The Michelin Guide has named Penarth one of the best seaside towns for food lovers in the UK and Ireland, securing a spot in its top 10 list of seaside places to eat out. The Vale of Glamorgan town joins Brighton, Margate, Port Isaac and Greystones in County Wicklow as destinations offering Michelin-level dining near the sea.
Michelin praise for Penarth's identity
Michelin commended Penarth for "bucking the trend with a flourish" due to its walking distance from Cardiff, while maintaining its own identity and featuring two restaurants that have helped put the town "on the culinary map".
The Guide writes: "There aren’t many seaside towns that can say they’re in walking distance from a capital city, but Penarth bucks that trend with a flourish." It adds: "Accessed from Cardiff via a short drive or a long and scenic walk (definitely the best option if you love a sea view), the town has an identity of its own that ticks off key seaside boxes with its pier, pebble beach and esplanade."
Home: a Michelin-starred family affair
The two restaurants highlighted are Home, located in the Royal Buildings with one Michelin star, and the Touring Club. Home is described as "a true family affair from James Sommerin and co where the menu is always a surprise, but the recipes taken from the heart and produce local." James and his daughter Georgia craft the refined dishes while other family members help with service. The guide notes that James "regularly pops out of his kitchen to chat with diners and proves a gregarious host, helping to create the sense that you are a guest in his home."
Touring Club: flexible dining with small plates
The Touring Club, from chef Bryn Williams, offers a more casual experience where diners can sit at the bar and watch the chef and bar staff prepare cocktails and food. Serving mostly small plates, the guide praises the "generously topped Welsh rarebit" and well-priced dishes. Michelin describes the Stanwell Road spot as a "flexible" eating place.
Beyond these Michelin-approved venues, Penarth also offers The Pilot pub for French-influenced pub grub, Mint & Mustard for curry, and a branch of tapas bar Bar 44.
