5 Galway Restaurants That Any “Foodie” Can’t Miss
When travelling to Ireland in 2018, I ignorantly didn’t have high expectations of the Irish food. I can say with 100% certainty that I could not have been more wrong. Galway is a true culinary epicenter that I underestimated. From to-go Irish pies to Michelin starred restaurants, Galway offers a worldly range of cuisine and environments. It truly is a culinary gem with a wide spread of differing cuisines, environments, price, and culinary styles. It’s no wonder that Galway was named the 2020 best 'foodie' destination in the world.
Below is a short guide that’ll help you eat your way through the city. Be sure to wear loose pants and enjoy yourself!
Ard Bia
Ard Bia at Nimmos is a beloved Galway restaurant housed in a quaint 18th century stone house. Once you hit the Spanish Arch, you’ve gone about 15 feet too far! With the the sound and view of the The River Corrib and warm furniture throughout, Ard Bia so full of charm that you can’t help but smile. For a heartwarming surprise, be sure to open up the table drawers, to read hundreds of hand written notes from previous diners. Serving creative and fresh Irish plates, this spot is a favorite of Galway locals. The breakfast and lunch menus merge creativity, simplicity, and heartiness, while their dinner menu has ever changing innovative dishes. 2. Cava Bodega
Photographes © Michelin
Located on Middle Street, this is the perfect spot to unwind with a bottle of Spanish wine and tapas. While you’ll be just a few streets away from the lively Galway nights, Cava Bodega is incredibly intimate and warm. This Michelin reviewed restaurant has struck a balance between traditional Spanish and innovative tapas and dishes. I was blown away by each and every dish, as each plate was balanced, exciting, and well thought out. Whether you’re craving the classic patatas bravas or octopus with onion marmalade and piquillo pepper pincho, you’ll be more and more excited with each dish.
3. Aniar Restaurant
Photographes © Aniar Restaurant
The chefs at Aniar Restaurant are innovators and artists who curate their food based on the Galway landscape and natural environment. Impressively, they were awarded a Michelin star between 2013-2018. Each of the 10 tastings will be so ornate and intentional, that you may hesitate chomping down on the neat pieces of edible art. I’m sure you’ll snap out of that hesitation quickly since each bite of food is literal perfection! With a tasting menu that changes each day, each Aniar experience is unforgettable unique. A quick tip, with a reservation wait time of up to 2 months, please be sure to make your reservation when you begin planning your Galway getaway.
4. Loam
Photographes © Loam
Loam is yet another Michelin starred restaurant in this perfect city, being awarded their first star in 2019 and the Michelin Sustainability Award in 2020. To add to their list of accolades, they were awarded with the ‘Best Restaurant in Ireland’ 2019 award. It’s classy, it’s sleek, it’s inspired and it’s damn tasty. Parallel to Aniar, Loam prides themselves on sourcing and highlighting local ingredients from western Ireland. Depending on season and availability of local ingredients, their tasting menu changes daily. Alongside their beautifully curated tasting menu, Loam also offers locally sourced charcuterie to indulge on alongside a bottle of wine from their VERY extensive wine list.
5. Cupán Tae
Photographes © Cupán Tae
While not a traditional restaurant setting, I just had to conclude with this precious tearoom! They serve afternoon tea, breakfast, lunch, and delectable sweet treats. With fine china and pastels throughout Cupán Tae’s tearoom, you will melt as soon as you enter through the purple shop doors. I recommend stopping in for afternoon tea for two. With tea inspired finger sandwiches, savory miniatures, scones, and more, you’ll leave full and ready to binge a season of Downton Abby. If you especially enjoy one of their 50+ loose leaf teas, you can always buy one to bring home with you! Quick tip: Pinkies out!