Pembrokeshire on a plate

Even the experts agree – the latest Lonely Planet guide looking at the best gourmet food experiences in Europe features the ‘Rising Tides of Pembrokeshire’ alongside the likes of experiences in Tuscany, San Sebastian, and the Black Forest. The 2024 Gourmet Trails Europe guide says that the food scene in Pembrokeshire is “booming like the Atlantic surf with producers and chefs playing up foraged flavours”. The introduction says the trail they have identified “spotlights the region’s chefs and producers and their love of nature and reinvention”. 

With 186 miles of coastline and acres of productive agricultural land, there’s no shortage of fresh seafood, fabulous meat and dairy and tasty vegetables on offer. All this has sparked a new wave of independent growers – vineyards, bakers, brewers, foragers, artisans, and innovative chefs – who’ve been working together to create a must-visit food scene. Listing them all would take forever but we’ve identified some of the best restaurants and food stalls popping up in the county giving a flavour of the wider world with a true Pembrokeshire twist. 

Who doesn’t enjoy pizza on holiday? Here in Pembrokeshire there’s no shortage of authentic pizza offerings, including gluten free and vegan options, and we even have a world pizza champion! 

Top Joe’s Pizzeria started off on Upper Frog Street in Tenby in 2012 and expanded to the market town of Narberth in 2018. Their Narberth chef, Giovanni Recchia, was crowned the best in the world in his category at the Campionato del Mondo di Pizza, the Pizza World Championships, in Rimini, Italy. He’s since opened his own restaurant in Pembroke on Westgate Hill, opposite the castle, serving his speciality pizza as well as homemade starters and desserts. Called Gio Recchia Pizza Contemporania, it’s quietly wowing diners with four different types of pizza: pizza on the paddle, a rectangular pizza with a good crunch, a round pizza which has a good crunch on the outside and is soft on the inside; contemporary Neapolitan pizza, and gluten free pizza. 

No holiday on the coast is complete without a British classic: fish and chips. Thanks to being almost entirely surrounded by pristine waters, there’s no shortage of fresh fish. But if there’s only one place you head to, make sure it’s The Shed in the tiny harbour village of Porthgain. A stone’s throw from the water, this friendly bistro offers a variety of fish and shellfish, all of which are caught by owner Rob, or local fishermen in Abercastle, Solva or St Davids.

Another harbourside fish restaurant not to be missed is the Stone Crab in Saundersfoot. Winning best seafood restaurant in Wales in 2023, booking is essential at this popular little bistro. Expect lobster, roasted cod kiev, Saundersfoot crab stuffed plaice or Catalan monkfish and chorizo stew plus a specials board with whatever happens to be good on that day. 

For an unforgettable seafood experience, head to The Griffin Inn in Dale. Perched right on the waterfront, this 300-year-old pub offers a warm Welsh welcome and some of the freshest seafood in Pembrokeshire. Much of the catch is landed just steps away at the village pontoon, including lobster, crab, sea bass, and scallops. Chef-owner Simon Vickers, affectionately known as the ‘Accidental Chef’, has transformed The Griffin into an award-winning destination, celebrated for its simple, flavourful dishes that let the quality of the local produce shine. Dine in the glass-fronted restaurant with panoramic views of Dale Bay, or take in the sea breeze from the rooftop terrace – either way, it's coastal dining at its finest.

If you’re staying overnight and want a guaranteed winner of a breakfast, be sure to book Manor Townhouse in Fishguard. This elegant Georgian guesthouse offers a daily-changing four-course breakfast that has earned rave reviews. Owner and chef Helen Sheldon ensures the menu features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and caters to various dietary preferences. Start your day with fresh fruit skewers, homemade granola, and compotes with yogurt, followed by a cooked special such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and asparagus, or chargrilled sourdough with vanilla-whipped ricotta and thyme-roasted peaches. Accompany your meal with freshly ground Welsh coffee or specialty teas. Guests can enjoy their breakfast indoors or alfresco on the garden terrace, both offering stunning sea views over Fishguard Bay. Whether you’re fuelling up for a day on the coast path or simply indulging in a leisurely morning, Manor Townhouse ensures a memorable start to your day.

