In search of the best restaurants in Clifden? This guide will make your belly happy!
There’s tonnes of things to do in Clifden, and exploring the local culinary scene is arguably one of the best!
Whether you’re looking for traditional Irish fare or wish to sample international cuisine, foodies visiting Clifden are spoilt for choice.
From fine dining to pub grub, there’s restaurants in Clifden to suit every budget in our guide below, so dive on in!
The best restaurants in Clifden
- Off The Square Restaurant
- Mitchell’s Restaurant
- Mannion’s
- Guys Bar & Snug
- Macdaras Bar & Restaurant
- E J Kings Bar & Restaurant
- Vaughan’s
1. Off The Square Restaurant
Photos via Off The Square Restaurant on Facebook
Taking the top spot and conveniently located on Main Street, Off the Square is one of the finest seafood restaurants Clifden has to offer.
In addition to locally sourced scallops, lobsters, oysters, and crab, this fabulous restaurant also offers an extensive menu with favourites such as lamb and sirloin beef.
The wine list at Off the Square is extensive and there is a variety of beers available for those of you looking to toast a day of exploring.
2. Mitchell’s Restaurant (one of the best restaurants in Clifden for a hearty feed)
Photos via Mitchell’s Restaurant
No visit to Clifden is complete without stopping by Mitchell’s Restaurant for lunch or dinner. Run by Kay and JJ Mitchell, this award-winning restaurant offers the best seafood delicacies.
Whether you are craving some local mussels steamed in white wine or want to try smoked salmon, Mitchell’s innovative menu has got you covered.
Situated inside a historical building, the restaurant boasts a beautifully decorated interior with a cosy fireplace on the 1st floor.
3. Mannions Seafood Bar & Restaurant
Photos via Mannion’s Bar & Restaurant
One of the oldest family-run restaurants in Clifden, Mannions Seafood Bar & Restaurant is all about mouthwatering foods and traditional Irish music.
If you visit, expect fresh fish and seafood delicacies, like seafood chowder and smoked salmon, that’ll make your belly happy!
If you are a fan of meat, go for their signature beef burger or go for the legendary Connemara lamb Irish stew.
Related read: Fancy staying in the village? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Clifden and the best Airbnbs in Clifden.
The Best Pub Grub / Clifden Restaurants
If you’re in search of places to eat in Clifden and you fancy keeping it casual without sacrificing on quality, you’re in luck.
There’s plenty of great pubs in Clifden where you can nab a feed and a half followed up with live music and a chilled atmosphere.
1. Guys Bar & Snug
Photos via Guys Bar
Located on Main Street, Guys Bar & Snug is arguably one of the most popular places to eat in Clifeden (it’s definitely one of the most popular pubs, anyway!).
It’s also one of the oldest bars in Clifden and offers everything from seafood specials and soups to traditional fish and chips, homemade house burgers, club sandwiches, and wraps.
They also have a bunch of homemade desserts and an extensive wine menu.
2. Macdaras Bar & Restaurant
Photos via Macdara’s Bar & Restaurant on Facebook
With views of Clifden Bay, traditional music sessions, and a variety of tasty pub grub options, Macdaras Bar & Restaurant is a great addition to the vibrant nightlife scene in Clifden.
Try their cod and chips, and you won’t be disappointed. The batter is extremely light and crisp, while the fish is cooked to perfection. For mains, go for the chicken pasta or the Cajun spiced chicken burger. The outdoor patio offers magnificent sea views.
3. E J Kings (one of the more lively restaurants Clifden has to offer)
Photo via E J Kings Bar & Restaurant on Facebook
Located in the heart of Clifden on the corner of Main and Market Street, E J Kings Bar & Restaurant offers innovative day and evening pub food menus and live music.
From king burgers and sirloin steaks to seafood chowder, oysters, and crab salads, there is plenty to choose from. End your meal on a sweet note with gateau and pudding.
As for the drinks menu, expect to find a nice selection of Irish beers, whiskeys, and wine.
4. Vaughans Pub, Bistro And B&B
Photos via Vaughan’s Pub
Opened up back in 1965, Vaughans used to be a grocery shop before they decided to transform it into a pub and bistro.
In addition to tasty pub foods and traditional and alternative live music performances, this place also offers stylish accommodation upstairs.
The garlic chicken with homemade garlic sauce is a popular order, as well as crab and beef stew. This is one of the few B&Bs in Clifden we recommend over and over again, too!
What great Clifden restaurants have we missed?
I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some great Clifden restaurants from the guide above.
If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let us know in the comments section below and we’ll check it out.
Sean Corcoran
Tuesday 13th of June 2023
Clifden Station House have two fantastic options we stayed there recently and highly recommend them both - worth checking them out. Thanks for the above we will defo check out next time we're there.