Mid Wales restaurant, Ynyshir, has retained its two Michelin stars.

The new list of the top restaurants across the UK and Ireland was revealed yesterday at a special ceremony, with the Machynlleth-based restaurant, Ynyshir, one of two Michelin star restaurants in Mid Wales to be recognised. 

Ynyshir was last year upgraded to two Michelin stars, having already had one.

SY23, located in Aberystwyth was also on the list, once again receiving one Michelin star. 

Michelin Guide’s 'point of view'

Here's what the Michelin Guide 2023 said about the two restaurants:

Ynyshir

Two Michelin stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour!

"For a truly unique experience head for rural Wales and this matt black, part-Georgian house with tipis in the garden and luxurious bedrooms.

"Dinner starts early, which gives chef-owner Gareth Ward over 4 hours to take diners on an immersive culinary journey.

"The playful surprise menu of around 30 servings blends ingredients from Wales with those from around the globe – and comes with an array of vibrant, contrasting flavours and textures.

"Regional sheepskins and tweezers (used as cutlery) made by the local blacksmith feature, while a DJ matches the music to the mood."

Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

"The flavours textures and combinations were exceptional. Every course had its own character but followed beautifully from the last.

"We weren’t rushed at all, indeed every couple of courses Gareth asked if we needed a hold, but no our joy was amazing and didn’t want to delay."

5 stars

"From the moment we drove through the gates our breaths were taken away.

"The location, room and food were amazing, the attention to detail was second to none, what truly struck us was your team, they could not do enough for us including answering the many questions we had."

SY23

One Michelin star: High-quality cooking, worth a stop!

"Chef-owner Nathan Davies is an Ynyshir alumnus, and its influence is clear to see at this modern restaurant, tucked away in the seaside town of Aberystwyth.

"Start with a drink in the ground floor bar before heading upstairs to the moody, intimately lit dining room, where the atmosphere is lively, the colour scheme makes a statement, and the open kitchen takes centre stage.

"Foraging, pickling and fermenting all play their part on the set ten course menu, the charcoal grill is used to good effect and the deceptively simple looking dishes are modern and original with some good textural contrasts and real depth of flavour.

"The wine list offers some generously priced choices (especially by the glass) and it’s well worth going for the wine flight.

"Service from the friendly team is well-paced and attentive."

Michelin Star restaurants in Wales

These are the other Michelin-star restaurants in Wales:

One Michelin star

Home, Penarth

Beach House, Oxwich

Sosban & The Old Butchers, Menai Bridge

Walnut, Llanddewi Skirrid

The Whitebrook, Whiterbook