A Taste of the Sea
Blue skies, salty air and the gentle sound of lapping waves – for those seeking to dine beside the sea, the magnificent Welsh coastline offers a myriad of exceptional options. Here’s taste.blas’ ‘baker’s dozen’ seaside restaurants worth reserving a table at this summer...
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias
Porth Eirias
Colwyn Bay
A Michelin Bib Gourmand and AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales award winner, Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias is an exceptional beachfront bistro commanding sweeping coastal views. Head to this North Wales pearl to sample fine seafood specialities and other locally inspired delicacies, all conceived by the renowned celebrity chef.
Experience, for example, the unique flavours of the Gin-Cured Salmon, with Gin and Tonic Jelly, Cucumber Chutney and Lemon Preserve or the Crab Rarebit, with White Crab Salad, Stout and Onion Sourdough. For those with a sweet tooth, there is Porth Eirias Baked Alaska and Buttermilk Pannacotta, complemented by
Bryn’s Kitchen Rhubarb and Ginger.
Dylan’s in Criccieth
Criccieth
Llŷn Peninsula
Dylan’s is known for several coastal establishments – it has restaurants in Menai Bridge, Llandudno, Conwy and Criccieth. Dylan’s in Criccieth, between the Llŷn Peninsula and Eifionydd, is especially noteworthy. Set within the splendid, glass-fronted Art Deco-style Morannedd building, it looks out towards both the sea and Criccieth Castle. Peruse its menus for a range of dishes with ingredients from the Welsh countryside and sea. Look out for Anglesey Seared Scallops, with Piccalilli, Pea Puree and a Parma Ham Crisp and Seafood Chowder Salmon, created from Smoked Haddock, King Prawns, Clams and Menai Mussels. For veggies, the Leek Pesto Mafaldine, with Pasta Môn and Pant-Ys-Gawn Goats Cheese will be a winner.
Coast Deli and Dining
Aberdyfi
Gwynedd
Head to the seafront in Aberdyfi to look out over Church Bay from Coast Deli and Dining. By day, this is a relaxed beach bar renowned for its breakfasts and lunches, while by night it transforms into a popular bistro. Start the day with a Full Aberdyfi Breakfast, heaped with Cured Bacon, Edwards of Conwy Sausage, Free-Range Egg, Cherry Vine Tomatoes, Laverbread and Cockles, Sautéed Mushrooms, Organic Black and White Pudding. For lunch, order Fresh Mussels, with Welsh cider, Leeks, Cream and Garlic. For dinner, the Seared Fresh Tuna, with Niçoise Salad and Pembrokeshire Potatoes, will keep you coming back for more.
Lan y Môr Restaurant
Coppet Hall Beach
Saundersfoot
Overlooking the golden sands and rolling waves of Coppet Hall Beach, Lan y Môr is a marriage of two great culinary minds. Hywel Griffith, Head Chef at the Beach House, teams up with former Head Chef of the Grove of Narberth, Gerwyn Jones. Together they have created a menu bursting with Welsh flavour. Snack on Atlantic Edge Oysters, with an Orange and Malt Vinegar Mignonette, or Selwyn’s Gower Frockels, Crispy Cockles, with Chili Salt and Nori Mayonnaise. Try the Red Lentil and Carrot Burger or the Pembrokeshire Steaks that come with Fire Roasted Red Pepper, Chimichurri and Rocket Salad.
Martha’s Vineyard
Milford Haven Marina
Pembrokeshire
With a balcony overlooking the bustling Marina and views across to Angle, this buzzing restaurant is a great place to spend a summer’s evening. With a large outdoor area, a rustic clapperboard interior and a menu full of locally sourced produce, it’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Try the Market Fish & Shellfish Stew, all locally caught, with rouille and grilled focaccia, or the Gower Mussels in Pembrokeshire Cider Cream. For meat lovers, there’s Welsh Rib Eye, or the mouthwatering Martha’s Cheese Burger, made with a Welsh beef patty from a local butcher and topped with, among many things, melted Welsh cheddar.
ROK Mumbles
Mumbles
Swansea
Still a relative newcomer to the coastal dining party, ROK Mumbles has already proved it offers something new and different. With vistas across Bracelet Bay, you will be mesmerised by the crashing waves as well as the tempting dishes.
If you are looking for a snack or small plate, try the milk bun, with seaweed butter, or Swansea smoked salmon, alongside wasabi yoghurt and jalapeño. For something more robust, the Black Truffle-Stuffed Chicken, with Sea Truffle Butter and BBQ Spring Onion or Market Fish, with Warm Tartare Sauce, could be a memorable choice.
