If you’re after cracking coastal views, history, and a surprising food scene that punches well above its weight, Fishguard should be firmly on your gastro radar.
The small town is dismissed by some but it’s so much more than a quick stopover on the way to the epic Pembrokeshire coast.
With local seafood, artisan cafés, old-school pubs, and an upscale hotel restaurant, Fishguard is where you can feast your way through the day while exploring the craggy coastline. Here's our guide to eating around the town while seeing some of its best sights and historic attractions.
Coastal Walks and History
Before diving into Fishguard’s culinary offerings, it’s worth building up an appetite with a bracing coastal hike. A short walk from the town centre takes you to Fishguard Fort, an old defensive site with sweeping views across the bay.
Built in the 18th century to protect against French invasions, the fort is now a peaceful spot to watch the ferry from Ireland glide into the port.
The real local legend, though, is how Fishguard’s women—dressed in their distinctive red cloaks and black hats—helped repel the last invasion of Britain in 1797.
Their formidable appearance supposedly tricked the French into thinking a much larger army awaited them. After exploring the town, it’s time to dive into Fishguard’s thriving food scene, starting with a banging brunch.
Fishguard Breakfast choices
Mannings Ffres
With a welcoming ambience and a creative menu, Mannings Ffres is always a good breakfast choice. This café-greengrocer hybrid is a firm favourite with locals and uses quality ingredients sourced from Pembrokeshire’s best producers.
Their new breakfast stack is loaded with sausage patty, crispy bacon, black pudding, flat mushroom, and a perfectly cooked Trebover egg. Don’t forget to try their locally roasted coffee—it’s strong, smooth, and the perfect way to wake up before a day of exploring.
Grab-and-Go: The Gourmet Pig
If you want a quick but high-quality breakfast, head to The Gourmet Pig. This award-winning deli stocks artisan Welsh cheeses, fresh pastries and local produce.
Their sausage rolls and Pembrokeshire butter croissants are dangerously good, making it hard to choose just one item. If you're going on a long coastal walk, grab a freshly made baguette with local cheese and chutney for a top-tier picnic.
Visit The Last Invasion Tapestry
Before your next meal, take a short walk to Fishguard Town Hall, where the impressive Last Invasion Tapestry is displayed.
Ever heard of the last time Britain was invaded? It happened here in Fishguard on February 22, 1797, when Bonaparte’s troops landed unexpectedly just outside town.
This short but dramatic campaign was the last time a hostile foreign force set foot on mainland Britain – and you can relive the story through the stunning Last Invasion Tapestry.
This award-winning masterpiece, stretching an impressive 30 metres, was designed and stitched by around 80 talented local women in 1997 to mark the bicentenary.
With intricate details bringing history to life alongside storyboards and artefacts, you can understand how a small Welsh town became the setting for a momentous chapter in British history!
Gorsedd Circle
In 1936, Fishguard hosted the National Eisteddfod, Wales’ legendary festival of music and poetry. To mark the occasion, the Gorsedd Circle was built. Just a short five-minute stroll from Fishguard Square, this historic stone circle is well worth a visit.
Stand among the stones and picture the poets, musicians, and bards who once gathered here. It’s got a bit of a mystical feel, perfect for soaking up some Welsh culture.
You’ll also get splendid views over Lower Town and Fishguard Fort across the bay. A little history, a little scenery – what’s not to love?
Lower Town Harbour and kayaking
Next, wander down to Lower Town Harbour, a postcard-perfect fishing port that’s been used as a filming location for movies like Moby Dick.
If you're lucky, you’ll find pop-up seafood stalls serving freshly caught crab or lobster sandwiches here. The simplicity of ultra-fresh seafood, a squeeze of lemon, and a touch of salt is a food lover’s dream.
Want an adventure while you're here? Kayaking in Pembrokeshire is hands down one of the best ways to explore this jaw-dropping coastline. With 220 miles of rugged cliffs, secret caves, and golden beaches, it’s a paddler’s paradise—whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro.
And let’s not forget, this is Britain’s only coastal National Park, so you’re in for some seriously epic views! Hop in a kayak with Kayak King in Fishguard, and you’ll be treated to an unforgettable tour of the Pembrokeshire coast. Glide through crystal-clear waters, weave in and out of hidden sea caves, and get up close to incredible marine life.
Keep your eyes peeled for the resident seals lounging on the rocks or bobbing in the waves, and if you're lucky you might even spot a playful porpoise!
No experience? No worries! Kayak King’s expert guides ensure everyone feels right at home, from total newbies to confident paddlers. Their stable, sit-on-top kayaks are super easy to handle and they stick to sheltered waters, making it a fun and stress-free adventure for all ages.
Lunchtime: Where to find the best midday meal
Cresswell’s Café
For a properly comforting Welsh lunch, Cresswell’s Café is a must. This local haunt is famous for its Sunday lunches and traditional Welsh cawl. Their homemade soups and generously filled sandwiches are excellent choices if you want something lighter.
Hooked @31
Fish and chips might be a classic, but it’s an art form in Fishguard. At Hooked @31, you’ll find some of Pembrokeshire's crispiest, freshest fish and chips. Their beer-battered cod, homemade tartar sauce, and double-cooked chips are nothing short of perfection. They also serve loaded fries with toppings like pulled pork, Welsh rarebit, and fresh seafood. It's a must-visit on your Fishguard foodie tour.
