The Claddagh is a symbol of love and friendship. The story of the famous Claddagh ring began in a small fishing spot in Claddagh, Galway. The area contains little more than a church, a school and a visitor centre, providing privacy and yet a tradition steeped in love.
Here are our Top Restaurant Recommendations in Galway.
Anton’s Café
Located on Father Griffin Road, Anton’s Café is our top choice for lunch in Galway. Open 7 days a week, the restaurant offers 3 main menus (House menu, Take out menu and Breakfast menu) all made with locally sourced products. Anton’s Café has its own in-house bakery, its own focaccia bread, and uses only fresh ingredients for its soups & salads. The flour-free chocolate cake is divine. The restaurant also acts as a gallery and, from time to time, art exhibitions are on display as part of the Galway Arts Festival.
Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of Anton’s Café by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures :
“A Galway institution I've been enjoying since 2001, Anton has been baking his delicious foccacias at dawn and filling them with the highest quality produce; home made pesto, hot tuna, blacky ham, aged cheddar...complimenting everything with hearty home made soups, fresh salads...followed by classic desserts and muffins with probably the best coffee on this side of the Corrib. No trip to Galway is complete without calling in to soak up the ambiance at the very least. Do yourself a favour and go. And return. Many times. Gets very busy at lunch time Mon - Fri so try plan your visit keeping this in mind. VERY highly recommended.’’
Aniar Restaurant
Located in Galway’s West End, the authentic Aniar restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in 2013. Chef, JP McMahon prepares recipes with ingredients from Galway and the West of Ireland. The restaurant offers a daily tasting menu, which consists of 10 enticing courses. Aniar also offers an early evening menu of 5 delicious courses.
Ard Bia at Nimmo’s
The quality of its food and the variety of its menus have made Ard Bia one of the most enduring restaurants in Galway. It’s fun atmosphere and excellent service coupled with the unique culture curated by Galway institution Aoibheann McNamara, Nimmo’s is our top dining recommendation for your trip to Galway. Opt for a table next to the water and you will take in views of The Claddagh while small groups of 4 should request The Snug. McNamara has also received acclaim for her Tweed Project; another feather in this maven’s cap.
Padraic, founder and managing director of Fresh Eire Adventures, tried this restaurant and reviewed it on TripAdvisor :
‘’I've been going to Nimmos for over ten years now...it changed management a few years ago and the quality has, if anything, improved. The building itself is historic and built right on the pier. It attracts a great variety of people; there's almost always a few suits and glammed up ladies, a few arty types, hipsters and urban professionals; and a few smug-looking tourists who look as though they got in on Galway's best kept secret! The food is simply wonderful; a great array of seafood especially. Great presentation, lots of originality but very straightforward. Excellent wine list also. Service is very laid back, casual and friendly - it's very much in keeping with the laid back vibe of this special place. My favourite table is 'the snug' - ideal for 3 or 4 people only.’’
Kai Restaurant
Kai is an excellent casual restaurant, which delights with its simple authenticity and combines the old with the modern in a comfortable and homely atmosphere. The restaurant offers a large range of affordable and tasty menu. Kai also houses a great collection of artworks and paintings.
McDonaghs Restaurant
Locals rate McDonaghs as the "Best Fish & Chips" in Galway, if not in Ireland! Indeed, with a menu that lists a dozen delicious fish (ray, hake, salmon, cod and so on) and tasty french fries, McDonaghs offers a fine insight into this Irish staple dish. The service is speedy and informal – there are two options; either take-away or dine-in. With the take-away option you get your food in around 5 minutes after you order and you can sit at communal benches to enjoy your food. The dine-in option is more traditional with table service. Staff are polite and friendly, and the price is very affordable for the quality of the food. You will appreciate the original and unique marine-themed decoration of the interior, which tells the story of local Irish fishermen.
Padraic, founder and managing director of Fresh Eire Adventures, tried this restaurant and reviewed it on TripAdvisor :
‘’A great selection of fresh fish, cooked to perfection. My recommendation is the battered salmon, with chips and a side of curry sauce (try it!). Do as the Galwegians do - order at the counter and take a bench seat. It's effectively the same menu as the restaurant (which almost always involves a wait for a table). Great people watching opportunities if you side outside on the benches.’’
Dough Bros Pizzeria
Located in Galway city centre, Dough Bros is a casual venue to enjoy an authentic wood-fired pizza like no other in town. The place is warm, cosy and you can enjoy the combination of the wood fire and pizza smells. The service is friendly, and the flavour of each featured ingredient is easily identifiable such is the quality. The size of the pizza is relatively small for enthusiastic pizza lovers so we recommend that you double your order – lucky you!
Moran’s of the Weir Restaurant
Moran’s of the Weir is an excellent seafood restaurant, which is famous for Galway flat oysters and tasty fresh mussels. With their produce directly collected from the sea in front of the cottage restaurant on Galway Bay, you will appreciate their delicious menu with a refreshing Guinness or glass of wine. Enjoy a large piece of their traditional homemade brown bread with (my favourite ) the garlic breaded grilled oysters with a splash of Tabasco. In a simple and comfortable setting, the restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy a pleasant dinner. Based just outside Clarinbridge (on the Galway side), Moran’s of the Weir is ideally located for your visit en route to or from the Burren or the Cliffs of Moher.
The G Counter
Open 7 days a week, the G Counter is a delicious and trendy cafe-restaurant. The G offers an appetizing breakfast, tempting sandwiches, succulent dishes and tasty homemade burgers. We also recommend trying its fresh bakery and pastry products with a excellent cup of dark coffee. Located at the rear of the G Hotel this is an ideal place to try on your way in or out of town.
Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of The G Counter Café - Restaurant by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures :
‘’I ate here twice in the last month; both times for lunch in a hurry - service was superb both times despite the restaurant (a bright, spacious industrial style airy space) being very busy. The first day I had the Nicoise sandwich - an open extravagnaza on home-baked sourdough, served on a breadboard and ENORMOUS. Delicious. Second time (2 weeks ago) I ordered the best salmon fish cakes in Galway - featuring salmon 3 ways; in the fish cakes, in a side salad (smoked salmon) and poached. With a bowl of fries and a coke this came to €15 - outstanding value for money. Service on both occasions was speedy and friendly, efficient and well informed. Bathrooms could be better. Not a great location. Lots of free parking however - every cloud! I love this place and have no hesitation in recommending it. Top Drawer.’’