Sy23 Restaurant in Ceredigion

I believe that the best cooks take very ordinary ingredients and create really special food from them. This doesn’t include SY23. It was fun to watch the theatre of the kitchen and dining room and it was fun to taste foods new to me. However, novelty and theatre are no substitute for flavours and textures. My biggest criticism is that although each coarse had impressive assemblages of flavours each course was dominated, no, overwhelmed by acidity (citric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid and particularly acetic acid in pickles) or in two cases, salt. Even the textures lacked subtlety. So, for instance hard crunchy grains don’t balance soft creamy textures they only intrude. Much more subtlety is called for.

We've been thinking of going to SY23 since before we even moved here, and finally made it. Definitely worth the wait. The food was really fantastic, with lots of new flavours expertly balanced. Loved all the cultured and fermented notes. Also very relaxed but attentive service and great atmosphere in the restaurant (and bar beforehand).

My husband and I have wanted to visit this restaurant for a while. Whilst staying in Hay on Wye we decided to coincide a lunch. The town of Aberystwyth is quite tired and wouldn’t be a destination I’d choose to visit. The restaurant overlooks a little square and we received a warm welcome on arrival. We had drinks in a cosy bar area before being shown upstairs to our table. Our table was a bench style looking out to the street below. Not the most inspiring or interesting view and this really took the shine off the experience for us. We had our backs to everyone and couldn’t gage the atmosphere of the restaurant as a result. Service was good and staff were polite. The food was nice, well presented and tasted good however for us, apart from the Mushroom dish, there was nothing stand out. We’ve eaten in a lot of Michelin starred restaurants so feel justified in giving this critique. Pleasant, nice but not memorable and unfortunately did not meet our expectations as we really had high hopes for this place.

You can tell the difference in the level of service as soon as you walk through the door. Lovely cosy area to peruse the menus whilst enjoying a pre-dinner drink. It is quite dark, so it took a while for my eyes to adjust. All the staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Taken upstairs to the restaurant area one by one, we had a great table looking over at the chefs preparing the food for service. The food was amazing. We enjoyed tastes and textures never experienced before. We also decided on the classic wine pairing, which we are glad we did, although we would have liked slighter larger servings. Who wouldn't? Overall, it was a great evening. We felt welcomed and had an amazing tasting experience.

Wales, where trains are disrupted not by leaves on the line but trees! Forget the menu for a moment, the team in the kitchen and at table are great, organised and relaxed, engaged, knowledgable and interesting. The dining and bar area is comfortable and the music for me was integral to the feel of the place and the food. The menu worked for me and had some unexpected standouts, I shouldn’t be surprised because it is after all a Michelin restaurant, but I can’t remember a better mushroom soup or strawberry pud, each with subtle ingredients that gave depth and contrast to taste and texture. The BBQ pork and two fish courses, all spot on, were the heart of the meal and for these wine added to the enjoyment of each mouthful. (Didn’t choose the flight because there was other stuff I preferred on the wine list by glass). I also had Welsh Dragon Stout rather than water (hot tip!). It was well worth making a special trip for, and Aber is an interesting town.. it must be important because it has banks! And an M&S!! And a real find the legendary Charlie’s store!!! (and a beach and stuff like that). Thank you (in order of appearance!) Andy(/rea), Molly, Filip, Kuba, Aiden, Max

An absolutely fabulous meal. 10 Courses each cooked to perfection, with attentive service and a very enthusiastic and knowledgable Sommelier. Watching the Chefs work in perfect harmony was an education. All in all one of the best meals we have ever eaten.

42nd anniversary celebration. Just the two of us. We were welcomed to the chefs’ table. What lovely, genuine guys. The food was amazing. The staff are efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. I will definitely recommend this restaurant to family and friends. We will dine here again soon. If we can get a table. This is a very popular restaurant, rightly so as it is exceptional.

An amazing experience, every mouthful was a taste explosion, absolutely delicious, the service was fantastic each course explained in detail

Top Class, amazing 10 course tasting menu. Very pleasant relaxed atmosphere unlike some Michelin restaurants which can be 'stuffy'. Nathan was more than happy to answer questions and for diners to come up to the cooking station to watch him and his team at work. Everything was run with clockwork precision. Definitely recommend this restaurant, you won't find anything better in Aber!

