Tapas are all about sharing good food and great company, and luckily, Galway has no shortage of spots to do just that. Whether you’re craving traditional Spanish bites or tempted by Asian fusion small plates, this vibrant city has something to suit every palate. From casual tapas restaurants to wine bars, Galway is full of flavour-packed tapas experiences waiting to be discovered.
And with International Tapas Day landing on Thursday, June 19th this year, there’s never been a better excuse to round up your friends and sample some of the best tapas Galway has to offer. Here’s our guide to where to enjoy delicious tapas in Galway…
above: La Vina | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
La Viña
Our top 3 favourite dishes: Montadito de Calamares (fried calamari), Brie Horneado (baked mini wheel of brie), and Albóndigas con Tomate (meatballs of beef, pork and spiced sausage).
Address: 8 Quay Lane, Spanish Arch, Galway City.
Discover more about La Viña here
A sister wine bar to The Lane Wine Bar on Kirwan's Lane, La Viña serves a delicious tapas menu and a fabulous selection of wine that both pair perfectly with its stunning views of the Spanish Arch. This gorgeous wine bar promises an unrivalled experience combining the charm of Old World wines with the vibrancy of locally sourced tapas. Their tapas menu is a testament to the culinary expertise of the chef, as it beautifully showcases the flavours of Spain and beyond. Whether you are on a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, this tapas and wine bar is sure to exceed all expectations and leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit.
Cava Bodega
Our top 3 favourite dishes: Goat’s Cheese & Sweet Potato Croquettes, Bacalao Cakes (salted cod), and the Confit Pork Belly.
Address: 1 Middle Street, Galway City.
Discover more about Cava Bodega here
When it comes to choice, Cava Bodega - run by Michelin-star chef JP McMahon - can’t be beaten. Their extensive tapas menu showcases the best of Iberian cuisine, with natural Spanish wines and authentic desserts to boot. Smoked duck, octopus, chorizo, and serrano ham are just some of the big flavours featured on their menu, and all of their tapas are prepared using local and seasonal Irish produce. With a split-level rustic interior, Cava is more than 15 years in business and one of Galway’s best-known tapas restaurants. If that's not enough to convince you to give it a go, the fact that JP McMahon has written four editions of a best-selling tapas recipe book should do the trick!
above: Kasbah Wine Bar | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Kasbah Wine Bar
Our top 3 favourite dishes: Empanadas Argentinas (your choice of filling), Smoked Tofu Tacos, and the Flaggy Shore Oysters.
Address: 2 Quay Street, Galway City.
Discover more about The Kasbah Wine Bar here
Tucked away at the iconic Latin Quarter crossroads at Tigh Neachtain, The Kasbah Wine Bar is one of the area’s greatest hidden gems and is a fabulous option for enjoying a tapas style meal with a friend or significant other. This beloved wine bar only reopened this year and it’s such a cool and chic space; you seriously need to check it out! Comprising amazing views, stunning décor, tasty cocktails, a fantastic range of wines and a delicious food menu of sharing boards, tapas, light bites and more – what is not to love?! Open Wednesday to Saturdays, The Kasbah Wine Bar is the perfect spot for date night, so be sure to pay them a visit this week and enjoy a fantastic evening full of delicious food and exquisite wines.
Black Cat
Our top 3 favourite dishes: Seared Scallops, Garbanzo Stew (chickpeas), and the Chicken Liver Parfait.
Address: 179 Upper Salthill
Discover more about Black Cat here
You can’t take a trip to Salthill without dining at Black Cat. For over 12 years, this award-winning restaurant combines elegant décor with unfussy, refreshing takes on Spanish tapas. In addition to their meat and cheese platters and a diverse wine menu, they’ve got Mediterranean classics such as garbanzo (chickpea) soup, patatas bravas, and sautéed chorizo. All of which are made with ingredients that have been locally-sourced and always fresh. Expect great jazz, friendly service, and a cosy atmosphere. Black Cat is the perfect date night spot or for catching up with your good friend over delicious food and drinks.
above: Daróg Wine Bar | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Daróg Wine Bar
Our top 3 favourite dishes: Dexter Beef Tartare, Polenta Cakes, and the Tuna Tartlets.
Address: 56 Dominick Street Lower, Galway City.
Discover more about Daróg Wine Bar here
A stunning intimate space, Daróg Wine Bar offers a wide range of artisan, biodynamic, organic and natural wines, as well as a selection of hot/cold small plates, cheese & meat boards, snacks and sweet platters. With owners and husband and wife team, Zsolt Lukacs and Edel McMahon at the helm and Head Chef Stiofán Feeney in the kitchen, this trio are busy channeling their expertise and passion for food, nature and local produce into Daróg. Originally from Connemara, Stiofán’s path has taken him from the kitchens of The Savoy in London to Core by Clare Smyth, Aroma in Rome, Aniar in Galway and beyond. Now he brings all of that experience to the small kitchen at Daróg—where precision, creativity, and a deep respect for local produce shape each plate.
MacNeill’s Pub
Our favourite dishes: Crispy Fried Squid, Galway Goats Cheese Bruschetta, and the Mac & Cheese Croquette.
Address: Downstairs at The Hardiman, Eyre Square, Galway City.
Discover more about MacNeill’s Pub here
At MacNeill’s Pub, all their cuisine is a celebration of Ireland’s culinary heritage served with a modern twist. The real highlight of their menus is their Irish tapas, which feature small plates that are designed for sharing. Come for the food and stay for the music as MacNeill’s is more than a gastropub; it’s a hub of entertainment and community. With your food you can enjoy traditional Irish music every Thursday, lively performances every Friday and Saturday, and live sports broadcasts that bring fans together. This is the Irish dining experience at its finest.
above: Ré Nao | photo by Ado Lyons
Ré Nao
Our favourite dishes: Jade & Ruby Noodle Salad, Steam Vegetarian Kimchi Dumplings, and Deep Fried Sushi Roll.
Address: Spanish Arch, Galway City
Discover more about Ré Nao here
The menus at Ré Nao comprise of time-honoured Chinese and Malaysian dishes and recipes that are made with a genuine love for the cuisine and its tradition. Adding to the experience at Ré Nao is its open kitchens, which gives guests an opportunity to see the hard-work and care that goes into making each delightful meal. The latest addition to the culinary offerings at Ré Nao, the new delights menu consists of little plates with big taste. On the new menu as well as their delectable selection of tapas, they also offer sharing platters and cocktail pairings which are a delightful option for couples enjoying their date night.
Sangria Tapas Restaurant
Our favourite dishes: Ceviche Peruano (Peruvian ceviche), Morcilla (black pudding), and the Raviolis Frito (fried raviolis).
Address: 19 Middle Street, Galway City.
Discover more about Sangria Tapas Restaurant here
Head Chef and owner, Byron Godoy brings the best of Latin American cooking traditions and ingredients to Galway with his fabulous tapas menu at Sangria Tapas Restaurant. Hailing from Guatemala, Byron’s talent in creating unique and delicious flavours make this tapas restaurant a real standout. Colourful dishes, an ultra-chic interior, and Latin American music give Sangria its signature vibrant-yet-mellow atmosphere. Try their Fried Yuca, Dobladas or one of their many meat and seafood options, then top it off with an authentic dessert like the decadent Tres Leches.
Main image of Kasbah Wine Bar by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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