10 Best Places to Eat in Anglesey
Hungry for a delicious gourmet adventure? Satisfy your appetite with a trip to Anglesey. Alongside countless tourist destinations for the whole family, there’s a buffet of tasty treats to sink your teeth into.
The picturesque isle was once known as the “breadbasket of Wales”. This is thanks to its fertile fields and bountiful harvests. Many people still flock there today to sample the region’s famous cuisine. There’s something to please the fussiest eaters, from fresh seafood to crumbly Welsh cakes. Oh, and how can we forget the famous Anglesey beef.
We can practically hear your tummy rumbling! Keep reading as we round up some of the best restaurants in Anglesey for every occasion.
What food is Anglesey famous for?
With over 125 miles of spectacular coastline, it’s no surprise that Anglesey is a seafood hotspot. You don’t have to travel far to find the freshest catch of the day. Wild mussels, oysters and sea bass grace every bistro menu. You can’t leave without trying the famous lobster tails drenched in garlic and basil butter.
On land, you’ll find the most succulent beef, lamb and pork. The rolling green pastures are perfect for raising and fattening up livestock. Tuck into a chargrilled ribeye steak with a punchy peppercorn sauce. Or sample a traditional Welsh lobsgows. This hearty stew is a staple for farmers, warming their cockles with slow-cooked meat, vegetables and potatoes. Accompany it with a thick slice of homemade bread slathered in salted butter!
The best places to eat in Anglesey also offer moreish desserts. Welsh cakes are a popular teatime treat. Bara brith tastes exquisite straight from the oven, bursting with dried fruit and spices.
Best restaurants in Anglesey for casual dining
The Tavern on the Bay
The Tavern on the Bay has an idyllic beachside location overlooking the Anglesey coastline. On the horizon, Red Wharf Bay beckons with wide sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. You might even spot curlew, oystercatcher and redshank feeding in the distance.
This is one of the best restaurants in Anglesey for casual dining. The relaxed atmosphere immediately puts guests at ease. Plus, the surroundings are pleasantly unpretentious. The authentic wooden beams and stone feature walls feel traditional and homey. On the other hand, the ceiling fireplace provides a contemporary edge. Best of all, there’s regular entertainment, including a resident pianist.
What’s on the menu? There’s an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with a twist. The Head Chef prides himself on imaginative takes on well-loved dishes. The post cheese on toast is served with Pel Las blue cheese, toasted bara brith, fig chutney and a pancetta crisp. Another highlight is the fresh chowder, brimming with smoked haddock, king prawns, mussels and hake. Mop up the juice with hot buttered bread or garlic ciabatta.
The Harbourfront Bistro
Places to eat in Anglesey don’t get much better than The Harbourfront Bistro in Holyhead. The intimate family-run restaurant is perched on Newry Beach – a stretch of sand and shale that gives way to azure blue waters. Holyhead itself is the largest town in Anglesey, meaning there’s always something exciting to do. After a yummy lunch, why not explore the local wildlife walks or fishing spots?
Despite its small size, the restaurant packs a punch. It showcases gorgeous interiors and delightful recipes that have been passed through the generations. At high tide, the sea creeps underneath the bistro’s decks. You can’t get any closer to the water’s edge. Inside, the wicker-style furniture and wooden accents mimic a ship’s cabins for an authentic nautical experience.
The theme continues with the menu. Start with smoked haddock and salmon fishcakes, salt and chilli squid with lemon aioli or moules marinière. The mains are equally delightful. We recommend the seabass with crushed new potatoes and clams. Or try the beer-battered haddock sandwich doused in a lemony tartare sauce.
The Oyster Catcher
The Oyster Catcher is the ultimate beachside destination. It’s only a short walk away from the sandy dunes of Rhosneigr and the award-winning Traeth Llydan beach. If you’re staying nearby, check out the local water sports. Surfing, kayaking and snorkelling are excellent activities to work up an appetite!
The ultra-contemporary venue is one of the top restaurants in Anglesey for eco-conscious diners. The impressive glass structure boasts several energy-efficient features. For example, a ground source pump provides hot water and heating. There’s also a buffet of vegetarian dishes spotlighting classic British ingredients.
The menu changes seasonally but is always delicious. Expect fig and halloumi salad, cauliflower wings with sriracha mayo and wild mushroom gnocchi. If you’ve got room, how about dessert? Tart blackberries and chewy meringue complement the creamy buttermilk panna cotta. Plus, the warm chocolate brownie is to die for, paired with a trio of sweet Anglesey ice cream.
Best places to eat in Anglesey for special occasions
Sosban and The Old Butchers
Sosban and The Old Butchers is one of the best restaurants in Menai Bridge. If you’re wondering where to eat in Anglesey for a special birthday, anniversary or holiday, your search stops here!
The Michelin-starred restaurant is set within a historical butcher’s shop. Surprisingly, the interiors aren’t flashy or overcrowded. There are only four tables which adds to the feeling of exclusivity. When diners are lucky enough to get a reservation, they’re greeted by traditional Welsh décor. The slate walls, sheepskin-draped chairs and hand-painted animal tiles pay homage to Anglesey’s rural surroundings.
Owners Stephen and Bethan Stevens are the only staff, so guests are limited. We recommend booking well in advance to secure a reservation. As for the food, you’ll embark on a culinary adventure like no other. The modern dishes are playful and unique but you’ll notice plenty of traditional ingredients from North Wales.
Be warned – the pre-set menu isn’t suitable for picky eaters or vegetarians. Dishes change frequently, but often include ox tongue, anchovy butter and pressed lamb.
