Cafés and restaurants in Neath, Port Talbot and Pontardawe

Right in the centre of Neath, Forty Six 46 is a locals' favourite for its handmade coffees and paninis, pies and filled baguettes. Kids will love it for its quirky interior - old telephones, an ancient propeller, vintage car parts and all sorts of old photos adorn the wood-panelled walls. There's also some nice space at the back to sit outside if it's a sunny day.

Serving up indulgent treats and delicious meals, Smashed Raspberry on Angel Street is a local favourite. With a menu featuring American pancakes, toasted wraps, jacket potatoes and milkshakes, it caters to both sweet and savoury cravings. It's a dog-friendly café that is praised for its warm service.

Handcrafted coffees, decadent cakes and cookies and sandwiches are the order of the day at Brew&Co, a friendly neighbourhood coffee joint. In their own words 'the coffee is clean and sweet with flavours of dark sugar and chocolate'. The owners are big dog lovers, so pooches are particularly welcome. No surprise that their bulldog stars on the coffee bar's logo.

Sgwd Gwladys is about 15 minutes north of Castell-nedd. It's the ideal place to stop off for a bite, with a menu that features dishes made with local ingredients like burgers, fish and chips, sandwiches and steaks. There's a good kids' menu too and plenty to keep vegans and veggies happy.

Read more: Things to do around Neath Port Talbot

Winner of Wales Prestige Awards 'Tea Room of the Year - South Wales' award 2025, The Tea Rooms in Glynneath, offers hearty homemade meals, delicious cakes and a wide choice of teas and coffees. The independently owned tea room at the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is the perfect stop‑off for walkers and cyclists to the area.

All your curry favourites are served up at Cinnamon Kitchen, but there are plenty of chef specials to try too - like chicken or beef Jalfrezi. Dine here on Sunday and there's a special buffet - meaning you can sample all sorts of dishes for a fixed price.

The owners lovingly returned this old pub to its former glory back in 2014. Formerly called the Britannia, the Brit Pub is now a welcoming local up the valley a little way in Cwmafan (Cwmavon). Inside you'll find upcycled furniture, quirky wall hangings and a bar stocked with quality ales. The excellent food is mostly homemade, using locally sourced ingredients with lots of veggie and vegan offerings. It's everything you'd expect from a cracking local pub.

Franco and his wife Teresa opened their fish and chip shop on Aberafan (Aberavon beach) back in 1970. Over 50 years on, Franco's still family-run with a busy restaurant alongside. Classic breakfasts will set you up just right for the day. Freshly cooked fish and chips will be just perfect after a swim or sitting in the sun enjoying the views from one of the outdoor tables by the beach. Burgers, pies and more are on the menu if fish isn't your thing.

Read more: Walks for all in Neath Port Talbot

Pub food classics, well cooked and presented are what to expect at the Butchers. There's a changing list of chef specials too with freshly caught fish a regular feature. Despite the name, veggie and vegan options are available. Save room for the homemade desserts. They get great reviews!

There are a few classic Indian restaurants in the centre of Pontardawe. And healthy competition between them means all are well worth a visit. All the usual favourites are on offer at Tamarind and Cardamon  - biryanis, bhunas, massalas, jalfrazis and more. Plenty of veggie options too.