Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

Hidden in the thickets of a pristine corner of Wales near Eglwysfach, is Ynyshir Hall known for its unique scenic appeal and palatial luxury. Offering a quietly beautiful space with a restaurant that's known for its exotic food and inventive chef, this is an ideal spot for romantic getaways, special occasions, artists in search of solitude and even those looking for some quiet time to indulge and unwind after a stressful week. Sprawling splendour with a kitchen to match, the three AA Rosettes come as no surprise.

Food at Ynyshir Hall is unlike any other. For starters, there's a wealth of fresh local ingredients available including an abundance of seafood such as lobsters, crabs, shrimps, wild salmon from local rivers, organic pork, venison and wild game. The free range chicken and beef are the best you'll find and the Welsh farmhouse cheese and mountain lamb are not to be missed. There's a large kitchen garden as well, providing ample herbs and a variety of vegetables. Head chef Shane Hughes is clearly one of Britain's most talented young chefs as reflected by his inventive cuisine and daring ideas that guests simply lap up and often make a point of mentioning. Borth Bay shrimp tempura and the warm treacle pudding steal the show.

Wales is full of surprises when it comes to eating out, and most of them are nice ones. Wynnstay certainly comes into that category, with a sheaf of recommendations. Chef Gareth Johns does a first class job on sourcing his materials, much of which is Welsh and local, like game - partridge, pheasant, wild lake and river fish - trout and salmon, sea fish - wild bass, turbot, etc. Menus change daily and include such dishes as Penrhyn mussels with leeks and white Welsh wine.

An excellent main course is the moist salmon wrapped in Carmarthen ham served with saffron-scented risotto, encircled by a rivulet of butter and fish-stock sauce. Probably their most renowned dessert is a ring of sweet, fresh macerated roast pineapple in a caramel sauce flecked with rough-ground black pepper. Service is friendly and paced. The wine list starts at £13.95, and offers a very interesting choice from all over the world but specialises in Italian wines, with probably the best Italian selection outside London, but not at London prices!