Great places to eat in Fishguard and Goodwick

Twinned under a joint council, the towns of Fishguard and Goodwick are synonymous with the ferry to Rosslare. However, these unsuspecting twin towns offer much more than a mere ferry port.

The scene of the Last Invasion of Britain in 1797, Fishguard and Goodwick share a fascinating history, with the Last Invasion Tapestry telling the tale of the invasion. 

Standing at the gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the towns are surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, and notable landmarks. Wander along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail to Fishguard Fort for postcard-perfect views of Goodwick Harbour; Lower Town Fishguard; and Fishguard Quay, fringed with fishermen’s cottages. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic stroll along Goodwick Parrog, or book a fflecsi bus to Strumble Head Lighthouse in Pencaer - a top spot for dolphin sightings.

Step back in time in the Gwaun Valley or Cwm Gwaun, stretching from Lower Town Fishguard to the rugged slopes of the Preseli Mountains. Crafted by fast-flowing meltwater during the Ice Age, this vertiginous valley is dotted with prehistoric artefacts, like Pentre Ifan - a 6,000 year-old Neolithic burial chamber in nearby Nevern. Here, locals still celebrate New Year’s Day or Hen Galan on 13 January, according to the Julian calendar, gathering in one of the historic local pubs to have a pint.

History aside, there’s a flourishing food and drink scene to get your teeth stuck into!

Headed up by Chef Daniel Jones and partner Lois Thomas, JT at the Abergwaun Hotel offers expertly executed, elegantly presented modern European cuisine, emphasising local produce. 

We loved the wispy mushroom croquettes; the ‘sweet and sour’: local swede with teriyaki pork faggot, carrot gravy and fresh apple; and the roast lamb rump with pickled red cabbage, crushed celeriac, seaweed and Welsh whisky lamb jus. 

• It's family-friendly with a children’s menu, and highchairs are available
• Well-behaved dogs are welcome during quieter periods
• There is a vegetarian menu, vegan and gluten-free options available, and dietary requirements can be catered for

Accessibility

• There is wheelchair access
• They don't offer a hearing loop or large-print menu
• There are accessible toilet facilities
• Environment: a well-lit, classy atmosphere

Mannings Grocers is a local, family-run greengrocer with a difference. After stocking up on locally grown organic fruit and veg, refuel with freshly brewed tea or coffee, hot sandwiches, soups, or homemade cakes in the café. Try the blueberry, almond and coconut sponge; it’s a best-seller!

• It's family-friendly, offering children’s picnic boxes and highchairs are available
• Dog-friendly
• There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. They offer vegetarian and vegan breakfasts and gluten-free cakes

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• There's no hearing loop or large-print menu available
• There are accessible toilet facilities
• Environment: Spacious, airy and bright; friendly staff

Cresswell's Café’s cheap and cheerful breakfasts are the talk of the twin towns. In a nod to owner Allan’s Scottish roots, start your day with a full Scottish breakfast with haggis, square sausage and black pudding. Alternatively, play it safe with a traditional breakfast, or build your own breakfast instead.

• Children’s breakfasts and meals on offer, and highchairs are available
• Dog-friendly
• Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options including vegetarian and vegan breakfasts, veggie sandwich fillings and jacket potato toppings

Accessibility

• There is wheelchair access
• No hearing loop or large-print menus available
• No accessible toilet facilities
• Environment: Bright, comfortable and friendly; there's a small raised step at the front entrance

Marking the official site of surrender by French troops following the Last Invasion of Britain in 1797, The Royal Oak is one of the most historical Fishguard pubs. 

Besides local beers, ales and spirits, the pub offers a homely menu prioritising Pembrokeshire produce. Try the Welsh Glamorgan sausages; traditional pork faggots; or pear, walnut and Caws Cenarth Cheese Perl Las salad. 

• They offer a children’s menu and highchairs are available
• Dog-friendly
• Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are clearly indicated on menu

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• No hearing loop or large-print menus available
• No accessible toilet facilities
• Environment: There is a small set of stairs leading to the dining area and toilets; beer garden to the rear

A Grade II Listed pub, Bennett’s Navy Tavern once housed G. Bennett & Co wine and spirit merchants. Today, the pub is decked out with nautical memorabilia; from the the naval prints hanging on the walls, to the model ships sitting on the fireplace mantel. Park yourself at the bar and enjoy a cold pint of Felinfoel beer, made at the oldest brewery in Wales.

• Not suitable for children
• Dog-friendly
• Drinks only

Accessibility

• No wheelchair access
• No hearing loop or large-print menus available
• No accessible toilet facilities
• Environment: Fairly dark and quiet. There's a beer garden to the rear

Based at Fishguard and Goodwick railway station, this charming Goodwick café offers a warm welcome to anyone visiting the twin towns by train. A trusted spot for a hearty Goodwick breakfast, the Old Station Café also serves sandwiches, toasties, paninis, jackets, and daily specials. We hear the ham cawl is a must!

• There is a children’s menu and highchairs are available
• Dogs are welcome outside, but not inside
• Vegetarian breakfasts, sandwich fillings and jacket potato toppings are available. There is a gluten-free menu

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• No hearing loop or large-print menu
• There are accessible toilet facilities
• Environment: Brightly lit; somewhat noisy

Besides housing one of Fishguard’s best restaurants, The Abergwaun Hotel offers five luxury en-suite rooms. And, with signed copies of Michelin-starred Welsh Chef, Stephen Terry’s debut book, Inspired by… gracing the coffee tables, this historical hotel is dream territory for fine food and drink lovers. 

Awake to a traditional Welsh breakfast with local laverbread, or freshly baked croissants from a nearby bakery. 

Why not take your taste buds on a culinary adventure to Fishguard and Goodwick, in north Pembrokeshire? 

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