Top Solva pubs and restaurants

For such a small village, Solva, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, West Wales, has lots of places to eat and drink and things to do. If you are planning a holiday in Solva and love seafood, you are in for a real treat. Situated 13 miles northwest of Haverfordwest on the north coast of St Brides Bay, with walks galore in and around Newgale, St David’s, Solva Valley, and Llanugar, it is a superb base for outdoor lovers. Film buffs may even recognise Solva as the setting for the 2015 version of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, standing in for the fictional Llareggub.

We have compiled a guide for you of the best places to eat in Solva, where you will encounter a choice of fine dining, seafood takeaways, a cafe and several pubs; there is lot of choice in Solva. Where will you choose to unwind and dine after a day of touring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and searching for local beauty spots? There are even more ideas in our South Wales pubs and restaurants guide.

The best way to try out more than one of these Solva places to eat is to book a well-earned break at one of our self-catering holiday cottages. To view our Solva holiday properties, click on the button below.

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• Top pubs and restaurants in Solva
• Top cafes and takeaways in Solva

Top pubs and restaurants in Solva

Solva is home to some superb pubs with restaurants and gastropubs. Seafood is the speciality across the board. Scroll on to discover your ideal Solva pub and restaurant.

Best for families | The Cambrian Inn

The Cambrian Inn is one of the most friendly pubs in Solva where you are guaranteed a satisfying meal. There is a large lounge bar where you can enjoy drinks before you dine in the restaurant area. When the sun is out, you can also dine outdoors in the garden. It is family friendly, and dogs are welcome in the garden and outside areas. If you are looking for other dog-friendly pubs in Wales, visit our handy blog.

Best for groups | The Harbour Inn

Situated on the coast path and close to Solva’s harbour, this lively pub is a wonderful place for pub meal favourites such as burgers, hunter’s chicken, and fish and chips. The Harbour Inn is popular with locals and visitors alike, sitting at the heart of Solva. You can enjoy a range of cask ales from all over Wales and beyond, as well as some interesting choices in the spirits and wines department for connoisseurs. 

Best for Welsh cuisine | Hats and Barrels

The Hats and Barrels is named after a dangerous reef, 16 nautical miles from Solva Harbour. Its appetite for destruction can be read on the pub’s homepage. Located on the riverside, this pub and restaurant is a big hit with visiting gastronomes and locals. Seasonal Welsh dishes colonise the menu alongside delicious seafood made from locally landed fish and shellfish. There is also a children’s menu.

Best for cosiness | The Ship Inn  

Expect a warm welcome at Solva’s Ship Inn, which has an open fire, a cosy restaurant called Auntie Mattie’s and a comfortable bar area. The menu consists of freshly cooked dishes that include Welsh and English pub favourites as well as seasonal specials and the catch of the day. Book a table to avoid disappointment because the Ship Inn is popular, especially at weekends. 

Best for evening dining | 35 Main Street

Of Solva's restaurants, this is the place to be if you fancy something a little bit fancy to eat. Specialising in seafood dishes, 35 Main Street is popular with locals and has its own bar and terrace for outdoor dining when the weather is warm. Check out their programme of live events too, as 35 Main Street frequently hosts musicians and entertainers. There are also occasional hog roasts during the summer.

Top cafes and takeaways in Solva

As you probably now know, Solva is only tiny, but that said, there are still a few cafes and takeaways to seek out in the village.

Best for seafood lovers | Something Fishy

Something Fishy this way comes! If you love seafood, you have probably already realised from reading this guide, that Solva is the place to be. Something Fishy is a Pembrokeshire institution and it is a beautiful place to buy lunch on the fly. You can eat al fresco on the deck and watch the world go by, as it is not really a restaurant, it is more of a takeaway.

Best for light lunch | Cafe on the Quay  

Fancy some coffee and cake by the waterside? Well, Solva’s Cafe on the Quay is a great little spot for partaking in light lunch or some tea or coffee. With a fantastic location on the quay, it is an attractive spot that is busy with visitors all year round. They have a license to sell alcohol, so you could enjoy a cold beer at the water’s edge if you wanted. Cafe on the Quay is the only tearooms in Solva at present and we would thoroughly recommend a visit.

Best for a seafood snack | Mrs Will the Fish

Mrs Will the Fish is Solva’s seafood takeaway, so if you are planning a banquet at your holiday cottage, you would do well to seek her establishment out. The seafood platters are to die for with oceans of fresh crab, crevettes and prawns with crusty bread. Pick up some white wine to complement the flavours too. Platters are made to order in advance, so be sure to book. It's one of the best places to eat in Solva.

Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Solva

Now you've discovered the best places to eat in Solva, why not look for more ideas in our wider guide to food and drink in Wales? It's a great country for a foodie holiday.

Stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in Solva. From cosy country cottages to historic homes with views of the Pembrokeshire countryside, find your ideal base for exploring this gorgeous part of Wales. Click the button below to find your perfect place to stay in Solva.

Holiday cottages in Solva