Cadwaladers - Criccieth in Gwynedd

Lovely views over the beach from the seating at the rear of the cafe. Good coffee. Excellent ice creams. Recommended visiting spot on a sunny afternoon

We’ve been going for ice cream or hot drinks here for a long time and for most of the year. Service here used to be great and was a real draw, but the past few times (over the last 24 months or so), it’s been short staffed, with mistakes made on orders, impolite (older) staff or long waits. The menu now has lots of bulky, unhealthy options around the ice cream, (ice cream burger anyone?) which makes bringing kids and their friends here more difficult. While the decor is basically the same, it feels like a franchise at a motorway stop rather than a local café in a quiet town. The ice cream is still the same recipe, but as there are so many good local ice cream makers, we will not miss visits here.

We have a Cadwaladers near to us at Trentham Gardens, but it’s a tradition to visit at Criccieth. The shop always seemed busy when we passed, but only latterly spotted the seated area beyond, so on this occasion decided to sit in. Service is prompt here, though it was disappointing to one of our party that it’s a ‘set’ menu and also that one of our orders was slightly wrong, despite having been repeated back several times. That said, in all cases, the things we ordered - even when not quite right - were really nice and came quickly. I think the key points to know here are that if you want a specific flavour, probably best to do take away, but also if you’re after somewhere to sit it, don’t be put off by the queue outside.

Had ice cream here lots of times in 1987/88/ when I worked at butlins. Love it, and will return. Dw i caru Cymru🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇸🇯🥰

Party of 12 went here to fill up on ice cream but its card only ?? Why Please dont give me its cleaner and safer Ile bet if your machines went down you will take cash Dont waste your time her go see man at bottom of the hill that sells ice cream from his little 3 wheeler Ice cream was lovely and he takes cash these bussiness that try to force card only will not get my bussiness

Love visiting this place. The ice cream here never disappoints with a really great selection to choose from. Delicious!

After giving a poor review for this place a while back , we decided to visit again today. I have to say this experience was far better. Lovely service from a young man with long hair in a pony tail ego was pleasant and helpful. We were lucky enough to get a table with a wonderful view. I had a coffee and the most delicious lemon drizzle cake , the kids had ice creams and my daughter had a caramel slice. All were very tasty and good value. The only thing was the kids aged four and six weren’t offered the kids colouring in sheet which would have kept them occupied til our order arrived.

Sadly my children couldn’t spend money given by their grandparents due to cadwaladers being card payments only. We made the order prior to noting the 6x4 inch sign stating “card payments only” which was placed between freezers next to the till, only to noted when you actually have to pay! Some of our order had already been prepared however my sons had not at this time. We did hand back the already prepared ice creams, and to be fair the shop did give them to us. However you can imagine my 4 year old son was extremely upset about not being able to have his flavour ice cream. Why on earth is a seaside town ice cream shop not taking both card and CASH payments? Before you make the comments 1) “why didn’t the adult just pay?” We went for a walk without our wallet/purse, however the children took their pocket money with them for an ice cream. 2) I am aware it is (at the moment) the choice of the shop whether to take cash or not….but at the sea side with children spending their own money?? 3) if you perceive that not taking cash is for the safety of the staff you need to wake up. I will next time ensure to use a local ice cream shop that will be very pleased to accept cash payment. I was not aware that Cadwaladers is part of a chain until I googled them. It is my policy to support independent local businesses.

We decided to go to Criccieth So obviously had to go to Cadwaladers We did not have to wait sat near the window looking out at the sea Great food service and price Thanks once again We love your place Dicki 😀

Excellent choice of ice cream and deserts. We chose our favourites and walked down to the beach. Despite the rain, this was a fantastic addition to the holiday.

Bit of a queue which moved very quickly. Excellent choice of ice cream which was very efficiently served. Really nice ice cream and good prices.

We've been looking forward to going all holiday as its been recommended by friends. On walk up to it, my 4 year old informed me he needed toilet.On arrival I explained that we were all going to buy ice cream but my 4 year old and I (I have a colostomy) needed to use the toilet facilities.We were told only customers could use them. Fair enough. I repeated that we all wanted an ice cream but my son and I needed to use toilet facilities first. I was then told that we could only use the facilities if we sat in. BUT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO SEAT ALL 7 OF US.Needless to say we left to find a toilet we could use and WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO CADWALADERS. Very disappointed in their lack of customer service or understanding towards a child, or even disability. Unacceptable.

