There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a night of authentic Italian food in Galway. From the aroma of freshly baked pizza to creamy pasta dishes and tasty antipasti, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Looking for the best Italian restaurants in Galway? We've rounded up top spots where you can enjoy all this deliciousness and more.
Whether you're planning a cosy date night or a stylish dinner with friends, Galway’s Italian restaurants blend rustic charm with gourmet dining. From hidden gems to local favourites, here’s where to find the best Italian restaurants in Galway, each promising an unforgettable taste of Italy on Ireland’s west coast.
above: Il Salotto | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Il Salotto
This is Galway’s order: The Lasagna al Ragu, cooked with ragu, béchamel, and parmigiano. This pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food. The pasta melts in the mouth and is packed with flavour.
Address: Unit 1B, Barna Road, Ahaglugger, Bearna.
Visit their website here
If you're searching for a cosy, family-friendly Italian restaurant in Galway, Il Salotto should be at the top of your list. Known for its dedication to authentic Italian cuisine, Il Salotto brings the true taste of Italy to Ireland’s west coast. The menu is a crowd-pleaser, offering something for every palate. Pasta lovers will appreciate house favourites like Amatriciana, creamy Carbonara, or the indulgent Lasagna al Ragu. And, for families dining with children, Il Salotto’s handcrafted Italian pizzas are a hit. Choose from the timeless Margherita, the spicy Diavola or the rich Quattro Formaggi topped with a melty blend of four cheeses.
Basilico Restaurant
This is Galway’s order: The Antipasto Platter (for 2). An Italian selection of charcuterie and cheeses, served with pickles, olives and homemade focaccia bread. Order it with your choice of red or white wine. We love communal dining, because it’s a fun way to catch up with a friend, family member or your significant other while enjoying (and sharing) delicious food.
Address: Main Street, Oranmore.
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Looking for organic, homemade Italian food in Galway that the whole family will love? Basilico Restaurant is a phenomenal choice. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and takeaway, Basilico makes delicious, authentic Italian dining accessible and convenient all day long. What truly sets this charming spot apart is its commitment to quality. From fresh pasta made in-house every morning to the use of seasonal ingredients grown on their own farm, every dish is thoughtfully prepared with care and consideration for their guests. It’s a genuine farm-to-table Italian experience right in the heart of Galway.
above: Raviolo Verde | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Raviolo Verde
This is Galway’s order: The Ravioli Al Salmone. Homemade ravioli filled with salmon and served in a light creamy pistachio sauce - yes please! This dish will delight seafood lovers and we cannot recommend enough.
Address: Carraig Láir Shopping Centre, Oranhill, Oranmore.
Visit their website here
For those looking to enjoy high-quality Italian food in Galway, Raviolo Verde is a must-visit. This stylish restaurant combines authentic Italian flavours with their own flair, offering a menu that’s simply divine. In addition to their incredible pasta dishes, you'll also find a tempting range of gourmet pizzas and seafood dishes. A standout favourite is their signature Ravioli Verdi, a dish of homemade green ravioli filled with fresh, flavourful ingredients. And, don’t leave without trying their homemade Italian ice creams, (with vegan ice cream available too), milkshakes, and sundaes because these are the perfect desserts.
Pizza & Pasta Napoli
This is Galway’s order: The Margarita. When the pizza is this good, you can stick to the classics. Hot, cheesy, and the perfect crisp base, order it as a slice or a whole pizza, either way it’s a good time.
Address: 15 Cross Street Upper, Galway City.
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If you're in Galway and craving a quick, satisfying snack, visit Pizza & Pasta Napoli, who make some of the best pizza slices around. It’s owned and operated by a proper Italian family, and they really know their stuff! While their pasta dishes are outstanding, their pizzas are always in the spotlight. If you’ve been living in Galway for a while, we bet you know what exactly we’re talking about! These pizzas are all freshly made using only the finest ingredients and you can taste the quality in every bite. Open til late seven nights a week, it's the perfect pitstop for lunch, a post-pint feed, or a laid-back al fresco dinner.
above: Freddy's Galway | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Freddy's Galway
This is Galway’s order: The Bolognese. A homely pasta dish made using traditional slow cooked beef and pork ragu. Order this with a glass of red wine and the panna cotta for dessert - you can thank us later.