The Beach House
Oxwich
The Gower
Set on the shores of spectacular Oxwich Beach, Head Chef Hywel Griffith offers a dining experience like no other. Holding a coveted Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes, this former coal house has become a destination for food lovers from across Wales and beyond. Absorb the views out across the Oxwich dunes, the Cefyn Bryn ridge and Three Cliffs Bay as you sit down to plates that feature ingredients that have been reared, caught, picked or grown close by.
Try the Oxwich Bay Lobster, for example, with Broccoli, Fennel, Rye Grains, Turnip, Fried Rice and Roasted Lobster Butter Sauce or Fresh Brill, with Caramelised Cauliflower, White Asparagus, Salty Fingers, Grape and Nasturtium with a Kelp and Bonito Sauce.
The Bluebell Bistro
New Quay
West Wales
Keep your eyes open for dolphins as you gaze out across Cardigan Bay from the Bluebell Bistro in New Quay. This friendly restaurant is set within a building that has been renovated to include swathes of glass to bring the sea views right inside. Specials here include the likes of Whole Bream, with Tomato and Red Pesto Butter or Half a New Quay Lobster, with Garlic Butter and Freshwater Prawn Panzanella. The Cardigan Bay Crab Roll makes a great lunchtime treat.
The Harbour Master
Aberaeron
Ceredigion
Watch the boats drift in and out from Aberaeron Harbour as you savour fresh Cardigan Bay shellfish and fish from this West Wales restaurant. An independently owned boutique hotel, bar and restaurant, the Harbour Master is also known for its Welsh Lamb and Beef, Ceredigion cheeses and locally grown organic vegetables.
Tantalise the taste buds with a Pembrokeshire Oyster on Ice, with Lemon and Shallot Vinegar. Move on to enjoy Seared Scallops, teamed up with Rattray’s Black Pudding, Cauliflower and Crispy Onion or Fish of the Day, with Mash, Spinach, Mussels and a Welsh Cider and Saffron Sauce.
The Tavern on the Bay
Red Wharf Bay
Isle of Anglesey
From this restaurant at Red Wharf Bay, you can look out over the sand and along the Anglesey coastline. You can even see over to Llandudno and the Great Orme. Customers are also treated to the gentle sounds of the resident pianist as they savour dishes from a seasonal and very Welsh menu.
This summer, look out for the Smoked Salmon and Prawn Tian, with Dill Mayonnaise, and the Tavern Chowder, made with Hake, Cod and Salmon, together with White Wine, Garlic, Cream and Diced Potato. Welsh Pork and Leek Sausages in a Rich Onion, Gravy, with Crispy Onions, Creamed Potato and Fresh Vegetables also feature.
The Tŷ Coch Inn
Porthdinllaen
Llŷn Peninsula
Tucked away in the village of Porthdinllaen, this hidden gem has a truly unique appeal. Views are out across the Irish Sea towards Yr Eifl, access is by foot only – and the restaurant doesn’t serve food in the evenings. Yet, its delicious local fare and friendly welcome have seen it regularly top lists of best-ever seaside restaurants, not only in Wales but also the world.
Run by the same family for more than 50 years, it offers the likes of Moules Marinière, with a Green Salad, Coleslaw and Multigrain Baguette, and Duck Pie, with a Port and Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding and Rich Sauce, as well as wholesome, heaped dishes of coastal delights such as Shrimp Rolls and Crab Salads.
Tir a Môr
Voco St David’s Hotel
Cardiff
Set within St David’s, a luxury five-star hotel overlooking Cardiff Bay and Penarth Marina, Tir a Môr lives up to its name in bringing together the finest Welsh produce from both the land and the sea. Enjoy everything from snacks and sharing plates to several courses as you take in the sweeping coastal vistas.
From the land, try the Roasted Rump of Brecon Lamb, with a Summer Vegetable Tartlet and Mint Gel. From the sea, order the Grilled Fillet of Salmon, with Apple and Kohlrabi Choucroute, Trealy Farm 25 Chorizo and Potato Terrine. Round off your meal with an Aber Falls Whiskey Crème Liqueur Crème Brulé, accompanied by Pine Nut Shortbread.
The Shed
Porthgain
Pembrokeshire
Renowned for its hearty dishes prepared with fresh lobsters, crabs and fish, all landed by its owners from the quay right in front of the restaurant, the Shed describes itself as an informal fish bistro. Rustic, characterful and with a roaring wood burner to bask beside after bracing walks along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it prides itself on its hearty, homemade dishes.
Look out for the Whole Sea Bream cooked En Papilotte and served with Fresh Thyme, Lemon and Garlic and the Pan-Fried Loin of Hake, accompanied by Tenderstem Broccoli, Romesco Sauce and Herb Oil. Non-meat eaters will not regret dipping into the Wild Mushroom and Seaweed Risotto, served with Parmesan Shavings.
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