Eight restaurants in Wales have appeared in a new list of the UK's top 100 — one coming in second place.
Ynyshir in Machynlleth, Powys — which ranked first in our own 2022 list of the best Welsh restaurants — is the runner-up in the latest rankings from SquareMeal, a London-based food guide. It was pipped to top spot by Osip in Somerset, which the website described as a "genuine farm-to-table treasure".
The list has a fairly diverse geographical spread of Wales destinations — though mostly from south Wales — including representatives from Cardiff, Gower, Aberystwyth, Penarth, Colwyn Bay and two from Monmouthshire. Here is a round-up of the Welsh restaurants and their positions:
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Ynyshir in Powys
Ranked second. What SquareMeal says: "Gareth Ward’s incredible mastery of live-fire cooking has secured him two Michelin stars at his Welsh restaurant. A completely unique Japanese-leaning menu guarantees plates full of personality, the likes of which you’ve never tasted before."
SY23 in Aberystwyth
Ranked 23rd. What SquareMeal says: "A disciple of Gareth Ward, Nathan Davies is one of the UK’s most in-demand chefs after opening his own Welsh restaurant. Here, there’s an open kitchen and a nine-course tasting menu centred around the charcoal grill." One of our reporters ate in SY23 to see if £110 on one lunch can ever be justified. This is what she discovered.
Home by James Sommerin in Penarth
Ranked 25th. What SquareMeal says: "Home is a family affair, with the Sommerins running front and back of house at this Cardiff tasting experience. Ring the doorbell to enter, then sit back and enjoy a surprise tasting menu."
The Beach House Restaurant in Oxwich Bay, Gower
Ranked 43th. What SquareMeal says: "This waterside restaurant boasts stunning views of the Welsh coastline. The impressive menu is packed with locally sourced produce prepared with thought and creativity, in a kitchen headed up by Hywel Griffith."
The Whitebrook in Monmouth
Ranked 48th. What SquareMeal says: "Chef Chris Harrod has a unique touch, cooking artful dishes which look as good as they taste. Harrod’s food is always intriguing, leaning heavily on the wild food of the Wye Valley."
The Walnut Tree in Abergavenny
Ranked 55th . What SquareMeal says: "The Walnut Tree is enduringly popular in Wales thanks to the gorgeous location, elegant dining room and Shaun Hill’s peerless cooking. Every ingredient is celebrated from humble herbs up to lavish cuts of meat and fish."
Potted Pig in Cardiff
Ranked 82nd. What SquareMeal says: "The enduringly popular Potted Pig is a cosy gastropub in the heart of Cardiff that turns out a cracking menu of comfort food classics, all whilst championing seasonal Welsh produce wherever possible."
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay
Ranked 83rd. What SquareMeal says: "With a focus on seafood and a Bib Gourmand to its name, this informal bistro-style restaurant and bar offers something for everyone at a price that doesn’t make your eyes water."
Do you agree with the list? Let us know in the comments below. Have a read of our top 50 restaurants in Wales here.
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