Salthill is home to a number of Galway’s best cafés and restaurants so it is only fitting that we dedicate a list to feature our top recommendations on where to go to eat in Salthill.
Located only a short walk or (even shorter) drive from Galway City Centre, the lovely seaside village of Salthill has loads to offer. Its food scene showcases a diverse mix of restaurants specialising in seafood, Asian street food, Brazilian cuisine, and hearty traditional Irish flavours. Whether you’re looking for breakfast by the sea, a family-friendly brunch, casual lunch, or a romantic dinner with cocktails, Salthill has it all. Here are our top recommendations on where to eat in Salthill…
above: photo courtesy of Blackrock Cottage
Blackrock Cottage
What is it? - A modern Irish restaurant and café with stunning seaside views.
Best for - brunch, romantic dinners, cocktails, coffee.
Since opening in 2022, Blackrock Cottage has become one of Galway’s most talked-about foodie spots. Located right beside the famous Blackrock Diving Tower, it offers spectacular views over Galway Bay in a warm and intimate setting. By day, guests flock for breakfast, brunch and lunch, while in the evenings, the award-winning dinner menu showcases the very best of Galway’s produce. Add in an excellent wine list and cocktails, and you’ve got the full package.
This is Galway tip: Book in for dinner for a bit of al fresco dining and catch the sunset over the Bay, the view from here is unbeatable.
Address: Salthill Promenade (by Blackrock Diving Tower).
Ground & Co
What is it? - A family-friendly café near Salthill’s top attractions.
Best for - families, casual lunches, baked treats, coffee, & outside area is dog-friendly.
Just steps from Galway Atlantaquaria, the playgrounds and Leisureland, Ground & Co is the perfect pitstop on a seaside day out. The menu is wholesome and varied, with breakfast options, sandwiches, salads, and plenty of veggie/vegan choices. Their famous Leroy’s sausage rolls are a local favourite, and the cakes and pastries are baked fresh every morning in-house, and are perfect for enjoying alongside your morning cuppa.
This is Galway tip: Pair your morning walk on the Prom with a coffee and pastry here, it’s our Salthill ritual.
Address: Atlantaquaria, Toft Park, Salthill.
above: photo courtesy of Osaka
Osaka
What is it? - A Japanese and Asian street food restaurant.
Best for - sushi lovers, lunch, casual dinners, groups, takeaway.
Osaka is one of Galway’s top spots for Japanese and Asian food, serving sushi, bento boxes, stir fries, dumplings, noodles and curries in a stylish and cosy setting. Their terrace catches the evening sun, making it a great place to unwind with a cold Tiger beer. Vegan, veggie and gluten-free options are well represented, so there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. They also have a new sister business on Prospect Hill in the city centre so if you don’t make it out to Salthill be sure to check that location out.
This is Galway tip: Time your visit for the evening to enjoy sushi and sunset views on their terrace.
Address: 157-159 Upper Salthill.
LANA Asian Street Food
What is it? - An Asian street food restaurant.
Best for - takeaway, lunch, groups.
The team at LANA bring the vibrant colours, flavours and aromas of Asian street food straight to Salthill. With influences from Thailand, Indonesia, China and beyond, the menu is bursting with variety, from fiery chilli chicken to creamy curries and fragrant noodle bowls. Whatever your heat preference, you’ll find something to love here. The popularity of LANA is undeniable with multiple locations across the country, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
This is Galway tip: Order a mix of small dishes to share with friends, it’s the best way to sample the menu.
Address: 224 Upper Salthill.
above: Black Cat | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Black Cat
What is it? - A cosy tapas and wine bar.
Best for - date nights, couples, intimate evenings.
With its ambient jazz music, fine wines and exquisite tapas made from locally sourced ingredients, Black Cat is one of Salthill’s most romantic spots. The warm atmosphere and exceptional hospitality make it the perfect place for a memorable evening with your special someone. Honestly, if you’re enjoying a romantic break in Salthill with your significant other, Black Cat should absolutely be on your list of places to visit.
This is Galway tip: Bring a friend or date and book ahead for weekends, this spot fills up fast!
Address: 179 Upper Salthill.
The Creamery
What is it? - A casual bistro, café and ice cream parlour.
Best for - families, breakfast, casual lunches, pizza, ice cream.
Situated right on the Prom, The Creamery has long been a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Their menu ranges from casual bites to hearty dinners, and now includes pizzas in the evening. Of course, their ice cream is famous across Galway, with a vegan alternative available too. A perfect choice for families or anyone wanting to relax by the sea.
