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A striking black and white Victorian gent's res, now a family hotel serving pleasantly familiar food from a short four-course menu at a set price. Prices are reasonable and the service friendly if a trifle relaxed. The menu changes daily and has a reasonable choice of options on each course, with due attention paid to vegetarians. The Winter Garden Restaurant has extensive views into the surrounding countryside, itself one of the main factors in bringing people to this peaceful setting. House wine £8.75.

Another of those lovely Welsh country houses where even the 19th century imitations contrive to look like the real thing and the views are breathtaking. Within all is well ordered and to the sort of standard one would expect to find in a substantial country home. Heavy linen, crystal and well-polished cutlery abounds and serves as an encouraging signal to those who dine.

A mousseline of sea scallops with a bitter Vermouth sauce makes a distinctive starter and could be followed by the best end of Welsh lamb accompanied by a confit of swede, green lentils and a rosemary jus. The baked apple charlotte was light and moist, well set off with the apple custard. The wine list covers extensive ground, with house wine at £16.

Dylanwad Da, which translates as 'Good Influence', is a wonderful little bistro located in the little market town of Dolgellau in North Wales. Run by owner and chef Dylan Rowlands, Dylanwas Da operates as a café and wine bar by day before transforming into a charming restaurant by night. The cosy dining room with carpeted floors and simple furniture forms the perfect setting for guests who come from near and far to enjoy the food and atmosphere. The menu changes regularly and is subtly influenced by flavours from around the world although many ingredients, including vegetables and seafood are bought from local markets.

The varied fare includes Modern British dishes of pork and pink peppercorn terrine with pickled red cabbage; and smoked salmon with a lemon, maple and caper dressing rub shoulders with classic lamb and barley hotpot or sirloin steak (with Welsh beef) garnished with onions, mushrooms and tomato For something more exotic try Thai fish stew with monkfish, salmon and prawns.

Owner Dylan's enthusiasm for wines is reflected in the expertly chosen wine list which mixes classic French and Italian varieties with adventurous choices from Lebanon, Argentina and Australia.

The Welsh town of Dolgellau is home to a classic Georgian townhouse called Y Meirionnydd. A visit there feels more like a journey back in time - original sash windows and uneven floors give the rooms a lovely country feel - some of which overlook Smithfield Square and the Cadair Idris Mountain.

Diners love having relaxed meals in the friendly yet intimate restaurant, chatting between tables and staying around to enjoy easy conversation. It's hard to believe that the 17th century granite cellar was a rather austere county jail house until 1815.

The chef specialises in straightforward dishes, well-created with minimum fuss from local ingredients whenever possible. Start your day with Welsh free range eggs, sausages and bacon. Packed lunches are available at short notice. Expect to find steaks and fish, lamb, poultry and vegetarian dishes in the menu.

Welsh ales and ciders as well as local, New and Old World wines complement the menu well. Breakfast is served daily and the restaurant is not open every evening but available for parties throughout the week.