'Kai' is the Maori word for food and New Zealander Jess and her Irish husband, David, opened their restaurant in 2011, with a simple formula — high-quality produce, preferably organic or wild, sourced locally and cooked intelligently. Creative dishes are bursting with flavour, texture and colour. If you're lucky, you might even get an edible flower on your plate! All menus change on a daily basis depending on what is fresh and in stock from local suppliers. The atmosphere is warm and buzzy, and the service is efficient, welcoming and friendly. Kai has upped the game for casual eating in Galway - it's vital food, packed with good energy, and it lifts you up to eat it because it's so simple and elemental.
Type of Cuisine: Irish / European / Modern Cuisine
Restaurant Features
MICHELIN Green Star: Gastronomy and sustainability
Kai has become one of our favourites. We went in for lunch, waited quite a bit because no reservations can be made for their lunch. It was well worth it! The food came with generous portions and they have so many layers of flavours. I cannot recommend enough! They also made the best minced pies I’ve ever had in my life.
Maria
September 2021
My favourite place in Galway to eat lunch. Delicious food. The cakes are amazing. The staff are very helpful and service is excellent. They don't have baby changing facilities but offered an alternative space for me to change my baby and made ample buggy space
Urszula
August 2021
I absolutely love Kai! We visited Kai about 3 years ago and this time it was even better than we remembered. The food is outstanding, delicious and locally sourced. Priced reasonably, but to be honest compering with other similar place in Galway, food and service in Kai was so much higher ended. Fantastic staff, invisible but always available. Vegan and vegetarian options on the menu were available too.
Emma
August 2021
Best desserts in Galway!! Even if you're not a "dessert" person I dare you to walk past their gorgeous dessert bar and not order anything. FYI, they always seem to always include a gluten free option. All the menu items emphasize local produce. Entrees are a little spendy, but always delicious. The dining room is usually a bit crowded, but it has one of the best restaurant interiors I've ever seen. It has home-canned veggies, original art, and a rustic skylight all put together seamlessly. It feels cultured, authentic, and utilitarian all at once. And the service is always attentive and personable.
Marcel
December 2020
Prob one the best restaurants I've ever been too. Food is tasty and fresh. And staff could not be friendlier and more helpful. Love it.
deeq2016
August 2020
A Galway Gem! We came upon a friend's recommendation and it exceeded all expectations! We both opted for the haddock fish fingers and it was delicious but I have to say, the brown bread that came with it could be a lunch option on its own! Absolutely divine! We also ordered a cheeky bottle of lunchtime wine and oh my.. my favourite wine from a food/wine fuelled weekend in Galway! Would highly recommend! They don't take bookings so be prepared to wait a little while (20mins for us) but sooooo worth it!
Tellsthetruthtoyou
November - 2019
"Superb" I was with a party of 6. We were all happy with the food. Nice varied menu with choices you won't often get in other restaurants all executed to a high standard. The wine was lovely and the staff were great. I'll be back for sure.
Escape811601
November - 2019
"Top class restaurant" Visited Kai with my hubby Granddaughter and her boyfriend. They are both vegan so I rang in advance to tell them. What a fab menu which included vegan starters and mains. They said it was best vegan food they had in a restaurant. I had Venison which was so tasty and beautifully cooked. My hubby's crab starter was amazing and his main of Hake was perfection. This is a top class restaurant and will definitely be back when I'm in Galway again. Lovely venue and friendly staff 5 stars.
MichaelM14259
October - 2019
"Class" Ate in this lovely wee spot last week. The food was lovely and all local produce. The staff were great and knowledgeable and the ambiance was cosy and friendly. Looking forward to going back in the future.
jcrowe03
October - 2019
"Ambiance and Food!" Absolutely charming place on a quiet street. Incredible food and service. Our best meal in Ireland! Every combination of food was stunning and had amazing flavors from starters to dessert.
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