We recommend that you book in advance, particularly for bank holiday periods, or if there is a major event taking place locally - note that some establishments may be closed in the winter. Also be aware that some restaurants will take "last orders" before 9pm.

In Bala (15 minutes on foot, or no time by car):

• Plas-yn-Dre (Mansion House) Restaurant, 23 High St., Bala; Tel: 01678-521 256; traditional Welsh fare, popular with Abercelyn guests, service on the quick side, last order 8.30pm-ish; car park to rear
• White Lion Hotel Restaurant or bar-menu, High St., Bala; Tel: 01678 520314
• Y Cwrt (Court House) Restaurant (62 High St. Bala) Tel: 01678-521500 Brasserie style Restaurant also Al Fresco menu also available (see below). There is an interesting menu available and a good range of wine.
• Al Fresco Pizzeria (Tegid St. Bala) Tel: 01678-520 591; pizzas, pasta and salads, eat in or takeaway

Nearby:

• Caerau Uchaf Gardens, Sarnau (01678 530493), supper parties, fixed menu, excellent food and take your own wine, reservation essential

With children:

• Al Fresco Pizzeria, Tegid St. Bala; Tel: 01678-520 591; pizzas, pasta and salads, eat in or takeaway
• Plas-yn-Dre Restaurant (see above) has a children’s menu
• White Lion Hotel Restaurant (see above) has a children’s menu
• Eagles Inn (see below) has a children’s menu

Inns (within 10 minutes drive):

• Bryntirion Inn: Traditional pub with real ale near Llandderfel, Tel: 01678-530205, friendly atmosphere with real ales and freshly cooked fine foods limited choice, but good value. Dogs allowed in the bar.
• Eagles Inn: Welsh pub in Llanuwchllyn, Tel: 01678-540 278 use produce from family-related farm

Nearby:

• Llanelltyd (near Dolgellau, 30 minutes by car)
  • Mawddach Restaurant: Family run restaurant Tel: 01341 424020 (Llanelltyd on the Barmouth road, 30 minutes by car), stunning barn with views of the Mawddach estuary; featuring fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce from own & local farms
• Dolgellau and nearby (25 minutes by car):
  • Dylanwad Da: Informal restaurant (Bistro-style), 2 Smithfield Street, Dolgellau, Tel: 01341-422870 limited but interesting menu, specialise in wine, several accolades
  • Meirionnydd: Cellar restaurant, Smithfield Square, Dolgellau, Tel: 01341 422554, 17th Century cellar with granite walls and floor of huge slate slabs, formerly the county jail house. Straightforward dishes with fresh, local ingredients, where possible.
  • Cross Foxes: Gastro pub/Inn, near Brithdir, on the A470-A487 Junction, 4 miles from Dolgellau; Tel: 01341 421 001; A historic building at the foot of Cader Idris serving simple, freshly prepared, handmade dishes, locally sourced food presented imaginatively.

• Dolserau Hall: Victorian Country House Hotel, Brithdir, Tel: 01341 422 522; Winter Garden Restaurant: The dinner menu changes daily and uses local ingredients, including Welsh Mountain lamb, Welsh Black Beef, venison, game when in season along with fresh fish, shellfish & smoked fish, 4-course dinner £29-50, also Bistro (not evenings)
• Llangollen (30 minutes by car) has several good, informal places to eat:
  • Gales Wine & Food Bar:18 Bridge Street, Llangollen, Tel: 01978-860 089;simple home cooked food using local ingredients
  • The Corn Mill: Interesting Pub, a former corn mill in a superb location overlooking the River Dee with excellent views of the Town Falls (upstream from the bridge), Dee Lane, Llangollen, Tel: 01978-869 555 – simple, classic food with an emphasis on quality and freshness of ingredients

For that special occasion (reservation essential):

• Tyddyn Llan Restaurant, Llandrillo (15 minutes by car) Tel: 01490-440 264; Numerous accolades including Michelin * & Egon Ronay ** top 25 restaurants in the UK; Highly recommended for a special occasion
• Hotel Portmeirion, Nr Penrhyndeudraeth (35 minutes by car) Tel: 01766 772440; Modern Welsh cuisine based on the best of local Welsh produce; Wonderful views of the estuary from the dining room, outstanding service, two AA Rosettes
• Palé Hall, Llandderfel, Nr. Bala (10 minutes by car) Tel: 01678-530 285. Well worth a visit for the interesting building and furniture alone, dress code.
• Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel, Penmaenpool (35 minutes by car),Tel: 01341 422 219; Country House Hotel with traditional service, "Contemporary British Food" with an emphasis on flavour, use of local produce and simple, careful presentation

Further away

• Bistro Betws-y-Coed, Betws-y-Coed (Tel: 01690 710328) family run traditional Welsh Bistro
• The Plas Restaurant, High Street, Harlech (Tel: 01766 780204) panoramic view over Cardigan Bay to the Lleyn Peninsula flanked by Harlech Castle
• Castle Cottage Restaurant, Harlech (Tel: 01766 780 479) features local & Welsh produce, winner of “Wales True Taste, Eating Out in Wales Award 2008/9” & listed in the Good Food Guide 2009
• Café Indiana (Indian), Fairbourne (Tel: 01341 250891) Owned and run by Noorie, the wife of Bollywood superstar Mayur Verma (Raj); see Daily Post review
• Brigands Inn, Mallwyd, near Dinas Mawddwy (Tel: 01650-511 999), 15thCentury Coaching Inn with restaurant & bar menus, serving interesting food
• Snowdon: Pen-y-Ceunant licensed tea house at the foot of Snowdon (Llanberis path) free parking for Abercelyn guests (subject to availability)

Further information in the “Abercelyn Eating-out Guide” folder, at Abercelyn Country House

Other Eating-out Guides:
Restaurant-Guide (Gwynedd)