Conwy is many things – a well-preserved medieval town, a World Heritage Site, and home to many incredible sights. It is perfectly placed for access to beaches and mountains, and other pretty towns and cities in Wales.
Being a small town, many don’t expect such a unique and delicious selection of trendy restaurants. We’re talking restaurants mentioned in the Michelin guide, some showcasing Wales’ finest dishes, and hole-in-the-wall spots for surprisingly scrumptious food. Read on to learn more about some of Conwy’s best restaurants!
Signatures (£££)
Signatures is a contemporary restaurant serving British cuisine on the North Wales coast. It is located in the Aberconwy Resort and Spa – a gorgeous five-star holiday spot. They are featured in the Michelin guide and have won the Best Welsh Restaurant Award twice.
The open kitchen concept allows diners to watch their food be prepared and the plush and atmospheric dining room is the perfect place to enjoy the creative fare.
Starters include a fillet of sole stuffed with lobster mousse and seared scallops with celeriac puree and slow-cooked chorizo.
Their mains are bold and enticing, including monkfish wrapped in smoked salmon, a trio of lamb, and an herb-crusted loin of pork – to name a few.
And, a lavish night out isn’t complete with a sweet dessert or a luscious dessert wine.
The Erskine Arms (££)
Nestled in the Georgian Coaching Inn of the Erskine Arms, you can expect to dine in a historic medieval fortress. The warm interior with open fires, cosy rugs, and chunky furniture reminiscent of a Welsh inn – perfect for enjoying fresh local food and local ales.
The restaurant boasts plenty of homemade dishes made with local produce, as well as a yummy roast on Sundays. Whether you’re stopping in for a light bite and a cold drink or a full meal is up to you.
Choose from nibbles such as honey and chili glazed chipolata sausages and crayfish and parmesan polenta chips to curb your hunger. Or, get into the meat of the menu with an extensive selection of mains. You can chow down on creamy chicken pie, white truffle risotto, flank steak, or grab a sandwich to go.
For those looking for a wide selection complete with vegetarian and gluten-free options – The Erskine Arms is for you.
2 The Square (£)
2 The Square is a casual, quaint cafe with table-and-chair seating and comfy couches. Bright and airy, it’s the kind of place to go for a homemade soup and sandwich or a freshly-baked pastry.
Their menu consists of a breakfast selection that features a full Welsh breakfast and vegetarian and vegan breakfasts. As well, there’s homemade cake, oven-baked potatoes, afternoon tea, all the tea and coffee you’d want, and a wide range of sandwiches.
Stop by for an early breakfast, quick lunch, or tea time snack and sit by the window to watch the goings-on in Conwy.
Jalsa Tandoori Restaurant (££)
Want a little break from Welsh and British eats? Jalsa Tandoori Restaurant is a favourite in the heart of Conwy town for Bangladeshi cuisine. Authentic and with flavours full of depth, your tastebuds will thank you.
This down-to-earth little curry house by the Conwy Castle offers a menu of classics – chicken tikka, samosas, onion bhaji, biryani, and more. If you’re searching for great value and rich flavours, don’t miss an experience at Jalsa.
Johnny Dough’s at the Bridge (££)
Johnny Dough’s is known for two things: their famed wood-fired pizza and the very best selection of locally-produced ales.
Their story is fascinating, having been opened by geologist Morgan Austin from Llandudno who worked for a Canadian mining company in Ethiopia. The demand for pizza in Conwy and Llandudno was evident, so he started serving fresh pizza out of a van to locals and tourists alike. Eventually, he invested in his first restaurant and the rest is history.
Pizzas are divided into “old school” and “new school” styles, with classic margherita, BBQ chicken, and Hawaiian and more creative options such as beetroot pesto, Peking duck, and mussel mariniere. There is also a selection of extras like garlic bread, corn on the cob, puddings, and the option of vegan cheese.
Bryn Morfa Restaurant & Bar (££)
Right outside the town of Conwy is Bryn Morfa, a holiday park right by Morfa Beach and just below Conwy Mountain.
The restaurant has an elevated pub food menu that supports local farmers, suppliers, and businesses by using locally-sourced produce. With reasonable prices and a comfortable wood-laden space, Bryn Morfa sets up a fantastic dining experience for large portions of British and Welsh favourites.
Look forward to chunky chips, mushy peas, chocolate pudding, Welsh lamb and more at this hidden gem.
The restaurant also serves up a Sunday dinner with roast beef, gravy, and the option of outdoor seating.
Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant (££)
Famously run for a whopping 32 years in Conwy, Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant is a town favourite. Upon stepping in, it’ll feel almost like you’re taking a step into Italy – checkered tablecloths, gaudy paintings, hanging greenery, wooden chairs, and wooden accents are reminiscent of a classic Italian spot.
