If there’s one thing Galway excels at, it’s catering to plant-based food lovers. From cosy cafés to vibrant restaurants, our lovely county is home to some of the best vegan and vegetarian eateries in Ireland. Whether you're a long-time vegan, a curious foodie, or just in the mood for a meat-free meal, these top vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafés in Galway are a must-visit.
above: The Claddagh Hot Pot from Jemi Lighthouse.
Jemi Lighthouse
What is it? - A Vegan/Vegetarian Café.
This is Galway’s order - The Claddagh Hot Pot. Served with a fresh organic salad and brown bread, this dish is comfort food done right. Rich, flavourful and homely, this hot pot is the ultimate cure-all.
Jemi Lighthouse is a warm and welcoming café known for its wholesome vegan and vegetarian dishes. Family-run since 2017, this cosy spot has been serving up homemade, healthy lunches and baked treats with a focus on quality, local ingredients. Open six days a week for breakfast and lunch, their menu includes sandwiches, salad bowls, vegan fry-ups, pancakes, and more. Don’t forget to try their signature homemade chai masala, it’s a fan favourite. Whether you’re a dedicated plant-based eater or simply in search of a nourishing meal, Jemi Lighthouse is a must-visit café in Galway city.
Visit it at 8 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway City.
Discover more about Jemi Lighthouse here.
Greens & Co
What is it? - A Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant.
This is Galway’s order - the Pancakes. It’s your choice between their caramel pancakes or berry pancakes, either way you won’t regret ordering them!
Serving simple wholesome food to the highest possible standard with an emphasis on local producers and suppliers. They’ve just reopened their doors after taking a short break and are back serving up the same great quality foods you’ve come to love from them. With daily specials and a range of baked treats, there's nothing like dining at Greens & Co. This spot is also pet friendly so you can enjoy all of this deliciousness with your best friend.
Visit it at 4 Henry Street, Galway City
Discover more about Greens & Co here.
Bierhaus
What is it? - A Craft Beer Bar with a full Vegetarian Kitchen.
This is Galway’s order - The Veggie Smash Burger. This might be one of our favourite burgers of all time. Don’t know what else to say really, you just seriously need to try it!
The food menu at Bierhaus is a delicious explosion of flavours and we simply can't get enough! The menu here is completely vegetarian, with gluten-free and vegan options. While their spicebag quesadilla is a dish close to our heart (especially when paired with a glass of Grüner), menu staples such as the to-die-for smash burger and the now locally famous grilled cheese are devoured on a daily basis. This is comfort pub food done right. Pair your meal with one of Bierhaus's extensive craft beer selections for the perfect night out. If you're looking for a relaxed evening spot with great food, chilled vibes, and top-notch drinks, Bierhaus should be high on your list.
Visit it at 2 Henry Street, Galway City.
Discover more about Bierhaus here.
Check out our conversation with Bierhaus’ Head Chef Alex Bourke here.
above: The Satay Rice Noodle Salad from Sweet Nothings.
Sweet Nothings
What is it? - A Vegan/Vegetarian Café.
This is Galway’s order - The Satay Rice Noodle Salad. It’s a new addition to the menu and packs a little spice to it, lots of freshness and a bit of texture with the peanuts and veg. Simply delish.
In the charming Ballyconneely village (just outside of Clifden town), Sweet Nothings offers a delightful retreat for all discerning travellers. Situated in a lovely thatched building, this vegetarian and vegan café seamlessly blends rustic authenticity with contemporary culinary flair. The café's menu is a testament to plant-based innovation, featuring dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can indulge in vibrant salads, hearty sandwiches, and an array of homemade baked goods, all complemented by expertly brewed coffee and refreshing smoothies.
Visit it in Ballyconneely, Connemara.
Discover more about Sweet Nothings here.
The Bean Tree
What is it? - A Vegan/Vegetarian Café & Food Truck.
This is Galway’s order - The Pea & Potato Curry. It’s their most popular dish, and has been on the menu here since 1995. Creamy, filling and ridiculously delicious, this curry is incredible.
For three decades, The Bean Tree has been a cornerstone of Galway's vegetarian and vegan culinary scene. This family-owned enterprise specialises in plant-based, gluten-free meals that are both nourishing and flavourful. Operating from their kitchen in the Westside Enterprise Centre and a vibrant stall at the weekend St. Nicholas Market, they offer a diverse menu that caters to all dietary requirements. Everything on the menu at The Bean Tree has been homemade using fresh local ingredients, ensuring that all dishes taste amazing and are made to the highest quality.
Visit it at Unit 6 Westside Enterprise Centre, Westside.
Discover more about The Bean Tree here.
above: An Açaí Bowl from Tribe Coffee.
Tribe Coffee
What is it? - A Vegan Coffee Shop.
This is Galway’s order - The Açaí Bowl. With an açai berry sorbet and granola base and your choice of toppings, the açaí bowl is a hard treat to beat on a sunny day in Galway.
Tribe Coffee Shop in Galway City is a haven for those seeking a mindful coffee experience in Galway. This petite, plant-based café has quickly become a local favourite thanks to their menu of specialty coffee and wholesome eats. Guests can savour speciality coffees alongside vibrant açaí bowls, vegan bakes, and refreshing smoothies. While the space is small, it’s incredibly inviting, and its outdoor seating offers a perfect spot to enjoy Galway's ambiance. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment out of your day or simply calling in for takeaway Tribe Coffee is a fantastic coffee and treat option for vegans in Galway city.
Visit it at 11 St Francis Street, Galway City.
Discover more about Tribe Coffee here.
Ré Nao
What is it? - An Authentic Chinese Restaurant with Dedicated Vegan Kitchen.
This is Galway’s order - Ré Nao’s Speciality Noodles. Homemade and cooked in-house, these noodle dishes are phenomenal. Customise your order to suit your tastes and pick between noodle type, protein, sauce and finish. This is good food cooked exactly to your liking.
Ré Nao isn’t vegan! I hear you say. Well, yes technically that is true however they have gone to incredible lengths to ensure that there’s cross contamination by giving their vegan dishes their own dedicated vegan kitchen area. Their vegan menu includes spinach dumpling made in-house from spinach dough, crispy tofu jiamo in a white bao bun and bao cui jianbing which is a traditional Chinese style crepe packed with loads of veggie goodness. Doesn't that all sound divine? This is only scratching the surface of the vegan dishes they have to offer so why not call in and check out the full menu for yourself.
Visit it at the Spanish Arch.
Discover more about Ré Nao here.
above: The Vegan Sausage Roll from Little Collins CBD Dispensary.
Little Collins CBD Dispensary
What is it? - A Vegan/Vegetarian Café & CBD Dispensary.
This is Galway’s order - The Vegan Sausage Roll. One of the newest additions to the menu, this is a delicious vegan sausage roll, served with red pepper relish. This is the perfect morning, afternoon or evening snack to have alongside your CBD tea coffee.
More than just a CBD dispensary, Little Collins offers a relaxed café setting with a fully vegan menu. The Canteen sit-down area is the perfect place to relax and enjoy their full range of vegan products and lunch deli options. In addition to their delicious freshly brewed 'Melbourne' coffee, house made teas and delicious smoothies, you can enjoy a granola bowl or jaffle toasted sandwich, and these are a mighty way to start your day! They also have a range of baked treats that are ideal for takeaways too.
Visit it at 25 Abbeygate Street Upper, Galway City.
Discover more about Little Collins CBD Dispensary here.
Main image from Jemi Lighthouse.
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