3 Best Restaurants in Galway City, County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands

Tapping into Galway's past as a major trading post for Spain, chef--owners JP McMahon and Drigin Gaffey bring all the favorite aspects of authentic Spanish cuisine and wine while also serving excellent local produce in this vibrant and warm Galway hot spot. More than 50 regional tapas served family-style at large, wooden communal tables are the heart of this restaurant filled with Spanish flavors and Irish produce and heart. There is an impressive craft beer and wine menu to accompany the food choices. For groups of eight or more, there's a tasting menu (€29 per person) that includes a sweeping selection of tapas.

For anyone seeking an authentic tea-drinking experience, à la the Irish grandma who serves tea as an art form, the Cupán Tae ("the cup of tea" in Irish) serves it up with fussy crockery and much nostalgia. Breakfast is top-notch, and the popular afternoon tea comes complete with fresh-baked pastries served on a tiered china stand (of course). Add prosecco if you're feeling celebratory.

The humble fish-and-chip is king at this stalwart restaurant, serving deep-fried cod, whiting, haddock, and hake for decades. The reasonably priced fish is served with a heap of fabulous, freshly cooked chips (which have won a nationwide competition for the best in Ireland) and eaten at communal tables—a great way to meet the locals.