Restaurant Reviews

Sale Pepecfl47_restaurant.jpg

90 Grand Arcade,
St David’s,
Cardiff CF10 2EL
tel: 02920 231678
sale-pepe.co.uk

 

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9.30am-10pm

We visited: Wednesday 2pm

Prices: 
Starters £3-8, mains £8-16, puds £5

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: Lots

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: Predominantly Italian

Service and atmosphere: You’re pretty left to it (which I like) and the atmosphere is buzzy, with shoppers coming and going all afternoon

 

"The rocket had been wilted in garlic along with some succulent oyster mushrooms and other Japanese-looking mini-toadstools. The tomatoes were just blistering, popping their summery juices all over the earthy steak. I really couldn’t fault this dish if I tried.

"But, after that much rice (in all its Italian guises) I was, as they say in the trade, royally stuffed and it was The Italian, no less, that ordered dessert. Having spied Mama C’s chocolate brownie (£5.95) on the menu, Lorena speedily ordered, asking for two spoons to save embarrassment. (That’s my usual trick). Fudgey, nutty and served with a very sweet white chocolate sauce AND chocolate ice cream. Now that’s what I call chocolatey.


"On first observation, Sale Pepe might look like just another one of St David’s perfectly nice but frankly dull chain cafés, but this Italian eatery is actually really rather good. The staff leave you to your own devices; the menu is easy reading but damn good- tasting and the prices won’t leave you counting the pennies until the next visit.
"

 

Reviewed: Issue 47

Published: Jun 10


The Fig Treedsc08181.jpg

The Esplanade,
Penarth CF64 3AU
tel: 02920 702512
thefigtreepenarth.co.uk

 

Opening hours: Tues–Fri 12-3pm; Sat 12-5pm; Sun 12-4pm; Tues-Sat 6.30-9.30pm

We visited: Tuesday 3pm


Prices: 
Set lunch two courses £10, three courses £12.50; A la carte starters around £5, mains £10-13, puds £4.95


Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: Good


Disabled access: Yes


Wine list: Local ales including Vale of Glamorgan and Otley; plus a good range of vino by the glass and bottle


Service and atmosphere: Good and good – although I expect the summer buzz elevates the atmosphere to another level

 

 

"The substantial white fish held up well against a lovely warming delicate cream and chive sauce and fresh seasonal asparagus. The new potatoes certainly looked good although Lorena hardly made a dent. Lesson learnt readers: never dine with 
a dieter.

"On the plus side, of course, there was more for me, including a selection of scrummy puds. While the bara brith bread and butter pudding sounded tempting, the owner gave us a knowing nod towards the new season rhubarb and ginger trifle (£4.95).


"Pleasingly kitsch but given a wholly modern treatment, fluorescent layers of a lip-smackingly tart rhubarb jelly were sandwiched between a dreamy pannacotta-like vanilla set cream and spicy ginger cake soaked in the stewed fruit. YUM. Very yum. A final flourish of crushed pistachios and a topping of squirty cream later I was in heaven.


"So chilled out is Penarth and this restaurant (Jack Johnson et al play in the background) that to sample food of this calibre in such an idyllic location is an extremely pleasant surprise. It feels effortless, but it is clearly nothing of the sort. This is good food at good prices. And you can’t say fairer than that can you?"

 

Reviewed: Issue 46

Published: May 10

 


Cameo Club cfl45_rr.jpg

3 & 5 Pontcanna St,
Cardiff CF11 9HQ
tel: 02920 220466
cameoclub.co.uk


Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8.30am-11.30am, 12-3pm, 6-10pm; Sun 9.30am-11.30am, 12-6pm

We visited: 2pm Monday lunchtime

Prices: 
Starters £5-8, mains £13-20, puds £5 (members get discount)

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: One per course

Disabled access: Limited

Wine list: A good balance of Old and New World with 12 by the glass

Service and atmosphere: Chillaxed on both counts
 

 

"The chips (£2.50), too, were exceedingly good. Lush, even. Hot, crisp and golden with a pillowy, fluffy centre – made even more moreish with mayo. Ladies Day dress would have to wait.

"On that same note, I ordered pud – it’s worth noting at this juncture that we’d demolished our two courses in well under an hour, proving this bistro’s ability to serve up a speedy business lunch.

