Galway Bay mussels steamed in white wine with garlic and cream are the city most ordered shared plate; served in the pot with crusty bread to soak the broth.
Where to eat it: 4 restaurants across 1 city.
Mussel cultivation in Galway Bay has been practised since at least the early 20th century, with rope-cultured mussels farmed on the tidal ropes along the Connemara coast. The French moules mariniere preparation arrived in Galway through the restaurant culture that grew in the 1980s and 1990s. McDonaghss Seafood House on Quay Street was among the first to serve Galway Bay mussels in a cream sauce to visitors and locals alike, and the dish became a permanent fixture across the city casual dining rooms.
Common allergens: Molluscs, Milk, Gluten
Tip from the editors. Buy mussels on the day you cook them. The moment the broth smells purely of the sea with no ammonia is when they are perfect; over-cooking turns them tough.
This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.
McDonagh's has served Atlantic fish from Quay Street Galway since 1902; the fourth-generation family run the restaurant and chip counter side by side.
Signature: Fish and chips, Galway Bay oysters, Seafood chowder
Order: Fish and chips in the counter section; in the restaurant, start with the native Galway Bay oysters
Tip: The restaurant and chip bar share a building but operate as separate queues; both are excellent.
Oscars Seafood Bistro on Dominick Street Galway seats just 30 and fills nightly; the wild Atlantic fish board and ten-dish menu is the best value in Galway.
Why locals love it: A 34-cover room on Upper Dominick Street that serves Galway finest wild-caught seafood with no walk-in space at all.
Tip: Book two weeks ahead for Friday dinner; the lobster bisque is the standout first course.
Dela on Dominick Street Galway serves weekend brunch from 10am; the sourdough toast with local eggs and seasonal farm vegetables is the standout dish.
Order: Dark rye with cultured butter and seasonal compote, followed by grain porridge with Connacht honey
Brasserie on the Corner on Eglinton Street Galway is the city brasserie for large brunch tables; full Irish and eggs Benedict run Saturday and Sunday.
Order: Eggs Benedict with Connemara smoked salmon on toasted sourdough with dill hollandaise
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