Looking for a wholesome lunch, a post-gym refuel, a fresh breakfast or simply fancy giving your body something other than a spice bag for dinner for the fifth time this week? Galway has plenty of places to keep you well-fed. Here are some of our favourite spots for healthy-ish, delicious food around the city.
For years, the words “healthy food” seemed to conjure up images of sad salads, dry chicken breasts and a handful of almonds eaten reluctantly at your work desk. Thankfully, Galway has moved well beyond that. These days, eating well means colourful bowls packed with seriously good flavours, fresh local ingredients, punchy dressings, homemade treats and food that makes you genuinely excited to sit down and eat it. We’re talking quality health food with unreal taste, and these Galway restaurants offer just that!
Sprout
Visit it at 31 Eyre Square
More information here
If you know, you know. Sprout has become a bit of a go-to for anyone looking for food that feels good without compromising on flavour. Think colourful, nourishing bowls, fresh ingredients and combinations that are anything but boring. Sprout somehow manages that very particular balance of making healthy food feel indulgent. Here you can walk away feeling like you've made a very responsible life choice, while still being wowed by what you just ate.
above: Sprout
Greens & Co
Visit it at 4 Henry Street
More information here
Greens & Co is another Galway favourite for getting your fill of fresh, wholesome food without sacrificing the good stuff. Their menu is full of the sort of feel-good options that make you want to eat more greens, and importantly, not because someone told you that you should. From nourishing breakfasts to satisfying lunches and plenty of fresh options, it’s a solid shout when you're after something delicious that won't leave you feeling like you've just eaten your body weight in fast food. And honestly, food that looks this good is always going to taste better.
above: Greens & Co
WYLDE Café
Visit it on the corner of Forster Street
More information here
If colourful, fresh and sustainable foods is your idea of a good meal, WYLDE should be firmly on your Galway radar. Located on Forster Street, this café and deli has plenty of options for a healthy breakfast, lunch or grab-and-go bite. Their superfood açai bowls are a particularly good shout when you're after something fresh and fruity, while the deli serves up vibrant salads, sandwiches and vegan options. WYLDE also puts plenty of emphasis on local produce and sustainability, proving that eating well can be good for you and the planet.
above: Wylde
Dela
Visit it at 51 Dominick Street Lower
More information here
Dela is one of those Galway spots where eating well doesn't feel like an effort. It's a brilliant option for a leisurely breakfast, brunch or dinner packed with fresh, comforting ingredients. Simple, honest food cooked perfectly every time - that’s what they do and the queue out the doors is testament to the fact that they do it well. As they grow the majority of their veg themselves, Dela operates a farm to table ethos that’s hard to top. As a result their menu changes with the seasons, with plenty of vegetarian-friendly choices and wholesome dishes that feel properly indulgent. Basically, Dela is proof that you can order something nourishing and still feel like you've treated yourself.
above: Dela
Delight
Visit it on Renmore Avenue
More information here
If you're looking for something fresh on the east side of the city, Delight Café in Renmore is well worth a visit. Located right next to the Kingfisher Swimming Pool & Gym, you can finish your workout and then pop in for some restorative goodness. This neighbourhood café is particularly handy when you're craving a freshly made juice, salad or something light but satisfying. It's ideal for when you want to get a bit more fruit and veg into your day without having to sacrifice flavour. Their fresh juice offering is a particular highlight, with plenty of fruity and veggie combinations to give you that much-needed boost.
above: Delight
Aniar
Visit it at 53 Dominick Street Lower
More information here
Okay, this one is for when you really want to go all out. Aniar might not be what immediately springs to mind when you think of ‘healthy eating,’ but if we're talking about incredible quality Irish ingredients, mindful cooking and natural flavours that shine, it absolutely deserves a place on this list. This Michelin-starred restaurant focuses heavily on the landscape and produce of the west of Ireland, with its tasting menu featuring ingredients from land and sea alongside traditional techniques such as curing, pickling, fermentation and salting. Expect seaweeds, wild herbs, shellfish, mushrooms and other ingredients that showcase just how diverse Irish produce can be. It's definitely more of a special-occasion choice than a quick post-gym lunch, but if you're looking for an unforgettable way to experience the very best of Irish ingredients, Aniar is about as good as it gets.
above: Aniar
Main image courtesy of Sprout
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