My family and i have been coming here since the shop was a little parlor with the creators making ice cream in the window, its now a thriving business with multiple units accross wales.The ice cream is amazing and the tea rooms in there shops are lovely with great choice and the staff and friendly and a pleasure to speak to.Despite the current covid crisis we recently travelled to wales despite not being able to for the past 18 months, our experience was exactly the same as previously despite Covid restrictions in place the staff where friendly and helpful.My only criticism would be the amout of visitors who felt the need to not wear masks who were then politely asked by staff to put them on.The staff are putting themselves at risk with appropriate PPE to serve the general public, the general public could do with following the same courtesy.

We visited here during a trip to wales. The owner/manager/what looked like the person in charge was very abrupt, rude not very friendly whilst trying to seat us. Everywhere else we have visited people have been so happy to see customers with being closed for so long. We were a family of 6 but they there was only a table of 4 and 2 which we asked if we could sit on. Later the table next to us became free and we asked if all of us could sit together. (Before we had been served drinks or food.) she said NO! Lovely young girl with glasses and long plaited hair was very nice though. Such a shame as we love visiting here normally when we come to north Wales.

Tried this Criccieth favourite after many years away... it was OK, but not the spectacular ice cream heaven I remembered, locals say it is now made in a factory somewhere.. the following day I tried the 'very vanilla' flavoured 'Cariad Gelato' from the man on the prom selling from his ice cream stall.. it was, in my opinion far superior to the much more famous Cadwaladers. Oh and cheaper too. Sorry Cadwaladers but I'm with the Gelato man from now on.

Wow best ice cream I have every tasted. So many varietiea of ice cream and lots of different Topping choices Great covid safety. Good value.

I went there on holiday with my mum and my dad and their ice creams are the best they even have vegan options which thought was great. The staff is super friendly

Best hot chocolate ever ! Teacakes are pretty tidy too !! Cannot wait for our next visit all the way from London . Diolch yn fawr Carys & Team ! Every good wish . Take care and stay safe . Diolch. Hugh

We popped into Cadwalladers for coffees and tea-cakes. Friendly, covid-aware welcome, and luckily we got a window table, with super views over the bay.Everything was tasty and piping hot - just the way I like it!As we were on a bit of a flying trip around the peninsula, we couldn't return later for a proper snack, or indeed one of the ice-cream sundaes that others were eating. (Our fellow diners seemed more than happy with them, so I guess they tasted as good as they looked!)Great value, very good service, fab views, informal vibe, bunting, level access. Spot-on.

My husband and I were fortunate to get a last minute cancellation and stayed in the beautiful apartment above the coffee shop. Absolutely immaculate with every detail thought through. Even beds, towels and bowls for the dogs. Stunning views from the lounge. Had lunch in Cadwaladers. 100% Covid compliant, speedy service and lovely food and coffee. Didn’t have room for sundaes but the ones delivered to the next door table looked incredible. Totally recommend either venue but both if you can. Thank you

Lovely views from cafe, great ice cream sundaes, teas and coffee. Staff very helpful and friendly. Lots of covid precautions.

The first stop after visiting the Castle in wind and rain. Clean friendly and efficient. Not the day for the obvious specialities of icecream and pizza but a very good bacon sandwich and tea.

Visited late Sunday morning for brunch. We only waited a few minutes before being seated at a lovely window table overlooking the bay. The staff were very friendly and efficient making sure that we were able to check in to the track and trace app and explaining the table service and use of face coverings. Our order was taken promptly and the food arrived very soon after. We were very impressed with the quality of the food and the service we received. During out visit several tables became free and I was particularly impressed with the attention the staff took to wiping down the tables and chairs. I felt very safe being in this establishment. After a lovely walk along the beach we returned for take away ice creams, I can thoroughly recommend the sticky toffee pudding ice cream it was delicious.

We had lunch one day and then a take out ice cream another. Lunch was good although surprised not one use menu. Waitress only wiped outside of menu. Good choice of ice-cream flavours.

