Seaside towns foodies need to visit

From beach-side snack bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, discover the Welsh coastal towns and villages where fabulous, fresh and local food is guaranteed. Here are some of the finest places to indulge your taste buds with freshly-caught seafood or home-made ice-cream.

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.

For drinks The Libertine is a cocktail bar offering a range of artisan tipples. There’s a great choice of pubs in Aber too, 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.

As you’d expect for a town that sits on the stunning Llŷn Peninsula, Abersoch is all about the seafood. Fresh Abersoch serves up freshly-caught lobster straight out of Cardigan Bay. And if you’re looking for a casual seaside bite, 

The coastal town of Barry Island (it’s actually a peninsula) owes much of its fame to the smash hit TV series Gavin & Stacey, but it’s actually 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 from Cadwaladers.

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.

There’s something about 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 Tenby. Dogs are allowed in the Quay room. Salty's Beach Bar and Restaurant sits right at the water’s edge and caters for casual beach-side dining, as well as more indulgent after-dark affairs.

Just over the headland in Saundersfoot you’ll find Lan y Môr Restaurant, which brings together Hywel Griffith, the man behind Michelin-starred Beach House in 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 Saundersfoot 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.

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, which sits next to the impressive 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 Sundays. It’s a great place to enjoy local produce with delicious breakfasts and lunches. In the evenings the terrace is the perfect for savouring small plates and cocktails. 

Located just a few miles from each other on the north coast of Wales, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay are Victorian era resorts beloved by beachgoers and a popular base for exploring the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Head to Colwyn Bay’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.