10 Best Restaurants in Galway

Galway is known for being the heart of the West. Featuring live music, beautiful scenery, the bustling Shop Street, Salthill beach and Promenade, and friendly people (maybe the friendliest in Ireland), there is no shortage of reasons to head here during your next vacation to Ireland. After all, if you have never explored outside of the confines of Dublin, you are really missing out.

Sure, Dublin is great for weekend getaways and those who are new to the beautiful country of Ireland. But if you want to get a feel for the Emerald Isle, heading towards the West is the way to go. With the Kerry Cliffs, Ennis’ live music, Cliffs Of Moher, Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Beara Way, Connemara mountains, and much more, there is no shortage of things to do here — even if you relocate here for a gap year, you will still find there are tons of items to check off of your to-do list every weekend. 

One great place to start is Galway city. The hub of the West, this seaside town is excellent for food, music, and a base for exploring the surrounding counties. For a delicious meal while in Ireland, head to one of these top 10 restaurants in Galway during your next holiday. 

Dela

Blueberry pancakes – .By Janine from Mililani, Hawaii, United States – blueberry pancakesUploaded by Fæ, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23234184

Arguably the best pancakes in the entire town, Delta is known for its brunch. Featuring a stack of pancakes that are reminiscent of the hearty American fare, topped with maple syrup, bacon, and blueberries, this will keep you satisfied until dinner time — plus, you can order a mimosa brunch to start your day off right! Located on Lower Dominick Street right across the bridge that connects the “downtown” of Galway with the West, Dela is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. 

Insider tip: If you stay here long enough, head to M.P. Walsh’s a few doors down for an afternoon pint.

Monroe’s

In the mood for filling Irish pub fare and a great atmosphere? Head to Monroe’s. Continue along Lower Dominick Street, pass Dela on your right, and you will see a huge white building — this is Monroe’s! This bustling pub usually has live music on weekends and features a second floor for concerts and events. If you want a lively atmosphere and a fire in the winter, head here for Irish stew or yummy steak, mash, and veg. 

Insider tip: Walk a few doors down to The Salt House for a great selection of beers on draft.

Tuco’s Taqueria

Tacos de carnita – By Larry Miller – Flickr: Tinos Tacos, Roseburg, Ore., CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32052457

For budget travelers who are trying to save a few quid, Tuco’s is a nice respite from the hearty Irish fare. With a wide selection of tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, and Mexican specialties, this casual lunch or dinner spot is great. Right off Shop Street, Tuco’s is in a little bit of a quieter area that still provides ample people-watching opportunities — perfect!

Insider tip: Head to Little Lane Coffee before or after for one of the best pick-me-ups in town.

Java’s Cafe

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Java’s is a French creperie with some of the friendliest owners in town. Okay, this isn’t Irish either — but it’s great! Plus, we love how this cafe is open late — you can head here for a romantic French dinner or head here to study by yourself or with friends while in town. There is even an upstairs area that is more intimate, making it the perfect spot to hang out, read, work, or chill with friends over a chocolate crepe.

Insider tip: Truffle next door has some more dessert offerings if your sweet tooth is still not satisfied.

The Front Door

Fish and chips – By Matthias Meckel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74468548

If you are in the mood for no-frills Irish pub fare or American classics in a fun and lively setting, The Front Door is right in the heart of things. Try one of the Irish classics, like traditional fish and chips, or more global cuisine, like a Grilled Halloumi Burger, Italian pepperoni pizza, or loaded nachos. Located on one of the busiest intersections of the town, The Front Door is the perfect spot to begin a night out on the weekend. 

Insider Tip: Head here for dinner on a weekend when you want to go out after — The Front Door is one of the busiest pubs in Galway, with queues down the street! 

Pascal Coffee House

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With two locations seemingly right next to each other in the center of Galway, Pascal Coffee House is great for a filling breakfast in a modern setting. For those who want a strong latte and classic food staples, Pascal’s is great for friend catch-ups, working solo on your laptop, and filling breakfasts like pancakes, omelets, and Irish fry-ups (full breakfasts). 

Insider Tip: The Grainstore location has upstairs seating perfect for those dining alone. 

Ground & Co.

Salthill and Galway Bay, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland – By Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada – Salthill and Galway Bay, Galway (506275), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68849467

Ground & Co has one of the best views in the entire town. Located right on the Salthill Promenade, Ground & Co. has a consistently great breakfast. You can choose from pastries and lattes on the go for a day trip or a sit-down Irish breakfast. Featuring healthy options like granola, or more sumptuous options like egg scrambles, full Irish breakfasts, and tons of dessert pastries, you can’t go wrong starting your morning here. 

Insider tip: Try Mr. Waffle if you like it here — it’s the same owner! 

Brasserie on the Corner

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In the mood for a hearty steak? Brasserie on the Corner is where it’s at. Although other Irish restaurants have great local meat from the nearby farms, Brasserie on the Corner is known for its locally sourced fish, steaks, and deli boards. Plus, the interior vibe is great for date night, boasting dark decor, wooden booths, and exposed brick walls. 

Ard Bia at Nimmo’s

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Known for being one of the most prestigious restaurants in Galway, Ard Bia at Nimmo’s is located in the infamous Spanish Arch, Long Walk area. With brightly colored houses overlooking the water, Ard Bia is one of the best spots for a filling and locally-sourced brunch. This open floor plan and the simplistic interior is like Copenhagen instead of Galway, boasting more of a Scandinavian atmosphere than Irish. 

We recommend trying the sesame and Kilbeggan oat granola with Greek yogurt, Charred halloumi with poached eggs and avocado, or asparagus and pea risotto with Galway goat cheese for lunch. Not sold? Try the pan-roasted monkfish with butternut squash and fondant potato for dinner — trust us, this is some of the best food we have had in Ireland. 

Insider Tip: Make a reservation! 

An Pucan

Irish bangers and mash – By Qwerty Binary – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30836919

With similar food to The Front Door or Monroe’s, An Pucan makes it on the list for solid food, outdoor garden space with huge TVs to watch games, and a bustling inside pub atmosphere that makes it one of the best pubs in the Eyre Square area. Try the “Veggie pulled Oats’ nachos for vegetarian lovers An Pucan chicken wings, An Pucan James Black Barrel BBQ Beef Brisket, An Pucan Bangers & Mash, or An Pucan Seafood Plate! 

Insider tip: Head here to watch a Premier League game on one of their huge TVs outside during the summer months.