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 drive from Galway City Centre, the lovely seaside town 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 are looking for somewhere to go in Salthill for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner we have it all accounted for right here…
Discover Where to Eat in Salthill:
Blackrock Cottage
Location: Salthill Promenade // check them out
Since it opened its doors at the end of 2022, Blackrock Cottage has been winning rave reviews from guests and food critics alike. Situated beside the iconic Blackrock Diving Tower, the space blends breath-taking views of Galway Bay with a cosy and intimate setting. The breakfast, brunch and lunch offering is very popular with diners, but Blackrock Cottage’s award-winning head chef, Martin O’Donnell, has also created a beautiful evening dinner menu that showcases the very best of what Galway has to offer. Here, there is also an extensive wine list to choose from along with a great tasting range of cocktails.
above: photo from Blackrock Cottage by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Ground & Co
Location: Atlantaquaria Toft Park // check them out
Perfectly located near all of Salthill’s top family attractions, this café is incredibly kid-friendly and perfect for all family holidays and trips to the seaside. Ground & Co exudes a cosy and wholesome ambiance and its staff go above and beyond in all they do. Menus here feature a delightful mix of breakfast and deli options, sandwiches, salads, pastries and of course the ever popular Leroy’s sausage rolls. Additionally, they offer a fabulous selection of dishes for vegans and vegetarians. All their baked goods are made fresh in-house every morning and are the perfect side for your morning cuppa.
above: photo from Ground & Co by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Pier 56
Location: Galway Bay Hotel // check them out
Pier 56 is the latest addition to Galway Bay Hotel fantastic dining options. This casual dining café and restaurant offers incredible all-day treats. For the morning prom-walkers they have freshly baked scones, pastries and sweet treats served with the perfect speciality coffee made to your liking. Later in the day, their menus display popular dishes with an innovative twist. Working with local food producers, the Executive Head Chef has filled these menus with the perfect mix of choices ensuring there is something for everyone.
above: photo courtesy of Pier 56
Osaka
Location: 157-159 Upper Salthill // check them out
If you like Japanese and Asian cuisine you are going to love Osaka! One of the best Asian restaurants in all of Galway, they’ve got a menu that is packed with delicious sushi, bento boxes, stir fries, curries and lots more, additionally their Tiger beer especially hits the spot after a long day. This restaurant has a terrace that gets the sun at the end of the day making it the perfect spot from which to wrap up your day in Salthill. With ample gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options to choose from, Osaka is a must-try in Galway.
above: photo courtesy of Osaka
Magnetti’s
Location: Unit 1, Upper Salthill Rd // check them out
There's no better place to savour the flavours of delicious authentic Italian dishes while enjoying views of Galway Bay than at Magnetti's. This Italian pizzeria and café have built up an incredible reputation for their homemade Italian desserts and use of authentic Italian ingredients in all their dishes. Whether you call in to sample their perfectly brewed coffee and freshly baked Italian delicacies or looking to enjoy a satisfying afternoon meal of pizzas or bruschettas with a beautiful blend of toppings, you are guaranteed deliciousness.
above: photo courtesy of Magnetti's
LANA Asian Street Food
Location: 224 Upper Salthill // check them out
Bringing the tastes, colours and smells of Asian street food to Ireland, the team at LANA Asian Street Food come from Thailand, Indonesia, China and Malaya and the culinary nuances from these different areas are reflected throughout the dishes on the menu. From spicy dishes such as Sweet Chilli Chicken to creamy, slow-cooked curries and noodles packed with flavour, it’s hard to pick a favourite. With fragrances and flavours that will make your mouth water just from reading the menu, you’ll find a huge range of dishes to suit all tastes at LANA in Salthill.
above: photo courtesy of LANA
The Creamery
Location: The Promenade // check them out
Evenings spent by the seaside are the setting to many a-happy memory in Salthill, and one spot that plays an important role in creating these moments is The Creamery. This is a casual and family-orientated café, bistro and ice cream parlour that has loads to offer guests, whether they are on the go or want to sit-in and unwind. Their food and drink menus accommodate a diverse palate and they’ve just added pizza to their evening menu giving you even more options to love. Their ice cream is the best in the area and they’ve now got a vegan ice cream to offer too.
