Welsh food and drink experiences

The prime natural resources of Cymru have shaped our culinary tradition. Welsh lamb is justifiably world famous, farmed on our lush mountains, valleys and salt marshes. Our cattle farming produces Welsh beef, most notably from the Welsh black cattle.

Our coastline offers the best of fresh seafood, from Pembrokeshire, the mussel farms of Bangor and Conwy, to Anglesey Oysters and our famous laverbread (edible seaweed) or ‘Welshman’s caviar’, collected from the pristine shores of Gŵyr (Gower).

Welsh lamb and beef, and several other Welsh products have a coveted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

Traditional Welsh dishes include Cawl, Welsh Rarebit, Glamorgan Sausages and Welshcakes. Check out our recipe pages for more inspiration to make your own.

Welsh food is a glorious combination of tradition and diversity - the heritage of Welsh cooking blended with influences from immigrant populations from Italy and the Middle East who flocked to parts of Cymru from the mid 18th to mid 19th century in search of work. Head to one of our outstanding Welsh Italian ice-cream parlours and cafes to find out for yourselves.

Cheese has long been a traditional food of Wales and award-winning varieties grace the cheese boards of homes and restaurants alike. There's the more well-known Caerphilly, Tintern, and Y Fenni, and the likes of Black Bomber and Perl Las, which continue the reputation and excellence of Welsh cheese producers. Caws Teifi are one of the most highly awarded cheesemakers in Britain. Discover top Welsh cheeses to try and to buy for yourself.

We also love a catch up with friends over a panad (cup of tea) and a bit of cake. Try our famous fresh Welsh cakes and other delights from an independent bakery or market. Prefer a picnic or creating a delicious mixed buffet board? Check out our guide to Welsh delis and farm shops full of tasty, quality Welsh produce including traditional preserves, meat and fresh seafood, cheeses, beers and ciders.

Begin your day with a lazy start at one of our top brunch spots. If you need a break during a day's adventuring, settle down for a Welsh brew coffee at an independent coffee shop. Special occasion or just fancy treating yourselves? Book a table at one of our best places for afternoon tea in Wales, in stunning, luxurious locations.

There are many brilliant options for a memorable evening dining out. Enjoy innovative Welsh cuisine at our curated list of coastal eateries in Wales worth going out of your way for. 

Wales is winning at fine dining too - our Michelin star restaurants, including two-star Ynyshir and recent addition Gorse, showcase the very best of Welsh produce and talent.

Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for too. With several purely vegan and vegetarian places to eat in Caerdydd (Cardiff) to choose from, our capital city makes an excellent spot for a break. Or head to Y Gelli Gandryll (Hay-on-Wye) for a vegan foodie weekend away.

Explore local flavours while meeting the people behind them. Book on an immersive food and drink tour, where you can enjoy everything from city-based walking foodie tours to market tastings, and learn how food goes from production to plate. 

Hands-on visits include chocolate workshops and experiences, or visit iconic producers like Halen Môn Welsh sea salt on Ynys Môn (Anglesey), where you can see how this world-famous salt is crafted from pristine coastal waters.

Discover the landscape’s natural larder through guided foraging experiences in Wales, where expert guides help you safely identify and cook with wild ingredients.

Cymru is well known for our quality beer. From one of the UK’s biggest family owned independent breweries, Brains, to local breweries - like Tiny Rebel Brewing Company for Caerdydd and Casnewydd (Newport). 

If it’s not beer, it’s cider. Award winners include Apple County Cider, in Monmouthshire and Hallets Cider, in Crymlyn (Crumlin). Check out beer expert Emma Inch's guide to breweries you can visit.

Wine producers are excelling too. We have over 20 Welsh vineyards ranging from Glyndwr Vineyard, the oldest established and largest vineyard in Wales, to Red Wharf Bay Vineyard on Ynys Môn (Anglesey), producing award-winning wines that make Cymru proud. Book on a guided or self-guided vineyard tour and savour the taste yourselves.

Penderyn Whisky is probably our best known spirit and you can visit Penderyn distillery to see how whisky is made. But Cymru has a number of other tipples from producers across the country that you can also visit. You'll now find high quality gins, whiskies, liqueurs and rums of all types, including award-winning Dyfi Distillery, Silver Circle Distillery, Gower Gin Company and Aber Falls, several of which use local botanicals to add flavour. Take a unique memento away on one of our gin tasting or making experiences.

Events like the Abergavenny Food Festival and Conwy Feast showcase everything from artisan cheeses and fresh seafood to street food and craft drinks, often with live cooking demonstrations, music and opportunities to meet local producers and even famous chefs! Set in beautiful market towns and coastal locations, these festivals offer a lively way to experience the rich culinary heritage and creativity of Wales. Check out our guide to Wales’ food and drink festivals to find out more.