This is Galway tip: End your beach day on the Prom with an ice cream from The Creamery, it’s a Salthill tradition.
Address: The Promenade, Salthill.
above: photo courtesy of Gourmet Food Parlour
Gourmet Food Parlour
What is it? - A contemporary café and restaurant with something for everyone.
Best for - families, groups, cocktails, coffee, takeaway, dinner, breakfast, weekend brunch.
Open daily, Gourmet Food Parlour Salthill offers menus to suit every time of day and appetite: breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, kids and desserts. Their drinks list is equally impressive, with cocktails, mocktails, wines and bubbles perfect for any occasion. With stylish interiors and a warm welcome, Gourmet Food Parlour is always an excellent choice for group outings.
This is Galway tip: Brunch here at the weekend is a must, especially if you want to elevate things with some refreshing spritz cocktails!
Address: 14 Lenaboy Gardens, Salthill.
Gourmet Tart Co
What is it? - A beloved bakery/café that opens early in the morning.
Best for - early risers, families, dog-friendly, takeaway.
Much loved by locals, Gourmet Tart Co is open daily from 7am, making it the perfect place for coffee and a pastry after a morning walk. With takeaway sambos, salads and baked goods, it’s handy for food on the go, but also has sit-in seating if you want to linger. As it’s both dog-friendly and family-friendly, Gourmet Tart Co continues to be one of the most popular cafés to visit after a walk on the Prom.
This is Galway tip: Don’t leave Salthill without grabbing something from their bakery counter to take home.
Address: Jameson Court, Upper Salthill.
above: O'Reilly's Bar & Kitchen | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarriage
O’Reilly’s Bar & Kitchen
What is it? - A lively bar and kitchen with a stunning rooftop garden.
Best for - nights out, rooftop drinks, parties, catering, groups, BBQs.
O’Reilly’s Bar & Kitchen raises the bar on pub food, offering freshly cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner alongside top-notch cocktails and coffees. As the only place in Salthill that’s open from 10am until late 7 days a week, they should be on your radar. Their cosy sidebar is perfect for a pint by the fire, while the rooftop terrace provides panoramic views over Galway Bay, no matter the weather.
This is Galway tip: Head up to the rooftop for drinks in the sunshine, the sea view is incredible.
Address: 232 Upper Salthill.
Blackrock Bar
What is it? - A stunning bar and restaurant in the Salthill Hotel.
Best for - brunch, cocktails, al fresco dining, lunch, dinners.
Named after the famous diving tower, Blackrock Bar offers elegant dining with sweeping views over Galway Bay and the Clare Hills beyond.Open all week long, whether you are after brunch, lunch, dinner or even just an evening cocktail, Blackrock Bar provides an unforgettable experience every time and their team always goes above and beyond to cater to your requirements.
This is Galway tip: When the weather is good we highly recommend dining outdoors on their terrace so that you can admire the ocean view as you dine.
Address: Salthill Hotel, The Promenade, Salthill.
above: photo courtesy of Pier 56
Pier 56
What is it? - A casual dining café and restaurant inside Galway Bay Hotel.
Best for - breakfast, lunch, sweet treats, coffee.
Pier 56 brings a relaxed but stylish dining option to Galway Bay Hotel. Here, you can start the day with fresh scones and a cup of speciality coffee, or swing by later for classic dishes with a creative twist. Their chefs work closely with local food producers to ensure a fresh and varied menu that caters to everyone.
This is Galway tip: A visit to Pier 56 is ideal for a leisurely brunch after a morning swim at Blackrock.
Address: Galway Bay Hotel, The Promenade, Salthill.
Chef Laura Rosso
What is it? - An authentic Brazilian restaurant.
Best for - families, casual lunches, al fresco dining, vegans/vegetarians.
The only Brazilian restaurant in Galway, Chef Laura Rosso offers an authentic taste of Brazil with colourful, flavour-packed dishes. Their Brazilian lunch is especially popular, and the outdoor decking is a dream on sunny afternoons. At Chef Laura Rosso they offer fabulous plant based vegetarian options that are well worth the trip to Salthill alone.
This is Galway tip: Try their traditional Brazilian feijoada, it’s a flavour-filled dish you won’t forget anytime soon.
Address: GCI Building, Grattan Road, Salthill.
Feature photo courtesy of Blackrock Cottage.
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