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Wales has developed a thriving restaurant scene over the last decade or so, and not just in major towns. Some truly outstanding food can be found in rural pubs and hotel restaurants. More and more restaurants are creating dishes using fresh local ingredients—Welsh lamb, Welsh Black beef, Welsh cheeses, and seafood from the Welsh coast—that show off the best of the region's cuisine.
In a crenellated former park lodge a short walk west of the entrance to Cardiff Castle, this cozy tearoom is the place to go for superb cakes such as Victoria Sandwich or Lemon Drizzle. There's a good range of sandwiches and around 20 teas on the menu, but the splendid Afternoon Tea is the real draw here (reservations advised). The outdoor terrace overlooking Bute Park is a lovely spot when the weather is nice.
It might be in an uninspiring space in a city-center shopping mall, but this little restaurant, run by members of the Hare Krishna community, is the best place to go for good-value vegan food. From their traditional dishes of dahl and curry to falafel wraps and vegan burgers, there's something to please most tastes. Or you could just take a break from sightseeing with a chai or lassi accompanied by a delicious cake. The restaurant also hosts regular events including meditation sessions and spiritual talks.
This charming little vegan bistro offers an interesting menu full of freshly cooked food. Expect copious Buddha bowls with a rainbow of vegetables as well as spicy dishes, wraps, and plenty of mouthwatering sweet treats. The coffee is pretty good, too.
This 19th-century chapel has been successfully converted into a café with four on-site bedrooms, complete with original features. It's a good spot for breakfast, and at lunchtime, you'll find sandwiches and salads on the menu. Book ahead for a delicious Afternoon Tea. The owners roast their own coffee beans and use local produce where possible. The café is 3 miles east of Llangollen.
Sheep's-milk ice cream, delicious cakes, and local produce mixed with international flavors are offered at this little café. Many customers come just for the coffee, especially the Lebanese variety.
This family-run ice-cream parlor, café, and restaurant sits right on the seafront. House-made pizza is a specialty, or you could just join the queue for the delicious fresh gelato. Every indoor and outdoor table has panoramic views of Swansea Bay. It's in Mumbles, a resort town southwest of Swansea.
