Taste Galway, stay Connacht.
Stay at The Connacht Hotel – your perfect base to taste the best of Galway.
Galway is often called the City of the Tribes, but it could just as easily be known as Ireland’s capital of good food. Locals and visiting chefs rave about the range of flavours on offer – from pizza at Dough Bros and Freddy’s to long-time champions of Irish produce such as Ard Bia and Kai. Newer arrivals like Blackrock Cottage join favourites like Aniar, which is a go‑to spot for Michelin-star food. Whether you crave modern tasting menus or hearty comfort food, Galway’s compact city centre delivers a culinary adventure for every palate.
Aniar: Michelin‑Starred Localism
Located in the West End, Aniar (“from the west”) is Galway’s only Michelin‑starred restaurant. The kitchen builds its micro‑seasonal menus around locally sourced produce; dishes such as raw beef with nasturtium oil showcase a delicate balance of textures, temperatures and acidity. Chef‑serviced courses and even poems accompany some plates, and the moody décor reflects the restaurant’s back‑to‑nature philosophy. If you’re looking for a unique tasting menu that tells the story of the west of Ireland, Aniar delivers high‑quality modern Irish cuisine.
Kirwan’s Lane: Seafood in a 16th‑Century Setting
Tucked into the cobbled lanes of Galway’s medieval centre, the Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s has been serving polished yet down‑to‑earth fare since 1996. Housed in a beautifully restored 16th‑century building, the two‑level space features warm lighting, exposed stone walls and candlelit tables. Highlights include market‑fresh seafood specials – grilled local fish of the day and refined shellfish starters – along with an excellent value lunch menu. Because this spot is hugely popular, it’s wise to reserve a table in advance.
The Dough Bros: World‑Class Pizza
What began as a food truck has become one of the top 15 pizzerias in the world. The Dough Bros on Middle Street serves Neapolitan‑inspired pies with an Irish twist, using top‑quality local produce. The signature Boujee Margherita is simple yet expertly balanced, while rotating specials – often finished with chilli oil – push boundaries in delicious ways. For casual dining with serious flavour, The Dough Bros proves that Galway does pizza exceptionally well.
Brasserie on the Corner: Farm‑to‑Fork Excellence
Just off Eyre Square, Brasserie On The Corner strikes a rare balance between polished dining and genuine warmth. This multi‑award‑winning restaurant emphasises a “farm to fork” ethos and offers everything from refined weekday lunches to indulgent Sunday roasts. Standout dishes include pan‑seared hake with citrus butter, Thai‑spiced monkfish curry and a signature dry‑aged Irish ribeye, all served in an elegant, timber‑filled dining room. Reservations are recommended, as Brasserie On The Corner is often highlighted in guides to Galway’s best eateries.
Blackrock Cottage, Salthill Promenade
Occupying a restored 1830s famine‑era cottage at the end of Salthill’s promenade, Blackrock Cottage pairs history with contemporary dining. The building’s careful renovation preserves original beams and slate while opening up panoramic views of Galway Bay and the iconic Blackrock diving tower
. Inside, the restaurant serves modern Irish dishes made with top‑quality ingredients from land and sea. Breakfast ranges from the hearty Classic Local Full Irish—thick‑cut rashers, McGeough’s sausages, smoked black pudding and garlic home fries—to vegetarian options like lemon‑chilli avocado on sourdough. Lunch highlights include a smoked beef burger and a vegan poke bowl with roasted celeriac and pomegranate. With décor designed to maximise those sea views and both indoor and outdoor seating, Blackrock Cottage welcomes walk‑ins for breakfast and lunch and offers takeaway, free Wi‑Fi and wheelchair access
Ard Bia at Nimmos: Rustic Creativity
Perched beside the Spanish Arch, Ard Bia at Nimmos combines rustic charm with bold creativity in one of Galway’s most distinctive dining spaces. For over two decades, this restaurant has championed a fiercely local ethos and seasonal produce, making it a cultural hub as much as a place to eat. Breakfast and brunch are particularly strong here: charred halloumi with avocado and poached eggs on soda bread or kimchi fishcakes with pak choi and horseradish aioli feel both comforting and exciting. Freshly baked cakes, house‑made cordials and a natural wine list round out the soulful experience.
Sophie’s & Elephant & Castle at The Dean Galway
Perched on the rooftop of The Dean Hotel, Sophie’s Restaurant & Rooftop Terraceis one of Galway’s most unique dining experiences. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows and an open‑air terrace provide panoramic views of the city while you enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu fuses international and Irish flavours — think wood‑fired pizzas and salads by day, followed by succulent steaks and fish specials in the evening. Downstairs, Elephant & Castle brings a taste of New York to the West. This famous restaurant, born in NYC and a Dublin favourite, serves classic comfort food made with locally sourced Irish ingredients. From gourmet burgers and pastas to homemade desserts and its world‑famous chicken wings, a visit to The Dean Galway isn’t complete without sampling both eateries.
Freddy’s Pizzeria: Galway’s Classic Pizza
Freddy’s Italian Restaurant, Galway’s oldest pizzeria, has been serving authentic Italian pizza and fresh pasta in the heart of the Latin Quarter for more than thirty years. Located at 15 Quay Street, the family‑run restaurant is renowned for its cold‑fermented 48‑hour dough, cooked at 450 °C to create a light, airy pizza base. Directly across the road at 14 Quay Street, M. Fitzgerald’s Bar offers the quintessential Galway pub experience. This modern Irish pub pours creamy pints and craft cocktails, serves hearty dishes like Guinness stew and seafood chowder, and hosts live music every night. Enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Freddy’s, then simply cross Quay Street to spend the evening at M. Fitzgerald’s, where the pints flow and the music keeps the craic going.
Kai: Seasonal Surprise
Kai Café and Restaurant, located on Sea Road, evolves constantly thanks to its commitment to seasonal cooking. The menu is guided by what’s in season, and each dish feels thoughtfully composed from root to garnish. The atmosphere is informal yet quietly confident, reflecting a team that cares deeply about what appears on each plate. Expect surprises like buttery scallops with burnt cauliflower or inventive combinations of crab and kohlrabi – whatever you order, the flavours will surprise and satisfy.
Savour Galway & Stay at The Connacht Hotel
Galway’s restaurant scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering everything from Michelin‑starred tasting menus to casual food‑truck‑turned‑pizzeria delights. After a day (or night) exploring these culinary gems, you’ll want a comfortable base nearby. The Connacht Hotel sits on the Dublin Road, just minutes from the city centre; its location gives you easy access to Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter and Galway’s nightlife theconnacht.ie. The hotel is close to major roadways and public transport routes, with ample on‑site parking and nearby bus links to make your stay stress‑free. Spacious rooms, a leisure centre and family‑friendly amenities (like a free kids club when you book direct) ensure you can relax between meals. Book your stay at The Connacht Hotel, savour Galway’s best restaurants and discover why this west‑coast city has become a culinary destination.
