DWYFOR and Meirionnydd are home to the best Oriental and Mediterranean restaurants in Wales for the second year running.

Both The Coconut Kitchen (Abersoch) and Tafarn y Gader Tapas Bistro & Bar (Dolgellau) kept their prestigious titles at this year’s annual Food Awards Wales held in Cardiff last week.

In addition, the Hotel Restaurant of the Year, north Wales went to Hotel Portmeirion Restaurant (Minffordd) and The Mermaid Fish Bar (Barmouth) snapped up best Takeaway of the Year, north Wales.

The second annual Food Awards acknowledged and celebrated the accomplishments, determination and hard work of various professionals, establishments and businesses from the Welsh food sector.

Head chef of Tafarn y Gader Tapas Bistro & Bar Azier Calvo was “over the moon” with his second ‘Best Mediterranean Establishment in Wales’ in only his second year of business.

“I was very surprised when they announced we had won for the second year running, I don’t know why but I wasn’t expecting it this year,” the Basque-born chef told the Cambrian News.

“We’re very pleased though, we’ve been celebrating all week.

“But when I think about it, it’s perhaps not too surprising, I don’t want to sound big-headed but I don’t think anywhere else does food quite like ours.

“We have a small kitchen but we cook everything fresh, absolutely nothing is frozen so that’s a big factor.”

The chef, who moved to Meirionnydd in 2010 after the Spanish economy took a turn for the worse, has no plans to rest on his laurels however.

Mr Calvo added: “My wife, Diana Arias makes all the cakes, they are all home made by her and they are very popular too.

“It’s an exciting time to be in Dolgellau, I love it here.

“I even had my little boy Ivan last July so we have a little Welsh boy now too!

“We look forward to our staff and restaurant continuing to serve the community and as long as we keep to our principals, the awards should keep coming.”

Preechaya Phetprasert, head chef and co-owner of The Coconut Kitchen said: “We are so thrilled to win this award yet again!

“We started the restaurant nine years ago and this award recognises hard work put in by us and our amazing team both in the kitchen cooking fresh Thai food and the front of house staff that give our customers such great service.”

Paul Withington co-owner and general manger added: “I think winning the award for a second time shows that we have been spurred on to do even better and it’s a great testament to the team we have that keep delivering a fantastic experience for our customers.

“Were really proud of the whole team in helping us retain the title.”