The restaurant space above Tigh Neachtain's landmark pub has historically housed some of Galway's best restaurants. It was here that Ard Bia started its journey and it is now home to Kasbah Wine Bar, one of Galway's more interesting restaurants.
Approaching along the city’s busiest street, you will find welcoming tables set up outside a diminutive street level frontage. Crisp linen and glistening glass are laid out invitingly, where a coveted few seats are sandwiched between the pub and a bijou coffee shop on this pedestrian thoroughfare. Follow the soft grey carpet up the narrow stairs and it brings you to a warm cocoon of a space with thick walls and an elegant old oak floor. Built in 1894 the building is full of charm with romantic window tables looking out onto the medieval streets of Galway and the ever-bustling Quay Street and Cross Street intersection. Eclectic artworks are dotted about the narrow dining room and candlelight adds warmth to a restaurant that is already full of character.
The Kasbah enjoys a mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationship with its downstairs neighbour and has teamed up to offer a lunch menu there. Tigh Neachtain’s is well known for its strong connection with Galway’s arts and musical communities and now this superior food offering adds to its bohemian allure. The gastropub-style lunch here could include a creamy Atlantic seafood chowder, steamed Killary mussels, a sourdough toastie or friendly farmer chicken kofta salad, served between 12 noon and 4pm.
Head chef Sarah Croffey (formerly of Ard Bia and Kai) leads the kitchen team at The Kasbah and, while downstairs she creates comforting pub food, upstairs Croffey has developed her own take on modern Irish cuisine with a twist, food that is light, fresh and seasonal. Seafood features strongly and the dishes reference a wide range of world cuisines and techniques. Menus include an early dinner and full à la carte, with some evening dishes finding their way onto the lunch menu.
This lovely wine bar in the heart of the Latin Quarter is the perfect spot to relax with friends and family over a few glasses of wine. The menu is designed to share and is served on small plates. There is a strong focus on Irish producers and suppliers such as the local Flaggy Shore Oysters and Herterich’s Pork. Starters can be baked halloumi spring rolls, polenta chips or duck fritters with caramelized onions while main courses include the popular pork belly or pearl barley risotto. The portions here will more than satisfy, and the photogenic plating is a joy.
Inventive choices for vegans and vegetarians are feature and there are, of course, Irish cheeses and charcuterie to complement the extensive wine menu which features a broad range of old- and new-world wines. You’ll find organic, biodynamic and vegan wines from around the world, also champagne and specially selected gins, whiskeys, and craft beers.
Save a little room for dessert if you can, homemade and baked each day along with their selection of breads and scones. For about €7.50 there are knickerbocker glories made with layers of morello cherry, brownie, warm fudge sauce & vanilla ice cream, burnt honey brûlée with rhubarb and shortbread, or, if you are very lucky, the Kasbah doughnut, filled with toffee, praline cream and apple. You'll find a brunch menu at the weekends, and a two course early bird dinner is short and to the point but good value for money and popular with the pre-theatre crowd.
Intriguing combinations are a feature throughout these well conceived menus, and the beautifully presented dishes are promptly served by charming staff with exemplary menu knowledge. The Kasbah is constantly evolving and quickly gained a name as a winebar and restaurant serving great food with generosity and style.
Brimful of character, it is well deserving of its place as one of the newer Galway favourites. A special restaurant in one of the most special rooms on Quay Street.
