Romantic restaurants in Galway

What’s more romantic than the Orient Express? Nothing, right? Which is why we’ve brought you here, where you can dine in two of the original carriages of the Orient Express, restored to previous glory. Pretend that you’re a sophisticated aristocrat (you know you want to), on a journey from Paris as you enjoy local food like the West Coast black sole, and Irish beef fillet. We know it sounds gimmicky, but this place has actually been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, so you know you’re actually in for a really good dinner too. If you’re looking for romantic restaurants in Galway this one should be top of your list. Just remember, no crimes of passion, this is not an Agatha Christie novel.

We think that there are three things that really make a romantic restaurant; dim lighting, great food, and lovely wine. And thankfully Brasserie on the Corner ticks all of these boxes and more. Looking like a traditional Irish pub on the outside, this place is cosy and classy once inside, with comfy seats and tables under arches. We all know the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach and this place will definitely help, being famous for their steaks and intricate desserts. If you’re planning a couples night out on the Galway town, they also do delicious cocktails that will definitely kick off your night properly.

With striped awnings, a lovely outside terrace, and specials blackboards propped outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were at a French bistro as you walk part Martine’s on Quay Street. With a history steeped in the area, the family-run business focuses on local produce and making the most of what Ireland’s larder has to offer. Kick things off with a pre-dinner tipple from their cocktail list, featuring daiquiris, Vesper martinis, and Manhattans. Then enjoy eats from their extensive menu like truffled mac and cheese and Kelly’s oysters (they’re an aphrodisiac, don’t you know?) You may be looking for romantic restaurants in Galway but that doesn’t mean breaking the budget, so if you’re keen for a deal, they do two course for just €26 or three for €33.

If there’s a nation that knows how to do romance, it’s the Italians. So where better to go for a loved up evening in Galway, than IL Vicolo Italian restaurant? Famous for having a 100% Italian wine list, they feature over 75 wines from around the country, so there will definitely be something for everyone there. Enjoy your drinks in their beautiful restaurant over-looking the river. With exposed brick walls and many of the original features of the old mill it is housed in, this is a seriously picturesque spot. Expect classic Italian dishes like risotto and pasta, and “Venetian tapas” of beef carpaccio, pork belly, and more. If you head along on a Sunday, you can even enjoy your food with the live jazz band that they host every week.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that will seriously impress your other half, Gigi’s might be the place for you. With its eclectic decor, featuring multicolour chairs, bold walls, and trendy art, you might not end up eating, you’ll be so busy uploading to Insta. Gigi’s is a pretty cosy spot too, huge high-backed sofas mean that you can cosy up together as you eat at this 2 AA Rosette restaurant. They describe their evening menu as indulgent and it really is; there’s a Chateaubriand for two, served with a multitude of sides, herb gnocchi and wild mushroom consomme, and racks of lamb on their menu. Desserts feature classics like the peach melba and tropical baked Alaska, so you can reminisce about childhood puddings. Feeling pretty chill? Because this is a hotel restaurant, you could always book a room and enjoy the fun of the 5* hotel’s facilities.