Dylanwad Da Restaurant

Found it by accident (it should have a bigger sign or hanging one?) on a rainy stop-over in Dolgellau (is there any other kind?) at a time I was resigned to the usual hotel fare, I was totally charmed in every respect by this bistro. It was stupendous value for money - I eat in cities mostly and it is so hard to find gems like this. Starters and puds most excellent though my fish was a little overdone (vegetables perfect!) but in all other respects it earned top marks. I'll go out of my way to eat here again - thanks to the previous reviewer for noting it is closed evenings Sunday through Wednesday.

Growing up in Dolgellau, this was always the place I imagined I could go to when I grew up! A tiny bistro run by Dylan Rowlands since 1988, it's without doubt the best restaurant in Dolgellau (although there's not much competition), located slap-bang in the middle of town and has been included in the Good Food Guide every year since 1990.

Dylan's menus are varied and constantly changing, and the food is invariably delicious. Winos take note - the wine-list is nationally renowned and you can buy some of Dylan's discoveries to take home. He also has regular wine-tasting evenings.

Open Thurs-Sat evenings and in the day for coffee/cake/tapas. Book in advance, especially if you're a large group (we regularly go in a group of around 10 at Christmas and have a great time). Service is good and bilingual.

I'd especially recommend the mashed potato (comes with the food anyway). Oh, and the other veg are delish too.