Restaurants have had a difficult year, yet some have managed to stand out. Here are our favourites in Wales.
Ceredigion’s cozy restaurant-with-rooms serves full-flavored traditional cuisine that changes regularly to reflect seasonal farmed, fished and foraged produce. Trained by Marco Pierre White himself, chef Dafydd Watkin earns rave reviews for his imaginative takes on classics like smoked salmon and Welsh lamb rump – drawing rave reviews as a result!
1. Tyddyn Llan
Tyddyn Llan in north Wales stands out as an iconic restaurant-with-rooms and Michelin star holder in north Wales, boasting one of many highs and lows on Wales’ restaurant scene since last year’s financial downturn. Husband-and-wife team Bryan and Susan Webb form an effective tandem, managing both kitchen duties while simultaneously looking after front of house duties – both are offered as fine-dining a la carte menus or tasting menus, with Sunday lunch becoming increasingly popular each year.
Tyddyn Llan offers rooms in traditional style with views of the hills and countryside, unlike many of its rivals which provide suites or other add-ons. Instead, guests are offered various room sizes; all rooms include private bathrooms equipped with luxurious toiletries as well as Egyptian cotton sheets.
Gareth Stevenson of Pale Hall uses only high quality local produce in his dishes – try his aged Welsh Black steak ‘au poivre’ as an absolute showstopper!
2. Plas Bodegroes
Since 1984, this Grade II* listed Georgian house near Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula has served as a restaurant-with-rooms. Awarded numerous accolades – including UK Hotel of the Year – it caters to families and couples visiting north Wales’ beaches and countryside. Since receiving Michelin stars in 2024, owner Chris Chown and head chef Mark Mchugo have relied upon hyperseasonal ingredients sourced locally such as those provided by Cae Pant Farm, Llandderfel butchery or Pale Estate orchard apples from Pale Estate’s orchard apples!
Chown and Mchugo embrace an innovative gastronomy philosophy that blends classical with modern cooking techniques for an ever-evolving menu, earning them one Michelin green star as recognition of sustainable practices and social responsibility.
Jonathan Woolway of Swansea-born chef left St John in London to bring top-class dining to his hometown with the opening of The Shed in Gorseinon in 2024 – garnering incredible reviews from Grace Dent and WalesOnline while being named by Conde Nast as a must-visit location by Conde Nast! Drawing upon Welsh ingredients for inspiration, its cuisine boasts “coronations-like tastes.”
3. Llys Meddyg
Although its remote location makes it less-than-ideal for dining purposes, this country house hotel restaurant-with-rooms remains one of Wales’s premier dining experiences. Offering an inviting homey ambience paired with innovative menu items that highlight Welsh ingredients in playful yet authentic ways, this dine-in venue is truly worthy of note.
Pembrokeshire’s wild coastal environment inspired our menu, with an emphasis on seasonal fresh produce from passionate local producers and foraged delicacies from around the area. This was reflected throughout the interior which boasts an elegant feel.
Dine on a four or seven course tasting menu (PS55-105) that celebrates Welsh flavors. Enjoy dishes like venison with elderberry sauce and pickled green strawberry dressing in winter; summer offerings might include tomato with laver seaweed butter on buttermilk bread; you will always discover something delicious on every plate!
Swansea’s latest fine dining destination, Vermilion, is an innovative celebration of Welsh ingredients with a menu that pushes boundaries – Conde Nast Traveller has named this restaurant one of its UK top 10; they specialize in local ingredients such as lamb’s tail with mussel custard or cod crackling with rock samphire – that will leave guests satisfied and feeling delighted.
4. Ynys Mon
Ynys Mon, located on the Gower peninsula of Wales, stands out with its exciting Welsh menu items like cockle popcorn and beef brisket Wellington to earn it a place in 2024’s Good Food Guide. Rooms at this charming property are comfortable yet unfussy while its deli-style restaurant provides locally sourced foods such as cheese from Cae Pant farm in Bala and TJ Roberts butchers, along with apple juice from Pale Hall Orchards in Wales.
Ynys Mon is also a gastronomic hub, offering light lunches and Welsh-roasted coffee served in its courtyard or hayloft as well as cooking courses on everything from one-pot cooking to Thai and Vietnamese cuisine (for an additional PS40 fee). Bodnant in Conwy Valley is another foodie haven, working closely with local producers like Reb Boat in Cricieth or Cadwalladers from nearby Conwy valley to showcase their best produce – like creamy goat’s milk ice cream from Reb Boat or Cadwalladers cheeses from nearby Conwy valley!
Annwn in Narberth has recently received the Michelin Green Star and serves up delicious food that pays homage to Pembrokeshire’s land and seascapes. Chef Matt Powell and his team produce a spectacular foraged feast that marries contemporary flavours with Welsh history; highlights of which include cod crackling with lamb’s tail custard, rock samphire with curried banana notes, and the stunning dessert inspired by Pembrokeshire mythology.
