5 Best Places To Eat In Colwyn Bay
From gourmet meals to quick fish and chips, Colwyn Bay caters to every taste. But with so many places to choose from, how can you find the best restaurants in town? At wales.org, we’ve put together a handy guide covering the five best places to eat in Colwyn Bay.
Overlooking the Irish Sea on the North coast of Wales, Colwyn Bay is one of the most beautiful coastal spots in the country. If you’re planning a visit, however, you’ll need an appetite for more than just the breathtaking views! Boasting bistros and bars aplenty, Colwyn Bay offers a multitude of options when it comes to eating out – whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, fine wines, or hearty roasts.
The Tal-y-Cafn Pub and Hotel
According to local records, a hostelry has stood on the site of the Tal-y-Cafn pub and hotel since 1438 AD. Today, this restaurant provides the perfect combination of rustic charm and refined elegance – and has the menu to prove it. Expect to find gourmet burgers, local steaks, light seafood salads and a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
With cosy wood-panelled walls, log burners and comfy armchairs, the Tal-y-Cafn pub is as welcoming in winter as it is on warm summer evenings. Its eclectic décor means this restaurant is just as much a feast for the eyes – though we’re not sure it manages to outshine the show-stopping Sunday roasts.
Although the pub offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, we recommend visiting in the evening to take full advantage of the well-stocked bar and decadent desserts.
Jaap’s Catch
If you’re after traditional fish and chips, Jaap’s Catch promises the ultimate authentic experience. Offering both a takeaway and dine-in service, this friendly café is situated just off the promenade – perfect walking distance to the sea if you fancy finishing your family day out with fish and chips on the beach.
Inside, Jaap’s Catch continues the nautical theme with model lighthouses, harbour-style string lights and wooden signs. Its menu features familiar favourites such as battered fish, chunky chips, sausages, steak pie and mushy peas. If you’ve got room (and a sweet tooth), you can also enjoy lattes, chocolate cake and ice cream for afters.
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias
With floor-to-ceiling windows that make full use of its position on the promenade, Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias is one of the most spectacular places to eat in Colwyn Bay. Although it’s open from 10am, this restaurant really comes to life in the evening, when you can watch the sun set over the Irish sea.
On its elegant menu, fresh local seafood is the star of the show – think grown-up fish fingers made from the daily catch, smoked haddock, crab claws and salt and pepper squid. But the selection isn’t limited. There’s also plenty of delicious options for people following gluten-free or vegetarian diets, none of which feels like a sad afterthought.
This award-winning restaurant is the perfect setting for romantic dinners that turn into nights at the bar. With a wonderful selection of spirits, wine, champagne, cider, beer and digestifs, you won’t want to leave before closing time!
Virgilio’s Pizzeria and Portuguese Grill
For an authentic taste of the Madeiran coast in beautiful Colwyn Bay, you won’t want to miss a visit to Virgilio’s Pizzeria and Portuguese Grill. Alongside Italian seafood pasta, marinated chicken and homemade meatballs, you’ll also find a mouth-watering selection of steaks, fish and espetada (steak that’s been chargrilled on skewers).
Although you could easily eat your fill of Mediterranean appetisers, we recommend leaving room for dessert. Virgilio’s offers gelato, warm pancakes topped with crushed amaretto biscuits, homemade tiramisu, toasted waffles, passion fruit pudding and even light sorbet served in fruit skins.
White Lion Inn
The White Lion Inn is thought to be one of the oldest country pubs in Wales. Parts of the beautiful stone building are more than 12,000 years old – and today, the historic venue has the added distinction of offering award-winning local food.
As well as its daily specials, the White Lion Inn offers traditional favourites such as steaks, roast beef, fish and chips, pie and mash, burgers, soup and salmon. Its food is as warm and welcoming as the pub itself, which provides a cosy pitstop in the heart of the Welsh countryside.