I would like to note my poor experience at this establishment. After beeing seated we waited 15 mins for a menu. We were told to sit near 3 doors in a howling gale. An order was taken after 10 minutes and was of moderate quality.Would not visit this company's cafes again. A poor ending to a good holiday. Date of visit 24 Sept 2020.

Ice Cream is my favourite food so on that front a could be a little biased but the flavours and taste are amazing. We also ate our evening meal there on 3 nights as they opened until 7 and do a good selection of pizza, toasties and jacket potatoes. The staff were so friendly and accommodating, we arrived about 6.15 as they close at 7 but even at 7 they were full and still so helpful, hats off to them. We were served by a lady called Nia I think, lovely lady who went the extra mile with service. I would definitely recommend eating there anytime and the only thing I would change would be to ad a salad to the menu. Very clean place too

Lovely ice cream parlour with a beautiful see view. It was very busy and we had to queued for about 30 minutes. We were advised that it might take another 40 minutes for ice cream and waffles to arrive, however the wait wasn’t half as long and we enjoyed very much.

Enjoyed four ice creams and drinks. Good service from friendly staff. My son very impressed with 6 ice cream choices for vegans!

Wonderful ice cream sundaes and coffee! Beautiful views. Bethan delivered excellent service to us 5* was very friendly and welcoming.

Overpriced food and drink. The coffee was so over-roasted all I got was a burn taste in my outh. Portions are not generous, and food is pretty poor quality.I like the atmosphere and the views, and it is very clean. The ice cream is not what it used to be, but it is still pretty good.

If you go to Cadwaladers you might as well go to this branch by the sea. Absolutely beautiful. Even in the rain. Ice cream and cappuccino was great too!

This is a great place to have a coffee or tea and a ice cream. The staff are friendly and the place is very clean.

Lovely cafe, helpful staff, polite, clean. Able to supply soya milk and dairy free butter. Would definitely go again.

We were looking for a meal out in the final week of eat out government bonus, and hadnt booked anywhere. But Cadwallader was open. Dinner went out of the window and in came delicious pancakes with fruit, followed by Bara Brith!!! And to sit by the window looking out at a very windy Criccieth beach. Bliss. Delightful staff and Covid well handled.

We’d had this place recommended for ice cream when we visited Criccieth but was delighted to find they had a vegan menu with a decent selection of main courses and a good selection of vegan desserts. My daughter loved the ice cream and there’s a lovely view of the bay at the back of the restaurant. The waitress couldn’t do enough for us which we really appreciated. I’ll definitely go back there

A great range of ice-cream with all the trimmings (sauces, sprinkles, flakes etc), and very tasty too. We often go to Cadwaladers when visiting criccieth but I feel it is getting a bit too overpriced, hence the 3-star rating (£3 for a simple one scoop in a waffle cone). Other than that, worth a visit.

Gorgeous ice cream, views and much more. So many different flavours. Not cheap but on holiday so didn't mind.

Having joined the short queue we were looking forward to a taste sensation on arrival at the counter especially coupled with all the hype from other reviews.The female counter assistant seemed impatient and did not listen to our order even when it was repeated but finally got it so no wonder there are queues.We picked the caramac and the mint choc chip and the servings were indeed plentiful.Unfortunately the caramac was in my opinion just runny caramel set into a vanilla ice cream of no flavour and had no resemblance to the distinctive caramac flavour it was supposed to be.The mint choc chip was no better than a shop bought ice cream at a fraction of the price.All in all a very disappointing experience coupled with the fact that they could not even bother supplying a tissue at the bottom of the cone to catch those annoying drips unlike other such establishments.I have visited this shop in past years when it was a smaller concern and the ice cream and service were much better and I believe it has probably become too commercialised.

We regularly visit Cadwaladers Criccieth and have been staying at the apartment above. Not only is the ice cream delicious, the staff and management are very hard working, friendly, and really care about their customers. We regularly recommend this place and no one is disappointed. I would commend the staff for everything they are doing to continue to operate and serve us within the challenging Covid regulations, you are absolute stars. Thank you, Diolch!

