Discover the most sought-after dining spots in Wales for 2025, where booking a table is a challenge.
Cardiff: As we approach the festive season, you might be eager to snag a table at one of Wales’ top restaurants. Even with the cost-of-living crunch affecting many places, there are still plenty of great spots to enjoy a meal.
People are still supporting their local eateries, even if they have a bit less to spend. Many restaurants are filling up fast, especially during this busy time of year. We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular places in Wales and checked how far ahead you need to book to get a table.
We tried to book a table for two at 7 PM this Saturday. It was a bit tricky at some places, but we found some that had openings as early as December 21. However, others were fully booked for weeks, and one place didn’t have any 7 PM slots until June! Here’s what we discovered as of December 16.
Pasture is a must-visit if you’re craving a steak in Cardiff. It’s super popular, and we found out the next available table for 7 PM on a Saturday is in June! There are some lunch and weekday slots, but if you want a specific time, you’ll need to plan ahead.
Ynyshir, the only two-Michelin-star restaurant in Wales, is another hot spot. We tried to book for Friday at 7 PM, but the next available slot was January 17. It’s a beautiful place with a unique experience, so it’s worth the wait.
Paternoster Farm is a hidden gem that serves delicious dishes like slow-roasted Welsh mountain mutton. They often post last-minute openings on social media, and we were lucky to find a table for 6:30 PM this Saturday.
If you’re in the mood for Spanish cuisine, Asador 44 has plenty of dinner slots available after December 27. The Warren in Carmarthen is another great option, and we managed to secure a table for 7 PM this Saturday.
Hiraeth, a Michelin-approved spot, has limited availability, but we found some earlier slots. Home by James Sommerin is also popular, and while we couldn’t get a table for this Saturday, there are more options next weekend.
Ciliegino, known for its amazing pizza, had plenty of availability when we checked. Janet’s Authentic Northern Chinese Restaurant offers a mix of Korean and Chinese dishes, but we couldn’t get a 7 PM slot this Saturday, though there were earlier options.
Freckled Angel and Terra Mare are also worth checking out, with more availability next weekend. The Shed in Swansea is another great choice, and we found a table for two at 7 PM this Saturday.
Yr Hen Printworks has a fantastic small plates menu, but we couldn’t get a 7 PM table. Six by Nico and The Gaff are also popular, with more slots available the following weekend.
So, if you’re planning to dine out in Wales, make sure to book ahead. The best spots fill up fast, especially during the holiday season!