Shortlisted: Eight Abergavenny Restaurants That Locals Love!

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Last updated on October 13, 2022 by Wandering our World

Abergavenny is a friendly market town found in Monmouthshire in the south of Wales. Situated just six miles from the English border and known as one of the gateways to Wales, you can find a tasty mix of Welsh and English food in the restaurants around town. Not to mention menus influenced by cuisine from all over the world.

If travelling to this quaint town, you can find plenty of parking options, including free on-street parking most days apart from Market Day (on Tuesday).

Alternatively, there is some reasonably priced pay and display parking found in Castle Street car park and a good amount of spaces at Byefield Lane Car Park.

A meal out in Abergavenny is a lovely way to spend some time with loved ones. So here’s some of the best restaurants in Abergavenny to check out!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

The Eight Best Restaurants In Abergavenny: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Cinnamon Tree

Candle lit Indian curry house for the whole family.

With a great balance of herbs and spices in their dishes, Cinnamon Tree certainly knows fine Indian cuisine. Passionate about its dishes, this establishment freshly prepares all its ingredients and serves a menu offering a wide range of choices for its diners.

In this intimate dining space, you can gather for an evening by candlelight to enjoy some of the best Indian curries around. A local favourite, this sleek restaurant handles large groups well and is a fantastic choice for a curry night with friends and family. Welcoming staff will serve you with kindness in this space where you can enjoy beautifully presented dishes.

As you would expect you can enjoy a wide range of choices at this Indian curry restaurant, with everything from Poppadoms and Chutney to Tandoori specialities, traditional dishes and specials including a variety of Jalfrezi and Garlic Chilli Curry.

The locals will all too gladly tell you of the big enough-to-share naan bread which you simply must try! In addition, Cinnamon Tree is all too happy to accommodate dietary needs where possible and there is a vegetable version of most of the main curries. If you have well-behaved kids that are into their spices, feel free to bring them down to enjoy with you or perhaps placate them with a side of chips!

In the past the establishment has laid on some special decorations for seasonal holidays, so keep an eye out for occasions to celebrate with one of the best restaurants in Abergavenny.

Address: 23A Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EW, WALES

Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 17:00-22:30, Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/LunaMarina

2. Anatolian Restaurant

Authentically cooked Mediteranean dishes in a colourful restaurant.

Not much beats traditional Mediterranean food, especially when cooked on a charcoal grill!

Anatolian Restaurant, available for dining in or takeaway, will blow you away with its authentically Turkish dishes. Their kebabs are cooked by experienced chefs, who prepare food daily and strive to give customers the best possible experience.

Using the finest ingredients they create delicious Turkish dishes and serve them up in a surprisingly large and colourful dining space that transports you to the Mediterranean.

The friendly staff here are ready to serve your choice of a variety of dishes including grilled kebabs served with yoghurt. Ordering from the main menu, perhaps your table would like to share a ‘set’, previously having included four different kinds of skewers, two pieces of lamb chops, four pieces of lamb ribs, and four pieces of chicken wings with rice and salad.

Alternatively, you might enjoy popular fish dishes which in the past have been offerings of charcoal grilled sea bass or salmon served with mashed potatoes and salad.

The kids’ menu tends to offer smaller portioned kebab dishes as well as dishes to easily win your child over such as Mac and Cheese and Chicken Nuggets.

You may find an array of salads, cold and hot meze as well as delicious vegetarian dishes to enjoy too. A favourite for many in the past has been the vegetarian mousaka, which includes sliced aubergine, potatoes, green and red peppers, carrot, mushrooms topped with cheddar cheese and a delicious béchamel sauce, served with rice.

Everything is made to order so other dietary needs can be accommodated on request and some dishes you’ll find are naturally vegan, such as hummus.

Visitors to this establishment love the big portions and have praised the sumptuous chicken kofte, chicken shish, and chicken sarma beyti.

Rock up at lunchtime and you might catch a lunch special 12-3pm set menu which has previously offered a two-course meal for £11.95 pp

Anatolian caters for all and is great for a party with cocktails, wine, and many other spirits available at the bar. When discussing the best restaurants in Abergavenny, Anatolian is a key player.

Address: 42 Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5ER, WALES

Opening Times: Mon-Sun 12:00-23:30

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/los_angela

3. The Grofield Inn

Traditional British food made with locally sourced ingredients in a pub-like setting with beer garden.

Privately run free house The Grofield Inn in Abergavenny town centre is a family-run business that’s been around for over 25 years.

This modern pub with a traditional warm atmosphere offers a selection of popular real ales and home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. The meat and fresh produce are delivered daily by town suppliers ensuring top quality in this local favourite.

Boasting a large beer garden tucked away from the rest of the town, the familiar British pub look and feel of the place will make you feel right at home with a dog-friendly grassy area, patio and covered non-smoking decking for the rainy days you want to spend outside.

