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.
above: photo of 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 Carroll’s on Dominick Street
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
8. Flaggy Shore Oysters at Barnacles
Barnacles, 163 Upper Salthill
From the duo that brought you Linnane’s Lobster Bar and Flaggy Shore Oysters, now brings Barnacles Bar & Kitchen to Salthill. Influenced by their proximity to the sea and local seasonal produce, find all of your favourites right here on their menu. We simply love the locally sourced flaggy shore oysters so be sure to give them a taste.
9. A sambo from Meltd
Meltd, 3 Middle Street
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!
10. A secret too good to keep - Hush? Burger at Hole in the Wall
Hush? Burger, beer garden at Hole in the Wall
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!
above: photo courtesy of Hush? Burger
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. 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
14. 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.
15. 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!
16. Everything is 100% gluten free at Crazy Corn
Crazy Corn, Cross Street Lower
A spot that quickly earned its place in the heart of Galway foodies. Crazy Corn offers the finest Latin American street food around! The menu is all corn based and full of fantastic options such as arepas, flautas, tamales and papusas. However, here of course we have to recommend it's namesake - the corn with loads of crazy (and delicious) topping!
above: photo of Crazy Corn, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
17. 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.
18. 5x5 Challenge at Scotty’s
Scotty’s Famous Burgers and Wings, Cúirt Na Coiribe
For the brave few among us, Scotty’s 5X5 Challenge will really test your eating skills. Five half-pound burgers, five slices of cheese and five bacon strips on a single bap with onions, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, mayo and a pound of chips all must be devoured within 30 minutes - sounds easy, right?
19. Ramen Broth at Pier 56
Pier 56, Galway Bay Hotel
The soul food masters at Pier 56 and their Head Chef Robbie Webster recognises the importance of quality and uniqueness and has created an exciting menu displaying popular dishes with an innovative twist. The warming ramen broth is perfect for the chilly Galway weather and against the backdrop of Galway Bay creates a unique dining experience.
above: photo courtesy of Pier 56
20. 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.
21. Supper Nights at Rúibín
Rúibín, 1 Dock Road
At Rúibín the food is always exquisite and the atmosphere is second to none. For this list however, we are recommending popping in to enjoy a hearty supper. On Tuesday evenings in February and March they whip up a supper menu that is available for one night only. The food is always divine and places always fills in a matter of hours so if you’re planning a visit be sure to get in early.
22. 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
23. Authentic French Chocolates at Truffle
Truffle, 15 Abbeygate Street Upper
Everyone has a bit of a chocoholic in them so this next spot simply had to make it to our foodie list. The authentic French Chocolaterie, Truffle, offers everything from their signature truffles perfect for nibbling to hazelnut hot chocolates for those colder days. They've even got a chocolate waterfall instore!
24. 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!
25. Vegan & Vegetarian specials at Greens & Co
Greens & Co, 4 Henry Street
If it’s plant based goodness you are after, it has to be Greens & Co. Their daily specials will keep you coming back time and again regardless of whether you would consider yourself a vegan or not. Offering both sweet and savoury items on their menu, you’ll find something you’ll fall in love with at this plant based eatery.
above: photo of Greens & Co
26. 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.
27. 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!
28. 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
29. Burrito at Vocho
Vocho, 19 Forster Street
Home to Galway’s best burrito, Vocho brings guests the best quality Mexican food possible. Before you know it you’ll be tucking into freshly made quesadillas, nachos, bowls and burritos along with the rest. Whether you’re into spicy salsa or a milder meal, you won’t be disappointed.
30. Fish & Chips at Hooked
Hooked, Henry Street
From the minute you turn onto Henry Street, the aromas wafting from Hooked will have you drooling. We suggest you dine in and embrace the maritime theme covering everything from the wall art to the shell-shaped bathroom sink as you stuff your face with the freshest fishy fare.
Well, we’re definitely drooling now. How many can you tick off?
Feature photo courtesy of Chef Laura Rosso
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