Where to Eat in Galway: The Best Restaurants and Bars

September 13, 2017 Merry Kessler

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

1. West Restaurant

The Twelve Hotel | Barna Coast Rd, Barna, Galway 091, Ireland Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Irish, European, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner HK$141 - HK$337 +353 91 597 000
Excellent
81%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 259 reviews

West Restaurant

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. West holds 2 Culinay Rossetes and is noted as a pioneer of the local food movement. Just 10 minutes from Galway City, WEST is very much about wine. One of Ireland's most exciting collections is on display throughout and celebrity wine dinners are a regular feature. Sunday Brunch - #LazySundayAfternoonsWest a must! "Celebrate Food, Celebrate Wine, Celebrate Life"

Reviewed By JamesS6523TS - Wexford, Ireland

Visited here as result of hotel winning hotel wine list of year and we were really delighted with the experience we had here. Staff were super friendly especially Fergal and there was great atmosphere in restaurant. Starters of cured trout brilliant and so light while mains of lamb three ways outstanding. Dessert of pear so good. Wine list is very extensive with wines from all over the world and gives excellent value. One small crib on wine list while it has some organic wines it is a bit light on biodynamic ,organic and natural wines. We will certainly return to sample chefs tasting dinner in the future.

2. Sheridans Cheesemongers

Hawkins House 14 Church Yard Street | Galway City, Galway H91 X2R5, Ireland Takeout, Free Wifi, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly Late Night, Drinks +353 91 564 832
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 310 reviews

Sheridans Cheesemongers

Wine Bar & Shop - serving artisan cheese and meat boards with breads and other small accompaniments. All products selected daily in the cheese & deli store below the wine bar. Our cheese shop (below the wine bar) serves Irish and European Cheeses along with other Irish Artisan products and cheese accompaniments like crackers, chutneys and jams.

Reviewed By bumpercat - Lebanon, Oregon

Visiting the Cheesemonger shop we regretted that we were unable to buy a supply as it looked and smelled wonderful. The owner sent us upstairs where a handsome and charming Frenchman listened to our likes and then prepared for us a board of sample meats and cheeses with olives, dill, capers and bread. We added a fantastic Ginger Beer and had a meal that was very memorable.

3. Oscar's Seafood Bistro

Clan House 22/23 Dominick Street Upper, Galway 091, Ireland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Irish, Seafood, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$94 - HK$487 +353 91 582 180
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Oscar's Seafood Bistro

Reviewed By CrazyPenguin - Dublin, Ireland

Visited here with my husband for our anniversary dinner and had some genuinely sublime seafood. Prawns and ceviche to start, prawns were delicious and ceviche had quite an unusual twist, very tasty though. Monkfish with mussels and Gurnard for mains, both excellent and extremely fresh. Portion sizes were good, couldn't quite finish my main. What really adds to the whole experience here is the staff - so super friendly and really warm and welcoming. Will certainly be back.

4. Brasserie On The Corner

Corner of Eglington & Mary Street | Galway, Galway, Ireland Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating Irish, European, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +353 91 530 333
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 939 reviews

Brasserie On The Corner

Serving the best sea-food dishes created from the freshest fish, straight off the boat, top quality locally-sourced steaks, vegetarian dishes crafted from the finest local seasonal produce and an extensive wine list with over 40 wines from boutique vineyards around the world. Brasserie on the Corner offers the very best in upscale casual dining with dishes that are expertly prepared then served simply in a buzzing yet relaxed atmosphere. Menus have been carefully created using the best quality ingredients from local producers such as Renvyle Mussels, Gannet's Fishmongers & McGeough's Butchers. This is food with a sense of place from Galway's great natural larder. Brasserie on the Corner opens daily from 11am until 10pm serving lunch and dinner.

Reviewed By anniebaps

very well presented clean comfortable restaurant with fabulous staff. complimentary bread basket. 2 courses for 19 with 5 supplement for steak. steak cooked perfectly with lovely pepper sauce n onion rings. would defo re commend and revisit.

5. The Quay Street Kitchen

Quay Street, Galway, Ireland Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Irish, European, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +353 91 865 680
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Quay Street Kitchen

Reviewed By MrGalway

This was my first visit. I must admit I was most suspicious when I saw all the 5 star reviews because such consistency is impossible .. so draw your own conclusions.
This place is good and it's not a tourist trap. The food is of the veggie and Med variety. It's well prepared .. plated and served. By Galway standards it's an adventurous menu. Staff and service excellent, It's good and I will be back! It's a very good 4 star .. really good and worth a visit!

6. The Pie Maker

10 Cross Street Upper, Galway H91 C932, Ireland Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, Irish, International, European, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night HK$47 - HK$133 +353 91 513 151
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 850 reviews

The Pie Maker

Selection of hearty, handmade Sweet & Savoury Pies, served in our cosy boutique celtic restauarant. All pies made with high quality Irish meats, organic vegetables and organic spelt flour. Vegetarian options available. Children welcome.