above: photo from The Creamery, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
BlackCat
Location: 179 Upper Salthill // check them out
If you’re enjoying a romantic break in Salthill with your significant other, BlackCat should absolutely be on your list of places to visit. It really is the ideal intimate date night spot. Ambient jazz music will set the atmosphere for the evening as you and your plus one dine on exquisite tapas, that are all made from locally sourced produce, paired with a glass or two of their delicious wines. BlackCat earned their impeccable reputation for their inviting hospitality and phenomenal dining experiences, so trust us when we tell you that you seriously need to check them out.
above: photo from BlackCat, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Gourmet Food Parlour
Location: 14 Lenaboy Gardens // check them out
Open daily with a fabulous range of menus - breakfast, brunch, dinner, desserts and kids - Gourmet Food Parlour caters to everyone making it a go-to restaurant for pre and post beach day activities. The kids menu takes into consideration all of the demands of young children and on the weekend their brunch menu is ideal for occasions when you want to catch up with friends or family after a long week of work. Gourmet Food Parlour also has a stunning drinks selection of cocktails, mocktails, spritzers, bubbles, wines and more which are a great addition to an evening out in Salthill.
above: photo courtesy of Gourmet Food Parlour
O’Reillys Bar & Kitchen
Location: 232 Upper Salthill // check them out
As the only place in Salthill that’s open from 10am until late 7 days a week, O’Reillys Bar & Kitchen truly has something for everyone. Their restaurant raises the bar on traditional pub grub, offering fresh made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner along with the very best of cocktails and specialty coffees. Additionally, the ‘side-bar’ is the perfect hideaway for a cosy fire-lit catchup with friends over a creamy pint of Guinness. With its rooftop bar that offers spectacular views over Galway Bay, this is the perfect place in Salthill for meeting friends, family or coworkers no matter the weather or time of year.
above: photo from O'Reillys Bar & Kitchen, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Gourmet Tart Co
Location: Jameson Court, Salthill Upper // check them out
Both family-friendly and dog-friendly, Gourmet Tart Co has been one of the most popular cafés to visit after walking the Prom especially as it's open from 7am every morning! Offering both takeaway and an indoor dining area with tables and chairs, this café is a great option regardless of whether you are looking for food on the go or to take the weight off your feet and enjoy a sit in lunch. This café is equipped with a bakery shop, which sells baked goods, take-away sambos and salads.
above: photo courtesy of Gourmet Tart Co
Chef Laura Rosso
Location: GCI Building, Grattan Rd // check them out
The only restaurant in Galway city and Salthill that offers authentic Brazilian cuisine is Chef Laura Rosso and they truly are in a league of their own. The food here is incredible and we highly recommend trying their Brazilian lunch at least once during your time in Salthill. If the sun is shining during your visit, sit outdoors in the gorgeous decking area and soak in the sunshine while you can. At Chef Laura Rosso they have a number of fabulous plant based vegetarian options that are well worth the trip to Salthill alone.
above: photo courtesy of Chef Laura Rosso
The Pear Tree Café & Bistro
Location: The Nest Boutique Hostel, 107-109 Upper Salthill Rd // check them out
At The Pear Tree Café & Bistro they are open from 7.30am every morning to bring all early risers fresh speciality SOMA coffee as well as homemade pastries, fruit juices, smoothies and delectable sourdough loaded toasties. Everything on the menus at this cosy café has been made using the very best locally sourced ingredients including breads from Sullivan’s in Oughterard, organic mixed leaves from Mill House Farm and house specialty coffee from Soma Coffee Company. The Pear Tree Café & Bistro is the sister business of Chef Laura Rosso and was awarded Café of the Year in Connacht 2023 so you know it’s going to be good.
above: photo courtesy of The Pear Tree Café & Bistro
Blackrock Bar
Location: Salthill Hotel // check them out
Salthill Hotel's elegant Blackrock Bar is named after the iconic Salthill landmark and it boasts fantastic views of Galway Bay and the Clare Hills beyond. When the weather is good we highly recommend dining outdoors on their terrace so that you can admire the ocean view as you dine. 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.
above: photo courtesy of Salthill Hotel
Feature photo from BlackCat by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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