It's long been best known for its amusement park and being the setting for the hit BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey
But, as well as being a hotspot for tourists craving sea and sand, Barry has built up a strong reputation as a food destination over the last few years.
Read more: The Barry deli and butcher where everything is vegan
Here, in no particular order, is our guide to some of the best places to dine out or to grab a quick snack...
1. The Goodsheds
This former railway goods shed is home to one of Wales’ best street food halls. Constructed from 54 shipping containers, the Goodsheds hosts eight different street food vendors from Bab Haus Mex’s colourful tacos and Tukka Tuk’s spice-packed curries to Mr Croquewich’s impeccable fried chicken sandwiches.
Where? 1 Hood Road, Barry CF62 5BE
2. The Shed by James Sommerin
Top Welsh chef James Sommerin's The Shed is the casual sibling to Home in Penarth. With a brasserie menu featuring dishes such as chicken kiev and braised featherblade of beef, Michelin have praised the Shed for its “appealing modern dishes” which “deliver punchy flavours”.
Where? Unit 2 Hood Road, Barry CF62 5BE
3. Paletta Pizza
This family-run Italian restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas alongside pasta and craft beer. Their signature pizza, the Paletta, is topped with Tuscan sausage, taleggio cheese and chopped walnuts.
Where? 82 High Street, Barry CF62 7DX
4. Mr Villa's
It always seems fitting to eat seafood when you’re by the coast and Mr Villa’s serves some of the best in Barry. Overlooking the Knap Gardens, their menu features a big range of fish dishes from fish soup and king prawns in garlic butter to roast hake with beurre blanc and seafood platters.
Where? 4 Bron-Y-Mor, Barry CF62 6SW
5. Academy Espresso Bar
Situated in a grade II listed pumphouse, Academy Espresso Bar serves both coffee and cocktails. But, it’s their changing line-up of street food vendors which is particularly exciting. From Thursday to Saturday nights, the food on offer includes Mexican food from the Bearded Taco, wings from Hot Damn and Malaysian fusion cooking from Makasih.
Where? The Pumphouse, Hood Rd, Barry CF62 5BE
6. The Six Bells, Penmark
This 16th century village inn on the outskirts of Barry has plenty of character from its heavy wooden beams to open log fires. Their Sunday lunch is not to be missed, with dishes including topside of Welsh beef with Yorkshire pudding, loin of Rosedew pork and Glamorganshire turkey.
Where? Penmark, Rhoose, Barry CF62 3BP
7. Butty Bach
Butty Bach is a venue with many faces. By day it’s a cafe serving brownies and brunch dishes including baked eggs, pancake stacks and smashed avocado on toast and by night they’re a gourmet burger bar. They also serve a good Sunday roast too.
Where? 24 Holton Rd, Barry CF63 4HD
8. Raj Kinara, Rhoose
Don’t let Raj Kinara’s slightly unusual location in a caravan park put you off, this Indian restaurant serves lovely curry house classics from sizzling chicken nawabi to prawn puri and lamb tikka biryani.
Where? Fontygary Rd, Rhoose, Barry CF62 3DS
9. Craft Republic
If craft beer is your thing then Craft Republic is the place to head. Craft Republic serves 14 different lines of craft beer, lager and cider from top UK breweries including Deya, Polly’s and Verdant. If you’re feeling hungry then you can also bring in a takeaway from the Goodsheds to enjoy with your beers.
Where? Unit 1 Goodsheds Lofts, Hood Rd, Barry CF62 5Q
10. The Blue Anchor
Dating back to 1380, the Blue Anchor has bags of character including a distinctive thatched roof. Alongside well-kept real ales they serve pub classics, including homemade pies; gammon, egg and chips; and scampi.
Where? East Aberthaw, Barry CF62 3DD
11. Boofy’s
No trip to Barry Island is complete without a visit to popular chippy Boofy's, which has become something of an institution - and who doesn't enjoy fish and chips overlooking the sea?
Where? 2 Western Shelter, Paget Rd, Barry CF62 5TQ
12. Ren Japanese Food
Ren Japanese Food serves takeaways and deliveries from a residential home in Barry. But don’t let this deceive you about the quality of the cooking; it’s very much a professional set up. A changing monthly menu features meal sets such as chicken karaage and yakitori, sushi sets, katsu curries and desserts.
Where? Palmerstown, Barry CF63 2PL
13. Whitmore + Jackson
Situated on Barry island itself, this cafe is well worth visiting for their homemade waffles. Served with berries, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce or maple syrup and bacon, they're a must-have for anyone enjoying a sunny day out.
Where? 10-11 Friars Road, Barry CF62 5TJ
14. Cadwaladers
This family-run chain of ice cream shops originates from Criccieth in north Wales and has a long history which dates back to 1927. If you’re craving a knickerbocker glory or cookie dough sundae, then Cadwaladers has got you covered.
Where? 11 Paget Road, Barry CF62 5TQ
15. Bay 5 Coffee House
This pretty independent coffee house on the seafront serves crepes, drinks, ice creams and cake that you can enjoy whilst taking in their magnificent view.
Where? Promenade, Barry CF62 5TJ
16. The Sausage Revolution
Owned by a former Dragon’s Den contestant, you’ve probably guessed that Sausage Revolution's menu is dedicated to all things sausage. Choose from a selection of sausages including bratwurst, chicken tikka or steak and marmalade and then decide whether you want them served as a hot dog, with mash or on pizza.
Where? Atlantic Trading Estate, Revolution House, Barry CF63 3RF
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