Locals have high praise for the efficient service and friendly staff they’ve experienced here but it’s food such as the traditional Sunday roast that attracts the most attention.

The menu at The Grofield Inn consists of British classics such as beer battered haddock in their very own beer batter, Herefordshire rib eye steak and a popular choice over the years has been the homemade tender steak and local ale pie. 

There’s a few vegetarian and gluten-free options too, including gluten-free home-cooked ham served with chips and egg or salad and vegetable lasagne.

The kids’ portion of the menu offers “smaller meals” of ham egg and chips (GF), half fish and chips or half cheeseburger or half chicken curry (GF). So you can be sure everyone will get well fed here.

There have previously been some spectacular specials so keep an eye out when you have your visit to one of the best restaurants in Abergavenny.

Address: Baker St, Abergavenny NP7 5BB, WALES

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-23:00

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/KoriKobayashi

4. Casa Bianca

Award-winning food from Southern Italy to your plate in a sophisticated dining setting.

Family-run Italian restaurant Casa Bianca offers a fusion of flavours from Southern Italy that have won them two blue ribbons in the 2022 Good Food Awards.

Starting a chain, owner Andreas Christou has recently benefited from council funding to open a Merthyr Tydfil branch of this popular restaurant. Known for high-quality food and excellent service, Casa Bianca is a wonderful restaurant choice for the whole family.

As you enter the restaurant on Frogmore Street, there is much to catch the eye. Fresh greenery encompasses an outside dining space, and a well-lit seating area inside with muted tones is the setting for sophisticated dining. The friendly service will make your visit special as you enjoy the taste of southern Italy and leave you feeling valued.

Casa Bianca of course serves Italian classics on a comprehensive menu consisting of antipasti, starters, to-share dishes, pasta, carne (meat), al forgo (baked), risotto, salad, pizza, sides and indulgent desserts.

Some traditional favourites include fresh-tasting starter Bufala E Proscuitto, consisting of Buffalo mozzarella wrapped in parma ham served on a bed of rocket salad.

Locals have sung the chefs’ praises over the years, especially for Casa Bianca’s flavourful garlic bread, spaghetti carbonara and linguine with prawns. While there is no kids menu, there is plenty suitable for your little ones to enjoy and dietary accommodations can be made.

There are several vegetarian options too, including the classic penne arrabbiata, a deliciously simple combo of chilli, garlic and olives finished with tomato sauce and parmesan. Coeliacs will be pleased to hear that all pasta, carne, risotto, pizza, and garlic bread can be made gluten-free! 

A lovely meal out can be had here, so head down to Casa Bianca for any occasion. Without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Abergavenny.

Address: 51 Frogmore St, Abergavenny NP7 5AR, WALES

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-21:00

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/VeselovaElena

5. Tapas Twist

The flavours of Mediterranean and Spanish Cuisine served on small tasting plates.

Tapas with a Mediterranean twist might just be the thing you’re looking for, a place to share good food with friends or family.

There are various seating options including outside and at the bar surrounded by bright funky colours in a relaxed dining space. This family-orientated restaurant couldn’t do enough for you if they tried harder. Tapas Twist is tingling with a great atmosphere, lovely staff and not to mention a beautiful garden area that immerses you amongst herbs and plants while you eat.

The menu offers a plethora of dishes including nibbles, vegetarian, cheese, charcuterie, fish and seafood, as well as meat.

Serving tapas-style where everything comes out as it’s ready, your party can enjoy a range of flavours to experience together as you taste the small plates.

With a diverse drinks menu and the main menu ranging from grilled octopus to chorizo in cider, there’s an experience to be had here. You can enjoy a fantastic array of flavour combinations with everything from deep-fried polenta with parmesan cheese to Fabada, a large white bean stew with chorizo, black pudding, and streaky bacon in tomato sauce.

A crowd favourite has been the coated deep-fried aubergine with honey, a dish that melts in the mouth and dances on the tongue. That’s one of the many vegetarian options and a server will happily point out vegan options if asked.

Whether you’re leaving the kids at home for an evening out or taking them along for a lunchtime treat, Tapas Twist is one of the best restaurants in Abergavenny that caters to every occasion deliciously.

Address: 23 Frogmore St, Abergavenny NP7 5AH, WALES

Opening Times: Wed-Thurs 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-21:30, Fri 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-22:00, Sat 12:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-20:00

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/tbrainina

6. The Gaff

Michelin Star-worthy food in a highly modern new-build restaurant.

New to town, The Gaff opened in May 2019 and has been going down very well with locals and visitors alike.

This relaxed and friendly establishment serves high-quality food on a weekly changing menu. The staff are known to make a fuss over their guests as they serve incredible small plates, and the whole experience is leaving many wondering if a Michelin Star is around the corner for The Gaff.

