Undoubtedly one of the best spots in Ireland for fresh seafood, Galway's food scene has never been better! Its home to dozens of culinary-driven bars and restaurants that specialise in serving quality seafood dishes. Here is where to go in Galway to enjoy the best seafoods..
Galway has an incredibly long tradition of using fresh and sustainable ingredients from Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This tradition has evolved and carried forward into modern times, with Galway being chosen as European Region of Gastronomy 2018 in no small part thanks to its relationship with the sea.
Pádraicíns Seafood Bar & Restaurant
Furbogh // more here
As well as offering stunning views of Furbo beach, and a nautically inspired traditional Irish bar, Pádraicíns Seafood Bar & Restaurant are well known to specialise in seafood dishes. Pádraicíns' selection of seafood options include Connemara organic smoked salmon over beetroot salad, pan-fried sea trout, and calamari rings. At Pádraicíns it really is a seafood bonanza! A recommendation from us would be to time it just right and you will enjoy a live music session as you dine.
above: photo courtesy of Pádraicíns
The Huntsman Inn
164 College Rd // more here
On the shores of Lough Atalia, the unassuming The Huntsman Inn is colloquially known for their great tasting seafood dishes. The evening menu includes some of our favourite dishes such as: the craft pale ale fish and chips and roast organic fillet of salmon. However, if it's your first time visit we recommend ordering their fresh Atlantic seafood pie along with a pint of Guinness, this pairing complements one another perfectly.
above: photo courtesy of The Huntsman Inn
Galway Bay Seafoods
New Docks // more here
We don't know about you but for us it's fish for dinner every Friday courtesy of Galway Bay Seafood. Shop the fresh catch of the day or see what else they have on offer when you visit. If you are unsure of how to best cook your pick, the team here can offer loads of valuable advice and help you step up your game. If you don't feel like cooking, no worries as their onsite Dockside Deli offers yummy takeaway as well as Ready-to-Bake options. They can even bring the bay to you, as they provide deliveries nationwide.
City Sushi Galway
The Docks // more here
Providing a truly authentic taste of the sea, City Sushi Galway offers a fresh take on Japanese cuisine in Galway. Their signature sushi rolls are simply made but are packed with flavours and you can enjoy high quality seafood in every bite. If you are someone who can't commit to choosing just one dish and want to try a bit of everything, City Sushi's bento boxes and boxes to share are exactly what you need. The share boxes come in all different sizes and comprise a variety of different menu items.
above: photo courtesy of City Sushi Galway
Donnelly's of Barna
Barna, Galway // more here
At Donnelly's of Barna, their chefs use only the freshest of locally-sourced ingredients, to create a menu that is inspired by freshly caught Connemara seafood, local meats and seasonally inspired sides with a strong emphasis on tradition and taste. Their menus are packed with tons of delicious seafood options, including their take on the classic fish and chips as well as baked sea bass, and the incredibly popular Galway bay seafood chowder.
Barnacles Bar & Kitchen
163 Upper Salthill / more here
The seafood experts behind Linnane’s Lobster Bar and Flaggy Shore Oysters, Mark Commins and Conor Graham partnered up again to bring Salthill all the same delicious seafood dishes with Barnacles Bar and Kitchen. The menus here are both heavily influenced by their proximity to the sea and local seasonal produce. On them you’ll find favourites such as the famous Flaggy Shore oysters, gin cured salmon, steamed Kelly’s mussels and much more.
above: photo courtesy of Barnacles
BlackCat
179 Upper Salthill Rd // more here
If you like tapas and seafood, you are going to love BlackCat. Across both their tapas and mains menu, they've got a great range of locally sourced seafood including scallops, calamari and tempura prawns as well as seriously tasty meat, cheeses and more. We suggest asking the team for their favourite dishes on the menu as they are sure to point you in the right direction and can also help you find the best wine pairing for your pick.
above: photo courtesy of BlackCat
McSwiggans
3 Eyre St, Woodquay // more here
Did you know that the wholesome award-winning McSwiggans Steak + Seafood Restaurant is home to Galway's first oyster bar? You know what that means; if oysters are your seafood of choice you simply must add a visit to this week’s itinerary! Their oyster bar is fully stocked with Dooncastle oysters over ice and guests can enjoy their oysters as is or with a mignonette dressing. Call in for one or six and enjoy all the deliciousness of oysters with a pint of the good stuff.
Dillisk on the Docks
New Dock Rd // more here
Infusing their menus with a maritime theme, dining at Dillisk on the Docks at The Harbour Hotel is a unique experience. The restaurant's bright, open space creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoying some of the finest seafood with a cocktail or two. Their new dinner menu features a dedicated subsection for their seafood offerings and these include: roasted monkfish, grilled fillet of seabass as well as the mighty seafood tower.
above: photo courtesy of Dillisk on the Docks
The Kings Head
15 High St, Latin Quarter // more here
One of the most famous bar and bistros in Galway city, The Kings Head continues to prove time and again why they deserve a place in our top seafood picks. They have got a seriously impressive selection of seafood dishes on their menu and you won’t eat better crab claws with chilli, or grilled porcupine reef prawn anywhere else. Here we recommend their Galway Hooker beer fish and chips. Pair this with a pint of their very own Blood Red Ale and you'll be savouring a real taste of Ireland’s West Coast.
Brasserie on the Corner
25 Eglinton St // more here
Specialising in all things steak and seafood related, Brasserie on the Corner has been the locals go-to for Sunday lunches and delicious seafood for years. Each of their tempting seafood dishes looks absolutely divine (and it really does taste that good as well!). It comes highly recommended by all who visit and before long you'll become a regular yourself if only to taste every one of their seafood delights.
above: photo courtesy of Brasserie on the Corner
Hooked
Henry St & Barna // more here
Visiting Hooked is an absolute must for anybody who wants a taste of Galway bay! It doesn't come much fresher than this as all of their fish is supplied by their very own fish monger, Ali's Fish Market. Run by father-and-daughter team, Ali and Nuisin Jalilvand, Hooked's nautical themed interior embodies the ethos of the eatery and their seafood is simply delicious. This restaurant is incredibly popular with families also. They'll tell you themselves, one taste and you'll be Hooked!
Moran's Oyster Cottage
The Weir, Roymore, Kilcolgan // more here
Dating back over 250 years, Moran’s Oyster Cottage is a traditional thatched cottage successfully run by a 7th generation of the Moran clan, specialising in (wait for it) Clarenbridge oysters! Whether you fancy a feed of mussels, salmon, 1.5 pound local lobster, crab salad or their renowned oysters, you won’t be disappointed. It's a paradise for all you fishy folk.
Oscars Seafood Bistro
22 Dominick St Upper, Galway's Westend // more here
The team at Oscars Seafood Bistro are literal experts when it comes to fresh fish and preparing great tasting seafood. Their head chef is the author of not one but two award-winning books about seafood, so you can tell they know the best way to prepare the finest quality produce that Galway Bay has to offer. The menu is top notch, with pan-fried scallops and prawns, chunky baked white fish, stunning Galway Bay lobsters simmered in delicious sauces and more.
above: photo courtesy of Moran's Oyster Cottage
Feature photo courtesy of Dillisk on the Docks at The Harbour Hotel
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