Shortlisted: 8 Best Aberystwyth Restaurants That Locals Love!

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Last updated on October 14, 2022 by Wandering our World

Known colloquially as Aber, Aberystwyth is a coastal town that makes for a beautiful short break away. Home to the University of Aberystwyth, it’s a diverse and bustling town that’s bursting with vibrant eateries that are sure to satisfy even the most critical of foodies.

So whether you’re staying for the long haul or are just there for a quick day trip, you’re sure to find several restaurants in Aberystwyth that’ll suit your taste.

With Michelin starred eateries, pubs with beautiful views of the sea and independent businesses with cracking homemade food, choosing where to eat can be overwhelming. But rest assured, no matter where you choose from our list below, you will have an incredible meal! 

So let’s dig in as we show you our favourite restaurants in Aberystwyth!

Recommended: 60 Budget-Friendly & Fun Things To Do In Aberystwyth

Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

The Eight Best Restaurants In Aberystwyth For Food, Views & Fun!

1. Medina

Independently run restaurant with a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired menu. 

On the lookout for incredible Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food? Look no further than the very friendly and welcoming Medina!

Set out in a beautiful open plan restaurant with a high ceiling and skylights and a menu that spans breakfast, lunch and dinner, Medina will cater to whatever mood you may find yourself in. 

If you want to expand your horizons, why not try Shakshuka from the breakfast menu? It’s a Mediterranean dish of eggs, roasted pepper and tomato sauce with grilled sourdough, and so delicious you’ll find yourself wanting to go back for more! Otherwise, we recommend the French toast, another delicious start to your day and especially good if you’ve got a sweet tooth!

From the lunch menu, we recommend the Falafel wrap, perfect for both meat eaters and non-meat eaters alike!

And from the dinner menu, we recommend the poached smoked haddock, which is served with roasted cauliflower, new potatoes, poached eggs and peashoots with wholegrain mustard dressing. It’s a filling dish, but if you find that you have room for more we recommend the traditional Turkish dessert Baklava, served with a selection of Turkish delight. 

Medina also has a wide range of drinks including hot drinks, soft drinks, beers, ciders and cocktails. One popular drink you should try though, is the Peach Iced Tea. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect accompaniment to any meal! 

As well as being a delicious restaurant, Medina is also a shop! Its premises are just down the road from the restaurant and there they sell freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries alongside other local produce. 

One of our favourite restaurants in Aberystwyth, Medina is open Tuesday to Saturday between 9.30am and 8pm. The shop is open from Tuesday to Friday between 8.30am and 6pm and between 8.30am and 5pm on Saturday. 

Address: 14 Baker Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2BJ

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/los_angela

2. The Glengower

Quaint family friendly waterfront pub with standard British fare, local ales and a chilled out ambience. 

Located at the end of the promenade, The Glengower was previously two old Victorian seafront villas and to this day it retains some of the original features from that period.

Welcoming guests with an open fire, rustic furniture and large bay windows that overlook the sea, The Glengower is an absolute must visit for anyone who finds themselves in Aberystwyth. For those views alone, this place had to be on our list of the best restaurants in Aberystwyth.

In addition to lovely indoor seating, The Glengower also has outdoor seating! The sun terrace overlooks the beach and the sea, and is the best place to catch the sunset.

From meat and seafood to vegan and gluten free dishes, The Glengower’s menu is wide ranging and is sure to cater to everyone’s tastes.

One favourite is the beer battered cod and chips (because you can’t pass up the opportunity to eat fish and chips whilst you’re by the sea!) but we also recommended the slow cooked aubergine with tamarind, white bean puree, fondant potato and roasted onion for those who don’t eat meat!

And if you’re only popping in for a quick drink and bite to eat, The Glengower also offers light bites. We highly recommended the rump steak sandwich which has medium rare strips of rump steak, cheese and red onion. It’s delicious and the perfect dish for when you’re not in the mood for a big meal. 

And if all of that isn’t enough to convince you to visit – The Glengower is also dog friendly! Well behaved dogs are welcome both inside and out, and there may even be treats available for them.

The Glengower is open Monday to Saturday from 12pm – 9pm, and 12pm – 6pm on Sunday. The bar is open every day of the week from 12pm – 11pm! 

Address: 3 Victoria Terrace, The Promenade, Aberystwyth, SY23 2DH, Wales

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Daviles

3. SY23

A Michelin starred restaurant offering a 10 course set menu and a luxurious dining experience.

