Sy23 Restaurant

I never leave reviews but I had to for this place!! My husband and I were on holiday in Wales last week, and visited Aberystwyth last minute and booked a table here the night before, not knowing anything about it. We both had the tasting menu and wine pairings (there are 2 options, we had the less expensive one). It’s by far the best tasting menu experience we’ve ever had (we’ve done quite a few in London and Surrey areas). Yes it’s very expensive but we think worth it. From the photos on the website and on the reviews we didn’t really know what to expect of what the restaurant looks like, but it’s by far better in person! Firstly, they have a lovely little cocktail bar downstairs for drinks before your meal. I would really recommend going there first - best espresso martini I’ve ever had and such a chic cocktail bar and setting. The staff were super friendly and attentive throughout . The decor is all really modern and done to a really high standard, great mood lighting and I LOVED the background music. I find that some high end restaurants can be really stuffy, bland, too bright and quiet, which makes me personally feel uncomfortable to enjoy myself and very aware of other guests around us. There is also no dress code which I really liked. Here it felt like it was just us there! Even though both the cocktail bar and restaurant are quite small - the tables are spaced out so well so you don’t feel on top of each other at all, it also gives you such a personal experience. The staff all knew their stuff and were clearly passionate about the restaurant and food. We were then taken upstairs where you are seated in a fab intimate restaurant and have a view of the kitchen with Nathan cooking. Again we loved all the decor, the music, the mood lighting.. Even down to the cutlery,glasses,plates used - we loved it all. And the music seemed matched to the entire meal. Each course was outstanding. This is not one for vegetarians or vegans (although they did email us to ask for dietary requirements beforehand which was great) but for fish and meat eaters you will love it. You must try the cheese optional course it was amazing!! Wine pairings were so well matched and elevated each course - if you have the port with the cheese make sure you have the Warres. For us it was the perfect amount of food where you don’t come out stuffed and enjoy every mouthful. Only areas for improvement would be leaving slightly longer between courses - we hadn’t finished our wine before the next course came out a few times, so often had multiple drinks on the go! Also it would have been a really nice touch if Nathan would have come round to each table to say hello. It honestly for us was such a fantastic experience and unmet by any other restaurant Michelin star or other we’ve ever been to for service food and atmosphere combined!

We had an absolutely brilliant lunch here. The food was first class, as good or better than any Michelin starred meal out there. It is difficult to pull out a highlight given the high-quality across the menu, but I particularly the lamb and black garlic dish which was rich with subtle flavours and perfectly cooked. The restaurant also has an excellent ethos of sustainability, sourcing all of their produce locally and an extraordinary dedication to getting the most out of each ingredient. Various ingredients make repeat appearance in different dishes to ensure it is used as much as possible, but in surprising and delicious new ways. Many ingredients are foraged nearby by the staff and chefs. Finally, we were blown away by the service. Due to cancellation we were the only table for the lunch service. Any restaurant would have been within its rights to cancel our reservation and send everyone home, but SY23 stayed open and treated us to a brilliant time regardless. We got to chat to Nathan and his chefs who provided invaluable insight into the passion and care they dedicate to their craft. This is a brilliant restaurant that leans into making the most incredible dishes in a manner that is environmentally and ecologically friendly. If you are in the area you must go and, if you are not, you should travel there immediately!

Simply incredible. Beautiful venue, lovely staff, great service & unforgettable food crafted with such care, love & passion for local produce. We were lucky to get the chef's table & hearing the story behind each dish from Nathan Davies himself was amazing. The kitchen was immaculately run & watching such skilled, happy chefs in action was a joy.

Wow, what an incredible meal. Arrived (as the last guests) at 1845 and had some great cocktails at the bar. Moved up to the restaurant at 1930 and had one the best table in the restaurant, at the back of the room with both chairs looking towards the open kitchen. Food was incredible, the mushroom starters was probably my favourite fish, amazing fish cooking, loved the scallop dish. Every course was faultless, desserts were spot on with my favourite dish being the Yuzu with meringue. We went for a wine pairing which we really enjoyed, it also included coffee at the end of the meal. Nice atmosphere in the restaurant and really enjoyed the music (big thumbs up to lots of Maribou State) Can't wait to return!

Michelin star award winning Fine Dining at it's best 👌 From delicious food to cocktails, from customer service to smallest details, entertainment, ambiance, live music , clientèle and the location ! Aaahh you name it , this place has it !!! You want to feel special and want to feel good , want to have a good night out or a day time breakfast or lunch in a stunning atmosphere , this is your place ! It's the most stylish place in Aber ! and a massive credit to the town ! I highly recommend this place to people who enjoy fine dining and won't mind putting their hands in their pockets ! If you're looking for cheesy chips and fatty fish I'm afraid you'll be in the wrong place as not all clientèle will appreciate the fine dining !!! xxx