Coastal eateries in Wales worth going out of your way for

From beach cafés and harbour-side pubs to fine dining by the sea, Wales has no shortage of unforgettable coastal food spots. We’ve rounded up some of the best seaside towns and villages for food lovers, grouped by region to help you plan your next coastal escape.

Located just a few miles from each other on the north coast of Wales, Llandudno and Bae Colwyn (Colwyn Bay) are Victorian-era resorts beloved by beachgoers and a popular base for exploring the Eryri National Park. Head to Bae Colwyn’s smartly regenerated seafront and you’ll find Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias, a cool and contemporary Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded bistro run by the celebrated chef. The menu is packed with local Welsh produce, while the panoramic sea views make for a memorable dining experience.

Further inland, Bodysgallen Hall, located just outside Llandudno, provides the complete, elegant, country manor house experience with exemplary fine dining.

As you’d expect from a town nestled on the stunning Pen Llŷn (Llŷn Peninsula), Abersoch is all about the seafood. The Potted Lobster serves up freshly-caught lobster straight out of Cardigan Bay, or head to The Dining Room, a bistro with a local and seasonal menu.

Ceredigion’s largest town, Aberystwyth (or Aber as it is known by locals) is a must-visit stop along The Coastal Way. Enjoy a stroll along the Victorian promenade, take a trip up the longest cliff railway in Britain and visit the National Library of Wales.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Ultracomida, a delightful Spanish/Welsh tapas bar and deli with a cult following.

There’s a great choice of pubs in Aber, including the Glengower, a traditional seafront inn where you can enjoy a pint with ocean views, and the White Horse nestled in the streets just behind the promenade.

There’s something about Dinbych-y-pysgod (Tenby). With old school charm and nostalgia in (buckets and) spades, not to mention some great beaches, it’s been a stalwart of the Welsh holiday scene for decades. For ice cream, Fecci’s Ice Cream Parlour has been around since the 1930s and specialises in old-fashioned sundaes. Further down the road get your crab sandwiches from The Stowaway Coffee Company and enjoy eating them on the harbour walls.

Close to the harbour is Plantagenet House, which is possibly the oldest building in Dinbych-y-pysgod. Dogs are allowed in the Quay room. 

Just over the headland in Llanusyllt (Saundersfoot) you’ll find Lan y Môr Restaurant, which brings together Hywel Griffith, the man behind Michelin-starred Beach House in Gŵyr (Gower), with Gerwyn Jones, former Head Chef at award-winning Grove of Narberth. Lan y Môr boasts an incredible seaside location and an impressive menu, with fresh fish playing a starring role. It’s generally lauded as one of the best places to eat in Wales. Also in Llanusyllt is the St Brides Spa Hotel. Enjoy a bite to eat in the restaurant, which sits above an infinity pool, taking in the stellar views of Saundersfoot Bay.

The coastal town of Ynys y Barri (Barry Island, it’s actually a peninsula) owes much of its fame to the smash hit TV series Gavin & Stacey, and it's a popular resort in its own right. If you’re after some traditional seaside eats, grab a bag of chips to munch on the promenade, followed by a delicious ice cream at Zio's Gelateria.

A little down the coast you’ll find the Blue Anchor Inn, a thatched 14th-century inn that frequently appears in the ‘best pubs in Wales’ lists, and serves up hearty fare and an impressive selection of real ales.

For a small seaside town, Penarth has a wealth of fine eateries to choose from. After a stroll around the town and some sea air on the stunning Victorian pier and fully-restored Art Deco pier pavilion, head to the funky Bar 44 for some tapas. The Custom House sits next to the impressive Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay) Barrage. It boasts two restaurants, La Marina and El Puerto, serving up a constantly changing selection of dishes made from seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Hickmans is a gastropub located in the heart of the town with a good atmosphere. Enjoy drinks on the rooftop terrace after lunch or dinner. Bryn Williams' The Touring Club is open Wednesday to Sunday. It’s a great place to enjoy local produce with delicious breakfasts and lunches. In the evenings the terrace is the perfect place for savouring small plates and cocktails.