I’m not a great cook. I admit it.
I’m not terrible; I am more than capable of following recipes and instructions on boxes so I don’t often burn anything. The food I produce is often healthy and tasty but very simple, and I guess by “not great” I mean I take little pleasure from cooking and baking, so I don’t really invest any time into creating new dishes and honing my culinary skills.
What I do like, however, is eating out. I like choosing a meal, I like being waited on, I like not having to do the dishes. I guess I sound like a spoilt and selfish little madam, but it’s the truth!
So I’ve put together an article of my favourite places to eat. Some are family-friendly places Colin and I feel really comfortable taking the kids and others are establishments we head to when we’re lucky enough to get some scared Alone Time.
My Top 10 Places to Eat In North Wales (in no particular order, as it’s way too difficult to choose!)
1. The Talardy, St Asaph, Denbighshire
I love The Talardy. The people there are incredibly friendly and there’s always a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. There’s one waitress who, every time we go, tells us she recognises us and gives us the lowdown on what we’re deciding between, giving us her personal and honest recommendations on what to eat and what not to bother with – in a very diplomatic way!
I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal there, although I do tend to favour the rotisserie chicken. Oh, I tell a lie! The lemon sauce option is NOT good! If you’re going rotisserie, go with gravy!
2. Rossini’s, Rhyl Denbighshire
Probably the best Italian in the area. I really don’t mean to be harsh about Rhyl, but please don’t let the surrounding area put you off. The area may leave a lot to be desired (tacky shops and boarded up windows) but this restaurant provides great quality food.
It’s not really somewhere Colin and I opt for with the kids, mainly because it is quite a small establishment and with high chairs and toys and the mountain of other crap required for an hour’s meal, I can never be bothered with the effort. However, it is a cosy place for a romantic meal for two, and one of mine and Colin’s fave spots.
3. The King’s Head, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire
This pub’s been recently revamped under new ownership, and the menu is extensive to say the least! The meals are all cheap, and The King’s Head offers loads of deals depending on the day and time of your visit, so it’s highly likely you’ll be able to grab a bargain eating here. The kids’ menu is great, and the dining area is spacious which, I find, is important when you’ve got kids and high chairs to consider.
One thing that bugs the hell out of me about the King’s Head is the blatant lack of apostrophe in its name, despite the recent redecorating and investment in new signs etc! If you can stomach this bugbear, the King’s Head is a cheerful, relaxed and cheap option.
4. The Village Masala, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire
This place hits the Big Three for me: great service, lovely décor and delicious food. I can’t help but totally overindulge when Colin and I visit our favourite Indian restaurant, starting with the poppadoms, dips and a bottled beer, moving onwards to a main with rice, naan and a couple of accompaniments! And may I recommend the chef’s specials; they may be a little pricier than the traditional Kormas and Massalas, but well worth it.
5. The Plough, St Asaph, Denbighshire
The Plough is definitely all things to all men, and I’ve spent many a morning regretting my overindulgence in food and/or alcohol the night before. Downstairs hearty pub classics are served and I love the stone floors, exposed brick walls and wooden beams setting. If you’re looking for a touch of sophistication, head to the restaurant upstairs – there’s an open plan kitchen, a really romantic atmosphere and the chef even signs his name in sauce on the rice dishes. Classy.
6. Mama Rosa’s, Llandudno, Conwy
My favourite thing about Mama Rosa’s, a truly charming, quaint Italian restaurant in the heart of Llandudno, is the staff! Mama Rosa’s has been the regular destination for work dos with my department over the last few years, and we keep returning because every time we visit we all have a right laugh with the waiters…and my Head of Department has a right flirt with one in particular!
The décor and atmosphere are lovely, and the food is delicious. There really isn’t anything else I can say! I love it!
7. The Swan, St Asaph, Denbighshire
Cheap and cheerful; the two best words to sum up The Swan. Again, this is another hit with people from work, mainly because it serves good old hearty pub classics at fab prices, and the staff are extremely welcoming – clearly they have nothing against noisy, boisterous groups!
If you do go, check out the interesting pics on the walls. There’s a great one of East Asian signs that are swear words in English. So juvenile, but so funny!
8. Prosperity, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire
As our local Chinese, I have zero complaints about Prosperity. The food is delicious, the service is great and the prices are exactly what you’d expect in a Chinese restaurant. I think there have been a few gripes on Trip Advisor about the inside and the location of the tables, but I’ve never had any negative experiences; after all, nobody puts Ella in the corner!
9. The Eagle and Child, Gweanysgor (near Prestatyn), Denbighshire
The greatest thing The Eagle and Child has to offer is its location. It’s settled in the hills high above Prestatyn, and the views around the village are nothing short of spectacular. The pub itself offers delicious meals, is fairly large and spacious, and boasts a cheap and varied kids’ menu as well, making it one of our favourite places to visit with the girls.
10. Chynna Garden, Prestatyn, Denbighshire
Despite this Chinese restaurant not looking like much from the outside, it is lovely inside and that’s the important thing! The staff are very friendly and attentive, and it serves the typical huge range of traditional Chinese meals you’d expect and all reasonably priced. Situated on Prestatyn High Street it’s relatively easy to find and is well worth a visit after an arduous day of shopping in the town’s centre.