"Puds had been hastily scribbled on a mini blackboard. All were fairly classic. We opted for the chocolate and orange torte (£4.95), which was comprised of layers of chocolate mousse (not too dense and just the right consistency) and an airy chocolate sponge. The orange was very subtle, almost too subtle in fact, apart from a few crunchy dark chocolate and orange curls decorating the top. But, a sharp, vibrant raspberry coulis more than made up for it.

"Cameo Club is the venue to be seen at in CF11, and maybe even Cardiff. Book your table sharpish!"

 

Reviewed: Issue 45

Published: Apr 10

 


 

Ffreshtd_ffresh_lounge_bar.jpg

Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place,
Cardiff Bay
tel: 02920 636465
wmc.org.uk/ffresh

 

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm; Sun 12-3.30pm; Thurs-Sat 7-9.30pm; plus pre-theatre dinners for big performances

We visited: Monday lunchtime

Prices: 
One course £10.50; two, £13.45; three, £17.45

Do they welcome children? Yes - well behaved ones!

Vegetarian choice: Two inventive dishes per course

Disabled access:Yes

Wine list: Very affordable and good mix of old and new worlds

Service and atmosphere: Attentive and engaging; fun, cheery atmosphere

 

"Puds range from playful and traditional (like the Harvey’s Bristol Cream sherry trifle, and home-made arctic roll with raspberry jelly) to the decidedly clever and contemporary (such as the chocolate cappuccino brûlée with Merlyn foam). After a palate-cleanser, I tried the lemon posset. The sharp pillowy posset was the perfect thickness and married superbly with a rich, jammy berry compote. The dish was completed with a suitably chewy flapjack – which with the addition of pecans (a superior nut in anyone’s book) added a wonderful toffee-like background flavour.
Trips to Ffresh shouldn’t be saved for trips to the theatre. For contemporary Welsh cuisine with heart you’ll be hard pushed to find anywhere better."

 

Reviewed: Issue 44

Published: Apr 10

 

 


 

Bully’scfl43_rr.jpg

5 Romilly Crescent,
Cardiff CF11 9NP
tel: 02920 221905


www.bullysrestaurant.co.uk

 

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 12-2pm, Tues-Thurs 7-9pm, Fri-Sat 7-9.30pm (and will be opening on Sundays soon!)

We visited: Tuesday lunch

Prices: Lunch £14 for two courses: the à-la- carte is a little more pricey
Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: A couple per course

Disabled access: Limited

Wine list: Predominantly French, sourced from small passionate growers
 

Service and atmosphere: Laidback, friendly

 

"My duck breast meanwhile blushed temptingly as it battled for plate space with a huge spring roll filled with soft shreds of confit duck, spring onions and flecks of chilli. This attempt at fusion worked, and the addition of crunchy beansprouts, pak choi and vibrant broad beans bound in a tasty jus was inspired.
"Deri defeated, I ventured alone with a pud. A sharp lemon tart (£5.50) with a curd-like centre and perfect sweet pastry hit the spot, as did the clean, green-tasting apple and basil sorbet and gorgeous raspberry coulis on the side.
"At no point during our visit were we disappointed. Bully’s is as good as ever – just be sure to book early. The word about this eatery has spread."

 

Reviewed: Issue 43

Published: Mar 10

 


Miller and Carter cfl42_rr.jpg

Hemingway Road

Cardiff CF10 4JY

tel: 02920 451315
www.millerandcarter.co.uk

 

Opening hours: Restaurant: Sunday - Thursday  midday-10pm; Friday-Saturday midday-10:30pm


We visited: Tuesday lunchtime

Prices: Set menu £6.50-£8.50; à-la -carte steaks from £7.95, burgers from £7.75. Ribs, grills, wide choice of chicken dishes, fish and veggie options also available. Starters from £3.50 

Suitable for children? Ideal, we’d say

Vegetarian choice: Not bad at all

Disabled access: Good, all ground floor

Wine list:
Excellent

 
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly



"The side orders were spot on, the service prompt and efficient – little wonder perhaps that the place was full on a Tuesday lunchtime, with couples and co-workers. You might not head to M&C for the beauty of the surroundings, but of the best steak in town is your aim, you won’t do better anywhere."

