There’s certainly no shortage of fantastic food when it comes to Rhondda Cynon Taf. So why settle for an untested cafe, or a boring chain, when looking for a place to dine out. Here are the top 10 restaurants in the area according to TripAdvisor reviewers:
10. Mr Creemy, Tylacelyn Road, Tonypandy
Perhaps not the most conventional “restaurant” to start off Tripadvisor’s top 10, but everyone with any sort of sweet tooth in RCT knows about Mr Creemy. The team prides itself on serving its customers quality dairy ice cream made with “the finest welsh produce”, accompanied with an efficient service, a smile and a friendly greeting, be it in boats, tubs, cones or waffles. Make ours a double!
What the reviews said: “After over 30 years of going to Mr Creemy for a “treat” I have never been disappointed. The boat is treat that any age child enjoys, my mam at 79 being one of them. The service, the great selection, the unique taste and the price are all worth the 28 mile round trip; I have been known to eat it in the car and go back in for a second.”
Is this the best chippy in RCT? This award-winning outfit has won numerous awards down the years, including the National Fish and Chip Awards in 2012 and the Fish and Chip Quality Awards. Based in Tonyrefail in a building previously used as a wine bar, the shop has been open since 2008, and says its customers come from all over South Wales.
What the reviews said: “I’m very fussy about what and where I eat so the fact that I eat here on a regular basis is probably the best complement I can give! Fish is good quality and usually cooked to order, I’ve never found a bone or even seen anyone find a bone in the fish – its always lovely! The pies are to die for so is the chicken and the pulled pork in gravy. I have heard very good things about the different types of fish cake – although I don’t eat them myself. The chips are always well cooked and lovely. The shop is immaculate and the staff are great. I really cant recommend this place enough. I know they also do gluten-free.”
8. The Crown Inn, Main Road, Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd
A self-proclaimed “super-pub-restaurant”, the Crown Inn is definitely worth a try for anyone around the Ponty area. It throws on live music on Fridays, a Sunday quiz, and a good selection of gastro dishes. The Sunday lunch comes highly recommended too.
What the reviews said: “Staff as friendly and helpful as ever, food was simply amazing, in particular the sweet chili chicken starter, main, steak (again, I can’t help it) and a home made cheesecake for dessert. It really is a pleasure to dine here and enjoy a drink with the wife, thanks to kids we don’t get to do it as often as we’d like but when we do it surpasses all expectations for an evening out.”
7. The Polkadot Teapot, Swan Street, Llantrisant
They like their tearooms in RCT don’t they? This unusual vintage venue’s speciality is its bespoke cakes and afternoon tea. The cakes are freshly baked each morning and with some favourable prices and a growing reputation, it’s a favourite for many.
What the reviews said: “Where do I start? A most wonderful, friendly, highly unusual tea room. Cara the owner, is a doctor and unbelievable cake maker. Many of her award winning cakes are on display for you to gaze at as you eat, and they really are special (make sure you see the frog and dog cakes) they’re almost works of art. Prices are so reasonable for what you receive. You can also pre-order birthday, Christmas or any kind of cakes. I would like to thank Cara and her team for being so loving and helpful, to my grandmother as she became ill whilst dining there. I am forever in your debt. Will definitely be back again and hopefully with lots of friends.”
6. The Bear Inn, Heol-Y-Sarn, Llantrisant
Often described as a “proper pub”, the Bear Inn serves up a variety of hearty dishes, including Hunter’s chicken, chilli con carne and potato and broccoli bake. The pub in the middle of Llantrisant also throws on entertainment, with welcoming staff and a great dining atmosphere.
What the reviews said: “The food was fantastic great range of different foods from pub classics to American style burgers. The leek and potato soup was exceptional it was obviously home made and was lovely and thick! My husband’s steak was cooked to perfection it was like slicing butter and the flavouring was mouth watering. Finally to top of a perfect meal was the the fantastic service.”
5. The Cross Inn, Main Street, Cross Keys, Llantrisant,
This cosy joint is the top-rated pub in Rhondda Cynon Taf, according to Tripadvisor reviewers, with an array of tasty, home-cooked food. The pub does a number of themed evenings, including steak, cheese and wine, and curry, and the Sunday roast is a popular choice for weekend diners.
What the reviews said: “Delicious curries on a Wednesday night with an alternative menu for those who don’t fancy a curry there and then. Desserts are mouth watering. Staff are very friendly including the landlady who goes out of her way to make you feel very welcome. Lunch and evening meals are also served throughout the week except a Friday and Saturday. I highly recommend the supreme burger, it’s certainly supreme. Last but not least the lovely home made Sunday roast, make sure you book in advance as it is very popular. Overall a very inviting homely pub with a nice welcoming crowd. Highly recommend to all!”
4. Caradog’s Restaurant, Penderyn Road, Hirwaun
This fancy outfit strives to serve the best Welsh local produce, offering a seasonal menu with the finest ingredients from the Brecon and Neath Valley region, and works with local farmers, growers and purveyors to source its products. The restaurant’s website says: “The result is food that is honest, straightforward and pays homage to this outstanding part of Wales we are so privileged to call home.”
What the reviews said: “Had a fabulous meal here in August. The restaurant is furnished to a high standard & the staff were great, very helpful & friendly. We had an amazing meal with smoked duck that was the best we’ve ever had and fantastic steaks. Will definitely be back for a meal, highly recommended.”
3. Thai Sky Restaurant, High Street, Treorchy
A podium finish for this oriental restaurant that offers authentic Thai cooking in the heart of Treorchy. Dishes at the family-run restaurant range from Pad Thai, beef mussuman curry to sweet and sour pork. The set menus are also a popular choice and personalities Leighton and Choo are a popular pair.
What the reviews said: “First time at Thai Sky and will definitely be going back. The starters were to die for, we had the mixed starter selection and it was delicious, could have had a bucket full. There were three of us and we all had a different main so we could sample each others. All were delicious too. Lovely atmosphere and excellent service. Can’t wait to go back.”
2. Jamil Indian Restaurant, Cardiff Road, Rhydyfelin
The restaurant to just miss out on the top spot was this joint in Pontypridd. It aims to bring customers the “exquisite” taste of Asia, which it says has been perfected through years of experience, using the highest quality meats, seafood and vegetables.
What the reviews said: “This is by far the best Indian restaurant I have eaten at, from arrival to departure, a warm welcome and courteous guidance to our table, quickly served drinks, not rushed with the ordering. Once food was ordered it seemed a short while until we had our starters, and they were just great. We really enjoyed them, the table was cleared quickly and politely, the mains came out and again they were great, a little hotter than my usual but great flavours, freshness and quantity. Having finished we sat stuffed for a while, quite unable to move really, but a meal we were both impressed with, service we were impressed with and a nice restaurant, parking not bad either! Thank you Jamil, top notch experience.”
1. Trattoria, High Street, Pontypridd
The undisputed champion, with no fewer than 189 ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very good’ reviews out of 220. If you’re looking for a decent Italian menu in Pontypridd, this is the restaurant for you. With reasonable prices and delicious food, who would deny Trattoria the top spot?
What the reviews said: “Quite simply the best place to eat in Pontypridd. We have been eating in this restaurant for last 5 years and have never been disappointed. The early bird menu is the best value menu I’ve tasted. The later evening menu is more extensive, more expensive but the restaurant tends to be less noisy and more a couple dining experience by then. Last time we ate there as a couple, the soup and mussel starters the sea bass, chicken and steak were cooked to perfection, desserts fabulous and the coffee strong just as I like it. Well done.”
Credit: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/10-best-restaurants-rhondda-cynon-10909971
