Restaurants in County Galway
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McDonagh's
A trip to Galway isn't complete without stopping at McDonagh's. Divided into two parts, with a takeaway counter and a cafe with long communal wooden tables on one side, and a more upmarket restaurant on the other, Galway's best chippy churns out battered cod, plaice, haddock, whiting and salmon nonstop, all accompanied by homemade tartare sauce.
reviewed
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Mustard
In the cellar of an old mill, some tables view the still-turning wheel. Burgers and excellent pizza are the thing here. Go nuts and have the Boxty Burger, a vegetarian treat made from mashed potatoes, green onions and more. Be sure to start with the ‘garlic crust’, which comes with pesto. Yum.
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Teach Ósta
The island's perfect pub hums on summer evenings (grab a table outside for the views) and supplies snacks, sandwiches, soups and seafood platters. Though the pub often keeps going until the wee hours, food service generally stops around 7pm and may not be available in the winter months.
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Food 4 Thought
Besides providing organic and vegetarian sandwiches, savoury scones, and wholesome dishes such as cashew-nut roast, this New Age-y place is great for finding out about energy workshops and yoga classes around town.
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Sheridans on the Docks
From the talented team behind Sheridans Cheesemongers comes this excellent restaurant in a vintage stone building overlooking a harbour. The menu changes regularly, but dishes, such as cockle beignets, wild sea bass with purple sprouted broccoli and baked rhubarb, celebrate the best of locally produced foods. In winter (October to April) get a table by the fireplace. Bar No 8 downstairs is a welcoming pub.
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Delight
The name's an understatement: this hole-in-the-wall gourmet food bar is sheer heaven for sandwiches and wraps bursting with sprouts, as well as wheat-grass shots, juices and baked goods including a gooey chocolate pudding to die for. Everything, including the breakfast muesli, is made on the premises. The shop has a roaring takeaway trade, but there's also a clutch of tables.
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Sheridans Cheesemongers
Sheridans Cheesemongers is redolent of the superb local and international cheeses and other deli items within, many with a Med bent. Its real secret, however, is up a narrow flight of stairs. Sample from a huge wine list in an airy and woodsy room while enjoying many of the best items from below (open 2pm to 10pm Tuesday to Friday, noon to 8pm Saturday).
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Asian Tea House
This upscale Asian restaurant reflects the owner's years of Eastern travels. Beautiful glazed green tiles set the mood for dishes that range from Malaysia to Vietnam to China. We like the Malaysian sambal chicken, which scores the highest on the hot meter – a rare treat in tongue-sensitive Ireland. Tea choices abound.
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Kirwan's Lane Restaurant
Happily hidden on a tiny square within steps of several busy streets, Kirwan's is not only a refuge but also a heaven for those seeking out the best of local cuisine. The menu proudly lists the provenance of the ingredients used in a variety of creative dishes. On sunny days, get a patio table at lunch.
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Oscar's Restaurant
Opening hours can be erratic, but no matter - the flamboyant and fun atmosphere at Oscar's is consistently matched by adventurous cooking, such as seared king scallops with pistachios, and roast rabbit with apricot. Meals are presented with an eye for aesthetics and served with theatrical flair.
reviewed
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Gourmet Tart Co
Food porn is an apt description for the stunning array of dishes on offer here in both the deli case and at the bounteous buffet bar. Luscious salads, salmon, beautiful sandwiches and, yes, tarts that give pastry a good name. It's all take out; enjoy your lunch on the grass by the Spanish Arch.
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Finnegan’s
Organic, schmorganic. A haven for the masses, Finnegan’s warms the soul with timeless comfort food like homemade shepherd’s pie. Look for trad standards like Irish stew, roast chicken and all-day Irish breakfasts. Rub elbows with your bus driver and find out the tricks of the trade.
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Druid Lane Restaurant
Signature main courses at this intimate restaurant include saddle of rabbit, and roasted duck breast. And while starters such as Thai fish cakes with lemon-grass dip have an international flavour, homemade desserts such as Baileys bread-and-butter pudding are as Irish as it gets.
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Ard Bia at Nimmo's
In Irish, Ard Bia means 'High Food', and that's somewhat apt, given its location in the 18th-century customs house near the Spanish Arch. Local seafood and organic produce feature on the seasonal menu in a setting that defines funky chic. The cafe is a perfect place for a coffee and carrot cake.
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Lowry's Bar
A time-worn local, Lowry's has traditional pleasures, ranging from the age-old, unadorned look of the place to its céilidh sessions, which take place at least a couple of nights a week. The food is 'unpretentious Irish' (eg bangers and mash).
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Kettle of Fish
The sparkling Kettle of Fish is the sort of joint that reminds you how good expertly prepared fish and chips can be.
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Tig Congaile
Not far from the pier, Guatemalan-born Vilma Conneely adds unexpected diversity to the local dining scene, making the most of limited local ingredients. She does a fine sea vegetable soup and her vegetable-and-herb quiche is wonderful.
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Keough's
This friendly local, where you'll often hear Irish spoken, serves up a fresh battered cod; specials are more ambitious and allow the kitchen to show off its considerable talents. Traditional music sessions take place on Mondays and Thursdays, while Saturday nights swing with old-time dancing.
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O’Grady’s on the Pier
The village of Barna is home to some of greater Galway area’s best seafood at O’Grady’s on the Pier. Daily specials include many ocean-fresh catches. Long, lazy Sunday lunches attract legions of locals; book ahead.
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Off the Square
Mediterranean flavours make an appearance at this excellent restaurant, which serves meals throughout the day. Casual fare at lunch gives way to superb meals at night. Local meats star; we had a satiny bacon and cabbage special.
reviewed
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Abalone Restaurant
This place has a relaxed feel to it. There’s very fine dining in this tiny yet elegant storefront. As you’d expect from the name, seafood is the star here, but you’ll also find vegetarian treats, steaks and various global mains.
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Le Journal
Lined with leather-bound books and decorated with painted quotations of the opening phrases of classic novels, this chef-run place is an inexpensive café by day and a très elegant bistro on summer nights.
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Pier Head
Popular with yachties who tie up out front, this modern restaurant and pub has views over the brine. Food includes local lobster cooked in garlic, mussels and oysters – lots of oysters. The pub has live music at weekends.
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Mitchell's
Seafood takes centre stage at this elegant spot. From a velvety chowder right through a long list of ever-changing specials, the produce of the surrounding waters is honoured. The wine list does the food justice. Book for dinner. (Lunch specials include sandwiches and casual fare.)
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Quays
This sprawling pub does a roaring business downstairs in its restaurant, which has hearty carvery lunches and more ambitious mains at night. The cold seafood platter is simply a symphony of the bounty from Galway Bay. Students on dates and out celebrating get rowdier as the pints and hours pass.
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