My second time before and after the Michelin star , level lightly improved , of course very professional , good food , definitely on the very beginning of a Michelin restaurant path , Still recommending to pay them a visit.

Where do we start. What an absolute gem in the heart of Aberystwyth. We were welcomed by a wonderful team of enthusiastic young bar staff/waiters/waitresses who were amazing throughout the whole experience. The bar area was great, we enjoyed lovely cocktails by the open window which was a great spot . When we were seated we were shown to the chefs table which was just amazing and a brilliant treat for our anniversary. Nathan and his team worked seamlessly and provided the most sublime tasting menu. Every course was explained to us and was just divine . The scallops were to die for but every course was perfectly executed and tasted delicious. Thank you all for a great experience , you are an amazing team .

From start to finish this was a well oiled machine. The staff were young, vibrant and knowledgeable with a passion for the job. The little bar served a great cocktail and the attention to detail was amazing. The food however was beyond - one of the best tasting meals I’ve eaten - and I’ve tried a few! SY23 is surely snapping at the heels of a second star. We opted for the 11 course tasting menu with a wine pairing. No, it’s not cheap and we did go for broke with the addition of a cheese course and paired port but we embraced the experience that it was. I loved the room layout, our table by the window, the great music selection, the cutlery (so cute), the glasses, different for every pairing. The sourdough and miso butter was to die for and we used the generous loaf to soak up delicious sauce after sauce. The soft pillows of mushroom foam on plate number one were the best…I could’ve eaten a huge bowl just of that. The silky chocolate mousse as well as the yuzu meringue and strawberry & elderflower desserts were all a triumph of the highest order. We laughed as we heard “wow” and “omg” comments from fellow diners and were particularly amused as plates and dishes were noisily scraped by all so as not to miss a single scrap of heavenly food. If you think my review is over the top then try it for yourself. You’ll see I’ve not nearly done it justice.

From the moment we arrived, the staff were very professional, welcoming and friendly. This was perfection at its best. Much attention to detail and appearance. The portion size perfect. Each dish sent us on a journey with our tastebuds. Our favorites were the lobster dish as well as the scallop and chocolate dish. Every member of staff including the chefs took turn in explaining each course in detail. We left on full stomachs and were extremely satisfied.

Dinner SY23 restaurant Aberystwyth's Best restaurant. As we were in the area, how could we not visit this outstanding restaurant. You are seated first in the downstairs bar. Where you can order a pre-dinner drink and your first glance at the night's menu. When all diners have arrived, you are taken upstairs to the restaurant. How lucky were we to get the front row seats to watch the chefs create their delights. Mushrooms Too small a word to describe this exceptional dish. Local Grains - Cultured Miso Butter A whole loaf to be able to dip all the juices from every dish.. Scallop - Seaweed - Burnt Butter Turbot - Mussels - Field Beans Oscietra Caviar - Sour Cream - Smoked Eel Lamb - Shallot - Grains Pen Helyg Cheese - Cauliflower Optional £12 course Yuzu - Meringue Chocolate - Hen Gymro - Spelt Strawberry - Elderflower Chocolate - Burnt Butter Service was very,very good and the staff were super friendly and efficient. This is a must for anybody who enjoys their food, so don't delay and get it on your list to visit now.

I can't put into words how good the meal and overall experience was at SY23. The service from Filip, Lily & Tanith was first rate. Attentive without being pretentious at all. The food was to die for. The turbot and the yuzu meringue were of particular decadence. The homemade bread was the perfect accompaniment and a wonderful way of mopping up sauce! I would heartily recommend making SY23 a part of your Aberystwyth visit.

Outstanding restaurant. Took my husband here for a meal for his birthday and he was absolutely blown away by the food, service and general feel of the whole place from when you walk in the door to when you leave. Food is just outstanding (downstairs...

Went for father's day lunch and ordered 2 Sunday roast beef lunches, asked for water and drinks. The restaurant was not very busy. Waited a short time for food to arrive. It arrived but with no vegetables or drinks, decided to start so tried the...

