Cava Bodega in Galway's Latin Quarter is JP McMahon's 2008-founded Spanish tapas room serving 70 regional dishes paired with a Spanish natural-wine list.
Order: The slow-braised pork cheek and seasonal sherry pour by the glass
Tip: Reserve the chef-counter five-stool bar for the kitchen view. Sherry flights are the smart drinks order on weeknights.
Aniar in Galway has held one Michelin star since 2012; JP McMahon serves tasting menus on foraged herbs, cured west-coast fish and Connacht smoked meats.
Order: The tasting menu, which changes with each day's wild and local produce from Connacht
Tip: Book Tuesday to Saturday; the kitchen is closed Sunday and Monday.