • Builín Blasta

    County Galway

    Fresh flavours and vivid colours lift this smart cafe in Spiddal Craft Village way above the crowd. Breakfasts bring organic spinach and Aran goat's…

  • Blackberry Cafe

    Connemara

    Connemara smoked salmon, creamy chowder and oysters (€12.50 for six) are on offer during the day at this smart wood-floored cafe with water views in the…

  • Java's

    Galway City

    We may be in western Ireland, but this is as northern France as they come. In this authentic Breton crêperie, savoury and sweet French pancakes have…

  • Quay Street Kitchen

    Galway City

    Vegetarian and vegan dishes such as beer-battered organic tofu are a highlight of this small, busy restaurant on bustling Quay St. It also caters well for…

  • Tuco's Taqueria

    Galway City

    At this student favourite, you first choose from tacos, burritos or enchiladas, then select your fillings (meat, vegetarian or vegan), extras (guacamole,…