Promenade, Conwy. 014 9257 7525 / portheirias.com
Food: **** Atmosphere: *****
Sitting on the precipice of the beach front, Porth Eirias and its wave-like roof sinks into the North Wales coastline. This is Michelin star chef Bryn Williams’ second venture. His London restaurant Odette’s has garnered him numerous accolades and Porth Eirias can be seen to represent the return of the culinary prodigal son to his native Wales. The restaurant’s scenic panoramas bring to mind a freshness which is transposed onto the plate; the produce is as locally and independently sourced as possible from Conwy cheese-makers to local artisan coffee roasters.
We tried a fish finger burger with tartar sauce and homemade chips followed by the baked Alaska. Seafood occupies an important place within the menu however, meat, vegetarian and gluten free dishes equally show off the chef’s flair for innovative pairings. We ordered the house wine but were more than tempted by the fancier dessert wines. The bar-bistro offers specific breakfast, afternoon and dinner menus with incredibly reasonable prices for a Michelin star chef.
The interior fosters an unpretentious and informal ambiance with an open kitchen and rustic decor. Although having initially staggered with complaints about its architecture and late opening, Porth Eirias has become increasingly popular and is bristling with promise for anyone hoping to sample some of the finest of Welsh produce.
words JENNY DAVIES