When you want a break from your regular routine, going on a holiday is the ideal way to recharge your batteries. Rather than staying home and lounging around for a week, spend a few of those days exploring a new part of Great Britain instead.
Wales is an often underrated tourist destination, but its picturesque and eclectic settings are perfect for a break during the spring and summer months. Winter vacations in Wales can also be a lot of fun if you are prepared for the colder weather.
One of the best ways to spend your leave days in Wales is by sampling cuisines at some of the best restaurants in the country. There are exquisite wine bars, sit down restaurants, street food locations, and other food spots throughout the nation.
Below are the top five places to eat when visiting Wales.
1. The Walnut Tree
Featuring a beautiful, charming location that fits twenty tables, The Walnut Tree is the pre-eminent dining experience in Wales. One of the reasons the restaurant rose to fame was its appearance on the Kitchen Nightmares UK show hosted by famous chef Gordon Ramsay.
Franco Trauschio is the mastermind behind The Walnut Tree, and he guided the restaurant to success for more than three decades. With a first-rate wine menu, along with delicious seasonal dishes, you can always expect a high-quality, enjoyable meal at The Walnut Tree.
A Michelin star restaurant, Shaun Hill is presently the head chef, The Walnut Tree is located in Llanddewi Skirrid. While you may have to travel about an hour away from Cardiff, the drive is more than worth it to sample their delightful cuisine.
2. Tyddyn Llan
Situated in the stunning foothills of the Snowdonia National Park, near the town of Llangollen, Tyddyn Llan is one of the best-kept secrets within Welsh cuisine. Even though the restaurant has a Michelin star, its location means that many people are unaware of its existence.
The chefs at Tyddyn Llan focus on procuring the best local produce and using their creative talents to craft a menu that visitors have never experienced. From the quality seasonal ingredients and unique recipes to the craftsmanship of the chefs, eating at Tyddyn Llan is quite an experience.
The restaurant offers a tasting menu of set dishes throughout the week, while there are also weekend a la carte menus. Whether you enjoy a leek risotto, griddled scallops, or another scrumptious dish, you most certainly get your money’s worth at Tyddyn Llan.
3. The Potted Pig
Located near the stunningly imposing Cardiff Castle in the High Street, The Potted Pig is a sensational restaurant. With an ever-changing menu that focuses on quality ingredients and trendy dishes, you can always experience a great meal at this establishment.
The Potted Pig is one of the trending restaurants in Cardiff because of its outstanding flavours and sense of adventure. Most of their dishes focus on a particular ingredient, such as wild Welsh mullet or Abergavenny beef steak, but they always put a unique twist on the meal.
When you combine their outstanding food with a great wine or spirit, and add a chic interior setting with minimalist styles, you can begin to understand why so many people choose The Potted Pig for their date night meals.
4. The Hardwick
The Hardwick is a very trendy spot in Wales. The project of renowned chef Stephen Terry, this Michelin-starred restaurant is very much a fine dining experience. If you want to have a luxurious and exotic break, then a trip to The Hardwick should be a significant priority.
This restaurant focuses on local and high-quality ingredients for all its dishes. They cook dishes from British and Mediterranean cuisines, but nearly everything is made with fresh Welsh produce, sourced through the highest quality local suppliers. Its menu may vary every few months, but you are sure to have a great experience, regardless of what is on offer.
Some of the dishes you can find on the a la carte menu include Tuscan tomato soup, roasted partridge breasts, and pan-fried sea bass. They also have an extensive list of wines, while the waiters are knowledgeable enough to help you pair your food with the ideal wine.
5. Cafe Citta
If you have a preference for Italian cuisine, or you want to visit a family-owned business that prioritises family-style cooking, then Cafe Citta is a must-visit. Their earthy, open-kitchen style is catching on at other restaurants in the area as well.
Right in the heart of Cardiff, Cafe Citta is hard to miss when you are walking around through the city centre. Despite having a very modest setting, Cafe Citta is sold out most nights, even when there is no national holiday or celebration happening.
Every restaurant has one or two dishes that you must try. With Cafe Citta, their pizza, cheese-breads, and ciabattas are up there as delicious offerings that you must sample during a visit.
Another advantage to visiting this spot in Cardiff is that its prices are very reasonable. There is no need to pay over the odds when you can have a fantastic culinary experience at such a great restaurant. If you have a big group, you may want to reserve a table a few days in advance.
Elevate Your Trip to Wales
Between the hustle and bustle of Cardiff to the quaint countryside, Wales has a lot to offer to any visitor. Whether you are travelling for pleasure or business, you must check out some or all of the restaurants we mentioned above. These are the best food spots in Wales, and eating there will certainly enhance your trip.
The chance to visit such a beautiful country and eat at highly rated restaurants does not come around often. By choosing the top restaurants that also serve the type of cuisine that you enjoy, you can ensure each meal during your stay is a perfect one.