Reviewed By Daniel R - Boston, Massachusetts

Stopped in here to try something that wasn't pub food, and wasn't disappointed. We were the first to pop in after it opened, and really enjoyed the food. Pie size is decent, and the service was great. Very cool interior decor.
The space is definitely small, so get there early! You won't be disappointed.

7. Blakes Bar

25 Eglinton Street | Galway, Galway, Ireland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Irish, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night, Drinks +353 91 530 053
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 281 reviews

Blakes Bar

Blake's Corner Bar, located in the heart of the city plays a big part of Galway's food scene. Since its establishment in 2012, there has been a strong focus on building an excellent reputation for food complemented by a friendly and professional service in comfortable surroundings. Blake's Corner Bar has built strong relationships with award winning local producers from which the menu is specifically designed, making the most of these ingredient by using the freshest supplies to create the best dishes. The bar is also part of the Galway Whiskey Trail offering a vast selection of whiskies and a trained whiskey ambassador to advise you all whiskey tastes. The bar serves an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and groups have the option to pre-book an area and choose from delectable deli boards and/or party food platters. All sporting events are live on H.D TVs.

Reviewed By Cormac B

My girlfriend and I came in here for a drink. We asked about booking a table but as it was Valentine’s Day the restaurant was fully booked. However Ulich and Rachel were so helpful, they recommended other restaurants and even called inquiring about a table for us. After several phone calls they managed to get us a reservation. Cannot speak highly enough of the service we received as soon as we walked in the door. Will definitely be back!

8. The Salt House Bar

Ravens Terrace, Galway, Ireland Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Pub Drinks +353 91 441 550
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 191 reviews

The Salt House Bar

Reviewed By SeanMacGC - Éire

The Salt House has a great range of beers on tap and in bottle, not atypically for a Galway Bay Brewery establishment.
The bar itself is dripping with character, with soft unintrusive sounds on the airwaves, and staff who are only too happy to help.
What's not to love! :)

9. Oran Tandoori

Unit 2 Howley Court | Unit 2, Howley Court, Oranmore, Galway 0091, Ireland Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Asian, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$31 - HK$110 +353 91 792 066
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 495 reviews

Oran Tandoori

Experience the finest Indian cuisine served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.We have been serving the finest Indian cuisine to the people of Oranmore. Keeping our reputation as being one of the best Indian restaurants in Oranmore is important to us, so we work hard to ensure we maintain the highest standards in food preparation and service. Each guest of Oran Tandoori Restaurant is welcomed individually and with great enthusiasm. We will always take great care that a novice Indian diner, a seasoned foodie and of course our precious regulars experience true Indian hospitality. Our promise is that every guest on every occasion at Oran Tandoori will enjoy the choice of dishes, the appropriate wines, the history of our regions and the overall restaurant experience. We take immense pride in our spices created daily to accentuate our range of dishes. We mix, roast and grind spices & herbs daily to create the diverse flavours that our patrons love to enjoy. We are committed to the use of the freshest ingredients down to our lemons that are freshly squeezed daily for maximum flavour. Commitment remains fast at Oran Tandoori to the wonderful authenticity of Indian cooking.We look forward to welcoming all you discerning foodies to the Oran Tandoori restaurant experience!

Reviewed By MKE1 - Ballina, Ireland

This is a top class Indian Restaurant.
Ratings from previous Trip Advisor reports were very good and we were not disappointed. The waiter gave a very brief explanation of each dish as we ordered, which was helpful. The food was really excellent. There was 4 in our party and everyone raving about what they got.

10. La Collina Restaurant

169 Upper Salthill, Galway H91 F443, Ireland Highchairs Available, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Pizza, Italian, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +353 91 450 716
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 383 reviews

La Collina Restaurant

We offer a wide range of delicious home style Italian food, from our house made fresh egg pasta, traditional cooking techniques and the freshest of produce available, to our many veal, chicken and seafood dishes, to our popular steaks, and our many entree dishes, and don't forget about our traditional pizzas, which started it all. In Italy, family and friends getting together around the dinner table eating a satisfying home cooked style meal is an important part of every day. It's a place where family and friends can all come together, share a good conversation, funny stories and experiences, in a relaxed friendly environment. Our aim is to bring to you a warm, inviting, friendly environment for the whole family to enjoy and to share with us our passion for good food, good wine and good times.We look forward to seeing you dine at La Collina soon.

Reviewed By Alice M - Dublin, Ireland

While staying at the Galway Bay Hotel visited La Colina and delighted that we did. A Monday night so fairly quiet but enough diners to create an atmosphere. Friendly and efficient service and great choice of food and wine. We both opted for pasta for which the restaurant seems to be well known. I had a chicken and mushroom pasta in a creamy sauce which was delicious, my only complaint was I couldn’t finish it. The waiter offered to pack it for me to take away but I declined his offer as I would be leaving Galway the next day so knew I wouldn’t eat it. Pity really because it was so nice. Would definitely return if I was in Galway again

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