23 editor picks in Galway.
23 cafe places in Galway we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Galway | Cafe across every city.
Galway's cafe scene is dense and seriously coffee-minded, spread across the medieval lanes and out along the Salthill coast. Coffeewerk + Press in the Latin Quarter is the city's specialty-coffee landmark, while Ard Bia at Nimmos and Tribe Coffee Shop show how the daytime room here blends careful brewing with proper kitchens rather than just takeaway counters.
Coffeewerk and Press on Quay Street Galway is among the world's best cafes, pairing specialty coffee from rotating roasters with design objects.
TipThe ground-floor bar is great for a quick espresso; the upper floor is calmer for a longer stay.
Dela on Lower Dominick Street Galway runs a seven-day brunch service from 09:30 with farm-to-table plates, natural wines and specialty coffee.
TipThe brunch menu is the main event; the dinner-only Thursday through Saturday extends the offering considerably.
Ard Bia at Nimmos Cafe in Galway is a medieval stone room at the Spanish Arch serving breakfast and a weekend brunch with North African plates.
TipThe riverside garden opens in warm weather; arrive early on weekend mornings to secure a table.
Tribe Coffee Shop on St Francis Street is Galway's plant-based cafe serving specialty coffee with plant-based milks, vegan snacks and baked goods.
TipOne of very few fully plant-based cafes in the city; worth seeking out for a breakfast before the Latin Quarter gets busy.
Mocha Beans on Cross Street Lower is a Galway-roasted specialty coffee bar serving the in-house blend that has anchored the family roastery since 1997.
TipOne of seven Mocha Beans locations across Galway; the Cross Street bar sits in the Latin Quarter for a quick espresso between sights.
Corrib House Cafe in Galway is a restored Georgian townhouse on the Corrib riverbank serving freshly baked scones, cakes and light plates in a serene setting.
TipThe garden in summer is Galway's quietest outdoor eating spot; closed Mondays.
Urban Grind on William Street West is a Galway locals-favourite cafe with a small patio, vegan and vegetarian options and good coffee at student prices.
TipThe back patio on sunny days is worth getting there early for; one of Galway's most genuinely local cafes.
Re Coffee and Design in Salthill Galway serves Bell Lane direct-trade beans alongside design objects in a calm room before the promenade walk.
TipA quieter alternative to Quay Street cafes; the filter coffee is among the best in the city.
Plamas on Upper Dominick Street Galway is a compact Westend cafe serving Geometry Coffee Roasters house blend alongside simple breakfast and lunch plates.
TipOne of the few Galway cafes that sources its coffee from the Galway-region roaster Geometry; worth noting for local coffee provenance.
Cutthroat Coffee in the Cornstore off Cross Street Lower is a Galway specialty bar running espresso and pour-over from rotating roasters in the Latin Quarter.
TipA good flat white stop when Coffeewerk is full; the pour-over selection rotates with seasonal.
Gourmet Tart Co across six Galway locations is the most-visited patisserie cafe in the city, open from 07:00 with French-style tarts and pastries.
TipThe Salthill branch at Lenaboy Gardens is steps from the promenade; a reliable first stop before a morning walk.
An Tobar Nua on Lower Dominick Street is a busy Westend Galway cafe serving soups, salads, bagels and homemade desserts at prices that suit locals.
TipThe soups change daily and are among the best-value lunches in the Westend; worth checking the specials board.
Espresso 44 on William Street is a popular Galway coffee stop with multiple city-centre locations, known for reliable espresso and a simple breakfast.
TipMultiple branches across the city; the original William Street location is the most central.
Blackrock Cottage beside the Salthill Diving Tower in Galway is a cafe-restaurant with specialty coffee, light bites and chowder overlooking Galway Bay.
TipArrive early at weekends; the sea-facing seats above Salthill Diving Tower sell out first.
Lighthouse Cafe reopened at 8 Upper Abbeygate Street in June 2026 under new management, an all-day room for breakfasts, lunches and baked goods.
TipOpen seven days from 8am to 8pm; an easy breakfast stop before the Latin Quarter fills.
Mr Waffle on Newcastle Road is a Galway family-friendly cafe specialising in sweet and savoury waffles and crepes alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu.
TipThe waffles are the reason to come; order sweet and savoury across the table to compare.
Greens and Co is Galway's highest-rated vegan cafe according to HappyCow, with a kitchen that takes plant-based food seriously and a devoted local following.
TipA fully vegan kitchen; the baked goods change daily and the savoury plates rotate with the season.
Dangan House Cafe in Galway is set in a refurbished 19th-century grain store within a garden centre, serving coffee, sweet treats, toasties and curries.
TipThe Wine and Jazz evenings are worth checking the schedule for; the garden centre setting is calming on a weekday morning.
Kai Restaurant Cafe's walk-in lunch in Galway from Tuesday to Saturday is the most accessible way to experience Jess Murphy's Michelin Green Star kitchen.
TipNo reservations for lunch; arrive at 12:00 to guarantee a seat as the room is small and fills within 30 minutes.
Top Shelf Coffee Bar on Fairgreen Road is a Galway specialty coffee spot near the market area, with well-executed espresso drinks and a loyal morning crowd.
TipA reliable specialty coffee option close to Eyre Square without the tourist-area crowds.
Plamas on Upper Dominick Street Galway is the specialty coffee window where Geometry Roasters serve single-origin filter in a room of just eight seats.
TipOrder a V60 and take the window seat; the Geometry single-origin filter changes monthly.
Geometry Coffee Roasters in Galway supplies the best cafes in the county; the roastery door is open on weekday mornings for direct whole-bean sales.
TipEmail the roastery for a Tuesday or Wednesday visit; George does a free 20-minute roast tour.
Tribe Coffee on St Francis Street Galway serves vegan Buddha bowls under €12; the plant-based lunch is the best-value healthy option in the city centre.
OrderDaily grain bowl with seasonal roasted vegetables, tahini and toasted seeds for €10
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