Cava Spanish Restaurant & Tapas Bar - Galway City

There has been an ‘Ethnic Restaurant’ category in our awards since their inception in the early ‘90s and, until now, the title has been interpreted as ‘oriental’. But a lot has changed in Irish dining and, in addition to a surge of new oriental restaurants (many of them excellent), authentic cuisines from all over the world are now well represented here, including a range of European traditions. So we decided to open up the criteria, to include all restaurants that truly represent any specific culture – and this year’s winner is an excellent example of the authenticity we admire, having brought a true taste of the Iberian peninsula to Galway city.

“Not a bull or toreador poster to be seen - but the menu is in the Spanish language, with English sub-titles; the wine list covers the Spanish spectrum, offering about 80 well chosen bottles; and the cooking is innovative, displaying the knowledge and expertise of a passionate owner chef.”

Treats in Cava Spanish Restaurant & Tapas Bar include an all day tapas menu that takes one on a 50-dish tour of Spanish cuisine in miniature and, in the evening, there are suggested pairings for Tapas & Sherry and Tapas & Wine.

[Next door, a northern European counterpart, the critically acclaimed Aniar, was recently opened by the same team.]