Hospitality Awards 2022

AA Restaurant of the Year Wales

About the award 

Each year the AA independently inspects hundreds of restaurants across the British Isles. Introduced in 2000, this award recognises restaurants that provide cuisine of a truly excellent standard, as well as demonstrating innovation and ambience and providing a high standard of hospitality.

Gem 42, Newport

The unassuming building is easy to miss, but once inside you’re hardly likely to forget the exuberant Mediterranean feel, with Botticelli-style ceilings and crisply dressed tables with Murano glass ornaments. The emphasis is on Italian style and ingredients, combined with top quality Welsh seasonal produce.

You can expect a happy fusion of classical foundations and contemporary techniques, all delivering an entertaining medley of textures and flavours. A selection of differing tasting menus is available, along with an excellent wine selection, including wine flights, or, for a non-alcoholic option, a matching tasting flight of Kombucha makes for an enjoyable variation.

Previous Winners

2022 - Gem 42

2019 – Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias
2018 – The Machine House 
2017 – Beach House Restaurant at Oxwich Beach
2016 – Restaurant James Sommerin
2015 – Coast Restaurant
2014 – Bully’s 
2013 – The Bull
2012 – Sosban & The Old Butcher’s Restaurant
2011 – The Whitebrook
2010 – The Hardwick
2009 – Y Polyn
2008 – The Walnut Tree Inn