Our meal was great value thanks to the €10 mains on offer M/T/W. I had the seafood chowder which was more cream based soup than chowder. A bit of a disappointment but it was still nice. Rich, creamy with nice chunks of fish. I opted for a veggie main - Mediterranean quinoa - which hit the spot. It was fresh, light and flavoursome. I quite enjoyed the breaded slice of tofu. I would have liked more than one slice! My companions had the steak which they raved about and also the smoked hake which was good too. We had a 500mL carafe of red wine. I loved that they offer this as an option rather than ordering a full bottle! Our waitress was friendly and did a great job. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in Galway. It's not the most innovative menu but the food is consistent and you won't be disappointed! read more

I recently had dinner at Vina Mara and had a fine enough evening, but was not wowed by the place. I think that things were colored by the fact that there was a large hen party taking over half the restaurant, which made it quite loud and busied up the staff a bit too much. Our food came out quickly enough, and I have to say that my 'Connemara Lamb Journey' was nothing to write home about. The portion was reasonable, but the lamb was not cooked to my liking (overdone, generally) and the cauliflower puree was lumpy and disappointingly flavorless. However, my dining companion's roasted baby monk fish with chorizo and cannellini bean cassoulet was fabulous. So, perhaps I just ordered the wrong thing? I don't like to base reviews off of one meal, but I don't think I'd be bothered to try Vina Mara again given the expense of the first experience (nearly €70, including a half bottle of wine, two mains and nothing else). read more

We had a large group on a Thursday. No problems getting a reservation. Service was prompt and friendly. There was a deal on with two courses for €20 with supplements applicable for some items (steak etc) I had fish cakes with salad to start. They were full of potato and not much fish. My main was cod with chorizo and gnocchi. It was very tasty with a very large portion of fish. I tried some of my friends steak. Slightly overdone but a nice piece of meet. The house wine wasn't great. We skipped dessert. In all not a bad experience. I wouldn't rush back but wouldn't rule out a trip in future. read more

Very nice place. Quiet and attractive atmosphere. I had the two course special. The Bruschetta as a first course, it was fresh and the bread was delicious. I had the daily special main course, a grilled Haddock over risotto, it was very good. I found Vina Mara to be a delightful place with a good meal at a fair price. I come to Galway frequently and will certainly go back to Vian Mara. read more

Four of us went to Galway from Dublin for an overnight birthday celebration and checked out Menupages for a good restaurant prior. We were delighted with all that has been written here of this excellent little cuisine of fresh fish dishes, ambience, service and good eating experience. We took a while to browse the menus, particularly the 3-course dinner & bottle of wine for 2 at €67, but getting fresh fish from the west coast is not easy in Dublin, so once we saw the special on of John Dory, we all went for it. The starters were the only different dishes we had; of pork belly, smoked haddock, salmon & leeks and tossed salad. All great appetisers which we shared about. Meanwhile, the red & white wines we selected were served up with water jug and selection of breads and our party got underway. All the while, the staff served away without any intrusions upon us. The girls had the Warm Chocolate and Amoretti Pudding while he & I shared a mini cheese plate. Great to get an option for a smaller cheese plate too, and at €5 for each dessert, this is excellent value. We were the last to leave, but next time we'll be first back here to check out the next sea food special on. read more

Vina Mara Restaurant - Irish Near Me - Galway, G

Very attentive and prompt service that I'm used to getting back in NY. All the food was spectacular. Make sure to try the duck croquets. Definitely the best meal I've had in weeks. The drink selection was more robust than I expected. It's also just a street over from the busy and loud tourist street. Highly recommend it if you're in town. read more

Went for an early dinner with a co-worker on a Saturday night. Luckily they had a special from 6:00pm to 7:00pm that we both took advantage of, €20 for a 2 course meal, (a starter and entree). Tim had the Seafood Chowder which he said was about average. He thought the items in the chowder were chopped a little too fine and slightly over cooked, but he did like the chowder itself. I had the Lemon & Coriander Chickpea Cakes. The order came out with 2 cakes and a small salad. Would be a good "tapas" style small plate to share. Flavor was good with good presentation. Our dinner entrees were the Duck breast with blueberry chutney and mash for Tim and the roasted pork neck with chorizo mashed potatoes for me. Tim's duck was ordered medium and came out medium well on the edge of well done, but he said it was still moist and he really liked the crispy skin. My pork was also slightly over cooked, but parts of it was still moist enough with good flavor to be enjoyable. The chorizo mixed into the mashed potatoes was a nice addition. Overall a pleasant meal in a nice restaurant. There were only a couple of people dining when we got there, but it was packed by the time we left. Even so, service was very solid and never slacked off. read more

Vina Mara Restaurant - The Lemon & Coriander Chickpea cakes - Irish Near Me - Galway, G

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Awesome and price worthy food. The value menu is a great deal, try the the pink panter for dessert!

Good menu. Nice meaty options for the parents and good veg and vegan options for us younger folks. Kinda more formal than some of the restaurants on the strip. You could show up in jeans and not be that out of place, but slightly nicer probably would fit in a little better. (We only had jeans, but felt fine.) Reservations are the way to go. Nice quaint building. Only drawback was that the floor sagged every time a server walked by us. I think you guys got a broken floor joist or missing/broken joist bridging, Vina Mara. Should have a contractor take a look. read more

Vina Mara is an excellent option for an evening dinner in Galway. Overall great atmosphere and friendly service. We went on a Tuesday and all main courses were 10 euros, an excellent deal for our choices, the steak and the seafood risotto. For dessert we chose the two specials, the caramel cheesecake and the chocolate mousse with salted caramel, which were both excellent. Would definitely go back, excellent value and a great last evening in Galway! read more

I have been here probably 20+ times in the last 5 years. I have yet to have a bad meal, having sampled both the lunch and dinner (set and a la carte) menus. Whatever was ordered was fresh and delicious. This place is a favorite of mine especially for lunch, at just €9.50 for bread basket, main course, and a tea/coffee-you can't do much better. Yum. read more