*Collaborative post*
Do you live to eat, rather than eat to live? Are gastronomic experiences a key part of why you travel and love to explore? If so then you have to check out the five delicious or delicious-adjacent hidden gems you can find in Wales below. Bon appetite, or mwynhewch eich pryd, as the Welsh say!
Tomatitos Tapas Bar and Restaurant – Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye, the book town is no longer only famous for its literary shops, as now it’s also full of great places to eat. Enjoy a local ale with fish and chips at the Three Tonnes, or head to the charming Blue Boar for their daily specials. If Tapas is top of your list, then you won’t want to miss Tomatitos Tapas Bar and Restaurant.
An elegant, but cosy interior welcomes you in, but be warmed Tomatitos is popular enough that they do not need to take reservations so it’s walk-ins only! The menu is small and filled with delicious dishes cooked to perfection every time, along with daily specials that change. Be sure to try the most delectable aubergine fries, which are crispy strips of aubergine coated in a light batter, fried and then served with a drizzle of honey. The albóndigas en salsa de tomate is moist and juicy and well worth a taste too.
Highlands Holidays – Monmouth
Know as one of the best campsites in Wales, Highlands Holidays in Monmouth is a must-stay location for those that love their food. The reason? It’s within walking distance of The Whitebrook led by chef Chris Harrod, serving food all sourced locally from the rich resources of the Wye Valley.
In this high rated restaurant, expect finely honed flavours in cosy rural surrounding with tasting menus at lunch and dinner, and an especially good value 3-course meal available Friday to Sunday lunch times for a very reasonable £49.
The campsite itself is peaceful and charming and has all the facilities you need to stay happy during your trip. It even boasts a delightful shepherd’s hut in which you can spend a comfortable night surrounded by a picturesque green landscape.
Bert’s Kitchen Garden – Trefor – Llyn Peninsula
Around 40 mins drive from the beautiful peaks of Snowdonia, is Bert’s Kitchen Garden which is another locale that cannot be missed. With a combination of restaurants and accommodations with a range of activities such as yoga and paddle boarding, there is plenty to keep you amused during your stay.
Indeed, their on-site restaurant is well worth a visit, with the Ella Bella pizza which combines a mix of buffalo mozzarella, and garlic with nasturtium and rosemary is a dish you definitely should try. However, even better if you can swing a seat at the table is Bert’s Monthly Supper club which happens outside in the garden on shared trestle tables. Think rustic wedding meets high-end canteen for the setup. The menu is, of course, largely made up of the ingredients grown in Bert’s kitchen garden, and is at the chef’s discretion. That means you won’t know what you’ll be eating until you get there, but no matter what appears on your plates you can be sure that this casual, social, alfresco dining experience will be delicious, and a lot of fun besides.
Les Croupier – Cardiff
If you’re looking for both excitement and great food, then there is no better spot in Wales than Les Croupier, in the beautiful city of Cardiff. Yes, that’s right this particular spot is a casino filled with roulette tables and poker games. There’s even a sports lounge where you can relax and watch your team’s latest match or game.
Then once you feel the pangs of hunger set in you only need to make your way to the onsite Chinese restaurant Good World. There you will find all sorts of delicacies from nourishing noodles to divine dumplings along with authentic green tea. It’s even open until 2 am at the weekends, so you can satisfy your late-night hunger with ease!
New York Deli – Cardiff
Lastly also, located in the Welsh capital we have New York Deli. This compact and casual deli modelled on the legendary Katz’s of New York is a breath of fresh air, serving bagels and subway roles that would put their American counterparts to shame.
Choose from a variety of fillings including the cranberry and brie bagels, vegan hot dogs and hoagies, and of course the New York Hoagie which is a hearty combination of salted pastrami, swiss cheese, fresh salad including lettuce and tomatoes, heartily drizzled with homemade Russian dressing. All topped off with crispy, sour, piquant pickle slices!
