Best Restaurants in Caernarfon

Nestled on the picturesque northwest coast of Wales, Caernarfon is not only famed for its imposing medieval castle but also for a food scene that is slowly garnering attention from across the country. As you stroll through the town's charming, winding streets, you'll find an eclectic mix of modern eateries and traditional Welsh cuisine that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area. The town's restaurants draw heavily from the surrounding landscape, with locally sourced lamb, fresh seafood from the nearby Menai Strait, and artisan cheeses often gracing many of the menus. Welsh rarebit, laverbread, and cawl stew are still popular favourites, providing a quintessential taste of the region. Local cafes and restaurants serving these hearty, rustic dishes are eager to pay homage to regional traditions while often adding a contemporary twist to suit modern palates. Beyond the traditional fare, Caernarfon serves as a lighthouse for various fusion cuisines—often delivered in utterly charming, family-owned establishments. Several restaurants, housed in centuries-old buildings that have been lovingly restored, offer an ambience as rich as the fare itself. From cosy tea rooms that serve fresh bara brith (Welsh fruit bread) alongside plump scones and clotted cream, to chic venues experimenting with farm-to-table concepts, the culinary landscape in Caernarfon is as fascinating as its storied past. Visitors will find that the town's cuisine mirrors its historicity, with deep roots in Welsh tradition but with arms wide open to global culinary influences. It may not be a bustling metropolis of gastropubs and Michelin stars—yet—but Caernarfon's food scene is one to watch, as it continues to honour its heritage while embracing innovation.