 

 

Reviewed: Issue 42

Published: Mar 10

 


 

cfl41_rr.jpg

The North Star

131 North Road, Maindy,
Cardiff CF14 3AE
tel: 02920 621736

www.northstarcardiff.com

 

Opening hours: Food is served midday-10.30pm every day

We visited:
Tuesday lunchtime

Prices:
Starters around £3, mains around £7, puds £3.95

Do they welcome children?
Yes (if eating)

Vegetarian choice: A good balance

Disabled access: Good

Wine list: Predominantly New World with a few old classics; try the world beers and guest ales


Service and atmosphere: Quick; relaxed and quiet (although we’re confident it livens up a bit in the evening)

 

"Admittedly this is no fine-dining restaurant, but it isn’t trying to be. It is a good-looking pub, with extremely reasonably priced food from a simple Italian menu. While I think it could possibly do with a few tweaks, there is great potential here. And at these prices you could easily come again and again, if only to see how things are progressing."

 

Reviewed: Issue 41

Published: Feb 10

 


 

The King Arthur Hotel cfl40_rr.jpg

Higher Green,
Reynoldston, Gower
tel: 01792 390775

www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk

 

Opening hours: Mon – Sun 12-2pm; Sun – Thurs 6-9pm; Fri and Sat 6 – 9.30pm

We visited: New Year’s Day

Prices: Starters £3.50 - £5.25; mains £5.95 - £16.95

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: A good selection

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: Try the real ales
Service and atmosphere: Attentive and thoughtful service even during a bustling lunch
 

 

The kids went out for a snowy tumble in the area beyond the car park: snowballs and skidding and kidding around, a perfectly safe place to let off steam. The adults contemplated the liqueurs and coffee and dozing, weighing them up very carefully against a walk up Cefn Bryn. The bon viveur singer had lapsed into his lilting anecdotage, with stories meandering out just beyond earshot, as intermittent as a radio play losing reception in the hillsides.
The fire crackled; the waitress hovered. A decision was made: Cefn Bryn would still be there for ever; postprandial indolence and wellbeing should always be celebrated.
How can you not succumb?

 

Reviewed: Issue 40

Published: Jan 10


The Walnut Tree Restaurant

walnut_tree_pics_001.jpg

Llanddewi Skirrid,
Abergavenny, 

Monmouthshire
NP7 8AW

tel: 01873 852797
www.thewalnuttreeinn.com

 

Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday. Midday-2.30pm; 7-10pm


We visited: Saturday evening

Prices: Starters £7-£12, mains £12-£23, set lunch £16.50-£22

Vegetarian choice: Two starters and one mains on our menu

Disabled access: Good


Service and atmosphere: Unpretentious, friendly and helpful; on a Saturday night it was buzzy and full
 
 

Puds range from homely rice puddings to decadent chocolate fondant, but we opted for the far-from-boring cheese option (£10 to share); Shaun shops locally for much of his ingredients,  but thankfully he’s not slavish about it, and so we found ourselves tucking into the likes of pungent Cropwell Bishop Stilton, truffle-rippled brillat truffe and delicately tangy pecorino nero, served with mind-blowingly good home-made walnut (what else?) bread.
Food cooked with passion and masterly skill,  served with enthusiasm at affordable, if not exactly cheap, prices.  See, why was that so hard?
 


Reviewed: Issue 39

Published: Jan 10


10 Feet Tall

cfl38_rr.image.jpg

11a-12 Church Street,
Cardiff

CF10 1BG
tel: 02920 228883

www.thisis10feettall.co.uk

 

Opening hours: Sun-Wed midday-3 am.Thurs and Fri midday-4am, Sat 11am-4am. Food served midday -10pm, until 9pm on Sunday

We visited: Tuesday evening

Prices: Very reasonable

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: Good

Disabled access: Ground floor cafe is fine

Drinks: All you could reasonably expect

 
Service and atmosphere: Laid-back, very pleasant, great décor

 



Good value, pleasant service and filling, high-quality food; 10 Feet tall is a welcome addition to the Cardiff eating-out scene. True, you could quite reasonably argue that the city centre needs a new bar/restaurant like John Barrowman needs a course in self-esteem boosting –  but like John, when it’s as good as this, we’re not complaining

Reviewed: Issue 38

Published: Dec 09

 


 

Laguna Kitchen & Barpp_cardiff_laguna_4596.jpg

Park Plaza Hotel,
Greyfriars Road, Cardiff
Tel: 02920 111103
Lagunakitchenandbar.com


Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7-10am, sat-Sun 7.30-10.30am; Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm; Sun 12-9pm

We visited: Saturday lunchtime

Prices: Great value lunch – 3 courses £15.50

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: One per course

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: 186 bottles of new and old world
Service and atmosphere: efficient and inviting


For dessert we had a classic pannacotta – suitably wobbly, silky and very vanilla-y. Surrounding it, like a moat of fruit, was, according to the menu “spiced marinated berries”. The spice, to my palate, was very subtle, so subtle in fact I couldn’t taste any, but this certainly didn’t diminish its impact. The fruit bled its ruby juices into the panna cotta and its sweetly sharp acidity happily cut through the rich cooked cream.
No wonder the Doctor approved.

