By Ginette Davies

Copyright walesonline

It may only just be October, but the countdown to Christmas is underway across Wales, with thoughts turning to twinkling streets, gift lists on the go, and plans to savour time with the people who matter most. It’s the season for clinking glasses, cosy catch-ups, and making memories around the table.

Food and dining with family, friends or colleagues plays an important role in festivities. From Cardiff and Swansea to the coast and countryside, restaurants are unveiling seasonal menus that marry winter produce with festive favourites. Think comforting classics, celebratory specials and indulgent desserts to finish.

To help you choose, here’s a shortlist of spots worth booking now. Whether you are looking for set menus, group-friendly spaces, and easy pre-orders, you can secure your celebration early and skip the last-minute scramble.

All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this article.

Please note alcohol is only available to people aged 18+. The below venues follow the ‘challenge 25 policy’ so you may be asked for ID when purchasing. Please drink responsibly. Do not drink if you are pregnant.

Llechwen Hall

What makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year? Festive dining, of course. No holiday would be complete without delicious seasonal dishes to share with loved ones.

At Llechwen Hall, the special three-course Christmas menu, available for both lunch and dinner, is designed to celebrate the flavours of the season. With a unique twist on traditional favourites, every dish is crafted to leave you feeling festively full and full of cheer.

Available throughout December, this is the perfect way to gather friends and family around the table and enjoy a truly memorable occasion. After all, Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, and that’s at the heart of every experience at Llechwen Hall. With menus created for both adults and children, everyone can enjoy the magic of the season.

Book your festive dining experience today and make memories to treasure for Christmases to come.

Find out more: visit llechwen.co.uk

The Brook Bistro

Make this season one to remember at The Brook Bistro, where Christmas lunch and dinner shine alongside a two-course Bottomless Prosecco Brunch.

From November 18 to December 30 (excluding Christmas Day), enjoy delicious two-course menus from £29.95, and three courses from £35.95. Expect goose-fat roasties, Yorkshire puds, and all the tasty festive trimmings you could want, plus gluten-free and vegan options.

Lunch will be Tuesday to Saturday 12pm to 2.45pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm, while dinner is Tuesday to Saturday 3pm to 11pm and 12pm to 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Private dining is also available in the exclusive lounge. Gather friends, raise a glass, and book early as tables often fill fast.

Find out more: visit thebrookbistro.com

The Ynys Arms

Book bespoke Christmas party, food and event venue packages in Swansea Valley at The Ynys.

Choose wine tastings and a private chef crafting à la carte menus from a list of recommended partner companies to cater for your festive event. You can even bring local pizzas, fish and chips, or hire a recommended street food vendor.

Enjoy the games room, Sky Sports, marquee and tent options, plus a stage for your chosen DJ or band.

With a sleepover capacity of up to 27, you can also host up to 75 guests for your event in winter (or 125 in summer). A licensed bar can be provided for larger events, whilst smaller gatherings may bring their own alcohol.

Two-night midweek stays start from £1,990 and weekends from £3,190.

Find out more: visit www.ynysarms.co.uk

Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen

Known for its delicious, locally-sourced dishes, why not soak up the Christmas spirit at Forage? For lunch or dinner, experience the finest festive menus using produce from the farm and local suppliers set in stunning surroundings.

Choose from a range of mouth-watering, seasonal dishes including the restaurant’s signature roast turkey with maple bacon pigs in blankets and irresistible sticky toffee or traditional Christmas pudding.

Available from Thursday, November 27, the lunch menu is served daily, choose à la carte or set menu, and a two or three-course set dinner menu is available Thursdays to Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm.

Find out more: visit foragefarmshop.co.uk or email reservations@foragefarmshop.co.uk for bookings of more than six people, including corporate enquiries.

Llys Meddyg

Set on the Pembrokeshire coast in Newport, Llys Meddyg is your Christmas of cosy firesides, candlelit feasts and foraged flavours. Indulgent seasonal menus champion local game, day-boat fish and winter veg, paired with Welsh spirits and mulled wine.

