While Galway is known far and wide for its cultural appeal, our ever-evolving food scene certainly draws a crowd. A melting pot of international flavours and influences, there are certain dining experiences that just cannot be missed.
Once you’ve ticked all of these off your bucket list, you’ve definitely earned your stripes as part of the Galway foodie community…
*Let us know if we have forgotten anywhere!
1.Take it all in with Galway Food Tours
Galway Food Tours, Galway city
Experience Galway’s flourishing food scene like a true Galwegian as you’re led off the beaten track by experienced guide and absolute foodie, Sheena Dignam. Whether it’s morning, afternoon or evening, you’ll be sampling some seriously delicious local fare all along the way.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Food Tours
2. Açaí Bowls from WYLDE
WYLDE, Forster Street
The coolest food craze to hit breakfast menus, the açaí bowl has become a staple of Galway health and aesthetics. With 6 varieties of açaí bowls to choose from, and the option to build your own bowl, savour this vibrant berry superfood at WYLDE.
3. Brazilian Lunch at Chef Laura Rosso
Chef Laura Rosso, Grattan Rd, Salthill
Bringing delicious Brazilian flavours to Galway, Chef Laura Rosso is really where it’s at! Their Brazilian lunch is an affordable, hearty midday meal that will introduce steak to your lunch break. It’s also a great introduction to Brazilian flavours and tastes so go on and try it for yourself.
4. Evenings of Wine & Cheese at The Lane Wine Bar
The Lane, Kirwan’s Lane
If you have a passion for exceptional wines and cheese boards, trips to this intimate wine bar should be a priority. With the focus to introduce guests to new wines from all over the globe, alongside beautiful complementary foods boards. All visitors can travel the world through taste at The Lane.
5. Sample Ireland’s most popular Spice Bag at Xi’an Street Food
Xi’An Street Food, Quay Street
You can’t consider yourself a connoisseur of spice bags until you’ve tried a Xi’An spice bag. We’ve got huge love for this restaurant and the way in which it showcases traditional and authentic Chinese food culture here in Galway. Their Biang Biang noodles are a must as well!
6. Get Saucy at Birdhouse
Birdhouse, beer garden at Taylor's Bar & Beer Garden
Specialists Birdhouse take the simple chicken and sauce it up with everything from slightly spicy, to ‘Hot AF.’ Simply choose between wings, boneless, or even the vegetarian option of corn for your base and sauce it to your liking. There are also dry sauces to choose from that are both tangy and delicious. Options really are endless.
7. Dine inside a piece of history at Blackrock Cottage
Blackrock Cottage, Blackrock House, Salthill
The contemporary modern Irish cuisine at Blackrock Cottage is a thing of beauty. Housed inside a beautifully restored and renovated 1830s cottage, this is where the past meets modern day food at the top of its game. Definitely a must visit while in Galway.
above: photo of Blackrock Cottage, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
9. A sambo from Meltd
Meltd, 3 Middle Street and The Twelve in Barna
Fresh toasted sourdough sandwiches that ooze with cheeses, and yummy fillings. There’s no sambo like a Meltd sambo so get yourself over to their location on Middle St, and get stuck in. The monthly specials are too good to miss out on so pop on over and try the newest one asap!
9. A secret too good to keep - Hush? Burger
Hush? Burger, at Vocho
Smash-burgers are their speciality and while we’d love to keep them for ourselves, this is one secret we just can’t keep. Hush? Burger now operates out of Hole in the Wall and these fresh smashed burgers on potato buns are absolutely divine! Go on, try them for yourself!
10. Wander around Galway’s Market Stalls
The Galway Market, Church Lane
Amidst the crafts and fresh produce of the Galway Market, the aroma of mouth-watering food is impossible to resist. From curry and crepes to sushi and fresh produce, this should be on the top of everyone’s list. Boychik Donuts deserves honourable mention here for being just that unreal!
11. A Slice of Cake in a Cosy Corner at Kai
Kai Restaurant, Sea Road
While evening meals at Kai always exceed our expectations, there’s something special about a lunchtime spent sipping a coffee and nibbling a piece of cake in the calming atmosphere of this Galway's Westend eatery.
12. Bubble Waffles at Nana’s Tea
Nana’s Tea, 23 High Street
Bubbles are on the menu at Nana’s Tea. From bubble teas to bubble waffles, you’re sure to leave this fun shop with a bounce in your step! These bubble waffles are a scrumptious alternative to regular waffles complete with loads and loads of sweet toppings.
above: photo courtesy of Nana's Tea
13. A Michelin Meal at Aniar
Aniar, 53 Lower Dominick Street
Beloved by both locals and tourists alike, an evening spent savouring every morsel of Aniar’s tasting menu is something every food lover should experience. Putting a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable produce, Aniar is a hugely important part of Galway’s food community.
14. Proper Irish Chips at Prátaí
Prátaí, Shop Street + beer garden at O’Connell's Bar
When those cravings for crispy Irish chips kick in, there’s only one spot in Galway for you – Prátaí. This standout Galway food truck serves up proper chip cones with delicious locally made sauces and toppings. It’s potato bliss!
15. A Galway Classic - The Dough Bros
The Dough Bro’s Wood Fired Pizza, Middle Street
Having grown from a humble food stall to one of the city’s most popular restaurants, no trip to Galway is complete without stopping by Dough Bros for some award-winning pizza. While we would happily stuff our faces with anything from their menu, it’s the Irish Margherita that has become our go-to.
16. Wild Atlantic Seafood Chowder at Kings Head
The King’s Head, 15 High Street
While The King’s Head is famous for live music sessions and perfect location for a chilly evening. It is always made better by a creamy seafood chowder by the fireside. With some homemade brown bread to dunk and a pint on the side, it’s just like heaven.
17. An Irish fry up at Taaffes Bar
Taaffes Bar, 19 Shop Street
This popular Irish trad music bar is also a local favourite when it comes to enjoying a traditional Irish breakfast. It’s all the good shtuff in one meal and who knows you might even be able to sneak in a quick pint of their famously good Guinness before you have to go..
above: photo courtesy of Taaffes
18. Leroy’s Sausage Rolls at Ground & Co.
Ground & Co, Various locations
If there is one thing that the This is Galway team takes seriously it is sausage rolls. So, you better be ready to listen as we tell you that Leroy from Ground & Co. makes some of the best in Galway. Plenty of filling and just the right amount of pastry, treat yourself to some of them asap!
19. Share some Tapas at Cava Bodega
Cava Bodega, Middle St
Showcasing Spanish tapas in all their glory, Cava Bodega offers the spirit of Spain without having to leave the West. While the food is well and truly out of this world, sharing the tapas experience with your friends is what makes a meal here unforgettable.
20. Famously good Wings at Seven
Seven Bar, Bridge Street
Home to the famous Seven Chicken Wings, we're here to tell you that they really are that good. Truly a beloved menu item in Galway, these wings are absolutely divine. We’re also here to remind you that it’s okay to get a little messy - enjoy your wings!
21. Tastes of Asia at Osaka
Osaka, 157-159 Upper Salthill
A dining experience that combines both Japanese and Korean cuisine, Osaka is well-worth a visit. Serving Hot Pot, Donburis, Currys, Sushis, Noodles and Wok Stars, there is something to suit everyone, with a variety of gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options available too. It is the perfect place to receive an introduction to new dishes and flavours.
above: photo courtesy of Osaka
Well, we’re definitely drooling now. How many can you tick off?
Feature photo courtesy of Chef Laura Rosso
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