Fantastic to find a place which not only does a huge range of flavours which are gluten free they also do a gluten free cone!! 😊😊 happy days! And happy teen!

ordered takeaway ice-cream as shop preparing to close. Delicious ice-cream as expected from Cadwalders. The heavens opened to thunderstorm and the staff offered for us to sit in the restaurant to shelter from the downpour while they were cleaning. Staff lovely and friendly. thank you

Visiting Cadwaladers Cricieth is a highlight if our holiday each year and so we felt a bit disappointed when we visited one evening this week. We asked about a table for 4 only to be told the cafe was full and when we asked how long the wait would be we were told "no idea" and not encouraged to wait or given the option. We were the only people waiting for the cafe but were made to feel very unwelcome. We decided to rejoin the short takeaway queue and opt for a takeaway. Another staff member then spoke in a very short manner to my husband about keeping a social distance from the cake display and as my husband pointed out he was standing exactly on the yellow floor marking as be should be. I'm sure it had been a very busy summer's day but the staff gave the impression the customers were an inconvenience. To add to our frustration as we were leaving with our takeaway some customers left and another family of 4 walked in and were immediately seated. We would have been happy to wait 5 minutes had we been encouraged to do so. As ever the ice cream and brownies were delicious but for the first time in many years we were disappointed with the service. Bwyd hynod o flasus fel arfer (yn enwedig y brownie!!) ond braidd wedi siomi gydag agwedd y staff.

Lovely staff and really nice food and milkshakes. A little pricey but not too bad for being at the seaside.

100% do not recommend. I've worked in numerous high-end restaurants. Here, the staff member had a serious attitude/power problem. I joined friends for food and had a query about the menu. I was polite. Twice the waitress was very confrontational, rude and spoke to me very loudly in an off-hand manner. It doesn't take a PhD to understand that speaking to customers in such a manner makes them feel uncomfortable and drives away business.The member of staff seemed to really enjoy trying to bully their customers - it's seriously worrying to see this and honestly quite odd. This will in time ruin your business.Advice to management - have managers actually watching the interactions between staff and customers, sack the staff member immediately.

Queue down the street for this ice-cream parlour and I can really see why. I had chocolate and raspberry ripple- really creamy and tasty. Husband had rum n raisin and loved it. Was tempted to try the caramac flavour; will have it next visit.

Stopped by for chocolate cornet ice-cream. The staff were really pleasant and were wearing masks and gloves, the queue outside was also socially distanced. The shop was clean and the ice cream was amazing, highly recommended.

Loads of flavours and choice of cones, sprinkles etc. Efficient service. Always a great shout! Cadwaladers has been Around for years and I have no doubt it will survive this horrendous blimp of a season.

The caramac icecream was so good it has now become the yardstick to which we judge others. Takeaway set up very good/socially distanced.

Lovely ice cream and friendly staff lots of variety of flavours and different cones and fair pricing. Worth a visit

Poor customer service skills by two staff members today (25th July 2020). Gave us no time to choose our flavours and we were not made to feel welcome what so ever. It was not busy as we were the only customers there at the time - not acceptable!! Im local and purely due to this i will not come again

Great selection of ice cream and also a great place for a coffee and snack looking out to sea! Can't sit in at the moment due to pandemic, but have done this on previous visits.

Good place for a coffee or snack -we stopped by for afternoon tea and sat in the window overlooking the sea which was really good.

We stopped in for a coffee and breakfast before heading home. So friendly and such a clean place with lovely sea views.

From the frontage as you approach you wouldn’t know that this famous ice cream establishment has one of the best panoramic views of the bay available. It don’t end there. Cadwaladers ice cream is delicious and they offer numerous flavours. Tea, coffee and snacks are available all served by a friendly staff. This is a great place to indulge your love of ice cream in any weather and a lovely place to take a break.

Well worth a visit , fantastic food and great service. Obviously really popular as it’s never quiet when we’ve been

We were here several times last February and was so looking forwards to coming and having the ice cream but the very small scoop for £2.50 means I won’t be having it again in a truly cheap cone

Visited here and managed to get a great table overlooking the sea, which was perfect. I had the new Lotus Biscoff Ice cream burger, and it was amazing. Great welsh ice cream. Service was quick and staff are all helpful and welcoming. Will certainly return

I was abserlutly disgusted with the Manager, Carys’s attitude towards her staff, the way she spoke to them was disgraceful. She was disrespectful, and treated them appalling.At one point I nearly said something to her, but was stopped by my partner. She defiantly needs training on how to manage and how to speak to her very hard working staff.

