Galway is one of the most multicultural cities in all Ireland and you bet that we have got an eclectic mix of restaurants to show for it. A melting pot of flavours and cultures, the thriving food industry in the city and county allow us to experience a wide variety of international fare all without leaving the West of Ireland. Here is just a taster of the authentic international flavours you’ll find in Galway…
There are loads of incredible chefs in Galway who are going an extra mile to bring distinct and delicious flavours to our palates. With so many great options to choose from, have a look at the recommendations below that might inspire you to pay a visit to the West.
Alma Restaurant
Speciality: Portuguese and Brazilian fare
A name meaning soul in Portuguese, Alma is the new venture of João & Márcia, owners and the original team behind the famed Apoema Bistro. Creating authentic flavours from afar with Galway’s spectacular produce, Alma seamlessly fuses the gastronomic traditions of Portuguese and Brazilian cuisines in one wholesome, warm space. Visit them for either lunch or dinner and who knows, you might find your new favourite comfort dish!
Address: Unit 1, Lydon Court, Bóthar Irwin, Eyre Square
More information here
above: Alma Restaurant
Aryan’s Persian Cuisine
Speciality: Handmade Persian cuisine
Aryan’s Persian Cuisine is a cosy family-run restaurant serving delicious homemade Persian cuisine. The food philosophy at Aryan’s Persian Cuisine is to use fresh ingredients and their own home recipes to create all their incredible dishes, be it sauces and dips or grilled meat. The team behind Aryan’s are proud to introduce traditional dishes of Persian cuisine to the local Galway gastronomy scene, so be sure to call in to try it for yourself.
Address: 20 Abbeygate Street Lower, City Centre
More information here
Taquila
Speciality: Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails
Taquila is where vibrant Mexican flavours meet a modern twist in the heart of Galway City. The Head Chef, Andres Zubizarreta, is passionate about bringing the true essence of Mexican cuisine straight to your table. The menu here consists of chilaquiles, beef consomme, a great range of tacos and salsas, and traditional Mexican dishes of barbacoa. On top of their incredible food menu, they also offer a unique and delicious cocktail menu featuring the likes of spicy margaritas, flor de Jamaica and Los Muertos
Address: Eglinton Court, 6/7, Eglinton Street, Woodquay
More information here
above: Taquila
Khow Thai
Speciality: Thai cuisine
Offering an authentic experience through the use of only the freshest ingredients, Khow Thai ensures you’ll experience all the sounds, smells and tastes of Thailand. This hidden gem in Liosbán Industrial Estate is one of Galway’s best-loved Asian restaurants. Whether you’re a fan of simply dining in a friendly restaurant atmosphere or you just need a flavourful takeaway, this Thai restaurant’s aromatic components and complex tastes will keep you coming back for more.
Address: Liosbán Industrial Estate, Tuam Road
More information here
Deli la Tasca
Speciality: Spanish tapas and wine bar
Making the people of Galway feel comfortable and cosy with a warm welcome and delicious cuisine, Deli La Tasca in Galway city serves up some of the tastiest of tapas around! Enhanced by some top notch Spanish wine, their dinner offerings are perfect for sharing with a plus one or simply just enjoying a larger dish all to yourself.
Address: 1 Dominick Street Upper, Galway’s Westend
More information here
Kashmir Restaurant
Speciality: Indian cuisine
Established by the Bhan family in 1994, Kashmir is Galway’s oldest Indian restaurant and has gained a loyal customer base in the years since opening. Each dish is prepared and presented in the traditional Kashmiri way, with all sauces and pastes being made from scratch with expert know-how and top-notch ingredients. Kashmiri cuisine is famous for its delectable vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes and they use a variety of imported spices creating a flavour unique to Kashmir.
Address: Kilderry House, Lower Fairhill Road
More information here
above: Kashmir
Rè Nao
Speciality: Traditional Chinese cuisine
Rè Nao has created an absolutely stunning space with a welcoming ambiance, delicious drinks and mouth-watering food. The team at Rè Nao want to remain authentic to Xi’An’s culture by celebrating its food, while remaining a bustling dining and drinking destination – not only do they offer an authentic Asian menu, but also a full vegan menu with its own separate kitchen area, and a full cocktail bar.
Address: Spanish Arch
More information here
City Sushi Galway
Speciality: Fresh Japanese Sushi
Together chefs Helio and Lucas are bringing Galway a fresh new take on Japanese cuisine infusing each dish with bold but simple flavours. The atmosphere is traditional but unique, and each dish is composed to ensure a bold yet simplistic culinary adventure. At City Sushi Galway, the courses are built on seasonal properties, utilizing only the freshest, most delicious ingredients available.