Afternoon indulgences
Janes Fishguard – Coffee Shop
If you love a cosy café with homemade treats, you’ll adore Janes. This family-run spot is a charming combination of coffee shop and haberdashery, making it a unique place to chill out with a steaming cup of coffee.
They serve Segafredo coffee (rich, smooth, and just the right level of indulgence) alongside a menu of homemade cakes, light lunches, and hearty bites.
If you’re after a proper Welsh treat, their bara brith (a traditional fruit loaf) is a must-try—moist, lightly spiced, and perfect with a slather of butter.
Dinner: The best evening eats in Fishguard
Ffwrn
Named after the Welsh word for oven, Ffwrn is a one-of-a-kind spot in a beautifully converted 1930s church hall. With its mix of vintage and industrial curiosities, lush greenery, open-plan space, and cooking centred around a roaring Fire, it's a must-visit dining spot in Pembrokeshire.
On the menu? Crisp wood-fired pizzas, Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Pair with local ales, hand-picked wines or a cheeky cocktail.
Ffwrn isn’t just about great food—it’s also a buzzing event venue that hosts live performances and themed events.
The Royal Oak
For a cosy, atmospheric dinner, The Royal Oak is frankly unbeatable. This pub is where the surrender treaty was signed after the 1797 French invasion and it still holds its historic charm today.
Expect filling portions, a fantastic selection of local ales, and a lively crowd of locals and visitors. Live folk music nights (usually on Tuesdays) are a great way to experience Pembrokeshire’s musical heritage while enjoying a locale ale.
Hot Chilli Indian Restaurant
If you're craving richly spiced, comforting Indian food on the Welsh coast, Hot Chilli Indian Restaurant is a spot worth visiting. This family-run Bengali and Welsh eatery serves flavour-packed curries, sizzling tandoori dishes, and homemade desserts in a warm and welcoming setting.
The extensive menu features all the beloved classics—from creamy kormas to rich, slow-cooked rogan josh—alongside a few house specials crafted by the chefs.
But if you still have room after your main, it’s worth saving space for dessert. Traditional Indian kulfi, flavoured with mango or pistachio, is a perfect way to end the meal—refreshing, sweet, and indulgent.
JT at the Abergwaun Hotel
The restaurant at The Abergwaun Hotel puts a contemporary twist on European cuisine while celebrating the best of Welsh produce. Expect carefully crafted dishes that balance bold flavours with fresh, local ingredients.
Typical starters include crispy teriyaki pork belly with a zingy yuzu ponzu dressing or sticky king prawn bao buns packed with marinated cucumber and a punchy lime dressing.
Mains are just as impressive—think perfectly cooked Welsh ribeye, fillet steak with house chips, a rich peppercorn sauce, or teriyaki-glazed salmon with fennel-roasted new potatoes and charred broccoli.
Vegetarians will also be well-served, with dishes like the spring vegetable medley featuring crispy nut bites, halloumi, and a fresh herb sauce.
Evening drinks and late-night fun
The Ship Inn
If you’re not ready to call it a night, head to The Ship Inn for a proper old-school pub experience.
Tucked away in Lower Town, Fishguard, right by the mouth of the River Gwaun, The Ship Inn is a popular alehouse with roots stretching back to the late 18th century and is brimming with character, sea-faring tales, and a cracking selection of real ales.
Inside, walls are decked with old maritime photos, maps, and quirky memorabilia, adding to its wonderfully unspoiled charm. It’s a Free House and a proud feature in the Good Beer Guide, so you know you’re in for a top-notch pint.
Theatre Gwaun
If you want an off-beat venue, Theatre Gwaun is a community-run theatre and cinema that offers indie films, live performances, and even the occasional comedy night. It’s an unexpected but fantastic way to round off the evening.
Stay at the Abergwaun Hotel
The Abergwaun Hotel is a boutique bolthole where the food is the real star.
Once a derelict building that stood empty for a decade, local couple Dan and Lois, who both have a background in high-end hospitality, gave it a new lease on life in 2020.
The result? A stylish, contemporary 4-star hotel with five luxury en-suite rooms, a two-bedroom apartment, and a restaurant that’s putting Fishguard on the foodie map.
The rooms are bright and airy, with simple, elegant décor that uses neutral tones and soft textures. They are where minimalism meets comfort—nothing too fussy, just a relaxing space to crash after a day of eating and epic coastal walks.
One of the rooms is even dog-friendly, so your adventure-loving pup doesn’t have to miss out.
When the hotel appeared on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed in 2024, the visiting contestants praised the spotless rooms and cloud-like beds.
One guest flopped onto the mattress and declared "It’s like lying on a cloud", while another couple admitted: “This is going to be hard to beat.”
The Real Star: The Food
While the rooms are lovely, the real reason to stay here is the food. The hotel’s restaurant, JT at The Abergwaun, is run by co-owner Dan, a chef who turns local ingredients into bold, inventive dishes. Think modern European flavours with a Pembrokeshire twist, all served in a laid-back, intimate setting.
The menu changes with the seasons, and the quality is consistently high, whether you choose the full-tasting menu or just stop by for a well-mixed cocktail.
The restaurant has picked up a Good Food Award for Gastro Pubs (Gold Seal) and is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best places to eat in this part of Wales.
If you need proof, look no further than the Four in a Bed reactions. Confident in his breakfast skills, Dan served up a morning feast that left one guest saying: “I’ve eaten in restaurants all over the world, and that’s probably one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.” High praise, indeed.
