When it comes to an unforgettable food experience in the West of Ireland, few dishes rival a perfectly cooked steak. Galway, with its vibrant culinary scene, is a haven for steak lovers. From dry-aged rib eyes seared to perfection to locally sourced fillets served with inventive takes on the classic peppercorn sauce, these are our picks of the best steaks in Galway.
Led by talented chefs, and known for their welcoming atmospheres, these six restaurants offer the top steaks in Galway so be sure to check them out and let us know if you agree with our picks.
When ordering, choose your temperature:
Very Rare / Blue: Cold Centre
Rare/Red: Cool Centre
Medium Rare/Red: Warm Centre
Medium/Pink: Hot Centre
Medium Well: Dull Pink Centre
Well Done: Dull Grey
above: Blackthorn Restaurant | photo by Ado Lyons.
Blackthorn Restaurant
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Address: The Twelve Hotel, Barna Coast Road, Bearna.
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Blackthorn Restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in seasonality, simplicity, and the elemental beauty of open-fire cooking. Their hanger steak is a standout, served with terrine chips, wild watercress salad, crispy fried onions, and your choice of sauce, options include bone marrow gravy, Micil whiskey peppercorn, café de Paris butter, or a vibrant salsa verde. For those looking to share, Gilligan's 28oz Chateaubriand is a showstopper. It’s juicy, tender, with a subtle smokiness from the wood-fired Mibrasa perilla grill. All steak lovers visiting Blackthorn Restaurant are in for a real treat.
above: Brasserie on the Corner
Brasserie on the Corner
Address: 25 Eglinton Street, Galway City.
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This award-winning restaurant is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Specialising in seafood and steak, at Brasserie on the Corner all their beef is aged for a minimum of 28 days and carefully sourced from trusted Irish farmers. Each steak is hand cut, daily, by their chefs to ensure premium quality before they are char-grilled to your liking with Brassiere steak house seasoning. Their signature dishes include melt-in-your-mouth 10oz stirloin and rib eye, an 8oz fillet and a decadent surf-and-turf that combines steak with skewered tiger prawns. Their steak sauces include; roast garlic butter, red wine reduction, flamed pepper cream sauce, bacon & onion gravy and chimichurri relish.
above: McSwiggan's Steak & Seafood Restaurant
McSwiggan’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Address: 3 Eyre Street, Woodquay, Galway City.
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A Galway institution for over 30 years, McSwiggans is a multi-level dining destination that combines steak and seafood in one culinary delight. Renowned for their juicy prime Irish fillets and succulent sirloins, McSwiggans places quality and consistency at the forefront. It’s an absolute must-visit for steak lovers. Here, the steaks are cooked at 350 degrees in a charcoal Josper oven. Their dry-aged beef, sourced from local farmers, is grilled to your liking and served with hearty sides like creamy mashed potatoes. If you’re out on date night, we recommend opting to share by ordering the 16oz fillet of chateaubriand or the 22oz rib steak Cote de Boeuf.
above: Porterhouse
Porterhouse
Address: Howley Court, Dublin Rd, Oran More, Oranmore.
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A traditional Irish gastropub with a modern edge, Porterhouse is beloved for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and standout food. Their 10oz sirloin and 10oz rib eye steak are grilled to perfection and served with onion rings, sauté mushrooms & onions, with fries and brandy & peppercorn sauce. Sourcing local produce is central to their ethos, and the results speak for themselves. Ideal for a laid-back but elevated meal, this is steak in Galway done right, with plenty of heart and hospitality. Don’t miss their ‘posh’ steak sandwich with a full 8oz prime Irish carved rib eye steak cooked to your liking on a toasted ciabatta and tons of delicious fillings.
Rouge
Address: 38 Dominick Street Lower, Galway City.
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For a European twist, head to Rouge, a charming French bistro in Galway’s Westend. Their famous set menu “Montmartre” specialises in classical French cuisine, and their steaks are a star. Served with either peppercorn sauce, blue cheese sauce or garlic butter, the fillet and sirloin 8oz steaks at Rouge are both simple yet divine. Mains are served with a side of your choice; homemade French fries, gratin dauphinois, mixed vegetables or organic mixed leaves. The candlelit setting, live music, and curated French wine list make this spot ideal for date nights and long, leisurely dinners with friends.
above: The Gaslight Brasserie | photo courtesy The Hardiman
The Gaslight Brasserie
Address: The Hardiman, Eyre Square, Galway City.
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Gaslight Brasserie at The Hardiman offers an irresistible Friday Steak Night Special, perfect for two. This indulgent experience features two 12oz pan-seared sirloin steaks, served with tempura onion rings, celeriac purée, chunky chips, and your choice of peppercorn sauce or garlic butter. A beautifully presented sharing dessert platter follows, this is an elegant selection of house-made treats designed for two. The evening is rounded out with a bottle of house red or white wine, making it an ideal date night or end-of-week celebration. On their regular menu is the slow-cooked feather blade steak, served with pomme fondant, celeriac and vanilla, pickled mushroom, and a rich Bourguignonne sauce. It’s utterly delicious.
Feature photo from Blackthorn Restaurant.
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