There’s something wonderful about treating yourself to an evening of authentic Italian cuisine in Galway. Whether it’s savouring the heavenly aroma of freshly cooked pizza dough, creamy pasta or simply enjoying light bites paired with a smooth Italian wine, we want you to enjoy all of this deliciousness and more! Discover Galway’s best Italian restaurants right here.
Gatto Rosso
Without a doubt, Gatto Rosso Restaurant should be a must on your list of restaurants to visit in Galway. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike and it's stellar reputation really speaks for itself. In a warm and inviting atmosphere, filled with jazzy tunes, Gatto Rosso specialises in serving high-quality, locally sourced food in a tapas style. Whether you are dining with good friends, your family, or on a romantic night out, Gatto Rosso – Red Cat’s diverse menu is sure to delight any palate.
25 Eyre Square / more here
above: photo of Gatto Rosso, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Osteria da Simone
To enjoy truly authentic Italian cuisine, head over to Osteria da Simone. Osteria’s owner and Head Chef Simone is passionate about serving high quality Italian foods and you can taste the care and expertise in every dish. From their rich sauces with bursts of flavours, freshly-baked and buttered garlic breads to the homemade desserts, deliciousness is guaranteed in every bite. There’s so much to choose from and everything tastes absolutely divine so take the evening off from cooking and spoil yourself to a night out.
3 St Francis Street, City Centre / more here
above: photo courtesy of Osteria Da Simone
Magnetti's Salthill
Ideally situation along Salthill's famous promenade, there's no better place to savour the flavours of delicious authentic Italian dishes while enjoying views of Galway Bay. Magnetti's Salthill have built up an incredible reputation for their homemade Italian desserts and use of authentic Italian ingredients in all their dishes. Whether you call in to sample their perfectly brewed coffee and freshly baked Italian delicacies or looking to enjoy a satisfying afternoon meal of pizzas or bruschettas with a beautiful blend of toppings, you are guaranteed deliciousness.
Unit 1 Upper Salthill Rd, Salthill / more here
above: photo courtesy of Magnetti's Salthill
Freddy's Galway
Famous for the old Italian recipe they use in creating their home-made bases, Freddy's is home to a wonderful atmosphere with a wide-ranging menu to suit all food lovers. Their famous stone-baked pizza is some of the best around and the pasta dishes are absolutely to-die-for. Keep an eye out for their specials too because they are always seriously good! Freddy’s is also popular for more than just great food: their friendly, welcoming staff and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to want to come back time and time again.
15 Quay Street, Latin Quarter / more here
above: photo courtesy of Freddy's
Il Vicolo
Providing one of the most unique dining experiences in the whole city with stunning views of the River Corrib, make sure you visit the winner of Best Italian Restaurant in Ireland 2023 - Il Vicolo. Combining delicious dishes with a perfect drinks menu in an intimate and inviting atmosphere, this award-winning restaurant and wine bar really is the perfect setting for your date night in the city. They offer a seasonal selection of pasta, risotto, cheese, charcuterie and primi piatti, weekend specials as well as top-notch advice on what wines to pair with each dish.
Bridgemills, O’Brien’s Bridge, Galway’s Westend / more here
above: photo courtesy of Il Vicolo
Basilico Restaurant
Bring the whole family out to enjoy some fresh, homemade and organic Italian foods at Basilico Restaurant. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and takeaway, Basilico accommodates your every need with ease. They have also got a seriously impressive devotion to serving high quality foods by using seasonal ingredients grown at their own farm and making their pasta fresh in house every morning. It’s really no wonder that Basilico has become a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike for their incredible hospitality, their extensive menu and cosy homely ambience.
Main Street, Oranmore / more here
above: photo courtesy of Basilico Restaurant
Trattoria Magnetti
Trattoria Magnetti specialises in regional Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients, which is why you’ll find nothing on their menu that is short of perfection. They first opened their doors in 1989 and have been expertly evolving their menus ever since, however some dishes were too good to let go, and that’s why some recipes from their very first menu board in 1989 are still on the menu today! You can also purchase Trattoria Magnetti gift vouchers and shop a range of Italian retails goods including olive oil, coffee beans and their house wines.
12 Quay St, Latin Quarter / more here
above: photo courtesy of Trattoria Magnetti
Capones
Established in 2009 and inspired by Chicago's infamous namesake, Capones is an Irish family-owned restaurant that serves delectable Italian-American style cuisine all week long. From their famous burgers, pizzas and steaks to the fish dishes and salads, you will be left spoilt for choice across their menus. They also offer a fabulous kids menu that comes with a colouring sheet for their entertainment alongside their range of delicious signature pizzas, pastas, fine wines and to-die for cocktails for the adults.
1 Kingston Road, Knocknacarra / more here
above: photo courtesy of Capones
Mona Lisa Café Restaurant
Serving a taste of Italy in Galway’s Westend, at Mona Lisa Café Restaurant you can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience every time you visit. From its relaxing interiors down to the authentic Italian flavours and stunning presentation, it’s dining excellence at its finest. From tapas and great tasting Italian wine to pastas, pizzas, slow-roasted pork belly, baked aubergine, tomato sauces, loads of garlic and aged parmesan – at Mona Lisa they have got all the tastes of Italy waiting for you!
17 William St West, Galway’s Westend / more here
above: photo courtesy of Mona Lisa
Venice Restaurant
From the warm Italian hospitality to the authentic aromas rising from their lively kitchen we are sure that you will love the Italian experience at Venice Restaurant. All their dishes are cooked with the finest ingredients some of which are imported from Italy to make every dining experience that little bit more special. Their menu changes seasonally in order to introduce new dishes to their customers. Venice Restaurant is also incredibly popular with families as you are guaranteed to find something the whole family will love.
11 Lower Abbeygate St, City Centre / more here
above: photo courtesy of Venice Restaurant
Feature photo courtesy of Osteria Da Simone
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