The Toad — Restaurant in Wales

Spent a couple of days showing my friend around my beloved North Wales and decided to try The Toad on a whim. Called to reserve a table, which ended up only being a little later than originally planned - but a good sign to know they’re busy. Arrived to a beautiful pub, overlooking the beach. Inside was traditionally decorated, with the bar side wall dedicated to dozens of wines from around Wales and the rest of the world. We were greeted with a very warm welcome and taken to our table, which was perfectly framed in the window looking out to the sea. Drinks came out very quickly and then they left us alone to look through the menu, but stayed attentive and came straight back to take our order after we had put the menus down. We shared prawns and squid for our starter, which were cooked perfectly. The katsu sauce on the squid was a nice addition and gave them a lovely kick. The batter on the prawns was second to none - I am picky about batter, but it was light, flavoursome and crispy throughout. For our mains, I had a chicken supreme carbonara which was light and creamy and gently flavoured with chives. The chicken itself was succulent with perfectly crisped skin. My friend had the short rib, which he claimed to be at least as good as his short rib, which is the highest possible praise that he could give (he’s a major foodie and culinary mad scientist). I tried a little myself and it practically melted in my mouth. We shared a sticky toffee pudding, as we couldn’t leave without trying one of their desserts, and we were both very surprised to find the STP was very light and fluffy and didn’t leave us feeling bloated, as we were expecting. We both hadn’t enjoyed a meal out so much for a long while! The staff were very friendly and attentive. It felt very much like we were at a friends’ for dinner. The atmosphere was lovely and jovial and the place was full of happy, smiley people. Will definitely be calling in for food again habitually during future visits to...

Last year we walked along the promenade from Rhos to the Toad, called in for a drink and it seemed like a good place to eat, so this year we booked a table for lunch on my wife's birthday via the answer machine. They rang back to confirm our booking. When we arrived they appeared to have no record of it but nevertheless gave us a table by the window as requested. The food was excellent - my wife's seabass was perfectly cooked, and my pie was packed with slow cooked pulled steak. The veg was still firm just as I like it. Here comes the " But"....By hard work and being careful with money, despite appearances we are worth a bob or two. People often seem surprised by our car which we find amusing for the most part. When we arrived we sensed some of the staff wondered why on earth we were there, perhaps we had wandered in by mistake? I can imagine them refusing to serve Jim Radcliffe. A smile and a pleasant welcome doesn't cost anything. Perhaps I am being hard on the staff and they are merely reflecting the ethos of the management. When I went to pay it seemed frantic behind the bar despite being only half full. It turned out that 7.5 % service charge had been added to the bill so I didn't leave a tip (which I...

Lovely restaurant. Portion sizes good. They were able to accomodate us at last minute. Service was quick. 3 of our party had burgers, one with a preference of no cheese which they were glad to serve, those 3 enjoyed their food....i however had the fish and chips, the fish arrived over cooked and i couldn't cut it because it was so crispy, i ate it with my hands. It was tasty but just not the best batter. Too hard. The peas portion was nothing more than a tiny pot full, not near enough of a portion to enjoy with fish. No one came to ask if our food was ok and no sauces were offered. In the end, i asked for some mayo to help my palette.

Lots of options on the menu came with chive mash, but im sure they would've served plain if you'd asked. I would recommend this place, and i would go again, i just wouldn't have the fish. It was very disappointing. I also noticed they charge a service charge ontop of the bill, we spent just over £80 so i felt my meal didnt warrant this, so asked them to remove it which they gladly did with no quibble. Go and try the place, its lovely and relaxed. Nice decor and staff...