Winter in Galway is well and truly here, and there’s no better way to cosy up than with a rich, velvety cup of hot chocolate. At This is Galway, we’ve done the taste testing for you, and have rounded up the city’s top spots to sip, savour, and warm your hands around a steaming mug of cocoa. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these are the best places in Galway to get your ultimate hot chocolate fix.
Espresso 44
Home to our favourite white hot chocolate, Espresso 44 knows exactly how to keep us coming back for more! Topped with cream and marshmallows, it’s our go-to midday pick-me-up. Their classic milk hot chocolate is super indulgent as well, made using Belgian chocolate chips that give it a rich and smooth flavour. They also recommend giving it a taste with an alternative milk like coconut for a subtle but delicious change.
Address: City Centre, Galway’s Westend, Oranmore
More information here
above: Espresso 44
Beacon Salthill
Taking our hot chocolate game up a notch. There’s one spot in town that is serving hot chocolates with a special ingredient, Beacon Salthill. Their brand new alcohol hot chocolate menu is the perfect way to spend a cosy evening in a booth catching up with pals or take it to go for a refreshing winter’s walk on the prom. These drinks can also be made alcohol-free so don’t be afraid to ask. On the menu is Reece’s Pieces Hot Chocolate, After 8 Hot Chocolate, Micil White Hot Chocolate and Ferrero Roche Hot Chocolate.
Address: 163 Upper Salthill
More information here
Over the Moon
If you like your hot chocolate layered in delicious, Over the Moon will leave you... well, over the moon! Starting with a rich Belgian milk chocolate base, and topped with a mountain of whipped cream and sprinkle of marshmallows, this cuppa is a treat for the eyes and the soul. Their new lineup of indulgent flavours; Nutella Hot Chocolate, Kinder Bueno Hot Chocolate, Ferrero Rocher Hot Chocolate, Biscoff Hot Chocolate, Milk Hot Chocolate and White Milk Chocolate, will be your new winter obsession. Oh and did we mention that if you’re getting a hot chocolate to go it comes with a gooey, toasted marshmallow skewer and whipped cream - what’s not to love!
Address: Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Galway City
More information here
above: Over the Moon
Gourmet Tart Co
Thanks to their many locations across the city and Salthill, you’re never too far away from a Gourmet Tart Co hot chocolate. It’s perhaps one of the most affordable hot chocolates on this list, and it’s one of our absolute favourites. Totally delicious and super sweet, Gourmet Tart Co’s hot chocolate is a consistently amazing cuppa. If you have time to sit in, we recommend ordering it with one of their fresh croissants for dipping as this might just be one of nicest ways you can give yourself a bit of TLC while out and about around town.
Address: Salthill, Raven’s Terrace, Abbeygate Street Lower, Newcastle, St. Francis Street, & Galway Shopping Centre.
More information here
WYLDE Café
If you like your hot chocolate absolutely lathered in marshmallows, the team at WYLDE Café do not disappoint! Made using actual chocolate chips (no powders here!) melted into the milk of your choice, and covered with marshmallows, this hot chocolate is totally satisfying. For the winter season, they’ve decided to elevate things even further with their toasted marshmallow hot chocolate. It’s the ideal cure for any winter blues you might be feeling and is exactly what you need to get through a dreary day.
Address: Forster Street, Galway City
More information here
above: WYLDE Café
Fairhill
If you’re looking for a drink that gives you a warm and cosy feeling, Fairhill is one of those rare places where we enjoy ordering the hot chocolate all year round - regardless of the temperature outside! Smooth, sweet and chocolatey, it’s basically a hug in a mug. To add another layer of indulgence to your cuppa, we will also recommend pairing your hot chocolate with one of their cake/baked goodies by Hapi Bakery. Bonus points if you manage to snag the window seat for a bit of people-watching too!
Address: 11 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway City
More information here
Álainn
Álainn, our powerhouse acai supplier, have now found a permanent location in the heart of Galway city and to their menu of delights they’ve added a hot chocolate bomb that is a total knockout. Made of premium 35% cacao with pink Himalayan sea salt, and topped with a giant ball of home-made marshmallow fluff, it’s the perfect treat for colder days. And, if you prefer a white hot chocolate then be sure to order Álainn’s Coco Razz Hot Chocolate. Made with coconut milk and raspberry, this sweet treat is highly addictive!
Address: 11 High Street, Galway City
More information here
above: Álainn
Sú Galway
After a busy summer of keeping us well fed and hydrated, Sú Galway has recently opened their doors in The Warehouse Gym in Knocknacarra, where they have been working hard to make even tastier treats! One of these fantastic new additions is their Protein Hot Chocolate, because who says you can’t make gains while enjoying a chocolatey drink? Packed with 29g of protein, this hot chocolate is creamy, cosy and absolutely delicious! It’s a winter warmer that works for all fitness lovers, and anyone looking to get a bit more protein in their diet. You don’t have to be a member of The Warehouse Gym to try it so be sure to pop in and say hello to the Sú team.
Address: The Warehouse Gym, Knocknacarra
More information here
Truffle
We couldn’t put together a hot chocolate list without mentioning the one spot in Galway City where you’ll find a real chocolate fountain wall! Truffle, Galway’s very own French chocolatier, has chocolates laid out everywhere you look. A chocoholics’ paradise, if you’re looking for chocolate overload you absolutely must try their rich hot chocolate and get some of their incredible truffles or imaginative chocolate creations to go! And, if you want to enjoy a taste of Truffle’s hot chocolate at home, stock up on their hot chocolate bombs for a quick and easy cuppa.
Address: 19 Market Street, Galway City
More information here
above: Truffle
Butlers Chocolate Café
Irish chocolate masters, Butlers Chocolate Café, are a spot we felt we must add to this list because they really are chocolate masters. With locations across Ireland, the UK and even cafés in Pakistan, their exceptional hot chocolates have taken them far. We also adore the fact that with your order you receive one complimentary chocolate of your choice, which is a lovely addition to the experience. Butlers in Galway is also one of the only places we know who make an iced ‘hot’ chocolate, and if you are wondering; is that any good? It’s incredible!
Address: 40 William Street, Galway City
More information here
Main image of Over the Moon
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