Really fantastic food brilliant service what’s not to like! We had the 10 course tasting menu with the classic wine flight, the knowledge of the young waiting staff was amazing the details they went to was impressive. We were informed to save some bread to...

We celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary here, such a special night. Every detail is so well thought out- the ambience, exceptional service, drinks, of course the food (!)- even the scent of the resturant (pine smouldering in cauldrons with rocks of charcoal) and the...

OUTSTANDING - Have eaten at many Michelin Restaurants and this is up there with the best. Great vibe and friendly staff. We were given the Chefs table without asking and what a joy. Nathan was just brilliant. A very down to earth guy and very...

Fantastic in every way. Great ambiance and even better food. When I go to these restaurants I want to see the face of the food, and Nathan didn't disappoint. Neither did the attentive team. As a self confessed non fish man, I ate every fish...

What a fantastic spot in Aberystwyth. Managed to mix relaxing, sophisticated and cool….balanced by incredible plates from Nathan and his team in the kitchen, supported by great front of house staff. Loved every second, relished every morsel and will be back…hopefully!

Absolutely amazing experience. The food and flavours were exceptional. The staff were friendly and attentive throughout. Highly recommended for a special occasion.

You'll need deep pockets but the experience is to be savoured. The centrality of the actual cooking experience lends atmosphere and the friendliness and informative nature of both the chefs and the waitstaff adds to the experience. Nathan is such an enthusiast that it is...

From the moment we walked through the door , the staff at SY23 could not do enough for you . Polite , very informative of their menu & very eager to please & make the evening as special as possible. We were simply blown away...

Fabulous birthday meal! We finally got to enjoy SY23 after 2 years of waiting and it was definitely worth it! Staff were lovely and very attentive and the music added to the chilled vibe. Food was delicious and every course was mouthwatering and beautifully presented....

Staying in Wales for a week, and having seen the Great British Menu, I was determined to visit this restaurant due to the Head Chef's cooking style of using coals and the BBQ. Guests are seated in a small bar area to begin with, unfortunately...

Visited here with my Husband for his birthday treat. I found it quite load in the bar area and could near hear the lady telling us about the wine. However, it was all very nice and friendly. We were escorted upstairs to the restaurant and...

After visiting many Michelin star restaurants across Europe, Asia & the U.K. we have never experienced the attitude from the ‘main man’ as we have from SY23. No interaction in a restaurant a third full when other similar establishments have waiting lists months long, we...

From start to finish a truly magical experience. The ambience, the lighting is candlelit. The music is uplifting. The decor is on trend. The staff know their staff explaining everything the descriptions they give get your taste buds wet. As for the food, the food...

Can't fault this restaurant at all. Fantastic service from the minute you walk in the door. Food is sublime and wine pairing is very good. The atmosphere is really nice and friendly. Watching Nathan and his team cooking in the kitchen was great. Always happy...

Amazing meal. Good as theatre, my personal high point was the deserts but every course was banging. Staff are amazing I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Outstanding food. Service was faultless. Great atmosphere. Lovely cocktails. It was our second trip to Aberystwyth and our second trip to SY23 (big birthdays!). I am so grateful that the team made our experience so special. Nathan explained all the dishes and the process very...

I've eaten at SY23 twice and am planning my 3rd visit. It isn't cheap but well worth every penny. It's a fair price for what you get. I've dined here on special occasions such as a birthday and was lucky enough to sit at chef's...

What can I say other than brilliant. We were lucky to sit at the chefs table and watched these masters at work. First and foremost the restaurant has been expertly decorated with its warm and inviting decor. The staff are extremely good at what they...

food mainly top notch apart from the turbot bone. table absolutely awful, facing a window side by side, back to the dining room. nowhere to put your feet. table so long and narrow the waitress could not pour the wine easily and missed the glass...

Our friends from Leeds are staying in Aber with us . They were very keen to visit sy23 having followed Nathan’s tv career. We were initially less keen having been before . The food was fabulous last time but the loud music had put us...

When we first entered we were really unsure that we had made the right choice. The downstairs bar is far to small to have all guests come n a the the same time. Appreciate you can’t change the building. But have to think about at...

