One of the most popular vegan and vegetarian spots in the heart of the city, The Lighthouse Tearoom will not only charm you with its cute interiors but also their sumptuous fare. During mornings, drop in for fine tea, coffee, decadent cakes and home baked scones. Opened in 2012, their lunch and dinner menu might be small and varying, but they offer a delicious array of vegan and veggie dishes that will make want to come back for more.
The Dough Bros serve authentic wood wired pizzas, baked from their heart with love filled in every crumb, and it all shows with their success from starting out as a street food truck serving at markets, events and parties to opening their pop up restaurant on their first anniversary at the heart of the city. Using only the best of ingredients and fresh local produce wherever possible, their artisan dough and homemade sauce are the pride of this eatery. Catch the chef in action as your pizzas are tossed and baked in front of you. Savor their creations with craft beers as accompaniment.
Leonidas offer a mouthwatering display of fine Belgian chocolates. The store - one of a number in Ireland - offers sixty different varieties, including pralines, truffles, liqueur and fresh cream. An assortment of presentation boxes are available for various occasions. Leonidas also sells hampers of wine and chocolates.
This long established, family-run business has a loyal base of regular customers. In addition to the wide variety of fine foods on offer here, a larger cash-and-carry store around the corner provides a range of goods in bulk. McCambridge's has an excellent cheese selection, and also carries the Epicure range and very good coffees. A well-chosen range of wines and beers is also available. Homemade sandwiches are prepared at the deli counter and incorporate various possible fillings and breads.
This jeweler has one of the finest reputations in handcrafted jewelery in the West of Ireland. The shop is run by Robert Blacoe and his team of craftspeople. There is a wide selection of Claddagh rings to choose from in gold, platinum and silver. Both the traditional Claddagh ring and Blacoe's own styles are on display. The wide selection includes the Children of Lir selection, the Millennium ring, the Spiral ring and the famous Celtic cross. Orders for these can be taken from all areas of the globe.
"Charlie's", as this shop is colloquially known, is a veritable bookworm's paradise, with nooks and crannies bursting with a wide selection of second-hand books. Separate sections contain history, psychology, philosophy, science and travel titles, while the front part of the Charlie Byrne's Bookshop has a great range of popular fiction. A cozy yet comprehensive children's section can be found at the back. Many locals come in here and browse for hours as they catch up with local gossip, and there are invariably posters on the walls depicting upcoming cultural events.
Set in a lovely 17th-century space, Cloon Keen Atelier is a haven for those who love fragrance. Founded in 2002, this acclaimed perfumery has carved a niche for itself with their artisan scents, body care, candles and excellent craftsmanship. Browse through their elegant boutique where their products are aesthetically displayed. Don't miss this spot if you have a yen for candles and perfumes.
The brainchild of restaurateur couple, JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffey, Cava Bodega is an acclaimed eatery and bar in the heart of the city. It is one of the best places in town for Spanish tapas and wine. Their communal space has a rustic look to it that is welcoming and pleasing to the eye. The menu inspired by the Iberian cuisine features ingredients from local and artisan producers. Covering the length and breadth of Spain, their extensive fare highlights more than 50 tapas dishes. You can also request for dishes that are not on the menu if you come across some unusual ones while on your trip abroad. Not to be left behind is their equally noteworthy dessert menu. Their wine list is categorized as per the nature of the wine. All of these are imported from Spain. An experience worth tasting, Cava Bodega, is sure to pamper you, spoil you and make you feel special with its exotic meals, leaving you craving for more.
Goya's is one of the nicest places to sit in Galway, and they offer some of the best baked goods. This airy cafe is located in the lovely medieval quarter of the city, and the scent of freshly baked cakes fills the air when you enter. A wide range of cakes, pastries and other treats abound, served with teas or fine freshly ground coffee. This cafe is also completely non-smoking, a rare thing in Ireland.
McDonagh's Seafood House is simply one of the best seafood restaurants in Ireland. Located in the old medieval section of the city, it's divided between an upmarket fish and chip shop and a seated restaurant. The seafood has been recognized with a range of awards and favourable reviews in the New York Times, Le Guide Du Routard and the Irish Press. The catch from the local fishermen is bought by McDonagh's, only hours after leaving the boat and the fresh smoked salmon is famous worldwide.
This award-winning restaurant offers diners a scrumptious selection of fresh seafood, served in an elegant setting with a view over Galway Bay. O'Grady's on the Pier has come to be a popular favorite since it first opened its doors in the year 2000. Choose from a menu packed with delicious options like steamed mussels, pacific oysters and crab, served alongside tender steaks, duck and vegetarian dishes that are no less divine. The dessert and wine selections are worth a try as well, however, it is seafood that O'Grady's does best. Prepared using the day's fresh catch, every dish on the menu is packed with authentic flavor. Stop by O'Grady's on the Pier for a casual family lunch or a romantic dinner with that special someone.