Location: Galway
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Province of Connacht, Ireland Food Guide: 10 International food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Galway
Discover Restaurants offering the best International food in Galway, Province of Connacht, Ireland. For visitors, the best thing about Galway is that you can walk everywhere. As soon as you arrive, enjoy a walk through the city streets. There, you'll find lively pubs, independent shops and winding cobblestone streets packed with students, artists, writers and craftspeople. You may even hear Gaelic spoken. For a day trip, take a ferry to the island of Inis Mor. You'll return refreshed by the ocean air and Inis Mor's breathtaking scenery. Oh, and be sure to wear sunscreen on the island, no matter how chilly it is. (Just trust us, okay?)
Things to do in Galway
10. Fat Freddy's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 921 reviews
Fat Freddyâs restaurant is situated in the heart of Galway city centre, in Quay street. This area is known as Galwayâs Latin Quarter. It is a hub of activity all through the year. A visit to Galway would not be complete without a meal in Fat Freddyâs rest
Reviewed By Danica S
This was a truly awful experience. As a group of five, we were made to feel unwelcome from the get-go. The staff were aggressive when we asked to sit at a table together (I suppose it was terribly awkward and inconsiderate of us to make such an absurd request). Finally we were made to sit as a two and a three. From thereon in, the waitress serving us (tall, slim, blonde hair) slammed the menus down and snapped at us several times throughout our meal. Water slammed down on the table and quite frankly an attitude that has no place in hospitality. Iâm not quite sure what we could have done to mitigate a situation like this?We remained here on the basis there was no availability elsewhere and the music from the bar across the road was very pleasant, but I recommend booking ahead if planning to dine out on Quay Street. Give this one a miss unless you enjoy being spoken to like dirt. An abysmal excuse for a restaurant: Not least because the owner is unable to take constructive criticism and seems to think patrons take time out of their days to write negative reviews for fun. Au contraire, the purpose of these reviews is to give honest feedback so that future visitors to the area can either book outings with confidence or knowingly avoid establishments that have a reputation to bully and rip people off.Hi Danica S.Thank you for your review.I note that you are a tripAdvisor member since 2014 and that you have reviewed 4 places in your 5 years as a member, two of which you reviewed yesterday, FF where you said you visited in August and Hotel Villa Sonia where you said you stayed 4 months ago in May.We have a girl working with us who is tall, slim and blond. I showed her your review , she has no recollectionof the events you described ( she would deal with hundreds of customers each day in August) but she asked me to apologize to you .It would be totally out of character for this girl to behave as you describe .To be treated as you described is outrageous and unforgivable.We have a simple philosophy , " we buy the best food, prepare it as great as possible, and serve it in as pleasant a way as possible "Nothing should go wrong with the first but occasionally in a restaurant as busy as ours , the preparation or the serving can be below the 100% target.This is where our policy kicks in whereby if our customers inform management of any short comings we will rectify immediately with a replacement meal or server or whatever we can to enhance the experience of visiting us.As the owner i very much welcome constructive criticism but i hate to see anybody with a problem not getting it sorted. As i said if any problem that is solvable by us , why not allow us solve it rather that holding on to it for 4 weeks and then writing about it ?I do not believe we or any restaurant in Galway bullys or rips people off.
9. The Lighthouse Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 158 reviews
We're a cosy cafe in the centre of Galway city, serving vegan and vegetarian dishes, speciality teas & coffees. We also bake vegan and gluten free cakes in house.
Reviewed By kathyquinnmail
My daughter and I spent a weekend in Galway. She was delighted to find a coffee shop that she could have a vegan hit chocolate. Thereâs a lovely atmosphere here. We had drinks (hot chocolates!, vegan and non-vegan) only but I would recommend this cafe as a lovely place to put your feet up.