I was really looking forward to this special meal having booked months beforehand. I was disappointed and not impressed. We were asked to arrive from 6.30 to start the tasting menu at 7.30. We were taken up after that time and had seats at back...

Had been looking forward to this visit having booked several months ago. Overall left feeling largely underwhelmed by a 9 course taster menu that whilst containing 3 stars dishes contained others that failed to hit the spot. Dishes were exceptionally small and in several cases...

Wow. Amazing. From the opening course of 'Mushroom' which turned out to be a bowl of fluffy clouds covering a bed of soft and crunchy delights with such intensive flavour I gave the first of many 'ooohs, mmmmm, aaaahhhs'. Literally sifted the whole thing on...

This is a relatively small restaurant with friendly service and excellent food. Well presented and tasted good. The only let-down was the table layout. We were stuck in a corner looking straight out the window so felt a little isolated from the true ambience. I...

WOW WOW WOW! To rate this restaurant as excellent doesn't even begin to do it justice. An incredible experience, thank you so much to Nathan and the team. The bar area we initially went to was lovely- great choices on the drinks menu. Team really...

This was our second visit, both outside. The place is informal, cosy and comfortable, making you feel at ease. The food is extremely well prepared, with delicious, quality ingredients, made even tastier by wonderful sauces. The wine list is full of choice for all tastes,...

I must admit this was my fourth visit, but this time finally managed to take my son, who is a chef himself. They all loved the food, just working out when to get in for the taster menu as we always have gone small plates

We had a meal at Y Sgwar to celebrate a special occasion. About four and a half hours later, my husband was suddenly taken ill with food poisoning, to the extent that he collapsed and lost consciousness, whereupon I phoned the emergency services. The nurse...

Coincidental booking of camping trip with tasting menu....honestly just stunning.. ambience, service, food and wine pairing, an amazing dining experience

I very much enjoyed my lunchtime dining experience at SY23. The food was wonderful, very well thought out and the use of local ingredients made the courses even more special. The presentation was very imaginative. The staff were all excellent too; very knowledgeable and keen...

Loved it from start to finish. We enjoyed beautiful cocktails on the heated terrace and then were lucky enough to sit at the Chef’s table for the unbelievable taster menu. We haven’t stopped thinking or talking about it since and can’t wait to return next...

We added SY23 to our gastro-bucket list after watching Nathan Davies in the Wales heat of the Great British Menu. The drive there wasn’t great fun: two and a half hours on rain-lashed winding roads. The experience of SY23, however, made it very worthwhile. The...

Waited a long time and travelled 3 hours to go to this restaurant and it was certainly worth the wait and distance. The food was spectacular and the service team were amazing and could not do enough for you. They work well together to make...

My husband took me for my birthday on 24/09/22 and we had the taster menu and it was absolutely stunning. If you are reading this review thinking should I or shouldn’t I book to go as money is tight in these uncertain times my advice...

Staff were welcoming on my arrival. The food was cooked to a high standard, with seafood well represented on the tasting menu, as you would expect in a seaside location. I thought the background music created a great vibe in the restaurant.

Fabulous 10 courses, each one a taste sensation, my favourite was the mushroom, I could have eaten a porridge bowl full, my husband had the paired wine flight which he loved, I had various drinks the Louis Roederer was lovely as was the port. Intimate...

A blow out meal for us. Great welcome, lovely, chilled place. Fantastic cocktails, amazing food, a young, dedicated knowledgeable team. Service was impeccable, the young lady from Shrewsbury and the Liverpudlian sous chef are to be particularly commended. The mushroom starter, the bread, the lamb...

Repeat visit and well worth the wait. The food is wonderful, the wine pairings spot on, service impeccable and a calm and relaxed atmosphere. I could go on and on and dissect each morsel but that simply isn't necessary. Suffice to say the whole experience...

We enjoyed a most stunning lunch at SY23 the weekend. From the service and greeting when you arrive, through drinks in the lounge downstairs to the meal in the wonderful dining room, we were served by a bright, friendly and energetic team of young people....

As we're relocating from Aber in a few months, we've been planning on booking a table here (for which there's a long wait). However, our experience today changed our minds. We visited for coffee and for the first time. This arrived after 20 minutes, with...

Booked this as our 25th anniversary treat after seeing Nathan on the Great British Chef and really liking his style of cooking! We had an amazing time, Nathan and the other cooks were happy to talk, answer questions and be photographed, whilst cooking in an...

We had a wonderful lunch here today. The food is beautiful and the ambiance is fabulous. It was well worth the wait after booking months ago.

WOW!! Absolutely outstanding food and service. We booked months ago to eat at SY23 and it was well worth both the journey and the wait. The restaurant is well thought out and the furniture is beautiful. The service from the first to the tenth course...

Ate here today with a friend, my birthday treat! Absolutely fantastic food, so well thought out, tasted divine, amazing flavours and the BEST service from very well trained staff - spot on. Beautiful bathroom facilities too. If I had a tiny negative it would be...

Booked months ago and it was well worth the wait - fantastic tasting menu chosen- really slick operation with knowledgeable staff and really interesting menu combinations. Most importantly the food and cocktails were excellent- as the saying says 'you get what you pay for'

I booked a table for lunch 5 months ahead to celebrate my husband’s birthday - we were very keen to taste Nathan Davies’ food. Couldn’t recommend SY23 highly enough. Every course was delicious and perfectly explained by our waiter. The food was simply outstanding. Beautifully...

The food here was quite magnificent. It fully deserves its Michelin accolade. The set dinner is £120 so it is expensive - but food thought through and prepared with attention and care will not be cheap. The complementary wines were an extra £65, but they...

My wife and I were meant to have a birthday meal at the main SY23 restaurant the night before, but due to a terrible looking traffic accident couldn’t make it as the A487 was closed. We called to let SY23 know and they very kindly...

Watched Nathan on Great British Menu , & booked restaurant before he won his heat & before the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. Don’t want to spoil the experience by sharing the courses . Just to say it was sublime & the bread and...

Booked outside area for birthday meal group of 25 of us. The food was amazing and cooked in front of us, fabulous staff very efficient and attentive. I can highly recommend could not fault the evening. Thank you to all the Y Sgwar team for...

We visited SY23 on 13th July (our second visit) we were privileged to sit at chefs table - what a treat ! Each course were presented in detail and each were as delicious as the next. We went with the wine paring which was also...

We had been looking forward to our meal at SY23 and it surpassed our expectations. The food was fantastic, with the front of house staff balancing being attentive and unobtrusive. Each course was impressive, beautifully presented and just the right size. Our table overlooked their...

Don't know what to say. This was exemplary. Couldn't fault it. Food superb, wine superb, staff fabulous. Nathan and team are stars.

If you wish to have a wonderful meal in gorgeous surroundings while being waited on by professional staff, this is NOT the restaurant for you. Venue is a converted town house. Downstairs is a dingy bar with high stools around a few tables. Upstairs are...

Me and my partner travelled 500 mile round trip to visit and we’re so glad we did. Weve been to a few places round London, all holding stars and stature but SY23 in our opinion is better then all of them. We enjoyed every single...

Absolute gem. Congratulations to Nathan and Hollis for creating such a unique and wonderful dining experience Well deserved of Michelin star and all the accolades and no doubt many more to come with such talent Every course was truly inspired Can not recommend highly enough...

The whole evening was exquisite. The 10 tasting courses were a tribute to the imagination and skill of Nathan & his team. The individual dishes with lots of foraged & local ingredients are to be savoured, they are just 'scrummy'! This level of skill and...

An exciting and balanced menu, prepared and served with care by engaging personalities. From light and tasty sourdough, an excellent mushroom dish and a range of fish and meat courses, the meal really came together with excellent desserts. The palate cleansing lemon meringue pre-dessert was...

Award winning chef’s take on the “chef's table” concept with few covers upstairs located near the kitchen. After all the instructions to be there on time for cocktails before sitting down at a specified time it wasa a bit galling to see that it didn’t...

Dont waste your money! Well over priced This was a birthday meal from my sister who lives in Aber. Basically if your not a cook and would like to try something new then go fo it. I’m sure it wont disappoint. For me it was...