Worth the walk uphill to treat yourself to a sundae or coffee to enjoy the view. We came in august and loved it so much returned on our next holiday in December, I’m sure we’ll visit again.

We tried the salted caramel, sticky toffee pudding and the vanilla. Delicious home made ice cream. V popular place and could have eaten it in but opted to stroll by the beach

Visited Cadwaladers in Criccieth, paid £5.00 for two ice creams. At £2.50 each we felt short changed. Small ball of ice cream and cheap supermarket type cone. Not the standard of red boat icecreamsWe won’t go again.

Visited with newborn, toddler and 2 dogs on cold day and was so relieved to see dogs are welcome. Views of the sea out the back are beautiful and staff super friendly. Felt so comfortable and accommodating.

Went today, my children thoroughly enjoyed the huge ice cream dish they had. I had a bowl of chilli. I have a cold and it sliced through it like a warm knife through butter, it was warm! Very nice though. Lovely atmosphere and clearly popular

The ice cream is the best you will find anywhere. Even though it was cold when we were there you can't go home without tasting their amazing ice cream. We also visited for coffee and cake another day which we thoroughly enjoyed

We visit here quite a lot over the year the staff are so friendly and helpful it’s always clean and tidy and even if the queue is out the door they are quick at getting every one served

Fantastic panoramic views whilst you sample some delicious ice cream waffles or sundaes. Great choice of both traditional and some more unusual flavour combinations associated more with desserts other than what’s offered here. Also had a couple of tuna melt paninis which were ok but thought the tuna mayo was a bit slimy and portions of accompanying salad and coleslaw were rather stingy. Well presented though. Nice waxy baked potato. Staff all very pleasant and friendly.

Stupid but having visited this area for many years always stop off here ... morning coffee always good and loving the new tea pots. The place is always amazingly clean and the staff very attentive. We then upon leaving have ice creams and a lovely walk in a lovely place. 10 out of 10 from us.

Good ice cream, sometimes a seat with a view, sometimes a yummy cake, sometimes even, real food.its all about somewhere to go on a blustery day.

We dropped in fir cake and a drink after a long walk. The Americana, hot chocolate, carrot cake and flapjack was average and came to £11.30. Overall, we thought it was expensive for what we had, especially as self service at the counter.

I absolutely love Ice Cream and so can only say three cheers for Cadwaladers..........great flavours yummy!!!

Really friendly staff. Excellent views out to the sea at Criccieth just the place to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee

So I was in Criccieth, with friends and was staying in a nearby hotel. We felt like we needed a treat, so we went to nearest restaurant: cadwalders. We were immediately placed in a seat right by the sea,the view was beautiful. We ordered a bubblegum sundae and it was epic. It was quickly brought to us and tasted fresh. Very cost-efficient as well.

What can I say, waffles, ice cream and chocolate crunchie, delicious mocha with cream and a sea view. Approx £20 for two. Staff were friendly, restaurant was tidy, toilets available if required and well behaved dogs welcome too

Me and my family visited today and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.The staff are lovely and friendly, The Ice creams are amazing!!! Good service, clean definitely recommend.

A really good old fashioned seaside ice cream parlour. Lots of flavours and lots of variety of sundaes and waffles. We had a pancake stack breakfast with fruit and maple syrup one day which was lovely

We recently stayed in Criccieth for 3 nights and went here 3 times!

I echo everything that previous reviews have said about Cadwalader's. Your holiday isn't complete unless you have had a coffee or ice cream here. There's so many flavours to choose from, chocolate is my favourite of theirs. The coffee and cake are second to none,and it's another place in that part of Wales that I will be going back to.

After witnessing what went on today, I will not be returning to any of the well known shops. We sitting enjoying our ice cream, looking out across the water, when my partner noticed a man in a kayak had capsized and hadn't returned up to the kayak. Quite a few people in the shop, may i add customers, was showing concern. One lady called a member of staff over to ask her to call for help, the assistant went away, returned a minute later, saying, shop policy wasn't to call for help, if the lady wanted to help she had to call the emergency services herself. The lady explained she wasn't from the area and didn't know where she actually was. The assistant apologise and walked away. Luckily for the man in trouble, he had been spotted by a young lad, who swam out to help. The lad manage to get him on board his kayak. Then another young lad swam out to help bring them both back to shore. What an inspiration to see. This was all before the RNLI had launched there boat. The 2 young lads, were meet with applause by the people standing by. I am happy to report all theee were safe and smiling once they had there feet on the sand.

