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.
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.
4 editor picks for Galway Bay Mussels in Galway, ranked by editorial score. All Galway signature dishes · Galway Bay Mussels across every city.
Oscar's Seafood Bistro ★ 4.5
westend · 22-23 Upper Dominick Street, Galway, H91 P6T8
Oscar's Seafood Bistro in Galway champions under-used Atlantic species; chef Michael O'Meara sources sustainably from local West of Ireland trawlers.
McDonagh's Seafood House ★ 4.3
latin quarter · 22 Quay Street, Galway, H91 N902
McDonagh's has served Atlantic fish from Quay Street Galway since 1902; the restaurant and chip counter are the city's oldest seafood institution.
Dela ★ 4.3
westend · 51 Lower Dominick Street, Galway, H91 E3F1
Dela on Lower Dominick Street Galway runs seven-day brunch from a Moycullen-farm kitchen, blending Modern Irish produce with Nordic and Asian notes.
Brasserie on the Corner ★ 4.2
eyre-square · Eglinton Street, Galway, H91 W5PR
Brasserie on the Corner near Eyre Square Galway runs all-day service from breakfast through dinner around dry-aged Irish beef and Atlantic seafood plates.