Every month, we’ll be inviting a different food blogger to take us on a whistle-stop tour of their hometown, telling us about the best places to eat out. This month, Becky from Munchies and Munchkins is talking us through the highlights of her local area – South Wales…
Best for a special occasion
Y Polyn is a pub/restaurant near Carmarthen with no airs and graces but still somehow intimate and inviting. This is a perfect place to go for a special meal. We last ate here for my other half’s birthday and it was delicious. Everything from the bread you receive (on the house) when you arrive, is clearly cooked with care and attention to detail and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. The homemade ice cream was a highlight for me…and the bread. Seriously, just go for the bread.
Best for a meal with friends
Sosban in Llanelli is a restaurant in a grade II listed building owned by two former Wales rugby players, a construction entrepreneur and a restauranteur and food broadcaster. It’s a really unique setting for a spectacular meal. We have eaten here on several occasions including with one of our children (the other one tucked in my belly) and always had great service and delicious food.
Best for a hangover feast
Always busy, incredibly popular with the local student crowd and serves everything from pancakes or French toast to the most tremendous burgers, Uplands Diner in Swansea is also home to The Mega Beast which is a man v food style dish which includes amongst other things ten bacon rashers and eight sausages! Uplands Diner has THE best hangover food or just the hungover and super hungry feeling after breastfeeding all night food. It has a great kids menu and a relaxed atmosphere. Here is what I ate on my last visit…
Best for a fun family breakfast
The Kinder Cafe in Swansea is a cafe/bistro with a twist, in that children are very much welcome as the entire top floor is just for them. A soft play with a difference … think fancy dress outfits and computers for the older children as well as all the typical toddler toys. The food is really tasty and plentiful with lots of child-friendly options. It’s nice to relax with a cuppa and a cake with your children in safe view. If you don’t fancy the kid chaos then eat downstairs and enjoy the best breakfast in Swansea.
Best for a date
Castellamare in Mumbles is a wonderful setting for a romantic meal on a warm sunny evening. It overlooks Bracelet Bay and serves the most fantastic Italian food. I always go for one of their creamy pasta dishes but my other half loves their pizzas. There is a also a fabulous children’s playground outside, if you have little ones with you.
Best dessert in the area
Joe’s Ice Cream is famous in these parts. If you have ever been to Mumbles or The Gower you will probably have tasted this sinfully sweet, creamy ice cream. You just have to try if you come and visit. Always stick with vanilla as it’s what they do best. I like it with nuts ‘n’ choc and their special raspberry sauce.
Best for chips
There are a quite few Roma Fish Bars in the local area, two within walking distance of where I live and they really do make the most incredible fish and chips. It’s never a disappointment and they serve huge portions. A large portion feeds three of us!
Best bistro
Bizzie Lizzie’s is a bistro which has been successfully running for 27 years. Consistently, excellent food and service in a really warm and cosy atmosphere. I always go for steak as they do it so well and the puddings are just incredible.
Best for afternoon tea
Fairyhill in Swansea. A stunning hotel with an award winning restaurant using local produce – this is a delightful place to go for afternoon tea. Everything they do is done well and their cakes and sweet treats are just exquisite. In my opinion it’s great value for money as we were both full on leaving and had a bag of treats to take home as we couldn’t quite finish.
Best for pub grub
The George Inn menu is actually a bit more than just pub grub. Ideal for meat lovers, it serves some of the best ribs I’ve ever tasted. Always busy, always good. Definitely worth a visit to Upper Cwmtwrch.
Becky blogs at Munchies and Munchkins about food, family and festivals with a bit of everything else thrown in. She lives in South Wales with her other half and two daughters. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram where she shares a lot of food photos.
Discussion1 Comment
Some great restaurants on this list! My hidden gem is the La Bodega in Merthyr Tydfil, especially for Sunday lunch! http://www.labodegamerthyr.co.uk