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  3. Connacht
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  5. Galway City Centre
Merchant bar and Restaurant, Galway, Connacht

Merchant bar and Restaurant

3.7
3.7
33 Reviews
€30 and under
International

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
  • Good for groups
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
Discover Merchant Cafe & Bar, a gem nestled in the heart of Galway. Adjoining the Eyre Square Hotel, Merchant Cafe & Bar combines the charm of a classic cafe with the liveliness of a modern bar, our venue offers a distinct and engaging experience.

Sample our menu, carefully curated to meld international flavours with locally sourced ingredients. Our chefs' expertise shines in dishes that beautifully blend innovation with tradition. From a bustling daytime cafe to a vibrant lunch and dinner spot that transitions seamlessly into a lively nighttime bar, we cater to diverse tastes.

Our ambience reflects our dedication to creating lasting memories. The fusion of contemporary design and rustic elements in our decor provides an inviting setting, perfect for intimate gatherings or joyous celebrations. Join us at Merchant Cafe & Bar and experience a space where style meets comfort.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    €30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Café, Dining Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 7:30 am–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 7:30 am–12:30 am
  • Phone number
    (091) 569 633
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Galway City Centre
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 33 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.7
3.7 based on all time ratings
  • 3.7Food
  • 3.8Service
  • 3.6Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

33 Reviews
  1. Edimara

    Leinster

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I had a very pleasant experience at this restaurant. The staff were attentive and helpful, which made all the difference. I was also happy to find gluten-free options on the menu, which is essential for me, and they were well-prepared and delicious. The atmosphere was another highlight: cozy, nicely decorated, and with a relaxing vibe, perfect for enjoying a good meal.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic service, friendly staff. Super cute Christmas decorations can't wait to come back again

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  3. Susanne

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Looked great online - but as they say looks can be deceiving - place was filthy - including tables and toilets - food was awful - staff more interested in baby shower that was taking place downstairs - would never recommend this place

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  4. PatrickC

    Dublin

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    We had a booking last night, and were put right beside the door despite there being lots of empty seats, we requested to move and were moved. I got fish and chips and the batter on the fish was not nice at all, my daughter got the same and agreed, it was like it was done in dirty oil. My wife got the buttermilk chicken burger and it was really dry and overcooked. The staff were friendly but the service was poor. Overall it was overpriced and not worth the money. Look elsewhere in Galway for dinner.

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  5. MariaS

    Berlin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    A nice and quite place. Good food ( I really liked the pear salad with goat cheese) service slow but the staff is kind

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful menu! Great variety for myself and my partner. Super friendly and attentive staff. Will be back

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    When we arrived there was no host to seat us at our reservation time and the bartender told us the kitchen was closed. We did not have a drinks only reservation so this was disappointing

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  8. NealD

    Washington DC

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Very good chicken wings. Staff and managers need a bit more experience and oversight. Very difficult to get their attention, didn't deliver ordered drinks, etc.

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  9. HelenC

    N. Ireland

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very good food and good atmosphere Would recommend

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  10. Faye

    Connacht

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    One thing I hate is leaving a bad review so I will start by saying this is not a bad restaurant. It just need work on service which I would say is more the problem of staff than management. 4 of us ate here on Sunday. My order was a pear salad which came with 3 small pieces of pear & a plate of lettuce. Pear looked like a garnish & not the main part. My salad came quickly but my husband ordered soup & 2 kids ordered chicken wings , these came 30 mins later. Food was ok but it’s not on when 4 people sit down together that there is such a difference in receiving food. It’s a pity as if all was working together this would be a great place to eat. We paid for our food without complaint & left a tip. What would be the good in given out to waiting staff when the problem lies with the kitchen.

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FAQs

Merchant bar and Restaurant is rated 3.7 stars by 33 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Google Map for Merchant bar and Restaurant

Forster Street, Galway, Connacht HP1 TCP0

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Galway City Centre
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 7:30 am–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 7:30 am–12:30 am
  • Price
    €30 and under
  • Cuisines
    International, Café, Dining Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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