Aniar

WOW: The best food experience I've had in Ireland.

Where to start? The cosy, warm and snug atmosphere is deceiving; you'd be forgiven to think you're in just another small local eatery.

The floor staff are all ridiculously knowledgeable of the menu they're serving on the night, but also of the provenance of the ingredients and of the Irish food scene in general. The manager was also a hive of info on the Irish food scene, and provided great chats throughout the night.

The food is mind-blowingly good. I genuinely broke into a smile/laugh on multiple occasions over how tasty and creative the dishes were.

Pair this with the fact that the chefs themselves serve you (and one/some of the many wines on their list) and you get a truly fantastic experience.

To address the two elephants in the room; yes the portions are 'Michelin-sized' and yes it's pricey. On the former; you get 18 dishes so you will 100% be full. On the latter; for the food and experience you get, it isn't actually that expensive.

Long story short, if you can get a table, go for it!

Fantastic Food. Very recommended.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the rudest restaurant manager, who has no respect for the paying customer.
Continued to harass me in front of my guest. At the end of the meal, I would say the food was ok but the people representing the food need to be reviewed.

Delicious food and incredible staff. Truly a must do experience when in Galway! The chef is intimately involved and will come out to tell you about the dishes as well as just chat about the restaurant and Ireland overall. The staff were incredibly helpful / attentive. Even went as far as taking us on a gin tasting tour and changing our perspective on the spirit. Absolutely would recommend.

"It's an experience"
I would not book this restaurant expecting a 'meal' - it is a tasting experience. The food speaks for itself and is prepared with a rare degree of finesse and precision. The drinks pairings worked very well - we had the 10-course tasting menu. Each course was better than the last and an evening here is a real treat - there is no other way to describe it.

"Wonderful experience"
I visited here yesterday and had the ten course menu.
Even the way the menu itself is written is quite unique to match this amazing restaurant.
Service was attentive but not overdone and I particularly liked the fact that the chefs brought each dish.
Each course was just a feast for the senses and delicious.
I certainly hope to return.

"Most memorable dining experience"
Had dinner here my last evening of a weeklong visit to Galway. WOW. Had the six course tasting menu along with wine pairings ( and then some). Food was
Delicious especially the oyster. The oyster and the sauce boat tasted of the ocean. I thought it was better that Thomas Keller’s signature oyster dish at the French Laundry. Everything was delicious and enjoyed the enthusiastic and loving service. Each dish was presented by the chef who prepared it. The sommelier Zsolt was friendly and helpful and enjoyed his selections and recommendations. We had wines from Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Germany. The wine is given as a half a glass which is terrific as it allows for more sampling. The food, service and ambiance were thoughtful yet relaxed. I will definitely be back when I return next year for my annual conference.

"A delight for all of the senses"
Dining at Aniar was the experience I imagined when I booked my degustation meal ahead of departure: simply amazing! As a coeliac, they made sure that every single dish that was presented to me was gluten-free. They even prepared a gluten-free bread just for me that was delicious. And there's all the little thoughtful attentions, some of which left me breathless and endeared. Overall, a poetic culinary experience well worth every penny. I highly recommend Aniar. Wish more restaurants took as much pride in their food as these people do.

"10 course delight"
We try to eat in Aniar every few years as a treat as it’s my ultimate favourite restaurant in Ireland. It leaves me speechless every time.

We did the 10 course tasting menu with the wine paring and from the moment we sat down everything was perfect.

The staff, especially Louise who was a delight, were so friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming and made the experience so much more.

I can’t wait to do it all again because it’s worth every penny.