5 Best Restaurants in Wales

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Wales has developed a thriving restaurant scene over the last decade or so, and not just in major towns. Some truly outstanding food can be found in rural pubs and hotel restaurants. More and more restaurants are creating dishes using fresh local ingredients—Welsh lamb, Welsh Black beef, Welsh cheeses, and seafood from the Welsh coast—that show off the best of the region's cuisine.

Beach House

$$$$ Fodor's choice

On the beach at Oxwich, this stylish Michelin-starred eatery is considered one of the best in all of Wales. The beautifully presented dishes are made using excellent local ingredients, particularly seafood. Menus start at £80 for three courses. The solid wine list features some interesting additions from Wales, Macedonia, Croatia, Uruguay, Lebanon, and Armenia.

Coast

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Located right next to the beach, this unassuming restaurant is one of the best in south Wales. Local produce like Welsh Wagyu beef is turned into a work of art, served on the terrace in summer. The fish dishes are popular and the extensive wine list has a good selection of French vino. Lunch is a good value with three courses for £45.

The Walnut Tree

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Regarded as one of the best chefs in the United Kingdom, Shaun Hill has been at the helm of this rustic-chic restaurant 3 miles northeast of Abergavenny since 2008. The focus here is on local, seasonal produce with international influences; lunch is £40 for two courses. There are also a couple of cottages nearby if you want to stay the night.

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Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms

$$$$ Fodor's choice

This two-Michelin-star restaurant, housed in a Georgian mansion set among parkland, is one of the best eateries in Wales thanks to its wonderful dishes featuring the best local, and international, meat and fish. There are just five tables next to the open kitchen and the only option offered by chef Gareth Ward is a tasting menu featuring a whopping 20 dishes—the whole experience takes 4 to 5 hours. There are also 10 elegant rooms if you would like to stay the night.

Chapters

$$$$

Seasonal, local produce is what it's all about at this sustainable restaurant located in an attractive old stone building in the town center. The five-course set menu features beautifully crafted dishes like heirloom tomato with Ragstone goat's cheese, nasturtiums, and pickled shallots; there's also a separate vegetarian and vegan menu.