17 editor picks in Galway.
17 restaurants in Galway, editor-picked for restaurants open monday. Open on monday, the day most kitchens go dark. All restaurants in Galway.
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.
OrderWhatever the farm delivered that morning; the fish plate and the greens are always the point
TipLunch 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.
OrderAsk for the day's lesser-known catch; the kitchen works with what local boats landed that morning
TipReservations are confirmed by phone or email only; plan ahead for weekend evenings.
Ard Bia at Nimmos is Galway's most moody venue at the Spanish Arch, serving North African-influenced Irish menus in a medieval stone building.
OrderThe mezze plate at lunch; at dinner, whatever the chalkboard shows from the Gairdín Bia garden
TipWeekend brunch without a reservation is fine; dinner sittings fill quickly so book ahead.
The Dough Bros on Middle Street is one of Galway's most celebrated restaurants; the Neapolitan pizzas use Toonsbridge mozzarella and San Marzano tomato.
OrderThe Irish Margherita with Toonsbridge fior di latte fresh mozzarella is the benchmark
TipWalk-ins are taken but the room is small; an early arrival on a Friday saves a queue.
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.
OrderThe seasonal pasta and whatever the day's risotto offers; the terrace table is the one to request
TipBook the riverside terrace at least a week ahead in summer; it fills within hours of becoming available.
McDonagh's has served Atlantic fish from Quay Street Galway since 1902; the restaurant and chip counter are the city's oldest seafood institution.
OrderFish and chips in batter at the counter; in the restaurant, the Galway Bay oysters are the starting point
TipThe restaurant and chip bar are two separate queues; the chip bar is faster and equally good.
Dela on Lower Dominick Street Galway runs seven-day brunch from a Moycullen-farm kitchen, blending Modern Irish produce with Nordic and Asian notes.
OrderBrunch is the headline; the seed-to-feed seasonal plates at dinner reward a Thursday evening visit
TipThe natural wine list and craft beer selection are taken as seriously as the food.
Blackrock Cottage beside Salthill's diving tower has Galway Bay views and locally sourced Atlantic seafood plates in a relaxed cafe-restaurant.
OrderThe chowder with soda bread and whatever the daily seafood special shows
TipArrive early at weekends; the combination of sea views and quality food means it fills within an hour of opening.
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.
OrderThe dry-aged Irish beef is the headline; the Atlantic seafood platter works well for groups
TipThe pre-theatre set menu offers good value if you are heading to a show nearby.
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.
OrderOrder broadly across the regions; the seafood tapas reflect the local Galway Bay supply chain
TipThe Spanish-focussed natural wine list is worth exploring with a knowledgeable floor team.
Xi'an Street Food on Quay Street Galway serves hand-pulled noodles from China's Shaanxi province, made in full view in an open kitchen in the Latin Quarter.
OrderHand-pulled noodles in a spicy broth; the dumplings are the other anchor
TipOne of Galway's best-value sit-down meals; expect a queue at peak lunch and dinner hours.
High Cafe above the Bunch of Grapes on High Street is Galway's Moroccan destination; tagines, mezze platters and sweet mint tea make it the city's most.
OrderThe tagine of the day; the mezze platter works as a full meal for two with bread
TipCash is preferable; the kitchen can be slow on busy evenings so allow time.
Ruibin at Galway's docklands serves Irish seafood and European classics in a relaxed bar-restaurant with a curated whiskey bar near the Galway centre.
OrderThe Atlantic fish changes with the day's catch; the beef is well-sourced from Irish farms
TipA solid weeknight option when Westend restaurants are fully booked; the bar has a good whiskey selection.
John Keogh's on Dominick Street Lower is Galway's award-winning gastropub with a carefully kept Guinness and honest Irish dishes from local suppliers.
OrderThe seafood chowder and a properly pulled pint; the Irish stew on cold evenings
TipA reliable fallback when Westend restaurants are full; the kitchen keeps longer hours than most.
Gourmet Food Parlour in Salthill Galway is a busy all-day venue on the promenade running breakfast through dinner with consistently sourced Irish produce.
OrderThe weekend brunch menu is the strongest offering; the full Irish breakfast is reliable year-round
TipPark behind the building on weekdays; weekend street parking near the prom fills early.
HYDE Bar on Forster Street Galway runs all-day brunch seven days a week with bottomless cocktails and bank-holiday disco brunches that made it one.
OrderThe themed bottomless brunch on Bank Holiday Mondays is the headline event; book well ahead
TipStandard brunch is walk-in friendly on weekday mornings; weekend sittings need a reservation.
Merchant Cafe and Bar at Eyre Square Hotel Galway keeps all-day locally sourced dishes from breakfast through dinner for city workers and visitors.
OrderThe daily brunch specials; the room is calmer than the Latin Quarter on a busy Saturday
TipGood value given the Eyre Square location; a reliable option when you need food quickly.