8. Restaurant Gemelles
Overall Ratings
4 based on 543 reviews
Gemelle's Restauarant is a family run restauarant situated on Quay Street, in the heart of Galway's Latin Quarter. Serving food 7 days a week, both lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays - Gemelle's restaurant is a must. Serving a mix of European styled
Reviewed By keithrice21
The menu is quite varied and reasonable .Wines are expensive especially when you consider that they are decanted from casks! Staff are very friendly and helpful and most dishes we had were of good quality. Importantly they highlight their steaks on a rock. When I ordered my Rib Eye steak medium rare the waiteress pointed out that you cook it yourself ( no problem). However the steak arrived on the rock and already cooked to medium well done !!Thank you for your lovely review of Restaurant Gemelles, our steaks usually arrive mediumcooked to try to cater for the customers preference of cooking
7. McSwiggans
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1078 reviews
McSwiggans is a city centre bar and restaurant which has been open for over 30 years. We serve food in the bar from breakfast to early evening and casual dining in the restaurant on the top two floors until late. Specialities include steak, seafood and am
Reviewed By Cary L
A helpful clerk at our hotel recommended this place. It took some effort to find, walking the winding streets of central Galway but it was worth it. The atmosphere is classic Irish pub, with dark wood booths, walls covered in historical photos and local art, a friendly and helpful bartender, and a menu of basic Irish dishes. All the food (soup, meat, fish) was very good and the beer selection was excellent. Service was cheerful and prompt. And the prices were quite reasonable.Note: This restaurant is wheelchair-accessible.
6. Freshii
We serve the healthiest, tastiest food in Galway. Our burritos, bowls, salads, wraps, soups, breakfast, smoothies, juices are all made fresh in store - and our menu is the only one in Ireland that is entirely devised by nutritionalists. We suit every diet
Reviewed By CMQ17
This is my favorite place to eat in Galway. the food is super healthy and beyond tasty .. I love the Khoa San burrito .. itâs fills up me for the day .. the ingredients are so fresh and their sauce is homemade and super healthy .. the portions are very decent .. I also love their Mediterranean Salad Bowl... I add Chicken 2 it .. yet again super fresh .the staff are really efficient and friendly .. put this place on your list if you love Fab healthy super tasty fresh food
5. Donnelly's of Barna
Overall Ratings
4 based on 760 reviews
Reviewed By 621maryannec
Had a delicious meal here. Portions were great, good price value, fresh fresh food. Sauces not too heavy, recommend roast chicken if they have it or the darn of salmon. Wine list is reasonably priced. Staff seemed a little overwhelmed, we waited about 30 minutes for our check, but food was prompt.Warm and inviting decor, beautiful patio if weather permits.
4. Kirby's of Galway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 291 reviews
Kirbys offer a relaxed dining experience in modern surrounds. Savour the best of local produce cooked with a modern twist. An extensive wine list is available with and emphasis on New World wines. Assured of a warm and friendly welcome and value for money
Reviewed By Ray519
My wife and I had dinner here Saturday evening. The restaurant and bar complex is large and quite interesting. It located downtown and is easy to walk to. The atmosphere is fine.The service was good most of the time.The food was underwhelming at this price point. For example my wife had a dish which was a pork roll with stuffing with bacon rap around it. The idea is ok but the cook was poor. The bacon was raw. I had goat cheese appetizer which was bland and my entree was not very tasty either.I think the kitchen needs to take better care of food prep. If that happens I think the restaurant would be significantly more enjoyable.Dear Ray519,Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of Kirby's Restaurant. Naturally we never are pleased to check our reviews and discover that a customer has been left unsatisfied. As you correctly highlighted, our reviews are usually very positive regarding both service & standard of food, and as such it is to our utter dismay that you did not enjoy your experience with us at Kirby's Restaurant. It is a shame that when our restaurant manager checked your table personally, you did not bring to her attention any issues you may have had. We would always, without exception, do our absolute utmost to rectify any issues that may arise promptly & without hesitation. We acknowledge that you did not enjoy yourselves during your visit, and we do hope that you return to Kirby's and afford us the opportunity to restore your faith in what we have to offer.Warm RegardsEvie Faulkner
What to do and see in Galway, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips
3. The Pie Maker
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1169 reviews
Selection of hearty, handmade Sweet & Savoury Pies, served in our cosy boutique celtic restauarant. All pies made with high quality Irish meats, local vegetables and organic spelt flour. Vegetarian options available & veggie gravy!
