Part of the excitement of going on holiday, includes being able to eat out a little more often that you normally would at home, sampling local produce and trying out new dishes.
Let’s be honest, we experience life via our 5 senses, and who doesn’t love having their senses stimulated by good food and drink!
There is nothing better than being in a new and exciting location, and finding the perfect spot for satisfying your hunger with a tasty meal, or quenching your thirst with a refreshing drink.
Whilst we don’t claim to be professional food critics, being in the leisure & hospitality industry we certainly take our food & drink seriously.
We also cannot say we have visited every single food & drink establishment on the Llŷn Peninsula, however we have given it our best try.
The following is our roundup of the top 5 places to eat & drink on the Llŷn Peninsula, which includes bars, restaurants, cafes, beach kiosks and pop-ups.
Given the spectrum being covered, we have tried to consider the overall scores for each of the venues mentioned, based on loose ‘judging criteria’ such as location & views, quality of food & drink, support for local & seasonal produce, ambience & vibes – and of course, our own first-hand experiences.
The Cliffs (Morfa Nefyn)
Scores highly on location, views and vibe – Being close to Madryn Castle, this is a bit of a go-to for ‘after office hours’ drinks and nibbles.
A great spot for casual lunch or dinner with friends & family; especially after a day at the beach, a walk along the Wales Coast Path, or a round of golf at Nefyn Golf Club – plus it’s dog-friendly!
Their menu celebrates local seafood, but offers plenty of other tasty options – a special mention goes to their fish and chips (the batter is pure magic).
In the summer months there is plenty of outdoor seating with incredible views across the bay towards the headland at Porthdinllaen. In winter, book a table in the conservatory to enjoy those same wonderful views.
To book a table or check out the menu, visit their website.
The Little Tea Rooms @ Mickey’s Boat Yard (Abersoch)
You almost cannot beat the location and views of this little seaside café – and don’t let the name fool you, there is so much more on offer here besides tea.
With an eclectic array of delicious snacks, nibbles and light bites, from a full Welsh breakfast to their incredibly tasty burrito, all washed down with coffee brewed from beans roasted in Snowdonia and luxuriously creamy Welsh ice cream.
The perfect spot to kickback and watch the waves tumbling onto Abersoch beach.
As if that wasn’t enough, the owners Caron and James have really focused on supporting local producers and showcasing real Welsh food.
Check out the menu by visiting their website.
Y Llong/The Ship Inn (Edern)
Another ‘go-to’ for us and we’ve never been disappointed here. Arguably some of the best food we’ve tasted in the local area.
We couldn’t write this post without mentioning their Sunday Roasts – a definite must.
Their weekly menu is full of surprises, celebrating local produce whilst offering fusion-flavours from across the world.
Just when you think your belly is going to pop they bring out the desert menu – with more surprises that will satisfy even the sweetest of tooths.
The outside area has recently been updated and the wooden pods are a great touch.
During the summer the outdoor BBQ event turns into one big party, and talking of parties, keep an eye on their social pages for live music, quiz nights and other special events, where you can rest assured that good vibes will flow as much as great food and drink.
Visit their Facebook Page for more info and updates.
Potted Lobster (Abersoch)
Probably the closest we’ve come to ‘fine-dining’ in our food-foraging across the Llŷn.
The vibe is relaxed, and the décor creates a stylish yet unassuming nautical atmosphere, signposting that seafood is very much the dish of the day.
The ‘Potted Lobster’ starter option is an absolute must, and the locally caught Porthdinllaen Lobster is not just the obvious choice for your mains, but an essential choice.
For those who don’t like seafood, don’t fret, there are plenty of other options including pork-belly bao buns, perfectly cooked Welsh fillet steak, tender venison loin and a Thai yellow curry with falafel.
This is another place you won’t want to skip pudding no matter how full you are, and being perfectly located in the centre of Abersoch there are plenty of bars and pubs nearby, should you wish the drinks to keep flowing once you’ve finished your meal.
Prices are a little dearer than local competition, but here you truly get what you pay for. By the time the bill arrives you’ll be more than satisfied with your dining choice, and eager to pay the slight premium for the outstanding quality of food and service.
Check out their menu and book your table by visiting their website.
Ty Coch (Porthdinllaen)
Hands down our favourite place to unwind here on Pen Llŷn, and this wouldn’t be a true top 5 list without giving Ty Coch a special mention.
Sure, it’s less about the food and more about the drink, but where else can you Stand-Up-Paddleboard up to the bar, load your board with Nachos and pints of local Ale, and paddle off to your base on the beach? Yes, we’ve actually done that!
Set out on the headland at Porthdinllaen and only accessible on foot or by sea, the location is truly unique – the views are 10 out of 10, the vibes are 10 out of 10 – the staff are extremely friendly and Stuart the Innkeeper is as much a character as the Inn itself.
Self-proclaimed as, “arguably the best pub in Wales and OFFICIALLY in the top ten beach bars in the world…” (which very few will argue against), the Ty Coch is an absolute must when visiting the Llŷn Peninsula.
They also know how to throw a great beach party, keep an eye on their social pages for dates.
So there you have our top 5 places to eat and drink on the Llŷn Peninsula, honest and unbiased, and all based on our personal experiences.
We are constantly adding new eateries and drinking-holes to our never-ending list, so watch this space for our next post update!
If you haven’t yet visited the Llŷn Peninsula and are looking for a truly unique and exciting destination for your next holiday adventure, why not come stay in our luxury lodge here at Madryn Castle – sleeping up to 8 people and complete with a huge outdoor garden, patio, decking and private hot tub.
Visit our accommodation page here to check availability and prices.
We are also keen to hear your thoughts and suggestions – perhaps we have missed a worthy contender from this top 5 list? Let us know on our social media pages, links below.