A highlight of your experience here is certainly to be the lovely outside seating area in the summer months that seems as though it is somewhere entirely other than the UK. The indoor dining area is crisp, fresh and reminiscent of a spacious art gallery befitting the artistic creations of the kitchen.

This family-friendly restaurant specialises in small plates that offer diners the experience of ordering around 6-8 dishes per couple that come out as and when they’re ready. This opportunity to try a variety of delicious dishes is the best part for many diners, as you’re spoiled for choice with plates inspired by the chefs themselves and their experiences of food over the years.

You can have the opportunity to experience an array of tastes as you dine, and past favourites have included the extraordinary deep-fried oysters, serrano ham, and chilli mayo. The beautifully presented, colourful foods are sure to win over everyone in your party from young to old and a small selection of the plates are suitable for vegetarians too. With a wonderful wine and cocktail selection to choose from to accompany your meal, you’re certain to have everything you could want right at your fingertips

While early days for this restaurant, it is a well-loved favourite already and certainly one of the best restaurants in Abergavenny.

Address: Unit 4 The Courtyard, Lion St, Abergavenny NP7 5PE

Opening Times: Wed 18:00-20:30, Thurs-Sat 12:00-14:00 and 18:00-20:30, Sun 12:00-14:00.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

7. Regency 59

A hotel restaurant serving British by day, Nepalese and Indian by night.

A newly refurbished restaurant at The Kings Head Hotel, Regency 59 brings British together with Nepalese and Indian fine dining to make for an all-round delicious experience.

Head Chef Krishna Bhandari cooks with only the finest ingredients and has infused the menu with his Michelin Star experience. The indoor seating offers a welcoming space to dine with muted tones and a well-lit space, outside you’ll find pub-style benches for a more relaxed setting and in addition, there is a beautiful back garden to enjoy on warmer days.

The staff at Regency 59 offer great service and will ensure you have an enjoyable dining experience. In the daytime, this establishment serves traditional pub lunches and locals love the Sunday roasts. There have been some lovely vegetarian options, notably a gourmet veg burger, with corn fritter and grilled halloumi, coleslaw and chips.

In the evening diners can enjoy flavourful Nepalese and Indian cuisine, in fact, there is a vegetarian option that has been a favourite even with meat eaters, that’s the Regency Vegetable Curry. Seasonal vegetables sautéed, onion and authentic Indian spices comprise this popular dish.

A kids’ menu can be found during the day with simple options of mini beef burgers, chicken nuggets, fish fingers or sausages with chips and peas or beans.

While this may not be the kind of place that can cater for a wide range of dietary needs, there is plenty of variety to suit most. A local favourite, Regency 59 has to get a mention when considering the best restaurants in Abergavenny.

Address: 59-60 Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EU, WALES

Opening Times: 0800-22:30

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/CBCK-Christine

8. Portico Lounges

Large all day menu that truly caters for everyone amongst bold colours and fun decor.

Founded in 2002 by friends Dave Reid, Alex Reilley and Jake Bishop, Lounges was born out of a wish to find a worthy drinking hole with creative dishes made from fresh produce. Their unique ideas found in friendship started a chain that would create alternative dining establishments with a comprehensive menu and a fun atmosphere.

As you enter the restaurant you’ll notice the rather loud seventies-style decor, colourful and quirky seating and even wilder art on the walls. Not ones to take themselves too seriously, the Lounges are a sight to behold while also reflecting with respect some hints to the local community and its history.

There is some outdoor seating available, but the interior is the main event not to be missed. The Portico Lounge is dog friendly on the ground floor and staff will be sure to make a fuss of your furry friend with treats and water on hand as they busy themselves in taking care of your order.

Their all-day menu has everything you can think of from brunch to lunchtime sandwiches, and then to burgers and tapas. You’ll be baffled by the choice at Portico, which truly caters for all. 

There are even separate vegan, gluten-free and kids menus available with delicious offerings previously including Vegan Wan Chai Fried Rice Bowl, a dish consisting of fried rice with vegan XO sauce, spring onions and greens, topped with edamame beans, pickled slaw, roasted kale and miso aubergine.

The kids’ menu has everything from breakfast to fish fingers or falafel burger, and their ‘meal deal’ includes a juice drink and pot of hummus with breadsticks and crunchy carrot sticks! Spoilt for choice would be an understatement on all levels.

This fun restaurant has a heart for the local community and has even put on pub-style quizzes with prizes in the past. A favourite and certainly one of the best restaurants in Abergavenny.

Address: 5 Frogmore St, Abergavenny NP7 5AE, WALES

Opening Times: Sun-Wed 09:00-23:00, Thurs-Sat 09:00-00:00

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Finlay Buchanan

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