Aniar is a modern irish restaurant in Westend, Galway.
Aniar in Galway has held one Michelin star since 2012; JP McMahon serves tasting menus built on foraged herbs, cured west-coast fish and smoked meats.
Signature dishes: Foraged herb and wild fish tasting courses
Must order: The full tasting menu; courses change daily with what is foraged and landed
Tip: Book Tuesday to Saturday evenings; closed Sunday and Monday.
Address: 53 Lower Dominick Street, Galway, H91 V4DP
Kai Restaurant in Galway earned a Michelin Green Star in 2024; Jess Murphy posts a daily-changing menu from the Murphys Moycullen farm each morning.
Signature: Daily fish plate, Farm-sourced seasonal vegetables
Order: Whatever the farm delivered that morning; the fish plate and the greens are always the point
Tip: Lunch is walk-in only from Tuesday to Saturday; dinner reservations are essential.
Oscar's Seafood Bistro in Galway champions under-used Atlantic species; chef Michael O'Meara sources sustainably from local West of Ireland trawlers.
Signature: Sustainably caught Atlantic seafood platters
Order: Ask for the day's lesser-known catch; the kitchen works with what local boats landed that morning
Tip: Reservations are confirmed by phone or email only; plan ahead for weekend evenings.
Kai Restaurant in Galway earned a Michelin Green Star in 2024; Jess Murphy posts a daily-changing menu from the Murphys Moycullen farm each morning.
Signature: Daily fish plate, Farm-sourced seasonal vegetables
Order: Whatever the farm delivered that morning; the fish plate and the greens are always the point
Tip: Lunch is walk-in only from Tuesday to Saturday; dinner reservations are essential.
Oscar's Seafood Bistro in Galway champions under-used Atlantic species; chef Michael O'Meara sources sustainably from local West of Ireland trawlers.
Signature: Sustainably caught Atlantic seafood platters
Order: Ask for the day's lesser-known catch; the kitchen works with what local boats landed that morning
Tip: Reservations are confirmed by phone or email only; plan ahead for weekend evenings.
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.
Signature: Dry-aged Irish beef steaks, Atlantic seafood
Order: The dry-aged Irish beef is the headline; the Atlantic seafood platter works well for groups
Tip: The pre-theatre set menu offers good value if you are heading to a show nearby.
Ard Bia at Nimmos is Galway's most atmospheric venue at the Spanish Arch, serving North African-influenced Irish menus in a medieval stone building.
Signature: Mezze plate, Seasonal Irish-North African dinner menu
Order: The mezze plate at lunch; at dinner, whatever the chalkboard shows from the Gairdín Bia garden
Tip: Weekend brunch without a reservation is fine; dinner sittings fill quickly so book ahead.
Il Vicolo in Galway's Bridge Mills has the only riverside terrace in the city, with a nightly-changing Italian menu and an all-Italian wine list.
Signature: Seasonal pasta, Italian seafood
Order: The seasonal pasta and whatever the day's risotto offers; the terrace table is the one to request
Tip: Book the riverside terrace at least a week ahead in summer; it fills within hours of becoming available.
Cava Bodega on Middle Street Galway has served regional Spanish tapas since 2008 with over 70 small plates of locally sourced fish, meat and Atlantic produce.
Signature: Spanish regional tapas, Pimientos de padron
Order: Order broadly across the regions; the seafood tapas reflect the local Galway Bay supply chain
Tip: The Spanish-focussed natural wine list is worth exploring with a knowledgeable floor team.