If you’re looking for a romantic meal in a luxury restaurant then look no further than SY23! Converted from a townhouse to the Michelin starred restaurant that it is today, SY23 prides itself on sourcing the best local produce and cooking it simply over a fire. 

Begin your visit with a drink in the ground food bar before heading upstairs to the restaurant. It’s an intimately lit room with a lively atmosphere and where the open kitchen takes centre stage. 

SY23 offers a 10 course set menu, all cooked over a fire and with each course being just as delicious as the last. Begin your meal with delicious scallops with seaweed and burnt butter or crab with preserved elder, followed by something hearty like lamb with black garlic and mushroom.

If you’re a fan of cheese, there is an optional cheese menu for an added fee, or else jump straight into dessert when you can expect something along the lines of strawberries with elderflower and cream, lemon meringue or burnt butter fudge with chocolate and salt. 

With built-in fire pits and all-weather tables, the outside dining area is the perfect place for those who are looking for a more casual dining vibe but still with great food. This menu differs slightly with smaller tapas-like dishes, all cooked over a fire and so delicious that you’ll be thinking about your food for days afterwards! 

Due to SY23’s popularity, you may have to book weeks – or even months! – in advance, but don’t worry, the wait will be worth it. And when it comes to fine dining, there’s no doubt this is one of the best restaurants in Aberystwyth, and Wales, for you.

SY23 is open Wednesday to Saturday, with lunch being served at 1pm and dinner being served at 7.30pm. 

Address: 2 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2LJ

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Kuzmin

4. The Courtyard

A sophisticated bar offering great wine, food and entertainment. 

A sister business to SY23, The Courtyard offers the same exemplary service with great cocktails, a small plates menu and an extensive wine list.

From Monday to Saturday, enjoy anything from small bites for the table, to fish, meat and vegetable dishes, and finish off with a delicious dessert.

If you’re a fan of seafood, we highly recommend the Squid with garlic and chilli, but one popular favourite is their fresh oysters! And on Sunday enjoy a mouth wateringly delicious roast dinner: choose from roast beef, lamb or tofu that is served with roast potatoes and vegetables. 

The Courtyard also has wines and champagnes from all over the world, so whether you’re in the mood for white, red or sparkling, The Courtyard will have the perfect glass to quench your thirst!

On top of delicious food and amazing wine, The Courtyard also frequently hosts performances from local artists, so make sure to check the website so you don’t miss out on some incredible performances! 

And much like it’s sister SY23, it is recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment, but it just goes to show how loved The Courtyard is in the local community! 

The Courtyard is open Thursday to Saturday from 5pm – 2am. When it comes to Aberystwyth restaurants, this is one of the best.

Address: 2 Pier Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 2LJ

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Petrenkod

5. Y Farmers

Country dining pub that specialises in standard homemade British fare with a great selection of ale, cider and craft spirits. 

Located just 7 miles outside of Aberystwyth in the quaint village of Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Y Ffarmers makes for the perfect place to grab a meal with your family or catch up with your friends.

Sit inside the rustic inspired restaurant to enjoy your meal or if you have a furry companion, you can sit outside in the garden or on the terrace! The terrace is perfect even in the winter months as it is covered and also has heaters to keep you warm and toasty.

Y Ffarmers boasts an extensive menu complete with the usual gastropub grub, as well as catering to those with dietary requirements, whether that be vegans, vegetarians or those who are gluten free.

One favourite dish is the Tofu Katsu Curry with Jasmine Rice and Pak Choi – you don’t even have to be vegan to enjoy it!

But you cannot, of course, go wrong with the Fish and Chips either – an absolute staple of British cuisine and one that never disappoints.

From 12pm on Sundays, Y Ffarmers offers another staple of British cuisine: a Sunday lunch! Y Ffarmers Sunday lunch is unmissable; choose from lamb, beef, turkey or belly pork, and enjoy your meat alongside roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings and gravy. And there’s even vegan and vegetarian options so no one has to miss out on delicious homemade food! 

Y Ffarmers is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but otherwise open from 5pm on Wednesday – Friday, 12pm – 2pm and then open again from 5pm on Saturday, and 12pm – 3pm on Sunday. 

Address: Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Aberystwyth, SY23 4LA

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

6. Little Italy

An intimate Italian restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

If you’re looking for a slice of Italy in Aberystwyth, Little Italy is the restaurant to visit! Softly lit with fairy lights and run by caring and attentive waiting staff, Little Italy is the perfect setting for a romantic date night. 