If you’re in the County town of Haverfordwest and craving a meal that’s both delicious and convenient, The Box at Haverhub is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the town in Quay Street, this cafe and catering service is run by husband-and-wife team Ben and Ellie Gobbi, who bring more than 25 years of hospitality experience to the table. Their menu features a rotating selection of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring fresh and seasonal offerings. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or planning a special event, The Box provides a variety of options, including grab-and-go lunches, gourmet sandwiches, bao buns, and evening meals. They also offer catering services for events, delivering oven-ready or plate-ready meals to your location. 

For delicious Spanish cooking (with a touch of Welsh seasoning!) look no further than Maria’s at Picton Castle. Maria, a passionate food lover from a small town near Valencia, tells us, “I have never lost my appetite for good Spanish food… I make authentic, rustic dishes, nothing fancy or decorative; only glorious food, cooked with love and drunk with great Spanish wine”. Look out for her tapas evenings and Spanish hot chocolate and churros, or stock up with goodies while you’re there. Alternatively, Ultracomida in Narberth is a fantastic stop for all things Spanish and Welsh from the deli. We challenge you not to leave with a whole bag of goodies for the ultimate picnic or evening in!

If it’s vibrant Mexican flavours you’re craving, head to Coco’s in Milford Haven, where bold spices, bright colours, and a warm welcome await. This lively spot celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, bringing a fresh and exciting twist to the local dining scene. Step inside and you’ll find eye-catching décor that’s as full of character as the menu – think bright tiles, bold artwork, and a fiesta feel that lifts the spirits. From flavour-packed street food favourites to hearty comfort dishes, Coco’s delivers generous plates and an atmosphere full of fun. It’s a taste of Mexico with a Pembrokeshire accent – and a meal you won’t forget in a hurry. 

If Asian-style food is more your thing, then Lokky’s, near Saundersfoot, has stormed the foodie scene with its Pan-Asian menu that fuses together flavours in a way that will have your tastebuds tingling for more. And it’s not just us who think that; they’ve recently been named the winner of the Golden Chopstix Award. You’ll find the irresistible blend of flavours and aromatic ingredients from Thai, Filipino, Japanese and Korean cuisines perfectly partnered with fiery cocktails, chilled beers and friendly service. If it’s purely Chinese you’re after, visit their sister restaurant, Dragon Palace, nearby, or for Japanese flavours, make a beeline for Umi on Tenby’s high street. Wandering along the same high street, you might also detect delicious aromas wafting out of Tenby market… Let your nose lead you to the fragrant delights of Nora’s Kitchen. Malaysian-born Nora’s tiny food stall serves up high-quality, authentic Malaysian food such as Beef Rendang, Nasi Goreng Kampung and Chicken Satay to eat-in or takeaway.

For a taste of Pembrokeshire’s flourishing wine scene, head inland to Velfrey Vineyard near Narberth. Established in 2016 by the Mounsey family, this picturesque, family-run vineyard has quickly gained acclaim for its sparkling and still wines crafted from Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc, and Solaris grapes. Their Velfrey NV Traditional Method Sparkling Brut was awarded Best Sparkling White Wine at the Welsh Wine Awards 2024, and both it and their ‘Rhosyn’ 2021 Sparkling Rosé have earned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through the vines, followed by tastings in the lodge overlooking the vineyard. Pair your wine with a Welsh grazing board featuring local cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly baked focaccia for a delightful experience. It’s a serene spot to sip and savour the unique character of Pembrokeshire in every glass. 

Of course, any self-respecting beach holiday needs ice cream – and at Milford Waterfront, The Scoop Ice Cream Parlour & Coffee Shop delivers just that. The Scoop crafts its own ice cream on-site at their ‘Ice Creamery’ in Neptune House, using fresh, local milk and double cream to create a variety of flavours. From classic favourites like Vanilla and Mint Choc Chip to indulgent options such as Salted Caramel and Biscoff, there's something for every palate. They also cater to various dietary needs with vegan-friendly options, gluten-free cones, and even ‘Scoop Dog’ ice cream for canine companions. Situated next to the lock gates, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a treat while watching boats glide by on the Milford Haven Waterway. 

Finally, when in Wales, there’s only one cake you should eat – a Welsh Cake – and in our opinion, no cuppa should be drunk without one! So, add MamGuWelshcakes* in St Davids and Saundersfoot to your foodie ‘must eat’ list. Owners Thea and Becky have taken the traditional recipe to a whole new level, introducing 14 varieties including a savoury selection!  

*Mamgu (pronounced mam-gee) is Welsh for grandma, granny, nanna or nan 

You can thank us later! 

And don’t forget you can visit lots of these locations by using the train!