Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best

North Wales Chronicle

18-07-2025

The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025.
The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain".
Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best.
After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK.
These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: https://t.co/Nv1iMFVnSq pic.twitter.com/d8OOIMWYPK
The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20."
While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry."
The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are:
You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website.
Y Marram, located in the Anglesey village of Newborough, was one of two North Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants.
The North Wales restaurant has been commended for its "exemplary local produce crafted with care" and boasts a 'very good' overall rating on the Good Food Guide website.
The website adds: "A caravan park on a Welsh holiday island is not the first place you'd think of to find a meal that could hold its own alongside many a Soho or Shoreditch joint.
"Formerly the Guide-listed Marram Grass, the venue has gone through several iterations, but if they can sustain the quality we experienced on our visit, many more bucket 'n' spaders should be queuing up for dishes such as whole wild sea bass in shellfish sauce or hand-dived scallops, yoghurt, poached egg in a burnt butter sauce – as well as dayttime brunch treats.
"Given the location, fish predominates, but you'll also find choices on the short main menu such as dry-aged pork loin and apple in a pork butter sauce."
The Good Food Guide continues: "Menu structure is still a work in progress: opening times are varied (check the website) and there is currently no separate starter or dessert options.
"To drink, beers, ciders and wines have a local accent wherever possible.
"Also, look out for visiting guest chefs and culinary events.
"In contrast to the rather rickety surrounds (think an extended, florally bedecked garden shed amidst farm buildings), Ellis Barrie's cooking is instinctively refined, skilled and confident enough to keep it simple – not because he doesn't know how to elaborate, but because he clearly does."
A post shared by Y Marram (@y.marram)
The Good Food Guide describes The Dining Room in Abersoch as a "fun-loving bistro with a huge local following", while it has an overall rating of 'Good'.
The food experts explain: "Tucked discreetly in between a butcher's and a bakery in a seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula, the Dining Room might almost be missed, except that a cascade of local recommendations suggests that it is very much on everybody's radar.
"It's a front-room bistro operation done in soothing neutral colours, with calming lake views on the walls to counterpoint the happy buzz of custom.
"Chef-owner Si Toft's career began in northwest England before he crossed the border, embarking on a mission to showcase the best Welsh produce on a tight ship three evenings a week.
"Expect Anglesey black beef, Cardigan Bay fish and Penderyn whisky to crop up regularly on the frequently changing menus."
A post shared by The Dining Room | Abersoch (@thediningroomabersoch)
The Dining Room also comes highly recommended by visitors, with the restaurant holding a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 312 reviews.
Customers have described the Abersoch-based restaurant as "perfect", "a little gem" and "6 out of 5", while another said it has "the best food in Wales".
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One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The best local food cooked in a superb intimate restaurant.
"My compliments to the chef and staff - you really should try and visit to taste, and experience, the quality of the food and service first hand."
Another added: "Simply the best food anywhere, let alone in Abersoch. Very original menu, local produce put together with perfection.
"Small & intimate atmosphere with friendly staff. Must try the recommended aperitifs."