Lohan's in Salthill, Galway

If you're ever looking for casual and traditional dining in Galway, Lohan's can accommodate you. Located in the Salthill suburb of Galway, it presents a much quieter version of big city life. A family friendly place, it dishes up fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish. Although it has a bar, it is not a pub and the quality of the food shows that the restaurant is their primary business. Waitstaff was friendly and very helpful and patient with those of us unfamiliar with some traditional Irish dishes.

Our first courses consisted of smoked Irish salmon and Galway Bay mussels in a wine sauce. Both portions were generous and quite good with moderate prices (under 7 euros). Either would have made a satisfying lunch selection.

Bacon and Cabbage (9.95 euros) served with mashed potatoes, cabbage and a parsley sauce without a speck of parsley to be seen, was a total surprise. I ordered it because something told me that this was what the Irish-American dish of corned beef and cabbage was originally based upon. Close but no cigar. The bacon would be described as ham to anyone living in the U.S. The cabbage was very dark compared to what we're accustomed to, but more flavorful. The portions of potato and ham were so large, they couldn't be finished at one sitting, so this was a great value meal. the sauce in all its blandness detracted from the dish. I couldn't help but think that a rich onion sauce may have been a better fit.

Beef and Guinness Stew (10.95 euros) served with mashed potatoes and "mushy peas" (this is a style, not a criticism) was also a good value and very filling meal. The Guinness creates a rich depth to the flavor of the beef. Several Irish cookbooks that I've seen offer recipes for this and it would be a worthwhile dish to try and duplicate. All in all, this was a decent restaurant and a great place to relax after a hectic day of traveling. There is a boardwalk along Galway Bay just across the street.

http://www.lohans.ie/

232-234 Upper Salthill
Galway
091 522 696