Address: Galway Bay Seafoods, Dock Road, The Docks
More information here
Il Vicolo
Speciality: Italian Restaurant with jazz sessions
Providing one of the most unique dining experiences in the city, Il Vicolo is located in the basement of the Bridge Mills and provides unparalleled views of the River Corrib. This Italian restaurant and bàcaro offers an intimate dining experience with rustic interiors in the atmospheric riverside setting. Their seasonal mix of Cicchetti, pasta, risotto, fish and meat showcase a strong southern influence and with over 50 Italian wines on offer, it’s no wonder they won Best Italian Restaurant in Ireland in 2022.
Address: The Bridge Mills, Dominick St Lower, Galway’s Westend
More information here
above: Il Vicolo
Sangria Tapas Restaurante
Speciality: Latin American Tapas
Sangria Tapas Restaurant grew out of a great love for Latin American fare and its team of chefs are devoted to bringing those bold authentic flavours to the people of Galway. The beautiful premises are complemented by the romantic atmosphere and thoughtful tapas offered within and, let’s face it, there’s no better place to enjoy some glasses of sangria than right here in Sangria itself!
Address: 19 Middle Street, City Centre
More information here
Xi’An Street Food
Speciality: Traditional Chinese cuisine
Named for the central Chinese city of Xi’An, the restaurant’s array of noodles, dumplings and burgers are the tastiest way to be introduced to the region’s unique food culture and history. Menu highlights here include rougiamo (burger), their most popular dish - the spicebag, and the biang biang noodles. Biang biang noodles are named for the sound made when the large belt-like noodle dough is slapped against the counter as they are pulled. As you wait for your order we’re sure you’ll catch a glimpse of them being made in Xi’An’s open kitchen.
Address: 9 Quay Street, Latin Quarter
More information here
above: Xi'An Street Food
Freddy’s
Speciality: Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
This Galway city restaurant has an impeccable reputation for delicious high quality Italian cuisine and their welcoming, attentive and personalisable service. At the helm of Freddy’s is manager Luigi and chef Alessandro. Hailing from Southern and Northern Italy respectively, the duo have with them a passion and love for their work and Italian foods and are committed to presenting their guests with a perfect balance of the rich and flavourful culinary traditions on the Italian peninsula.
Address: 15 Quay Street, Latin Quarter
More information here
OSAKA
Speciality: Japanese & Korean BBQ style restaurant
Bringing brand new tastes to Salthill, Osaka was a hugely welcome addition to the area.
It offers its visitors a dining experience of the finest Japanese and Asian cuisine. Their kitchen uses only the freshest ingredients and never uses MSG. Serving hot pot, donburis, currys, sushis, noodles and wok stars, there is something to suit everyone, with a variety of gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options available also.
Address: 157-159, Upper Salthill Rd, Salthill
More information here
Spice India
Speciality: Indian cuisine
Known for their culinary delicacies, authentic herbs and spices, and their use of locally sourced meat and poultry, each and every dish on the Spice India menu packs a flavoursome punch. Whether it be for a weekend takeaway or a sit down meal after a busy day, an evening of top notch Indian cuisine at Spice India is always good for the soul.
Address: 2-4, Bridgewater Court, Fairhill Rd Lower, Dominick St Lower, Galway’s Westend
More information here
above: Spice India
Armorica
Speciality: French wine bar and restaurant
There is so much to love about Armorica. From the cool interiors right down to the exquisite food and drink, Armorica sets a standard that is hard to top. Consisting of an intimate but open dining space with street view, a stunning conservatory with garden views, outdoor seating (for sunnier days), and a high quality French food, wine and cocktail menu. It all comes together to create a personable and cosy dining experience, that you will remember and talk about for years to come.
Address: Main Street, Oranmore
More information here
Thai Garden
Speciality: Thai cuisine
Thai Garden specialises in group gatherings, and with the combination of their beautifully presented dishes and restaurant’s unique ambiance, they can turn all events into a five star occasion. Did you know that the central Thai food style is also referred to as Royal Cuisine due to the elaborate preparation that goes into each dish? So if you’re after a meal fit for a king, a visit to Thai Garden must be on the cards!
Address: Spanish Arch
More information here
Chef Laura Rosso
Speciality: Brazilian cuisine
Based in Salthill, Chef Laura Rosso is a Brazilian café and restaurant that is passionate about serving mouth watering dishes using 100% fresh, locally supplied ingredients. You really can taste the quality and love in every bite. We for one adore their Brazilian lunches! With plant based and vegetarian options that are worth the trip to Salthill alone, calling into Chef Laura Rosso is a must for those traveling along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Address: Galway Business School, Grattan Road, Salthill
More information here
above: Chef Laura Rosso
Feature photo of Taquila
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