Galway’s cafes, restaurants and gastro pubs have been reimagined and are ready to welcome people back. Dine in Galway, an initiative to highlight the amazing food here, is encouraging people to discover some of Galway's vibrant food destinations as the industry exits lockdown.
Galway has a long tradition of using close-to-hand ingredients from the land and the sea. Fresh seafood, sustainably caught in the Atlantic; vibrant vegetables and roots, plucked from the mineral rich soil of the west of Ireland; and mouth-watering meats and poultry that are reared with respect and care form the basis of our dining culture.
But Galway’s food heritage has grown and adapted, transforming the city into a melting pot of contemporary cuisine from all over the globe. You can experience the tastes of the world here; starting with locally grown produce available from the Galway Market each weekend, Chinese Street Food from Xi’an Street Food, authentic Italian pizza from The Dough Bros, Middle-Eastern falafel from The Gourmet Offensive, Spanish tapas from Cava, a modern brunch from Dela, or hearty, rustic bistro food from The Kings Head. With so many top-quality restaurants all situated within strolling distance of the city centre you will be spoiled for choice.
"We are reopening in early July and we are really looking forward to getting back and reconnecting with our community, staff, and customers alike," said Sinead Meacle and Enda McEnvoy, owners of Loam. "We're rested, refreshed, and with renewed focus and ready to re enter this new changed landscape. It's been a challenging few months but not without its positives, we have never had so much time to reflect and reconnect. Restaurants and small local businesses are much more than the sum of their parts. They support and showcase a wide network of growers and crafts people, fishermen and farmers, cheesemakers and candle makers, bakers and refuse collectors, all of whom have been affected by this pandemic, and all who will be supported by supporting local and helping Galway get back on its feet. It's a time for positivity and collective, fresh thinking, and a high time for a good news story like this, Galway business community pulling together and getting our city and hinterland up and running again.”
Kevin Nugent of Tribe Hospitality Group commented: “Salthill in summer means one thing, people coming together to enjoy one of the most iconic seaside towns in the country. This year that has all changed. We are all ready now to reopen and to welcome our customers back in an adapted way, but nonetheless with the same values as always. To bring great food, a shared experience, and to create memories.”
Eimear Killian of Brasserie on the Corner explained why Galway’s food culture is so strong: “A melting pot of cultures and flavours, Galway’s food community always ensures that there’s a plate for everyone. Whether you’re dining in or getting your grub to go, there’s a dish with your name on it. Galway is open for business, and after years of working to make it one of the food capitals of the world, we are looking to our local communities and people throughout Ireland to shop and support local and make their holiday this year in Galway. “
WA Cafe’s Yoshimi Hayakawa spoke of the slow steps to open fully with an emphasis on safety and discipline: "We continue to serve healthy and tasty takeaway foods at Wa Sushi, 13 New Dock Street, and also sell sushi in Galway Market every weekend."
Paul Grealish of The Kings Head said: “We are really excited to be reopening on July 2. We have really missed our fantastic staff and customers, both of whom breathe life into our 800-year-old building. While we have been busy preparing the premises to comply with guidelines to keep our customers and staff safe, the core elements of customer service and commitment to fresh local ingredients will remain the same. At the end of the day, this global pandemic is difficult for everyone. We would ask our customers to be kind to themselves, to each other, and to our staff. No doubt this too shall pass and better days lie ahead. It’s great to see other businesses in our area starting to re-open. These owner-run one-off shops are the lifeblood of our city and are what make any visit to Galway unique.”
"Galway is coming back and on the 29th with all our great restaurants, food outlets, and producers we are going to open our doors again to our customers," said Rory McCormack, owner of Handsome Burger. "We are getting our staff back in, and really this is the first time in weeks we have been excited yet again by what Handsome Burger is in the west end and in Galway. We're looking forward to feeding people and just seeing our customers again.”
“So, book your table now to feast on the tastes of Galway and support the local producers, chefs, owners and staff who can't wait to have you back,” added Gill Carroll of the Galway City Business Association.
To check out some of the finest food spots the city has to offer visit dineingalway.ie.
