While Galway is world-famous for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere, the city’s thriving food scene is just as much of a draw. From traditional Irish dishes to exciting international flavours, Galway has become a true culinary hotspot on the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover more here...
Whether you’re searching for award-winning restaurants, local seafood gems, or hidden foodie favourites, there are some unforgettable dining experiences you simply can’t miss. Once you’ve worked your way through these must-visit spots, you can proudly call yourself part of the Galway foodie community.
Did we miss your favourite Galway restaurant? Share your recommendations with us!
above: The Dough Bros
1. Pizza for the People at The Dough Bros
Visit it at Unit 1, Cathedral Buildings on Middle Street.
Having grown from a humble food stall to one of the city’s most popular pizzerias, no trip to Galway is complete without stopping by The Dough Bros for some award-winning pizza. While we would happily tuck into anything from their menu, it’s the Curry Cheese that has become our go-to. Topped with fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, roasted Mayan Gold potatoes from Ballymakenny (Louth), red onion, curry aioli, coriander, Coolatin Cheddar, and crunchy lil' Bombay poppers, it’s a slice of Irish food culture on a plate.
2. Fresh Donuts from Boychik Donuts
Visit it at the Galway Market by St Nicholas Collegiate Church on the weekends.
Boychik Donuts is practically a staple food while navigating through Galway’s weekend market. Serving light, airy donuts that are golden-fried and dusted in cocoa, cinnamon or plain sugar, New Yorker Daniel Rosen is now a permanent fixture at the market, offering a special little treat amidst all the delicious food stalls. Fresh, hot, melt-in-the-mouth textured rings of sweet perfection, these oh-so-delicious donuts are always in high demand. They're cooked right in front of you and he keeps just a small stack ready to go, so it's always amazingly fresh.
above: Xi'an Street Food
3. Ireland’s Most Popular Spice Bag at Xi’an Street Food
Visit it at 7 Quay Street.
You can’t consider yourself a connoisseur of spice bags until you’ve tried the legendary Xi’An spice bag. We’ve got huge love for this restaurant and the way it showcases traditional Chinese food culture right here in Galway. Their hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles are also a must, but it’s the spice bag that keeps people coming back time and time again, salty, spicy, and addictive in the best way.
4. Wild Atlantic Seafood Chowder from The King’s Head
Visit it at 15 High Street.
While The King’s Head is famous for live music and its lively pub atmosphere, the real star of the menu is their creamy seafood chowder. Served with homemade brown bread and best enjoyed beside the fire with a pint in hand, it’s the ultimate Galway comfort food. With fresh Atlantic catch in every spoonful, it’s hearty, wholesome, and the perfect way to warm up after a day exploring the city. Alternatively, if chowder is your dish of choice you absolutely need to check out the brilliant Brasserie On The Corner as it’s one of our favourite spots for a bowl of chowder and a pint, or the likes of Peggy's Bar, Lounge & Restaurant who just can’t stop winning awards for their amazing food.
above: Screenes on the Square
5. A Hearty Sunday Roast at Screenes on the Square
Visit it at 9 - 11 Prospect Hill, Eyre Square.
When Sunday rolls around, nothing hits the spot quite like a traditional Sunday roast at Screenes on the Square. Think tender cuts of beef, golden roasties, buttery veg, and lashings of rich gravy. It’s homely, generous, and absolutely soul-satisfying, exactly the kind of meal that makes Galway’s food scene so special.
6. Flaggy Shore Oysters from Linnane’s Oyster Bar
Visit it at New Quay, The Burren.
For a true taste of Galway’s seafood scene, Linnane’s Oyster Bar is unmissable. This family-run gem has been shucking oysters for generations, serving the freshest catch straight from Galway Bay. Whether you prefer them natural with a squeeze of lemon or dressed with a tangy mignonette, each oyster is briny, silky, and utterly satisfying. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a light, indulgent bite while soaking in sunshine and scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way.
above: McSwiggan's
7. A Perfect Steak at McSwiggan’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Visit it at 3 Eyre Street, Woodquay.
For steak lovers, McSwiggans is a must. 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.
8. Fish and Chips at McDonagh’s
Visit it at 22 Quay Street.
No Galway foodie list would be complete without the city’s most famous fish and chips spot. McDonagh’s has been serving crispy battered fish and perfectly cooked chips for generations, earning legendary status among locals and tourists alike. Grab a portion to-go and enjoy them by the Spanish Arch, it’s a true Galway experience.
above: Taaffes Bar
9. An Irish Fry-Up at Taaffes Bar
Visit it at 19 Shop Street
This popular trad music bar is also a local favourite when it comes to a full Irish breakfast. Think crispy rashers, sausages, black pudding, eggs, and buttery toast, all washed down with a mug of tea (or a sneaky pint of Guinness if you’re feeling bold). It’s the ultimate start to a day in Galway and guaranteed to keep you going until the next meal.
10. Brown Bread Ice Cream from Murphy’s Ice Cream
Visit it at 12 High Street, Galway City.
For something a little different, finish your Galway food tour with a scoop of brown bread ice cream from Murphy’s Ice Cream. With the brown bread supplied by McCambridge’s on Shop Street, the bread goes into the oven with muscovado sugar for 8 hours to caramelise, and only then is it ready for our ice cream. Sweet, and creamy, the result is a delicious Irish twist on a classic treat. Handmade in Dingle and loved all across the country, this ice cream is proof that even dessert in Galway can be rooted in tradition.
Main image from The Kings Head.
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