Dining out
Exploring the local area through its food and drink is the perfect accompaniment to a stay in a Rarebits Collection property. We’ve gathered here a very small selection of good places to eat throughout Wales, from tearooms to bistros, top restaurants to cafes. They all have one thing in common – a commitment to serving real food based on quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible. This is ‘slow food’, as opposed to the fast variety.
So enjoy your stay – but get out and about too and sample the tastes of Wales.
A funky, fashionable place to eat – and drink fab cocktails served by friendly staff. The buzzy menu captures the character of the place. Start perhaps with the oysters or the charcuterie board, then tuck into steak, pasta or pizza. Baravin might be a touch Italian but it’s run with a modern Welsh vibe, and the menus are bilingual – did you know that ysgwydd cig oen Cymreig, pesto mintys, pys, mozzarella is a pizza made of Welsh lamb shoulder, minted pesto, peas and mozzarella? If your appetite can manage it, also try the pwdin – no, we’re not going to translate that.
Contact details
Yr Hen Neuadd Y Brenin / The Old Kings Hall, 1 Llys y Brenin, Aberystwyth SY23 2AP
Phone:
01970 611189
E-mail:
info@baravin.co.uk
Website:
http://www.baravin.co.uk
This highly regarded restaurant reflects the ‘terroir’ of the Vale of Glamorgan, using all local and seasonal produce in their food, promoting a strong connection with many local producers. In keeping with this trend they also have their own kitchen garden and you’ll often see forage ingredients such as seaweed, mushrooms and fruit in their food and drinks. Menus changes twice day. Locality and seasonality is key, and the menu reflects the best of the days local produce. They offer A La Carte menu, with a nine course Tasting Menu available in the evenings as well. They are part of a small club of Welsh restaurants to hold a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.
Contact details
Aberthin, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7LG
Phone:
01446 774892
E-mail:
info@hareandhoundsaberthin.com
Website:
https://hareandhoundsaberthin.com/
This unpretentious, well-regarded restaurant pays homage to the wonderful ingredients grown in Carmarthenshire, the ‘garden of Wales’, You’ll find seasonal game from local estates, salmon and sewin caught fresh from the River Tywi by traditional coracle, rare breed pork, locally reared beef and that special delight, saltmarsh lamb from the coast. Don’t feel you have to dress up. Y Polyn is a relaxed kind of place where staff wear jeans, there are no starchy tablecloths, and no modish foams or gels. The food tastes of what it is – simply the best.
Contact details
Capel Dewi, near Carmarthen SA32 7LH
Phone:
01267 290000
E-mail:
ypolyn@hotmail.com
Website:
http://ypolyn.co.uk/
The Bistro is in historic Henllys Hall overlooking the beautiful Georgian town of Beaumaris, famous for its medieval castle. Chef Simon Doyle and his front of house partner Nia Roberts have established Harry’s as one of Anglesey’s best eating places with a contemporary style of traditional food served in a historic location with stunning views. The menu and wine list offer a carefully presented choice and the specials board is always popular, with delicious dishes using the very best of fresh, locally sourced produce.
Contact details
Henllys, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey LL58 8HU
Phone:
01248 812976
E-mail:
enquiries@harrysbistro.com
Website:
http://www.harrysbistro.com/
The newly refurbished Cabin at the golf club is the ideal venue for small functions, celebrations and afternoon tea. All are welcome to Y Cabin, which serves a delightful menu of homemade dishes and snacks in a relaxing setting, surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens. The café-bar is open to all on a daily basis and it specialises in lunches, but its warm, welcoming and intimate atmosphere make it the perfect venue for sipping coffee, enjoying afternoon tea or a well-deserved glass of wine.
Contact details
Priskilly Forest, Castlemorris, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5EH
Phone:
01348 840276
E-mail:
jevans@priskilly-forest.co.uk
Website:
http://www.priskilly-forest.co.uk/
The pub is a quintessential Welsh village pub; low beamed ceilings, lots of wood, crackling log fires in the winter, profusions of colour in the gardens in summer and the warmest of welcomes at all times of the year. The bar is stocked with a good range of local cask ales, a well-balanced list of quality wines and an extensive range of quality malts and gins.