A truly outstanding meal. Each course improved on the last. The USP is food cooked over a flame and you really get that smoky flavour throughout the courses. Whole meal was really well complimented by a lovely selection of wines, and the attentive and excellent...

One of the best meals we have ever eaten - in fact it was probably the best! Every single mouthful was exceptional and packed full of flavour. The service was also exceptional. We feel incredibly privileged to have eaten here. Go while you can get...

I wanted to take my husband here to celebrate his 60th birthday - and despite their reservations because I don’t eat fish and its a huge percentage of the menu I decided he would just have to eat my fish courses. The food was fabulous....

Booked in months ago and stayed over in Aberystwyth to visit this restaurant after wanting to go for ages- it did not disappoint, in fact it exceeded expectations. The whole dining experience was amazing! Staff were friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drink....

We travelled to Aberystwyth for the sole purpose of visiting SY23 and we were not disappointed. It is all about the quality of the food. Having been fortunate to eat in a number of Michelin Star restaurants, here it is all about the food, and...

We visited for the taster menu for my 70th birthday! We were seated at the chefs table and what an experience! Nathan and his team are incredible hosts! ! The food is sublime and so much care taken with each course! My husband and I...

fabulous food and wine selection, excellent service too. Nathan and his team are a great bunch of people, very accommodating, to esnure you have a brilliant fine dining experience. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal there and will be returning. Well worth of its Star status

This was the best meal that I’ve experienced in a long time. Nathan Davies takes you on a journey through the senses using local produce in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Although the lay-out is somewhat constricted, has the restaurant has made the very best...

We saw the head chef Nathan on Great British Menu and decided we HAD to make the 200mile round trip to sample his food it looked so amazing, and my goodness it was worth every mile. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. It was probably...

We really enjoyed our light lunch here. The food really was amazing. The gas heaters at the tables were welcome and created a lovely atmosphere.

Okay I am lucky, I have eaten in top restaurants around the World, with some amazing dishes. But, tonight I was even luckier to eat outside in the Tapas restaurant at SY23, food was stunning, not one dish but every dish! If I had to...

Just perfect, every detail of the experience has been considered and curated to give guests a gastronomic treat like no other. The food is delicious, the service is flawless and the staff are welcoming and friendly. Can’t wait for our next visit

I'd start by saying, I loved it here, the food was delicious and the wine pairings were excellent and very good value. The wine list has lots of good choices by the glass and again at very fair prices and the menu is a delight,...

We visited for a special birthday meal at the weekend. Our expectations were high having seen Nathan on GB - we were not disappointed. On entering the bar area the decor was dramatic and watching cocktails being beautifully made by the attentive staff was part...

We were two couples visiting the recently opened SY23 Restaurant (not Y Sgwar), looking forward to a fine dining experience and a chance to catch up after Covid. None of us had seen the Great British menu programmes in which the chef Nathan Davies featured...

We stopped at the outside SY23 bar-like restaurant, with few other options to eat off-season. On arrival you are warned that they have "small plates" I have eaten in many similar places, but this is an exception - very short menu and very small plates,...

Four of us travelled from Anglesey for lunch and we were not disappointed. A thoroughly deserved 1*, this was a real treat. The cooking was sublime with lots of different, layered flavours which made the dishes so interesting. We were fortunate to sit at the...

Wonderful tapas menu , something we rarely eat,but it was amazing .The waitress was very attentive and explained a dish .great spot for people watching too as we sat outside

Our whole trip from Gloucestershire to Aberystwyth was based on the fact that we managed to get a lunch reservation at SY23. And our expectations of the experience where surpassed 10 fold. From the moment we where greeted on arrival to the moment we left...

Thank you for an amazing meal on Saturday lunchtime. The food was outstanding and the music and the place was just out of this world. Nathan has created a wonderful place and experience and we will definitely be coming back. Just Amazing!!!

The service is fabulous. Thank u to Sophie, who was attentive, engaging & very accommodating. Love the small portions & selection of fresh, locally sourced produce. That both the butter was churned and sourdough bread baked in-house meant the flavours and textures were unique, whilst...

We had breakfast on a weekend away I cannot remember enjoying breaks as much as I enjoyed this coffee was amazing excellent service we will be booking a evening out in future x