1 Michelin star chefs - Tom Waters, Gorse
Tom Waters is chef and owner of Gorse, a modern Welsh restaurant in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff.
In February 2025, Gorse became the first restaurant in Cardiff to be awarded a Michelin star, less than a year after opening.
From South Wales to Michelin recognition
Originally from South Wales, Tom began his career working in several of the UK’s most respected kitchens before returning home to open his own restaurant. His experience includes positions at The Fat Duck in Bray, The Square and Bonhams in London - all Michelin-starred at the time.
After years in high-pressure fine-dining environments, Tom’s vision for Gorse was to create a restaurant that reflected his roots while showcasing the depth of Welsh ingredients.
Gorse: modern Welsh dining rooted in place
Gorse opened in May 2024 on Kings Road, Pontcanna. The restaurant serves multi-course tasting menus that evolve with the seasons. Dishes draw inspiration from the landscapes of Wales - from coastal herbs and seaweed to mountain lamb and native vegetables.
Menus typically feature seven or ten courses, with a shorter option at lunch. Each menu is designed around local sourcing and micro-seasonality.
Suppliers include Welsh farms, foragers,
and coastal fishermen. The Michelin Guide notes Tom's ‘brilliant understanding of flavours’ and the team’s confidence to let superb Welsh produce shine.
Cardiff’s first Michelin star
When the 2025 Michelin Guide was announced, Gorse became Cardiff’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, a landmark moment for the city’s dining scene.
Inspectors highlight a tasting format of seven or ten courses (with a four-course lunch) and Waters’ restraint with superb Welsh produce
The accolade followed strong early reviews and sold-out services throughout its first year. It also cemented Tom’s reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary Welsh cuisine.
A new chapter for Welsh gastronomy
Gorse’s rapid ascent has placed Cardiff firmly on the Michelin map and signalled a new era for fine dining in Wales. For Tom, the achievement represents more than just personal recognition — it’s proof of the quality and ambition thriving in Welsh food culture today.
With its Michelin star secured, Gorse continues to evolve as one of Wales’s most distinctive dining destinations - a restaurant that connects technique and terroir with sincerity and quiet confidence.
Other Michelin Star Chefs
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