Here is our pick of the 5 Best Restaurants in Cowbridge, all family friendly and all tried and tested by us.
With so many High Streets becoming uniformed in their offerings, it is refreshing to visit the quaint market town of Cowbridge. Unlike other towns, Cowbridge has a wide array of independent shops and restaurants to sample.
We eat out in Cowbridge regularly and so have compiled a list of our favourite Cowbridge restaurants to try out. As we mainly eat out with the kids, we consider them family friendly too. In no particular order, we consider these to be the best restaurants in Cowbridge.
Arboreal
At Arboreal they believe in utilising fresh and seasonal produce provided by local suppliers. Hence they serve up simple, largely healthy dishes with a twist.
Expect a changing seasonal menu with lots of delicious dishes such as tiger prawns with chilli lime and coriander or french trimmed lamb rack.
The decor is fresh and informal, with white washed wooden walls and more than an element of shabby chic. A nice touch is that the chefs cook the pizzas and plate up behind an open counter for all to see. Service is relaxed and informal and and waiting staff make you feel like long lost friends round for dinner.
There is no childrens menu at such, but the nature of many of the dishes make them easy to share with little ones. It’s also worth keeping an eye on their events board as they have some great music nights.
Recommended – For informal and relaxed dining. The meze and cold meat platters for sharing are simply delicious. The hummus is home made and is smooth, creamy and downright moorish. The wood fired pizza oven serves up delicious pizzas such as the first rate chorizo and chilli pizza with rocket.
Opening times: Open Tuesday to Sunday
Address: 68 Eastgate Street, Cowbridge. Tel: 01446 775093
Website: www.arboreal.uk.com
The Penny Farthing
The Penny Farthing is renowned locally for its quality homemade food. The extensive menu ranges from all day breakfasts, light bites and sandwiches to hearty dishes like beef and ale pie. They also have a huge and very tempting cake and pastries counter.
The restaurant is set within a quaint building on the high street and has plenty of rustic charm inside, with its exposed brick walls, open fireplace and even an old well. It is always very busy and ensures that it is full of atmosphere throughout the day.
A nice touch is that they have a toy box for kids to delve into and there is also a good childrens menu. Furthermore they even offer plastic cutlery and plates for the very small.
You can read our full review here.
Recommended – For informal, family friendly get togethers. This is the place to head for hearty dishes such as a full welsh breakfast or for their very popular Sunday lunch.
Opening times: Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 5pm and on Friday & Saturday 08.30 – 6pm and on a Sunday from 9am – 5pm
Address: 54 High St, Cowbridge, CF71 7AH. Tel: 01446
Website: www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk
The Hare and Hounds, Aberthin
Ok, so not strictly in Cowbridge, but just round the corner in Aberthin. We couldn’t leave the Hare and Hounds off the list, as to put it frankly, it is just too good to miss. It always receives good reviews and its easy to see why.
It is situated in a traditional olde pub, which has essentially been cut in half with the one half remaining a traditional boozer, frequented by locals and the more modern restaurant on the other. In the restaurant the chefs are at work making all the dishes in front of you.
Head Chef and owner, Tom Watts-Jones returned to the village just two years ago after gaining experience in some of Londons top restaurants. The menu changes daily and with the seasons and depends on what is produced locally and what they have grown in their gardens.
Under Watts-Jones guidance and management the restaurant has been added to the 2018 Michelin Guide as one of the new Bib Gourmand winners. The Bibs are restaurants chosen by inspectors that offer fantastic food at good value for money, and the Hare and Hounds certainly ticks that box.
Children are welcome, but they don’t have a kiddies menu. You can however order smaller portions from the main menu so its best if the little ones aren’t too fussy with their eating.
You can read our full review here.
Recommended – Informal dining and special occasions. This has to be the place to visit for foodies who are looking for something special but in more of a relaxed setting making it a great place to head with friends or family to celebrate a special occasion. The menu is short and seasonal. We can recommend the crispy pigs cheek with pickled apple and the duck with cavola nero and smoked bacon.
Opening times: Wednesday to Friday – 12-2:30pm for lunch and 6-9pm for dinner. Saturday – 12-3pm for lunch and 6-9:30pm for dinner and Sunday – 12-4pm for lunch
Address: Aberthin, Cowbridge CF71 7LG
Website: www.Hareandhoundsaberthin.com
The Market Place
The Market Place occupies one of the oldest buildings in Cowbridge, with the original house being built into the old town walls. The decor inside is cosy with candlelit lighting, open fires, exposed brick work and wooden floors. The front room is our favourite spot as its the most intimate and olde worlde.
The tempting menu changes seasonally and where possible sources local produce. There is a good balance of poultry, fish and meat on the menu, with some vegetarian dishes ensuring it caters for all. They also cater for children with an under 12s childrens menu.
They also have events on through out the year with special menus such as swing and jazz nights.
You can read our full review here.
Recommended – Another foodies heaven with its sumptuous seasonal menu. Whilst the Market Place is family friendly and offers a full childrens menu, it also makes for a lovely venue for a more romantic date night. Dishes feature pan seared sea bass with salsa verde and pork belly with apple compote and crunchy crackling.
Opening times: Wednesday and Thursday – 12-3pm for lunch and 6-9pm for dinner. Friday and Saturday – 12-3pm for lunch and 6-10pm for dinner and Sunday – 12-3pm for lunch
Address: 66 High St, Cowbridge CF71 7AH
Website: www.themarketplace.co.uk
Bar 44
Bar 44 is somewhat of an institution in Cowbridge and is the place to head for delicious tapas and cocktails. The popular tapas bar certainly brings a touch of Spain to Cowbridge. It first opened over 15 years ago, in its current venue, occupying first floor premises overlooking the High Street.
It is very popular with the locals for both tapas or just for drinks. There’s also a good selection of nibbles to accompany a drink like crispy fried baby squid or sweet pickled peppers.
The tapas menu is extensive with both hot and cold options available. There is a good selection of vegetarian and fish dishes along with meat and charcuterie. However, if cocktails aren’t your thing, there is a selection of spanish sherry and wines to try.
Monday to Friday they serve three tapas dishes for £11 as part of their lunch menu. The only thing is if you come here for lunch you’ll want to come back for dinner to try out the other dishes.
Recommended: Ideal venue to head with a group of friends, an early family supper or some guaranteed atmosphere on even the quietest nights of the week. You must try the confit of chicken with chorizo, prawns a la plancha and the sharing breads.
Opening times: 10 – 11pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 10 – midnight Friday and Saturday.
Address: 44C High Street Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AG
Website: www.bar44.co.uk/cowbridge
