Just opposite the Brown Thomas department store stands this popular Galway cafe.Have coffee or tea, soup and sandwiches in the self-service snack bar downstairs. The informal restaurant upstairs provides an á la carte menu offering international cuisine, including vegetarian options.The GBC happily caters for families, providing crayons and menus for children; in addition, half-portions for children are included on the menu.
This elegantly decorated restaurant is located close to the railway and bus station in the heart of Galway. Booth seating creates an intimate atmosphere in the dining room. The contemporary cuisine served is of a consistently good standard and this restaurant has won the Bord Fáilte/Ballygowan award for excellence. A perusal of the menu yields such culinary delights as Dublin Bay Prawns Thermidor, Seared Carna Scallops Mornay, and Baked Dover Sole on the Bone. A full and varied wine list is also available to perfectly accompany your meal.
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 little cafe specializes in healthy yet yummy lunchtime food, featuring tasty, generous sandwiches and salads. The emphasis is on focaccia rather than a fry-up, but you can indulge yourself with the homemade desserts offered. The decor is somewhat baroque, with the exception of the huge black and white photograph of an Italian train station. Anton Cafe fills up quickly for lunch. So sneak in early to be sure of getting a table.
Raftery's is located approximately 18 kilometers from Galway city in the small, picturesque village of Craughwell. This award-winning restaurant has been run by the same family for years. It is also a favorite meeting place for the famous Galway Blazers Hunt, who are based nearby. House specialties include Irish Coffee, and the utterly divine smoked salmon on homemade brown bread. Musical entertainment is on offer most nights, usually featuring traditional Irish music. The staff are warm and welcoming and there is usually a good turf fire blazing away.