The pubs and restaurants listed here are in geographical order, ie nearest first and not in order of preference or recommendation.

The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog: www.grapes-hotel.co.uk; tel  01766 590365.  This is an 8 minute drive or 25 minute walk along the back lane beside the river.  The Grapes serves a wide range of ales made by a Welsh brewery.  You can dine on the verandah which has views of the church of St Twrog after whom the village is named or in either of the two bars.  There is a good menu to suit all including vegetarians and there is a children's menu.  There are daily specials on the blackboard.   There are plenty of choices on the seasonal menu.  Fresh, seasonal and local are keywords for the food served here.

The Oakeley Arms Hotel, Tan Y Bwlch, Maentwrog: www.oakeleyarms.co.uk;  tel 01766 590277.  We have eaten here on a Sunday and can recommend the carvery.  They serve a wide selection of dishes and also have blackboard specials.  There is a children's menu.  The bar area has recently been enlarged and redecorated.  The pub is the same distance as The Grapes from our B & B.

Mo's Kitchen also known as The White Barn, Tan Y Bwlch, Maentwrog; tel 01766 590391 set back on the left going towards Porthmadog just past the Oakeley Arms.  Famous for home cooking - the roast meats are particularly tender.  Blackboard menu.  No children's menu as such but they will serve a small portion at slightly reduced cost.  Not open on Sunday (lunch only) or Monday evenings.  Booking advised.  Cards not taken.

The Lemon Tree Indian Restaurant,  High Street, Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6BL:  tel 01766 770283.   Here you will find all your favourite dishes and, if it's not on the menu, chef will be happy to prepare it for you as he has many years of experience.  Our favourite is chicken dhansak.  Do try the sisinda bhaji if available (seasonal Bangladeshi vegetable).  The Lemon Tree is approximately 10 minutes drive.  At present this restaurant does not accept card payment.

Thai Harbwr, Madoc Yacht Club, Pen Y Cei, Porthmadog; tel 01766 515230;  www.thai-harbwr-myc.co.uk.  This is a great Thai restaurant situated on the edge of the harbour in Porthmadog.  They serve truly excellent food prepared and served by a mother and  her daughter.  It's approximately 15 minutes drive but sadly doesn't do takeaway food.

Moorings Bistro, Borth-y-Gest, Porthmadog:  tel 01766 513500; www.mooringsbistroborthygest.com.  Book early if you would like a window table overlooking the picturesque harbour of Borth y Gest.  We can recommend the mussels.  Seasonal blackboard specials are available.  About 15 minutes drive.

The Ty Gwyn Hotel, Betws-y-coed: www.tygwynhotel.co.uk; tel 01690 710383.  This restaurant never fails to please.  They serve beautifully presented food cooked to a very high standard with many blackboard specials.  Book early, especially at weekends and bank holidays and ask for a table in the bar which is more eclectic than the restaurant.  This would be our choice for a special occasion but is no more expensive than any other restaurant locally.  Denis recommends the half shoulder of Welsh lamb.  The Ty Gwyn is 20 to 25 minutes drive.

The Dragon Hotel, Betws-y-coed: www.dragonhotel-snowdonia.co.uk; tel 01690 710334.  This restaurant serves exceptionally good chinese food.  Portions are quite large so we would recommend cautious ordering.  There is a small specials menu and a comprehensive standard menu.  The restaurant is some 5 minutes drive further than Ty Gwyn.

Meanan Abbey Hotel, Llanwrst: www.manab.co.uk; tel 01492 660247.  We visited this very recently and the inclusive menu is fantastic value.  The food is beautifully presented and the staff charming and attentive.  Our starters of tempura prawns with sweet chilli dip and gateau of fresh and smoked salmon were delicious as was the rest of the meal.  Allow 35 to 45 minutes for the journey.