Indulge in some of the best Italian food that Aberystwyth has to offer, whether that’s pasta, seafood or pizza! One favourite is the classic Spaghetti Carbonara, but we also highly recommend the Meatball pizza.

But if you don’t find yourself in the mood for traditional Italian food, don’t worry because Little Italy has you covered with steak and chicken dishes on offer. The sirloin steak comes recommended, which you can customise with a sauce of your choice. In particular, regulars love Little Italy’s own sauce which is garlic, mushrooms, cream and white wine and is sure to take your meal to the next level! 

As well as having a range of incredible dishes to enjoy, Little Italy also boasts an extensive drinks list. Whether you prefer white, red or rose they have something to offer you. And if you’re not a fan of wine, there’s a whole host of other drinks to choose from including beer, soft drinks, gin, brandy and more!

Little Italy also has a selection of Italian cocktails on offer as well. With the refreshing Aperol Spritz being a must try. That’s made with is Prosecco and Aperol poured over a slice of orange and finished off with soda! It’s the perfect summer drink, but tastes just as good in those winter months! 

Easily one of the best restaurants in Aberystwyth, Little Italy is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday but is open every other day of the week from 5pm, with the last booking being at 9pm. 

Address: Little Italy, 51 North Parade, Aberystwyth, SY23 2JN

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/VeselovaElena

7. Mama Fay’s

A warm and welcoming restaurant serving authentic Caribbean food and hosting reggae nights. 

If you want to treat yourself to authentic Caribbean food in Aberystwyth, Mama Fay’s is the place to go! With its brightly coloured walls and chilled out ambience, Mama Fay’s has been serving Aberystwyth for over 15 years with delicious dishes as well as kind and attentive service. 

Mama Fay’s attracts customers with all different tastes and caters to vegans, vegetarians and those with food intolerances too.

Favourite dishes include the mouth watering traditional jerk chicken – it’s a staple of Caribbean cuisine for a reason! And for the vegetarians amongst us, we recommend the Jamaican potato and vegetable curry.

Mama Fay’s also has a takeout menu so you can enjoy authentic food from the comfort of your own home or rental.

But great food is not the only thing that Mama Fay’s has to offer! They also host regular reggae nights as well as running a stall at the Farmer’s Market every two weeks where you can purchase Jamaican and Caribbean spices and ingredients that you struggle to find at your local supermarket!

But if you miss the Farmer’s Market, don’t worry because Mama Fay’s has a shop that you can purchase all of this from too. And there will even be food samples for you to try so there’s no reason to not pay them a visit! 

One of our favourite restaurants in Aberystwyth for food and entertainment, Mama Fay’s is closed on Monday but otherwise open 5pm – 10pm Monday – Saturday, and 12pm – 4pm on Sunday. 

Address: 2a Portland Rd, Aberystwyth, SY23 2NL

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/FromMyPointOfView

8. Coffee #1

A chic and stylish cafe with great coffee and even better cakes! 

On the lookout for a great cafe in Aberystwyth? Look no further than Coffee #1!

Located close to the beach, Coffee #1 will satisfy all your coffee and cake needs. Spanning two floors and decorated with a unique vintage flair, Coffee #1 is the perfect place to escape from the crowds. 

With a wide ranging menu, Coffee #1 has you covered for breakfast, lunch and for a cheeky cake halfway through your day.

And if you don’t eat animal products, you don’t have to miss out either. Coffee #1 also offers vegan and vegetarian food options – one favourite being the vegan ‘meatball’ wrap!

But the cakes are definitely the stars of the show at Coffee #1. But with such an extensive (and delicious!) list, it can be difficult to choose just one, but favourites include the triple chocolate brownie, apricot flapjack and the forest fruits cheesecake (and who says you should only have one, anyway…).

And of course, Coffee #1 also has a great range of hot and cold drinks to choose from, as well as a range of drinks specifically for children so your little ones don’t miss out either.

And the icing on the cake? Dogs are welcome too – and there might even be a treat available for them to enjoy as well.

Coffee #1 is open everyday of the week from 7.30 am – 6.30 pm with the exception of Sunday when it is open 9 am – 5pm. For the cakes alone, we had to add this place to our list of the best restaurants in Aberystwyth.

Address: Portland St, Aberystwyth SY23 2DX

Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

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    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.