9 Best Restaurants in Galway (Based On Many Visits)

I find myself in Galway 5 or 6 times a year. As a result, there are several restaurants in Galway that I return to over-and-over, as I know they’ll always hit the spot!

Places like Kirwan’s, Dela and Cava Bodega that, regardless of how many times I nip into them, the food never fails to delight.

In this guide, you’ll find what I think are the best restaurants in Galway, based on many, many visits over the years – enjoy!

The best restaurants in Galway

So, I want to start by saying that this guide is in no particular order – I tend to rotate each of the Galway restaurants below on each visit to the City.

The only thing each has in common is that they dish up outstanding food that ranges from fine-dining to hearty pub grub.

1. Dela

One of the best restaurants in Galway City for an all-round dining experience is Dela on Nuns Island — equally brilliant for a laid-back brunch or a memorable dinner.

Step inside Dela’s timber-and-stone dining room — all dark bentwood chairs and reclaimed tables — and it’s clear why this place has earned its stellar reputation.

From a cosy winter brunch of wild mushrooms on garlicky ciabatta with poached egg, to a spring dinner of slow-braised lamb with pearl barley and root veg, Dela consistently delivers.

Don’t be put off by the queue: I’ve never not had to queue at Dela. However, in my experience, you’re rarely waiting longer than 15 minutes!

2. Kirwan’s Lane

Tucked away on the cobbled Kirwan’s Lane in Galway’s medieval centre, The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s is a polished yet down-to-earth spot that’s been serving up first-rate fare since 1996.

The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century building and inside, the two-level space is elegant but unpretentious — all warm lighting, exposed stone, and candlelit tables.

Standouts include their market-fresh seafood specials, like the grilled local fish of the day, and their refined, always-changing shellfish starters. The lunch menu is excellent value, but dinner is where Kirwan’s truly shines.

Book in advance: This is one of the most popular places to eat in Galway, so it’s worth calling them (091 568 266) and reserving a table!

3. The Dough Bros

What began as a bold idea during tough times has grown into one of the best places to eat in Galway for a casual feed with pals!

The Dough Bros started as a humble food truck and now ranks among the top 15 pizzerias in the world, with a permanent home on Galway’s Middle Street. Their style? Neapolitan-inspired with an Irish twist, using top-quality local produce to deliver serious flavour.

The Boujee Margherita is a must-try — simple, sharp, and expertly balanced — while rotating specials, often finished with their signature chilli oil, push the boundaries in all the right ways.

4. Brasserie On The Corner

Brasserie On The Corner is one of the most versatile Galway restaurants, striking that rare balance between polished dining and genuine warmth.

Just off Eyre Square, this multi-award-winning spot offers everything from refined weekday lunches to indulgent Sunday roasts, all crafted with a strong “farm to fork” ethos.

Inside, it’s an inviting blend of rich timber, soft lighting, and elegant design. The menu is nicely varied, with standout dishes like the pan-seared hake with citrus butter, a Thai-spiced monkfish curry, and their signature dry-aged Irish ribeye, cooked to perfection.

Reserve in advance: This one shines bright on many guides to where to eat in Galway, so it’s well worth reserving a table in advance!

5. Ard Bia at Nimmos

Ard Bia at Nimmos blends rustic charm with bold creativity in one of Galway’s most distinctive dining spaces, tucked beside the Spanish Arch.

With over two decades at the heart of the city’s food scene, this is more than just a restaurant — it’s a cultural hub with a fiercely local ethos and a deep love for seasonal produce.

Breakfast and brunch are particularly strong here. Think charred halloumi with avocado and poached eggs on soda bread, or kimchi fishcakes with pak choi and horseradish aioli — dishes that feel both comforting and exciting.

Add in freshly baked cakes, house-made cordials, and natural wines, and you’ve got one of the most soulful Galway restaurants around.

6. Cava Bodega

Cava Bodega brings the flavours of Spain to the heart of Galway with a vibrant, sociable tapas experience that’s hard to beat. Inside, it’s all soft lighting and relaxed charm, with inviting interiors and communal tables built for conversation and sharing.

The menu offers over 70 regional tapas, with a strong focus on local Irish produce. Try the montenebro with quince and almonds or the octopus pincho with onion marmalade and piquillo pepper.

Add in a wine list that champions Spanish and natural bottles, and you’ve got one of the best places to eat in Galway for for relaxed, flavour-filled evenings with great company.

7. Kai

I keep coming back to Kai because it never feels like a repeat visit. The menu evolves constantly, guided by what’s in season, and each dish feels like it’s been thought through from root to garnish.

The atmosphere is spot on, too – informal but with a quiet confidence, and you can tell the team cares deeply about what ends up on your plate.

Whether it’s the buttery scallops with burnt cauliflower or a fresh take on something as simple as crab and kohlrabi, the food at Kai always surprises and satisfies.

8. Hooked Galway

Hooked on Henry Street is one of the best restaurants in Galway for seafood that skips the fuss but delivers big on flavour.

Built from hand-crafted wood and tucked into Galway’s West End, it gives off a casual coastal vibe without trying too hard. The team’s got serious seafood chops thanks to their own fish market next door—so what lands on your plate is fresh, local, and never overworked.

I keep going back for the fish tacos, which are fresh, punchy, and packed with flavour, and the fish and chips, which strike the perfect balance between comfort food and culinary craft.

9. Handsome Burger

Handsome Burger has earned its cult status in Galway by doing one thing exceptionally well: making unforgettable burgers. It all started in a home kitchen and a market stall, and now they’re slinging what many call the best burgers in Ireland.

The menu is tight but loaded with flavour, from the smoky B.O.B with crispy bacon and double cheese to the fiery Roost, where spicy buffalo sauce meets crisp chicken and Caesar dressing.

Even the veggie options hit the mark. It’s casual, confident, and consistently packed, for good reason. This is comfort food done right, with zero compromise on quality or taste.

Mad for burgers? BóTOWN is another excellent burger spot in Galway that’s worthy of your appetite

More very notable places to eat in Galway

Deciding where to eat in Galway is often overwhelming as there really is such a vast number of exceptional eateries dotted around the city.

I narrowed down my go-tos to nine, but these are more restaurants that could easily go toe-to-toe with the best places to eat in Galway:

• Aniar: Michelin-starred gem known for its elegant tasting menu, Parisian-chic interior, and serious culinary reputation
• OSTERIA da Simone: Blends classic Italian charm with Galway flair, serving standout pasta and pizza
• Rúibín’s: A stylish restaurant where seasonal Irish ingredients meet bold, inventive cooking in a warm, rustic-chic setting
• Oscar’s: A cosy, nautical-inspired spot renowned for its creative, ever-changing seafood dishes and local Catch of the Day

Now you know where to eat in Galway, it’s time to explore

No you have a good sense of the best Galway restaurants, it’s time to tackle the many things to do in Galway:

• Galway itinerary: See my Galway road trip guide
• Drinks: Discover the best pubs in Galway
• Connemara: Follow my Connemara road trip