Wales is a Celtic nation of the United Kingdom renowned for its dramatic landscapes, medieval castles, and vibrant culture. From the soaring peaks of Snowdonia to the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline and the charming capital city of Cardiff, Wales offers extraordinary diversity in a compact area. Welsh language, music, and traditions remain alive and celebrated, giving the country a distinct identity that sets it apart from its neighbours.
Welsh cuisine celebrates outstanding local produce: Pembrokeshire early potatoes, salt marsh lamb from the Gower and Anglesey, Cardigan Bay seafood, and traditional items like laverbread (a seaweed paste), Welsh cakes, and cawl (a hearty lamb and vegetable broth). The food scene has been transformed over the past two decades with multiple Michelin Stars and a flourishing farm-to-table movement. Abergavenny is considered the food capital, hosting the celebrated Abergavenny Food Festival every September.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Wales.
Cawl
Traditional slow-cooked broth with Welsh lamb, leeks, and root vegetables; the national dish
Where to try: Traditional pubs and cafés throughout Wales
Welsh Rarebit
Seasoned melted cheese sauce on thick toast; far superior to the name suggests
Where to try: Any good café or gastropub; Bute Park Café in Cardiff does an excellent version
Laverbread
Cooked seaweed (laver) formed into cakes and fried; classically served with cockles and bacon at breakfast
Where to try: Cardiff Central Market stalls; any traditional Welsh breakfast restaurant
Welsh Cakes
Flat griddle-baked scones studded with currants; bought hot from the griddle
Where to try: Cardiff Central Market; bakeries throughout Wales
Salt Marsh Lamb
Lamb grazed on coastal marshes; intensely flavourful with a mild saltiness; PDO protected
Where to try: The Hardwick, Beach House, Ynyshir, and any good Welsh restaurant
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
The Walnut Tree
Popular Modern Welsh-Italian restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Michelin Star; uses hyper-local Welsh produce; renowned wine list
Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny, NP7 8AW
The Hardwick
Popular Modern British restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Abergavenny Food Festival centrepiece; Stephen Terry's locally sourced cooking
Old Raglan Road, Abergavenny, NP7 9AA
Ynyshir
Popular Modern Welsh Tasting Menu restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Two Michelin Stars; regularly rated among Wales's best restaurant experiences
Eglwysfach, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8TA
Sosban and the Old Butcher's
Popular Modern Welsh restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Michelin Star; intimate 20-cover restaurant in converted butcher's shop
1 High Street, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EE
Ultracomida
Popular Spanish-Welsh Fusion restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Award-winning Welsh produce deli; excellent cheese and charcuterie counter
31 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2LN
Bully's
Popular French restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Cardiff institution since 1994; Gallic atmosphere and classical French cooking
5 Romilly Crescent, Cardiff, CF11 9NP
The Potted Pig
Popular British restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Cocktail bar in former bank vault; excellent Welsh meats and local ales
27 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PU
Heaneys
Popular Modern Welsh restaurant in Wales.
Known for: Tommy Heaney's acclaimed Cardiff restaurant celebrating Welsh produce
6-10 Romilly Crescent, Cardiff, CF11 9NR
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Modern British
The Hardwick
The Felin Fach Griffin
Beach House Restaurant
The Cowbridge Kitchen
Modern Welsh
Sosban and the Old Butcher's
Heaneys
Cwtch
The Crown at Whitebrook
Seafood
Gardd Fwyd (The Seafood Kitchen)
Café Môr
Pysgoty
The Shed Fish & Chip Restaurant
Spanish
Ultracomida
Asador 44
Argentine
Patagonia
British
The Potted Pig
French
Bully's
International
Bwyta Oer / The Cold Kitchen
Italian
The Walnut Tree
Mixed
Bwydlyn / The Foodmarket
Modern Welsh Tasting Menu
Ynyshir
Traditional British
Yr Hen Lew Du (The Old Black Lion)
Traditional British Pub Food
Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel Bar
Traditional Welsh
Ebbw Vale Cafe
Welsh
Da Bara Artisan Bakery & Café
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Cardiff Central Market
Swansea Market
Abergavenny Food Festival Market
Riverside Farmers' Market Cardiff
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Booking is essential for Michelin-starred restaurants — reserve weeks to months in advance
Pub kitchens typically close at 9pm; plan dinner for 7–8pm in smaller towns
Tipping is not mandatory in Wales but 10–15% is appreciated in restaurants (not expected in pubs)
The word 'cwtch' (pronounced 'cutch') means cosy/snug in Welsh — a restaurant named Cwtch is promising
Welsh lamb is at its best June–October; shellfish is excellent April–October
Wales has excellent vegetarian options in cities; vegan options improving. Traditional Welsh food is meat-heavy but restaurants increasingly cater for dietary requirements. Inform restaurants in advance of serious allergies.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |