For a city that has become famous for its culinary choices, Galway has grounds to lay claim to being Ireland's food capital. With a vast array of restaurants which give locals and tourists alike a taste of the world, the city's food family is as impressive as it is appetising.
One of the newest members to the family is The Claddagh Restuarant on Bridgewater Court, Fairhill Lower Road. Operated by head chef Ravi and Roundstone native and restaurant manager, Shona O'Toole, the restaurant specialises in the fusion of fresh Irish produce with superb Sri Lankan spices. Having worked in The Shamrock Bar and Restaurant in Roundstone for five years, Ravi has perfected the menu to suit the Irish palate. With a particular emphasis on seafood, customers have the option of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
Originally from the Teardrop island, Ravi says his passion for cooking and creating new dishes, fusing Irish and Sri Lankan cuisine, came from his mother.
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"My love of cooking comes from my mother. A lot of the recipes that are on the menu are her original creation. I love to create and experiment [in my cooking]. Our specials board changes every day. We take the local produce such as seafood and using my own spices, give the dish a Sri Lankan twist so what we have is a modern, Sri Lankan take on a traditional Irish dish.
"All food, our spices, our bread, is made in house and cooked to order so customers are getting tasty, fresh, food as well as an authentic taste of Sri Lanka."
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Open Tuesday and Wednesday, from 5pm to 11pm and Thursdays to Sundays, from 1pm to 11pm, the restaurant caters for parties providing bespoke menus. There is live entertainment every Sunday and for those unable to sit in and enjoy the full Claddagh Restaurant experience, the business provides a call and collect takeaway service.
For more information call (091 ) 587 633 or visit @thecladdaghrestaurant.