Reviewed By Meg A
Before our trip to Ireland 2 different friends, unrelated to one another, recommended this cute little restaurant. We stopped for lunch and each of us enjoyed a delicious person pie with a mixture of unique flavors and a small salad. We really wanted to have dessert but decided to come back later. So glad we did! We had the chocolate pecan torte and it did not disappoint!
2. West Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 330 reviews
Award winning Upstairs at WEST restaurant is located in beautiful Barna,Galway on The Wild Atlantic Way in one of the most luxurious boutique hotels, The Twelve. West features innovative dishes that highlight the region and the season's best ingredients.
Reviewed By Franco-Frankie
This place is A MUST eat! When I tell people (mostly Americans) about the amazing and exciting food scene in Ireland, WEST is what I am talking about. A recent 10 day stay at The 12 Hotel had us dining at WEST 3 times; each experience was 5 stars! The wine selection is second to none and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, but it is the FOOD that completely blows you away. This is the epitome of the NEW IRISH FOOD scene; a stunning combination of traditional Irish flavors and ingredients prepared and executed in the most innovative and delicious ways. Too many people today are still ignorant as to how amazing the food is in Ireland -after Italy, perhaps the best ingredients in the world! Fish caught daily, beef, chicken and lamb from farms minutes away. Most restaurants tell you exactly where your food is coming from and West is no exception. This is FINE dining at a very reasonable price. Romantic ambiance. We cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough... if you are in Galway, it is well worth the 12 minute cab ride to beautiful Barna!Dear Franco,Wow! This means so much to us. Thank you as you have raved about everything we hold dear and are passionate about in West. We have been pioneers of the food scene in Galway since opening twelve years ago and we are honoured to be involved in actively elevating Ireland's reputation as a wonderful food destination too.We, and Ireland Thank You.Very best wishes,Fergus and Team.
Most Popular Irish food in Galway, Province of Connacht, Ireland
1. West Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 330 reviews
Award winning Upstairs at WEST restaurant is located in beautiful Barna,Galway on The Wild Atlantic Way in one of the most luxurious boutique hotels, The Twelve. West features innovative dishes that highlight the region and the season's best ingredients.
Reviewed By Franco-Frankie
This place is A MUST eat! When I tell people (mostly Americans) about the amazing and exciting food scene in Ireland, WEST is what I am talking about. A recent 10 day stay at The 12 Hotel had us dining at WEST 3 times; each experience was 5 stars! The wine selection is second to none and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, but it is the FOOD that completely blows you away. This is the epitome of the NEW IRISH FOOD scene; a stunning combination of traditional Irish flavors and ingredients prepared and executed in the most innovative and delicious ways. Too many people today are still ignorant as to how amazing the food is in Ireland -after Italy, perhaps the best ingredients in the world! Fish caught daily, beef, chicken and lamb from farms minutes away. Most restaurants tell you exactly where your food is coming from and West is no exception. This is FINE dining at a very reasonable price. Romantic ambiance. We cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough... if you are in Galway, it is well worth the 12 minute cab ride to beautiful Barna!Dear Franco,Wow! This means so much to us. Thank you as you have raved about everything we hold dear and are passionate about in West. We have been pioneers of the food scene in Galway since opening twelve years ago and we are honoured to be involved in actively elevating Ireland's reputation as a wonderful food destination too.We, and Ireland Thank You.Very best wishes,Fergus and Team.
Where to eat European food in Galway: The Best Restaurants and Bars