Address: 15 Quay Street, Galway City.
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A family favourite, Freddy’s is known for its irresistible stone-baked pizzas and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Using a traditional Italian recipe to craft their homemade pizza bases, Freddy’s delivers classic Italian flavours with every bite. From their mouth-watering pasta dishes to their freshly prepared pizzas that are among the best in Galway. Be sure to check out their rotating daily specials, which are always a hit and often highlight seasonal ingredients or are creative takes on Italian staples. Freddy’s is popular for more than just great food: their friendly, welcoming staff make it easy to return time and time again.
Gatto Rosso
This is Galway’s order: The Luana Pizza. Topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, caramelised onion, and feta cheese, this pizza is the cure-all to our cravings. We recommend dining al fresco in Gatto Rosso’s outdoor area and enjoy a bit of people-watching as you dine.
Address: 25 Eyre Square, Galway City.
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If you’re exploring the best Italian restaurants in Galway, Gatto Rosso (or Red Cat) is a must-visit. Loved by both locals and tourists, this charming spot has built a stellar reputation for its take on Italian dining and warm, welcoming ambiance. Set to a backdrop of smooth jazzy tunes, Gatto Rosso offers a relaxed yet lively atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a night out with friends. With its diverse menu, personable service, and stylish setting, Gatto Rosso delivers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that delights every palate.
above: Il Vicolo
Il Vicolo
This is Galway’s order: The Paccheri. This heavenly pasta dish is served with clams, mussels and monkfish, in a sauce of salsa verde and squid ink. This spot is perfect for date night so bring your better half along and experience the best of Italian cuisine together.
Address: Bridgemills, O’Brien’s Bridge, Galway City.
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For a truly unforgettable Italian dining experience in Galway, look no further than Il Vicolo, named Best Italian Restaurant in Ireland 2023. Set in a beautifully restored riverside building with breathtaking views of the River Corrib, this intimate wine bar and restaurant offers one of the most unique culinary settings in the city. Il Vicolo perfectly blends seasonal Italian cuisine with a carefully curated drinks menu, creating an ideal atmosphere for romantic dinners, special celebrations, or relaxed evenings out. The menu features rotating specials and classics like handmade pasta, charcuterie & cheese boards, and primi piatti.
Mona Lisa
This is Galway’s order: The Spaghetti Meatballs. A spaghetti pasta dish with tomato and basil sauce, homemade minced beef meatballs and finished with parmesan cheese. This dish has been a knockout every time we’ve ordered it. Perfectly tender and packed with flavour, you will not regret ordering it.
Address: 17 William St West, Galway City.
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Serving a taste of Italy in Galway’s Westend, Mona Lisa Restaurant delivers a truly memorable Italian dining experience that keeps guests coming back. From the moment you walk in, the relaxed, welcoming ambiance sets the tone for a delicious escape to Italy. Their menu is a celebration of authentic Italian flavours. Whether you’re craving fresh pasta, stone-baked pizza, or something heartier like slow-roasted pork belly or baked aubergine, there’s something for every taste. Add to that a carefully selected wine list, and stunning presentation, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for dining excellence.
above: Capones
Capones
This is Galway’s order: The Little Italy Pizza. Topped with chorizo, mixed peppers, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, mushrooms, red onion, black olives, mozzarella and tomato sauce. All the pizzas at Capones are absolutely delicious but how could you not love the pizza inspired by all the fresh flavours of Italian cuisine.
Address: 1 Kingston Road, Knocknacarra.
Visit their website here
Established in 2009 and inspired by Chicago’s infamous namesake, Capones is a family-owned restaurant in Galway that serves up bold and satisfying Italian-American cuisine every day of the week. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and hearty menu, Capones is a hit with locals and visitors alike. From juicy burgers, and stone-baked pizzas, to fresh fish dishes and perfectly cooked steaks, the variety here means there's something for everyone. Adults can enjoy a great selection of signature pastas, fine wines, and to-die-for cocktails, while kids are well looked after with a fun and tasty children’s menu, complete with a colouring sheet to keep the little ones entertained.
Main photo from Il Salotto | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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