Catch 22 Brasserie
Catch 22 Brasserie in Holyhead is a vibrant family-run restaurant. The focus is on simple, wholesome food with bold flavours. It won TripAdvisor’s coveted Traveller’s Choice Award in 2022. On top of this, it boasts thousands of five-star reviews from happy locals and holidaymakers. What more could you want?
The stylish venue is formal without feeling stuffy, featuring light and spacious interiors. Above all else, you’re guaranteed exceptional service from the welcoming staff. Whatever the occasion or request, they’ll go out of their way to make your experience one to remember.
The menu blends classic Welsh cuisine with international flavours. The spicy Singapore curry is particularly tempting. Choose between grilled chicken, juicy prawns or seasonal vegetables. For something more local, try the baked Cemaes Bay crab and haddock Thermidor infused with nori seaweed butter.
Of course, there’s a scrumptious children’s menu too. Little ones will love the fish and chips, penne pasta or chicken korma, followed by a decadent Snickers trifle.
Bay View Restaurant & Bar
The Bay View Restaurant & Bar sits within the luxurious Gadlys Country House Hotel. Nearby, you’ll find Cemaes – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the most northerly village in Anglesey. If you have time, it’s worth visiting Cemaes Bay. Watch the sailboats in the harbour or explore the rockpools for shy crustaceans.
This trendy venue is one of the best places to eat in Anglesey if you want to impress that special someone. The bar offers glorious panoramic views across the hotel’s extensive grounds. There’s nothing more relaxing than sipping summery cocktails while watching the world go by!
Most importantly, all the food is locally sourced and prepared on-site. As you’d expect from a pretty seaside location, there’s plenty of seafood on the menu. We recommend the seared king prawns and salmon fillet. However, there are also nourishing vegetarian dishes. The spinach and broad bean burger beats a boring salad, arriving with a toasted sourdough bun and skin-on fries.
Best restaurants in Menai Bridge
Hydeout Bar-B-Q & Smokehouse
Curious about the best restaurants in Menai Bridge? You’re sure to adore the Hydeout Bar-B-Q & Smokehouse. It’s a haven for ravenous carnivores who are mad about good old-fashioned Southern cooking.
The American-style diner looks like something out of a Western, with red leather booths, cowhide chairs and low-mood lighting. The cherry on top is the authentic bar, which is open until late. You’ll find a collection of spirits, wine and beer to complement your meal. On a warm day, why not soak up the sun and sit outside? There’s a cosy alfresco area that’s perfect for the peak summer months.
The menu is everything you’d expect from a BBQ restaurant. We suggest ordering one of the succulent steaks. The chefs source the beef from local farms, only using Anglesey and Caernarfonshire cattle. Then, they cook it over coals and wood chippings for a unique smoky flavour. Other firm favourites include the melt-in-the-mouth brisket, Kansas baby back ribs and gooey mac and cheese.
Dylan’s
Top restaurants in Anglesey combine irresistible waterfront views with a menu to match, like Dylan’s. The art-deco building in Criccieth sits on the Llŷn Peninsula. It’s only a stone’s throw away from white sandy beaches and the winding coastline.
Dylan’s owns three restaurants across Wales, but this is their flagship. The interiors are bright and breezy, thanks to large windows and a glass front. Whatever table you’re sitting on, you’re guaranteed spectacular tidal views across the Menai Strait.
The eclectic menu offers something for everyone, including Welsh and Italian dishes. The food is so fresh, the seafood linguine even comes with a warning – “mussels may contain traces of sand or natural pearls.” Want to recreate some of the delicious food from the comfort of your kitchen? Dylan’s has a nearby shop where you can buy ingredients. It’s never been easier to enjoy the exquisite tastes of North Wales at home!
Best places to eat in Beaumaris
The Midland Tapas
The best restaurants in Beaumaris blend Welsh and international influences for a memorable culinary experience. The Midland Tapas has carved out a niche in delightful small plates based around local produce.
The menu takes you on a global journey, emphasising the best food from Europe, America and Asia. Craving a little heat? Sample the Peking pig infused with chilli and coriander or the nutty cauliflower bao buns. Got a sweet tooth? How about the sugary cinnamon churros or the indulgence chocolate brownie?
Whatever your preference, the bustling atmosphere and lip-smacking cocktail menu are the perfect way to kick-start your weekend. If you’re staying in the local area, preface your visit with a trip to Thomas Telford’s famous suspension bridge. Or, browse more kid-friendly activities in Anglesey, like Pili Palas Nature World. It’s one of the top-rated family attractions on the island.
Harry’s Bistro
Last but not least is Harry’s Bistro. It’s one of the best places to eat in Anglesey for contemporary food, award-winning desserts and specially selected wines.
You’ll find the trendy restaurant inside Henllys Hall– a famous Victorian mansion house with an 18-hole golf course. On a clear day, you can even see across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia. After a hearty lunch, you might like to stroll along the seafront or visit Beaumaris Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts history buffs from across the globe!
The stripped-back menu focuses on quality over quantity. Start with a light goat’s cheese mousse with caramelized green figs and walnuts. Then, devour the local seafood. The pan-fried cod fillet with Jerusalem artichoke purée is light yet flavourful. Round everything off with a lavish dessert. Who can resist a sticky toffee pudding swimming in butterscotch sauce?
Discover more of Anglesey today
Now you know where to find the best restaurants in Anglesey, it’s time to flesh out the rest of your holiday itinerary.
Visit our website to find more travel information, including accommodation guides and family-friendly activity ideas. Want to get closer to nature? We’ve also collected some of the best glamping holidays for intrepid explorers.
If you need any more help, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our expert team will help you find Wales’s most magical destinations, trips and tourist attractions.
