The Best Seafood Restaurants in Galway

Galway is known for their culture, green hillside, coastal walks, and incredible food. Gone are the days of Irish food just being meat and potatoes — of course, you can find a great Guinness stew and mash, but you can branch out and get SO much more for your money now. 

If you are in the mood for seafood, there is no better place to go than Galway! You are located right on the Irish Sea on the West Coast of the Emerald Isle, making it the ideal place to get freshly-caught fish that has been caught that day. What could be better?

Along with the other Westerly towns like Clifden, Ennis, and Killarney, Galway is a hub of Ireland. Let’s check out some of the best seafood restaurants in Galway for you to go to during your Irish vacation — we guarantee this will be some of the best food you have ever had!

Oscar’s Seafood Bistro

Galway Riverside Quay – By Adesile Ajisafe – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62513669

A long-time staple in the Galway community, Oscar’s is one of the best restaurants in the entire town. It doesn’t matter if yo

u are a shrimp, salmon, or lobster fan — you will love every dish here. We recommend trying some of their catch-of-the-day dishes, like a barbeque mackerel with potatoes, seaweed steamed Galway by lobster with garlic sauce, pan-roasted monkfish with smoky chipotle sauce, pan-roasted haddock with almond sauce, or Aran cod filet with gooseberries. 

There are tons of fresh options for you to choose from at any time of the year. We recommend splitting the big bowl of mussels with your table and then enjoying the Rossaveal Brill with a glass of white wine and wild leek sauce. 

Galway Bay Seafood

Galway Bay from Salthill – By Peter Clarke at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3524600

Galway Bay Seafood, located in the New Docks, is one of the best up-and-coming spots in the town. If you are in Galway during a weekend — when the town REALLY comes alive – you need to come to Galway Bay SEafood on Friday to check out their large display of fresh fish. Check out their REady to Bake options for you to bring home for a filling dinner, like fish pies, cottage pie with fish, and fresh lobster. Or, you can chat with knowledgeable employees to ask about their favorites, how to prepare them, and what you should buy from the Dockside Deli. 

Padraicins Seafood Bar and Restaurant

Furbo – By MaxPride – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4082146

Although this is a little bit outside of the city center, the short drive, bus ride, or bike is worth it! Located in Furbo, Galway, which is a cute and quaint little beach town that is basically a tinier and quieter version of this Western town, we love Padraicins for their nautical decorations and their maritime restaurant. We recommend getting the Connemara salmon, pan=fried trout, or calamari as an appetizer to split with your table. 

Black Cat

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

A lesser-known spot in town, Black Cat, is a great spot to come for date night or a nice evening. Located in Salthill, the beach center of Galway, we think this is a cool stop for those who want something different than your typical Irish pub. Not only is this a fun spot to stay over — since Black Cat has rooms for rent — but you can head downstairs and check out the seafood tapas for a healthy and fresh dinner! 

The Sea Hare at Alcock and Brown Hotel 

View from Sky Road – By Bert Kaufmann – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2903994

Located in Clifden, we think this is the perfect way to end a full-day trip to Connemara. If you are coming to Connemara to hike Diamond Hill, cycle around Sky Road Clifden, or visit Kylemore Abbey, The Sea Hare is the perfect end to your day. Try the local seafood and fresh catches that have made this restaurant so famous among locals and visitors alike. 

The Lamplight Wine Bar

Diamond Hill Connemara – By Dr Charles Nelson, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9155960

What is better with fresh white fish than a nice wine? Nothing! Try the Connemara scallops, mackerel, or smoked mussels to split with the table to start your evening off on a nice note.