With a dining scene centred around locally sourced ingredients, wholesome dishes and good honest service, you can always count on Welsh eateries to bring their A-game. From terrace bars overlooking the seaside to award-winning haunts and the UK's favourite steakhouse, here are the top restaurants in Wales that you need in your life.
Consider Mowgli the only place to go in Cardiff for Indian street food. Sit among fairy lights while tucking into unique plates like roti wraps, chilli cheese toasties and spiced chip butties. Make your meal even better thanks to classic cocktails with a twist; think masala espresso martinis and mango margaritas.
If you're a fan of bar menus that consist of small plates and cocktails, you'll probably consider Ten Degrees to be one of the top restaurants in South Wales. Fill up on hearty dishes in the impressive main dining area, or opt for casual drinks and tapas in the cosy den-like lounge.
Flaunting daytime discounts and all your favourite Italian dishes, Llandudno's Wildwood is one of the best restaurants in North Wales. Satisfy your hunger and taste buds with calamari, beef ragu, a vegan lasagne or something else from the extensive menu.
Nestled away inside the Bridgend Designer Outlet, Mowgli offers a welcoming escape from the retail buzz. Inside, you can expect swing seats, fairy lights and indoor greenery that sweeps you off to the Indian street markets.
The menu is just as good-looking. You can tuck into street food favourites like bhel puri, treacle tamarind fries and Diwali cauliflower, plus warming curries and house specials like the temple dahl.
A Welsh restaurant in Swansea that boasts views, brunch and cocktails? It can only be Oyster House. This charming spot with its stunning terrace bar is the ideal escape for foodies. Menu highlights include roasted lamb, duck croquettes and an epic surf 'n' turf.
BrewStone is a rustic Swansea haunt fit for any occasion; whether you're in need of a hearty breakfast, a steak dinner or a cocktail-fuelled night on the town – this destination delivers. There's even a daytime deal on weekdays, where you can bag a dish and drink for under £10, making it one of the best restaurants in Wales for lunch.
Ego at The Groes Wen Inn sits in the beautifully charming village of Penhow. Settle in here to tuck into freshly prepared Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from steaks, seafood and paella to pizza and pasta.
To wash it all down, there's a cracking list of cocktails and pump after pump of local cask ales. Outside, the gorgeous beer garden is perfect for a pre-dinner pint or unwinding after a hearty lunch. This place is not a one off either. There's more of the same delicious dishes in an equally dreamy setting over at Ego Penarth.
Hidden in the wilds of Wales, Ynyshir is a two Michelin-starred powerhouse led by chef Gareth Ward, offering an explosive 30-course tasting menu that fuses Japanese precision with global flair. The vibe is anything but traditional - think loud music, open kitchens and dishes that push boundaries using hyper-local ingredients.
With just a few rooms on-site and a striking black Georgian exterior, it's a full-throttle food experience like no other.
Asador 44 is doing justice to traditional northern Spanish cooking with a winning menu made from locally sourced ingredients. Chargrilled meat, fish and vegetables take centre stage, with a little help from the custom-built wood fire grill. They also have a dedicated wine room and cheese cave... just sayin'.
It's no surprise that UK-renowned Gaucho is one of the best restaurants in Cardiff. This Argentinian steakhouse oozes luxury, from its world-class food to the sophisticated interiors. Sink your teeth into wagyu burgers, delicately marbled cuts of meat and some irresistible side plates – with a six-strong sauce selection that's ready to elevate any dish.
The Pod in Newport is a stylish cocktail bar boasting tasty street food and drinks worth raving about. From quirky burgers to bao buns and nachos, catch up with your fellow foodies either inside or in one of the fairy-lit private domes. Take note of their weekend happy hour and epic Sunday roast offering.
This neighbourhood restaurant is serving up epic seasonal plates in a relaxed setting. Heaneys' fine dining-esque tasting menu showcases a multitude of unique dishes, best paired with cocktails that also change throughout the year.
On the hunt for Michelin star restaurants in South Wales? With an honourable mention in the guide, Cardiff's Thomas comes extremely close. Combining French and British cuisine – created from the finest Welsh produce – this is one eatery you don't want to miss. From brunch to a stonking Sunday roast, there's always a reason to visit.
Award-winning Hanson at The Chelsea is hands down one of the best restaurants in West Wales. This Swansea knock-out champions sustainably-sourced seafood, served in chic interiors that will make any night feel like a special occasion. Their signature fish and chips is a must-try.