Amongst a delicious menu of pub classics of which the chefs have added their own twists, you will find a changing selection of seasonal specials with exciting new dishes to try. Not to mention the choice of mouth-watering homemade puddings and desserts. The team of chefs all have a passion for quality, fresh, local produce.
Contact details
Glanwydden, Llandudno Junction, Conwy LL31 9JP
Phone:
01492 546570
E-mail:
info@queensheadglanwydden.co.uk
Website:
http://queensheadglanwydden.co.uk/
Amser Da Cafe Bar is the ideal place to relax and sample great coffee, home produced savoury foods and delightful desserts made in house. They offer an assortment of wines and spirits at Amser Da which can also be found across the rad at Blas ar Fwyd, their delicatessen, which houses a fantastic selection of deli produce, wine, cheese, meats and more.
Contact details
Heol yr Orsaf, Llanrwst LL26 0BT
Phone:
01492 641188 / 01492 640215
E-mail:
criw@blasarfwyd.com
Website:
https://www.blasarfwyd.com/
This family-run café in the picture-postcard village of Moelfre on Anglesey’s eastern shores is known for its quality produce and reliance on local produce. Fresh fish and shellfish are regulars on the menu, with crab and lobster supplied by a local company. The lamb and beef, too, are mostly Welsh in origin and of the finest quality. Neither do the fruit and vegetables have to travel far – in summer they’re often grown on the island. Open seven days a week during high season for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner – all delicious and good value. Check website for details of dinners. Bookings taken.
Contact details
Moelfre, Isle of Anglesey LL72 8HL
Phone:
01248 410386
E-mail:
enquiries@annspantry.co.uk
Website:
https://www.annspantry.co.uk/
Located in a 16th century timber framed building, this charming café, licensed restaurant and delicatessen offers a friendly welcome. Alice and her staff have built on its well earned reputation producing delicious, locally sourced food, freshly prepared on the premises. On fine days enjoy their pretty courtyard garden. The delicatessen is filled with treats for the kitchen and table, tasty cheeses, freshly baked cakes and artisan breads. Available for private dinner parties.
Contact details
Broad Street, Montgomery, Powys SY15 6PH
Phone:
01686 668795
E-mail:
manager@castlekitchen.plus.com
Website:
http://www.castlekitchen.org/Restaurant.html
Beach House is located on the shores of Oxwich Bay. Lead by native Welshman Head Chef Hywel Griffith, the team provide a quality dining offering with a magnificent backdrop across the South Gower coastline to the world famous Three Cliffs Bay. Beach House has a well-deserved Michelin Star and it succeeds in delivering award-winning food and dining experiences. This is a must visit for any foodie.
Contact details
Oxwich Beach, Swansea SA3 1LS
Phone:
01792 390965
E-mail:
reservations@beachhouseoxwich.co.uk
Website:
http://beachhouseoxwich.co.uk/
A real find! The award-winning Bunch, set away from Pontypridd’s town centre, is a real pub with a real food experience. Enjoy modern British cooking with a twist – and an emphasis on local produce and sustainability. Everything is home-cooked, including the bread. Award-winning home-brewed Otley ales too – they’re multiple CAMRA champions. Combines the atmosphere of a traditional pub with a contemporary place to eat, welcoming diners and drinkers alike.
Contact details
Ynysangharad Road, Pontypridd CF37 4DA
Phone:
01443 402934
E-mail:
info@bunchofgrapes.org.uk
Website:
http://www.bunchofgrapes.org.uk/
Fabulous location, fabulous restaurant. The name – simple though it is – almost says it all. Coast overlooks the sands at Coppet Hall, near Saundersfoot. It’s dedicated to using, wherever possible, locally sourced Pembrokeshire ingredients prepared with skill, experience, creativity and ‘a good dollop of style’. Enjoy fresh shellfish, lobster, sea bass or roast Welsh lamb. And the view, of course.
Contact details
Coppett Hall Beach, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire SA69 9AJ
Phone:
01834 810800
E-mail:
reservations@coastsaundersfoot.co.uk
Website:
http://coastsaundersfoot.co.uk/
Offering everything you would expect from a Welsh country pub; open fires, wooden beams, old heavy furniture, colourful gardens, great cask ales and hearty homemade food served by a friendly face. Oddly enough though, you’ll find it hidden down a back street in centre of Llandudno.