It is ok but not enough to make me want to go more than once. They do have plenty of variety of flavours but have tasted better such as in Rome.

You haven't been to Wales if you haven't had an Ice cream here! Huge selection of ice creams and so many different sundaes. We went 3 times in a week! Lovely place, well worth the walk up the hill!!!!

Delicious ice cream - so much choice! Fabulous views from the restaurant/cafe section Nice pot of tea too - proper tea not teabags 😀 Always well worth a visit

Cadwaladers is an institution in Criccieth. I remember them from holidays as far back as the 1960s. It has expanded, developed and modernised since then but my parents and I still enjoyed a Cadwaladers ice cream cone on a recent visit. If I am ever in Criccieth again, I will be back!

More bacon would help I’d give the place fore Dots then I know it looks like a odd comment but two drinks and two bacon rolls for around £11 was a bit high for two small bits of bacon

Great views over Cardigan Bay, good history re Cadwaldars founded in Cricceith in 1927 etc... Prices on the high side, but suggest worth a visit.

Can’t beat this charming ice cream parlour and tea room, with magnificent sea and castle views and cheerful service.

Called in to get the famous cadwalader ice cream

The menu is a tasty treat be it waffles or crepes they are amazing. However sometimes a top quality ice cream cone is just what is needed and you get that here. My favourite is salted caramel but there is something for everyone.

Definetly worth stopping here for an ice cream and sitting on the beach watching the world go by. Plenty of flavours to suit everyones tastes. Staff are lovely too.

Always amazing Ice cream. Coffees and brilliant service and can take your dog. What more do you want

They serve a lot more that just ice cream but I had one of, if not the best ice cream I've ever had anywhere.

The staff here are okay but can be a little bit rude! somebody took my order then proceeded to make my drink/food, in the meantime another member of staff came over and asked what I’d ordered and started writing it down again to do an extra order, I told her somebody else had already took my order she obviously didn’t believe me as she proceeded to ask her co-worker in Welsh had it already been done (obviously thinking I wouldn’t understand) as I asked for my order in English, she then carried on writing down what had already been done to then realise my order had already been taken and that I was right, staff standing around talking with a que of people waiting to be served, some of the prices are okay but the sandwiches are a little over priced.

We visited every day for a week, fantastic ice cream, just too much choice! Needed a 2 week holiday just to try them all!

Ice cream very good and the service was fast and efficient. Nice clean shop and it is very popular. Still Joe’s ice cream win for me as it seems that Cadwaladers don’t use condensed milk in their ice cream.

...According to my mum and she has sampled a lot! And the salted caramel was a firm favourite with the rest of us.

Nice branch of local ice cream parlour in Criccieth. Nestled on castle hill there is a glass extension offering spectacular views over the bay and beach. Good for waffles and tea cakes and usual teas n coffees. very populsr with locals and tourists. Good local cafe offering sweet treats at good value. well done guys..

We stopped here 3 times during a recent stay in Criccieth. The ice cream choice is great. I’m most impressed by the care taken with dealing with allergies. Each time a clean scoop was used in a fresh tub of dairy free ice cream, when we mentioned allergies.

We visited Cadwalader's a couple of times and there was always a good choice of ice cream flavours - all the ones we tried were delicious.

I had 3 scoops of ice cream. Bubble gum, strawberry, caramel. Bubble gum was coloured in intense blue so I wasn't sure, but the flavour was really good and other two also high standard.

Visited with my mother (in a wheelchair), my son and 2 dogs. Cafe/ice cream parlour is dog friendly with seats inside, lovely views across the bay, friendly staff and a fantastic choice of ice creams and sundaes. Well worth the climb up a short hill away from the beach for a take away or sit in, thoroughly recommend.

As somebody who can't eat dairy, I rarely get the opportunity to enjoy proper traditional ice cream. This place offers something for everyone, including vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. Will definitely be recommending it!