As we enter 2022 you might be looking forward to booking a table at one of Wales' many popular and highly-regarded restaurants.
With the current Covid-19 restrictions allowing restaurants to serve food indoors for up to six people, there are plenty of venues to choose from whether you're looking to try something new or visit and old favourite.
But has the ongoing state of coronavirus with the rise of the Omicron variant and tightening of restrictions affected restaurant waiting times?
Read More: To read more news on Welsh restaurants click here
So, to cut the work out for you, we tried booking a table for two on a Saturday evening at 7pm to find out at which diners it is hardest to secure a table.
Though it was tricky to get our preferred time at many restaurants by this weekend, some had available slots by as early as Saturday, January 8, while others didn't have availability until well into February.
Here's what we found out at the time we went to press (Monday, January 8):
Tyddyn Llan - This weekend
The nearest date we could get a table at this Michelin guide recognised venue, was January 8.
Availability on this date was decent, with six available time slots at 6.30pm to 9pm. However, after this week, we noticed some Saturdays were already fully booked.
There is availability on most weekdays this week as well, however, when we looked at next week, only Thursday had availability. It's clear that slots fill up quickly and you have to be lucky to get the time and date you want at short notice - and there's no wonder!
Where: Llandrillo, Corwen, LL21 0ST
For more information, click here.
Nook - This weekend
Those of you looking to dine at this cosy and friendly restaurant as soon as this weekend might be in luck.
Specialising in small plates and natural wines, the Cardiff restaurant has gained huge popularity since it opened in 2019.
As a pair, we were pleasantly surprised to be able to get a table at Nook on Saturday evening, January 8 at 7pm. However, we did notice bigger groups might not be so fortunate. For example, a group of three would have to wait until Saturday, January 22 to get an evening dinner table. For groups of five and six, there was no availability whatsoever in the foreseeable future.
Where: 587 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF5 1BE
To find out more, you can visit their website.
Harbourmaster Hotel - This weekend
The renowned Harbourmaster restaurant overlooks Aberaeron's quayside and specialises in high-quality meals made from Welsh produce.
And to our delight, we were able to bag a table as soon as this weekend on January 8. Though we weren't able to get our desired 7pm table, we were able to choose from slots at 6pm, 6.15pm, 6.30pm, 8pm, 8.15pm, 8.30pm or 8.45pm.
The earlier in advance we tried book, the more times around 7pm became available.
Where: 1 Quay Parade, Aberaeron, SA46 0BT
For more information, click here.
Hare & Hounds - Next weekend
The seasonal-grub restaurant proudly holds a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, and featured in The Good Food Guide, the Good Pub Guide and the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide.
Though no tables were available this weekend, we were still pleased to see we go along next weekend on Saturday, January 15.
There were tables available from 6pm until 8.45pm, however tables between 7pm and 7.45pm were full booked. Not all hope was lost between these times though as you could pop yourself on a reserves list in case of cancellations.
Where: Hare & Hounds, Aberthin, CF71 7LG
More information is available on their website.
The Walnut Tree - Next weekend (just about)
The Michelin Star restaurant, praised for being "unfussy but consistently immaculate", is a firm favourite with visitors and usually books up quickly.
Last time we tried to book this restaurant - back in July 2021 - we had to wait until October to get a table for two because of its huge popularity.
Though we were very lucky to get an evening slot next Saturday on January 15, we weren't able to get our desired 7pm. In fact, the only time we could get a table was for 8.30pm.
The majority of Saturdays going well into late February and March had limited availability. We would recommend booking a month early - at the very least - if you want to secure your place.
Where: Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny, NP7 8AW
The Potted Pig - This weekend
The restaurant, which is located in a former bank vault beneath Cardiff city centre, had slots available on January 8. We were even lucky enough to get our preferred 7pm table.
There appeared to be good availability on this date, with slots available from 12pm right through to 9.30pm. However, often the popular restaurant does book up quickly. Make sure to book a week or two in advance just in case!
Expect a great gin list, and seasonal food.
Where: 27 High St, Cardiff, CF10 1PU
For more information, visit their website.
The Felin Fach Griffin - This weekend
We could get a table for two this Saturday evening on January 8 and availability seemed good over the next few weeks. Though we couldn't bag a 7pm table this weekend, we could get one for 7.30pm. Next week, on January 15, the 7pm table was available.
However, when we last checked the availability for this restaurant in May 2021 on a Tuesday, there were only 5pm and 9pm slots available by the Saturday.
If you want to experience the Brecon gastropub soon, it's best to book as early as you can.
Where: Felinfach, Brecon, LD3 0UB
Asador 44 - This weekend (just about)
The favourite Spanish eatery in Cardiff advises that you need to "book in advance" to reserve a spot.
Though they said they do sometimes have last-minute cancellations for walk-in tables, it is unlikely to happen when you'd like to go.
It states on their website: "Tables need to be booked in advance, there may be one or two walk-in tables if we have last minute cancellations, but this is unlikely. Unfortunately we don't have a bar area so you will be shown directly to your table."
We managed to book a table for this Saturday, January 8 by the skin of our teeth. There were only four slots available between 8.45pm and 9.30pm. However, next week on January 15, a lot more times were available.
Where: 14-15 Quay St, Cardiff, CF10 1EA
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias - This weekend
With his wealth of experience as one of Britain’s top chefs, Bryn Williams brings his celebrity status to the beachfront bistro on the North Wales coast.
The menu is full of Welsh produce that has been produced "as local as possible" and can be enjoyed with the venue's easy and informal atmosphere.
We were able to choose from five slots between 6.30pm and 7.30pm for this Saturday, including our desired table at 7pm.
You can book your table here.
Where: Promenade, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8HH
Sosban and The Old Butchers - Mid-February (just about)
The cosy eatery Anglesey is run by husband and wife team Stephen and Bethan Stevens. Located in an old butcher’s shop, the restaurant holds both a Michelin star and four AA rosettes.
So, it's no wonder why we couldn't get a table until February 12. Even on this date, the only available slot was 7.30pm. The Saturdays leading up to that weekend, and following it, were all fully booked. In fact, it appeared to be the only day with availability on the calendar.
Where: 1 High St, Menai Bridge, LL59 5EE
For more information, visit their website.
The Shed - This weekend
The Shed in Barry, which opened at the Good Sheds in Barry in Autumn 2020, was added to the August 2021 intake of recommendations from the Michelin Guide.
James Sommerin's establishment was back in the prestigious guide a year after his popular Penarth seafront spot closed in summer 2020.
Describing itself as a 'modern and contemporary eating destination,' The Shed serves up classic dishes like steaks, from Doug Willis, ham hock and their take on a chicken kiev.
We were able to get a table for two on January 8. It appeared to have good availability, with evening slots from 5.30pm until 9pm.
Where: Unit 2 Hood Rd, Barry CF62 5BE.
You can book your table here.
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