Gather friends for intimate parties, private dining in the Cellar Bar, or a blow-out New Year’s celebration. Stay in stylish rooms, wake to sea air, and enjoy bracing estuary walks, alongside live piano Christmas carols to lift the mood.

Gift vouchers and winter escape packages make perfect presents, and Sunday roasts are served at its sister restaurant, Sailors’ Safety.

Find out more: visit llysmeddyg.com

Base Camp Indian Kitchen

Whether you’re gathering with family, friends, or colleagues, this 90+ cover restaurant, with a private dining and meeting room for up to 25 guests, is the perfect place to share festive moments.

Base Camp Indian Kitchen has become a popular dining destination, a dream brought to life by Ram Sapkota, a valley boy from Kathmandu who proudly calls Cardiff home.

After leading Mint & Mustard for more than a decade, Ram and his team have created Base Camp – a story of passion and resilience, connecting the valleys of Wales to the valleys of Nepal.

From festive feasts to intimate dinners, experience Himalayan warmth, coastal Indian flavours, and a menu designed for every palate, from classic curries to momo, Lukla chicken, herb-crusted lamb chops, seabass, vegan delights, and the Base Camp Experience menu with wine pairing.

Find out more: visit basecampkitchen.uk or head to 29 Park Pl, Cardiff CF10 3BA.

Celebrate the festive season in style at The Fox’s award-winning 2 Rosette restaurant in St Brides Major. Its specially crafted Christmas menu is the perfect way to enjoy the holidays with friends, family, or colleagues.

Indulge in two courses for just £29 or treat yourself to a full three-course experience for £35, featuring seasonal favourites and chef’s specials made with care. For something more relaxed, try the bar menu – ideal for casual get-togethers over great food and drinks.

Planning a party? Private hire space hosts up to 35 guests, perfect for festive celebrations.

Find out more: visit thefox-stbridesmajor.co.uk or head to Ewenny Road, St Brides Major, Bridgend CF32 0SA.

Giovanni’s restaurants

Christmas at Giovanni’s brings people together across Cardiff. With its Italian restaurants, The Bay, The Hayes & Park Place, it is ready to host your festive get‑togethers, from intimate dinners to lively office parties and everything in between.

Expect menus featuring truffle arancini, seafood linguine, slow-cooked ragù, freshly baked Italian style pizza, panettone tiramisu, plus fizz, classic spritzes and winter warmers. Vegan, veggie and gluten‑free options available at the long-established independent family run Italian restaurant. established 1983.

Group bookings are made easy with cosy corners to larger spaces and pre‑order menus for slick service. Gift vouchers also make perfect stocking fillers or Secret Santa.

Ideal for groups of all sizes, there are private and semi-private areas available at select locations, and deposits may apply for larger parties and peak times. December fills fast, so reserve now to secure your preferred time.

Find out more: visit giovanniscardiff.co.uk

Pizzeria Villaggio Whitchurch and Lakeside

As the festive season approaches, Pizzeria Villaggio Whitchurch and Pizzeria Villaggio Lakeside invite you to celebrate Christmas the Italian way, with warmth, laughter, and authentic food made with love.

For more than four decades, Pizzeria Villaggio has been at the heart of Whitchurch, welcoming families, friends, and colleagues to gather around the table and enjoy the true essence of Italian hospitality.

Whether you’re planning a cosy dinner for two, a lively family gathering, or a festive work party, Pizzeria Villaggio provides a perfect setting. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere, friendly service, and mouthwatering dishes, from Neapolitan pizzas and stunning pasta to indulgent desserts, ensure every guest feels at home.

Spaces are filling fast, and Christmas is always a busy time at Villaggio. Visitors are encouraged to book early to secure their table and make this festive season one to remember.

Find out more: visit pizzeriavillaggio.com