Antipasto options include parma ham and melon, caprese salad, calamari, minestrone, and bruschetta. And when it comes to the main dishes, you’ll likely find it difficult to make a choice between lots of pasta dishes, pizzas, and chicken, seafood, and steak options.
Note that Alfredo’s is only open for dinner between 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm and is closed on Sundays.
Fisherman’s Fish & Chip Shop (£)
Since 1983, Fisherman’s Fish & Chip Shop has been frying fish and chips as a family-run business. Unique from other chippys, the owners source their products locally and sustainably whenever possible and offer vegetarian options as well.
That’s right – while you’re chowing down on your food, you can rest easy knowing that chips are prepared daily from 100% British potatoes, responsibly recycled oil, and sustainable MSC-certified fish.
Specials include their cod, salmon, or haddock fillets with chips, mushy peas, and bread and butter.
The Jackdaw Conwy (£££)
The Jackdaw Conwy is a newer addition to Conwy’s selection of restaurants. Located in a rustic period house, this high-end intimate restaurant features white walls, hanging dried herbs, and sheepskin-lined chairs.
The menu is modern and compact, carefully curated by Nick Rudge, who once worked under Heston Blumenthal at his three-Michelin-starred restaurant, The Fat Duck.
There is a choice of an a la carte menu and a tasting menu with wine pairings, both allowing you to eat your way through the best of Wales’ produce and offerings.
Each dish is simple yet bursts with innovation and visual beauty. There’s Welsh salt duck, barbecued Llyn scallops, brown butter poached cod, and Snowdon pudding with amarena cherry and lemon cream, among others.
Upstairs At Anna’s (££)
Walking up to the first floor of a building from the 1800s, you’ll find Upstairs At Anna’s, a stunning restaurant for fresh meals, afternoon tea, and cocktails.
Everywhere, there are touches of elegance, whether it’s plush chairs, ornate chandeliers, strategically placed lighting, and art pieces.
You can kickstart your day with a well-deserved classic breakfast and passionfruit bellinis, or go for steak frites at lunchtime, but what Anna’s is best known for is their afternoon tea.
Indulge in a high tea with preserves and clotted cream, finger sandwiches, canapes, cakes and patisseries – yes, the works! It’s what you’d expect when you conjure up a vivid dream of afternoon tea.
The Manor Bar & Restaurant (££)
Set in the 19th-century manor house of the Gorse Hill Lodge, the Manor Restaurant is certainly a scenic place to dine. The contemporary restaurant prides itself on their terrace that overlooks one of the finest backdrops in the area, as well as their delicious eats.
Hearty mains, bar bites, and veggie alternatives are just a few of the many options you can choose from.
The best part of the Manor is their variety of menus – they have different menus for afternoon tea, a children’s menu, a light lunch menu, a two-course menu, a breakfast menu, and a designated Sunday lunch menu.
It’ll take you a couple of visits to try even a small portion of their large selection.
The Old White House (££)
The best of Conwy has to include an essential pub and beer garden – enter, the Old White House. This spacious pub features indoor and outdoor terrace seating with Sunday lunch and all the classics you’d want to find on the menu.
Veg curry, Welsh beef burgers, steak pies, succulent steak, and scampi with tartare are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Occasionally, there are bingo nights and live music for great entertainment.
Lava (££)
Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor out of all of Conwy’s restaurants, Lava is up there for a reason. This British steakhouse is known for its hot stone cooking, where steak and fish can be cooked directly at your table exactly how you like it.
For the LAVA stone, there is a selection of beef fillet, rib eye, rump of lamb, tuna and salmon fillet, and an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options on request.
Starters include grilled halloumi salad and prawn and crayfish salad, and there are rich desserts on offer such as chocolate sauce and fruit and Belgium waffles.
The dining room has an atmospheric, homey feel that you’re sure to be comfortable in.
Watson’s Bistro (£££)
Go for a memorable meal at Watson’s Bistro, complete with the finest locally-sourced produce and daily changing specials.
The small family-run bistro is a welcoming space with excellent food on a prix fixe menu. To start, choose between king prawns, deep-fried brie, prawn cocktail, and other dishes to invigorate your palate.
Main courses range from glazed belly pork with sesame noodles to slow-cooked minted lamb shoulder. Gluten-intolerant? No problem, as most starters and many mains are gluten-free.
Conwy Kebab, Burger, and Pizza House (£)
Looking for a great takeaway or a quick bite to eat? Conwy Kebab, Burger, and Pizza House outline exactly what to expect at this unassuming kebab spot.
A variety of doner kebabs, pizzas, burgers, fried chicken and more can be fresh and ready for you in a matter of minutes. It’s the perfect place to grab and go and eat your meal at the beach.
M&J Bistro (££)
M&J Bistro is popular after a walk around Aberconwy House. With a typical cafe menu featuring a few Mediterranean options, diners can order Moroccan tagine and Welsh rarebit all at once.
They are also known for their sweet treats, baked goods made in-house, and warm dine-in area.