The Best Restaurants In Monmouthshire And The Black Mountains

With more Michelin stars than any other Welsh county, and home to the internationally renowned Abergavenny Food Festival, Monmouthshire has certainly made its mark on the culinary map of Britain over the past couple of decades. Together with the Black Mountains, which take in both Monmouthshire and neighbouring Powys, it not only offers outstanding views, but some pretty amazing restaurants, too.

1. The Whitebrook

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

One of only seven Michelin-starred restaurants in Wales, The Whitebrook sits high above the River Wye in the rather hidden village of Whitebrook, and offers a sublime dining experience. The tasting menus comprise foraged and locally sourced seasonal foods, whilst the accompanying wine flights have some very surprising additions. Chef patron Chris Harrod wants to offer diners the ‘valley on a plate’ and he never fails. You may need to book several months in advance, but it’s well worth the wait.

2. The Walnut Tree

Restaurant, Italian, French, British

Historically, one of Wales’ finest Italian restaurants. Opened in the 1960s by husband-and-wife team Franco and Anne Taruchio, The Walnut Tree is now in the very capable hands of top Chef Shaun Hill. This Michelin-starred restaurant, in the shadow of Skirrid Mountain a little outside Abergavenny, should certainly go on any foodie’s bucket-list. The menu is described as ‘eclectic’ and is very much based on the chef’s personal tastes – be assured it will not disappoint. Booking essential.

3. The Felin Fach Griffin

Hotel

Nestled between the Black Mountain towns of Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, The Felin Fach Griffin is the sort of gastro-pub that ticks every box. With cosy log fires, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, this pretty, red-painted restaurant with rooms is an ideal base to explore the surrounding area. Awarded a coveted Michelin Bib award in 2016, this cosy, welcoming restaurant should be on every visitors to-do list. Booking advised.

5. The Hardwick

Restaurant, Hotel Restaurant, British, European

Chef Patron Stephen Terry is well-known in the industry. The Hardwick is located a short drive from Abergavenny and the Black Mountains and has been described by iconic chef Michel Roux junior, as ‘my favourite Welsh restaurant’. With superb quality produce, prepare to experience a meal to remember. Booking essential.

6. #7 Church Street

Hotel Restaurant, European, British, Contemporary

Located in the heart of the picturesque border town of Monmouth, #7 Church Street sits on the side of a brutally cobbled street leading to the church. Roux Brothers-trained chef and owner Mark Turton’s menus appreciate seasonality and are a real tribute to field to fork philosophy. Classical dishes sits beside more contemporary flavour combinations and there are some seriously delicious sides dishes, not to mention puddings.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.