Whether you are celebrating a special anniversary or simply looking to treat yourself to some of life’s finer things, the fine dining scene in Galway has something to offer everyone. Home to some of the best fine dining restaurants in the West of Ireland, why not spoil yourself and a loved one to a spectacular evening out at one of Galway’s top fine dining experiences, discover them below..
Loam Restaurant
Serving up excellence in every bite, the Michelin-starred Loam Restaurant places an ethos of care at the heart of everything they do. They were the first restaurant in Ireland to be awarded three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association back in 2017, and they’ve only gone from strength to strength ever since. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to create each of their ever-changing menu options and their wine list focuses on organic, biodynamic and natural wines from all over Europe. Having won multiple awards for their flawless food and seasonal menus, when you choose to spend an evening at Loam you are guaranteed brilliance from start to finish.
Geata na Cathracha, Fairgreen Rd, Fairgreen / book your table here
Aniar
Located in Galway’s Westend, this Michelin starred restaurant offers a true treat for your senses. Aniar Restaurant is led by chef patron JP McMahon who integrates flavours from the sea and Connemara wilderness into the menu by using foraged ingredients to bring you tastes of the west. For a more immersive dining experience of Irish foods, Aniar’s tasting menu will not let you down, combining an exquisite range of flavours your taste buds are in for a treat every time you enjoy an evening out at Aniar. If you would like to learn more about how to prepare the foods you are eating, Aniar’s JP McMahon also runs a Boutique Cookery School which offers both one day workshops and 6-week classes, more on them here. This Cookery School provides an unparalleled chance to learn to use local ingredients to create delicious dishes.
53 Lower Dominick St, Galway’s Westend / book your table here
Lignum
Recently named as number 3 of the 100 best restaurants in Ireland by the Sunday Independent, Lignum offers a dining opportunity that is unlike any other. Their goal is to showcase the quality and diversity of ingredients from the wonderful people who raise, grow and produce them. So you won’t find a set menu here as the food is always on the move, in order to keep up with what their amazing suppliers and growers have to offer. As you dine you can enjoy the elegance of the restaurants interior and incredible service that reflects the style of food – refined but relaxed and an overall experience that’s unpretentious and fun.
Slatefort House, Bullaun / book your table here
Restaurant Gigi’s at the g Hotel
For the ultimate fine dining experience, Restaurant Gigi’s at the g Hotel will never disappoint! Each of their culinary creations reflect ingredients grown in the region, from fresh seafood caught in Galway bay, to the finest cuts of Irish meat so guests can savour a taste of the west. So no matter whether you are eating out with friends, celebrating special occasions, you can enjoy menus that are filled with the best produce that this part of the world is famous for. Fine dining is more than just phenomenal food, it's the whole experience, and that’s why throughout your evening you’ll be treated to 5 star service from the very first moment you step in Restaurant Gigi’s doors.
The g Hotel, Wellpark / book your table here
West Restaurant at The Twelve
The award-winning West Restaurant at The Twelve is a food paradise that offers its guests contemporary dishes with a nod to tradition. Every dish is prepared ‘a la minute’ to best showcase the region's local produce, including the breads and pastries freshly made in The Twelve Bakery Shop and paired with their sommelier’s wine list that has itself won numerous awards, it doesn’t get much finer than this! Beautifully lit with a champagne bar, cosy booths and smooth dark wood, West Restaurant is a modern take on a classic - a contemporary riff on a San Fran-style club restaurant. When you are celebrating a special occasion or marking a milestone anniversary, treat yourself to an opulent experience at West Restaurant and you are certain to leave with memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
The Twelve Hotel, Barna / book your table here
Kai Restaurant
Galway’s Westend is home to the foodie paradise that is Kai Restaurant. The restaurant’s cosy feel and welcoming atmosphere means that once you step through the doors, you feel right at home. Their food philosophy is simple, head chef Jessica sources fresh, organic produce from local suppliers to create daily menus bursting with flavour, texture and colour. All their menus change daily depending on what is in stock from local suppliers so every visit brings something new to the plate. From the inviting interior to the natural ingredients that make up every dish, the simple elegance of Kai charms each of its visitors and is sure to have you returning time and again to experience the wholesomeness of this Galway restaurant.
22 Sea Rd, Galway’s Westend / book your table here
Éan Bakery, Café & Wine Bar
Located on Druid Lane and occupying the same building as the eponymous theatre company, Éan Bakery, Café & Wine Bar is almost as much a part of Galway’s cultural fabric as its famous neighbours. While it was created by the team behind the Michelin-star Loam Restaurant, Éan brings its own unique charm to everything they do. Evenings at Éan offers guests a series of small and large sharing plates that are served alongside a carefully curated wine list consisting of organic, biodynamic and natural varieties from their favourite small scale winemakers. And, in order to ensure you have the opportunity to experience brand new flavours every time you visit, they regularly alter their menus to compliment the change in seasonal produce you bring you the very best Irish tastes.
Druid Lane, Flood St, Latin Quarter/ book your table here
Rúibín
When it comes to creating unforgettable memories, an evening out at Rúibín should be top of your list. Housed inside a beautiful stone building with picturesque views of The Docks, your experience at Rúibín will be perfect from start to finish. While they specialise in contemporary Irish food you’ll find each dish contains influences from around the world as owners Alice and Richard spent years travelling and gaining experience before introducing the people of Galway to their exceptional creation - Rúibín. No matter if it is your first time dining here or your umpteth, each visit will have you falling in love all over again with their delicious foods, amazing cocktails and the ambient atmosphere that they are famous for.
1 Dock Rd, The Docks / book your table here
Il Vicolo
Everything from the unique setting to the rich flavours in each dish comes together beautifully to make Il Vicolo the unparalleled authentic Italian restaurant that it is. This award-winning spot expertly fuses a love for Italian cuisine and the use of the best of Irish produce, local producers and the best Italian exports to bring you something truly special. In addition to their seasonal selection of pasta, risotto, cheese, charcuterie and primi piatti, you’ll find a cocktail menu to die for, weekend specials and top-notch advice on what wines pair wonderfully with your dish of choice. Il Vicolo has also been added to the Michelin Guide for the sixth year in a row so you don’t just have to take our word for it, when we tell you they really are one of the best.
Bridgemills, O’ Brien’s Bridge, Galway’s Westend / book your table here
The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
Step back in time at one of the most unique dining experiences in Ireland. The Pullman Restaurant offers visitors to immerse themselves in spectacular opulence on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. Comprising two original carriages from the Orient Express, the elegance of your surroundings is enhanced by the exquisite array of dishes and fine wines they have to offer. While you dine you can take in the breathtaking views of Glenlo Abbey Estate and Lough Corrib, which simply add another level of splendour to an already flawless experience. This 2 AA rosette award-winning restaurant really is the perfect place to mark an important milestone in your life and the amazing team will go above and beyond to ensure it is an occasion you’ll treasure forever.
Kentfield, Bushypark / book your table
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