The hearty homemade menu seems to pull folk from near and far…. locally sourced where possible, with meat coming from the butchers just next door. Wholesome pub classics can be found on the menu mixed with a number of interesting seasonal specials from the creative chef team. Using only fresh produce throughout to ensure quality and freshness in every dish, and hopefully give you a flavour of the local area.
Contact details
Market Street, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 2SR
Phone:
01492 870762
E-mail:
info@the-cottageloaf.co.uk
Website:
https://the-cottageloaf.co.uk/
Found along the seafront in the hidden corner of Pembrokeshire, The Griffin Inn specializes in fresh seafood and home-cooked classics. With roaring log fires in the winter and eating out on the alfresco terrace in the summer enjoying the spectacular sea view – there is quite simply no better place to enjoy your locally caught seafood! The deliberately informal atmosphere and fabulous friendly service only add to it, offering a memorable eating experience, that has won the Griffin many accolades.
Contact details
Dale, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 3RB
Phone:
01646 636227
E-mail:
info@griffininndale.co.uk
Website:
http://griffininndale.co.uk
A favourite amongst locals and visitors, The Snowdon is one of Llandudno’s oldest pubs dating back to the early 1800s. It sits slightly above the town on the end of a charming Victorian terrace. Following a recent refurbishment, the Snowdon is a cracking wine & ale house serving a quality selection of drinks along with a delicious lunchtime menu of toasted sandwiches, platters, pie of the day and hot specials. The pub offers a warm and cosy feel and all this hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the high street. Food served 12-3pm (Sat 4pm).
Contact details
11 Tudno Street, Llandudno LL30 2HB
Phone:
01492 872166
E-mail:
info@thesnowdon.co.uk
Website:
http://thesnowdon.co.uk
This rustic cafe is set in the cart house of the picturesque original National Trust estate with its washed walls and pastel tablecloths. It provides a cosy environment serving seasonal dishes using as much local produce as possible. You will find fresh crab, salads, quiches, cheeses and baguettes alongside Welsh ice-cream and delicious homemade desserts. They are popular with both locals and visitors alike. There is even an outdoor area for dogs.
Contact details
Llanborth, Llandysul SA44 6QL
Phone:
01239 758100
Y Sgwâr is an all-weather, outside dining area with fire pits built into the tables creating a warm relaxed atmosphere. Using the best local produce from seashore to woodlands, which is cooked over fire. Open Wednesday to Sunday: breakfast 9am-11am, Tapas from 12pm offering fish, meat and vegetable dishes.
Contact details
Aberystwyth
Phone:
01970 615935
E-mail:
sy23cwtsh@gmail.com
Website:
https://thecourtyard-sy23.com/
SY23 in Aberystwyth overlooks the town’s clocktower and offers a relaxed but high-end dining experience. Beginning in the downstairs bar, guests can try a unique cocktail or select from over a hundred wines available by the glass. Upstairs, in the beautifully outfitted restaurant, guests are served simultaneously from a ten course, seasonally updated tasting menu inspired by the local area. Chef Nathan Davies is guided by the principles of Sustainability, Produce, Locality and Flavour in creating his dishes. He says, “Our guests trust us to create the best menu possible using the best possible produce from Aberystwyth and the surrounding area, and every day we take pride in delivering that”. Award winning SY23 is open Wednesday – Saturday.
Contact details
Aberystwyth
Phone:
01970 615935
E-mail:
sy23cwtsh@gmail.com
Website:
https://sy23restaurant.com/
New for 2022, The Courtyard Wine Bar is a sister business to SY23 and Y Sgwâr, situated at the top of Pier Street, next to the iconic Town Clocktower. With the same pride in delivering exemplary service as well as great cocktails, small plates menu and an extensive wine list throughout. Hosting a variety of different live music performances on weekends.
Contact details
Phone:
01970 615935
E-mail:
sy23cwtsh@gmail.com
Website:
https://thecourtyard-sy23.com/