2008 Award Winners SEAFOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2008

O'Grady's on the Pier

In a stunning position, with views over the harbour and beach to distant mountains, Michael O’Grady’s charming seafood restaurant is a lovely spot on a fine summer’s day, with pretty blue and yellow tables set up outside the restaurant, and old boats around the harbour adding to the atmosphere – and, understandably, it’s very popular among Galway diners.

Michael’s aim has always been for his seafood to be “simply prepared and very fresh as my father did it years ago”. This he and his team are do very well, although world cuisine is given a little space too, notably among the daily blackboard specials. Interesting dinner menus offer a wonderful choice plus daily specials – and speciality dishes include a main course Tasting Trio of Seafood, composed of seared king scallops, pan-fried fillet of sea bass, and grilled fillet of sea-trout: the cooking is skilfully judged, and it’s one of the most delicious seafood dishes you are likely to encounter anywhere. (Ever the innovator, Michael also won our Creative Seafood Dish Award in 2001.)

Recent visits have found this charming place on top form - the cooking skill and style is impressive, and attentive, helpful staff back up the kitchen well, ensuring that the laid back atmosphere is genuinely relaxing.  A little gem.