Reviewed: Issue 37

Published: Nov 09


Raglans Restaurant

Copthorne Hotel, Copthorne Way,p1050773.jpg
Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff CF5 6DH
Tel: 02920 599100


Opening hours:
Mon-Sun: Lunch 12-2pm; dinner 6.30pm-9.30pm

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime

Prices: Set lunch £8.95 2 courses, £10.95 for 3

Suitable for children? Probably not the obvious choice, unless they are unusually sophisticated

Vegetarian choice: Interesting

Disabled access: Good

Wine list: Thorough

Service and atmosphere: Attentive and professional, but friendly

With a few cavils, Raglans had served us up a pretty faultless meal. And wait for this. If you opt for the set lunch menu, you pay an astonishing £8.95 for one course, £10.95 for two (à la carte is naturally pricier). Top quality dining in Cardiff at little more than you’d pay at a burger bar? Maybe Culverhouse Cross should be renamed the Magic Roundabout.

Reviewed: Issue 36

Published: Oct 09


Casanova

13 Quay Streetrrdsc05718.jpg
Cardiff
CF10 1EA
Tel: 02920 344044
www.casanovacardiff.com

Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 12-3pm, 6-10.30pm, (opening on Sunday for major events)

We visited: Wednesday lunchtime

Prices: A set lunch cost £8.95 for two courses; starters on the a la carte sart at £4, mains £11

Do they welcome children? Si

Vegetarian choice: Plenty, it’s Italian!

Disabled access: No

Wine list: Extensive collection of Italian wines

Service and atmosphere: All of the staff are reassuringly Italian, and help to create a relaxed and convivial atmosphere

I wanted the cantucci e vinsanto (almond biscotti with traditional Tuscan dessert wine, £5.50) but it seemed a little too indulgent by myself and in the middle of the day. I am sure Luca could see my inner torment at whether or not to have one of the other marscapone-laden puds and so instead brought me out a shot glass of strawberry granita. Sticky and sweet, it tasted like the fresh berries had been crushed that second.

Casanova is one of those rare treats. I expected little, and yet was met with one of the best Italian meals I have tasted this side of the Channel. I can’t praise this modest little eatery enough.

Reviewed: Issue 35

Published: October 09


Cefn Mably

Michaelston-y-Fedw,p1150002.jpg
South Glamorgan
Tel: 01633 680347


Serving hours: Tues-Sat 12-2.30pm, Mon-Sat 6.30-9.30pm

We visited: A stormy Thursday lunchtime

Prices: Starters £4-5, Mains £8-£15

Do they welcome children? Of course, this is a family joint

Vegetarian choice: Plenty

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: Cefn Mably favourites from all over the world

Service and atmosphere: Friendly and homely
 
There’s a reason people come back time and time again to the Cefn Mably Arms. It’s run by a family who cares about its customers and its wares. Ale is real, food is wholesome and service is charmingly friendly. What more could you ask?

Reviewed: Issue 34

Published: September 09


Tides Restaurant

St David’s Hotel,tides-at-night.jpg
Havannah Street,
Cardiff Bay
Tel: 02920 454045
www.principal-hayley.com


Opening hours: Open every day for lunch (midday-2pm) and dinner (6.30-9.30pm)

We visited: Monday evening

Prices: Starters £4.50-£6.95; mains £12.95-£18.95; puds £4.95; cheeses £6.50

Do they welcome children? Yes, though it’s fairly formal

Vegetarian choice: Choice of two mains and two starters on the night we visited

Disabled access: Good

Service and atmosphere: Respectful and efficient

I’m not arguing with that. This was an exemplary meal, well up to the standard set by Georg Fuchs when Tides first opened; we think, like u, he would have been impressed.
And the the final Irish-Welsh score? Oh, Wales won all right.

Reviewed: Issue 33

Published: August 09


 

Lorenza’s

153-155 Crwys Road,p1130781.jpg
Cathays,
Cardiff,
Tel: 02920 232261
www.lorenzas.co.uk


Opening hours: Tues-Sat 12-2.30pm and 5.30-10.30pm

We visited: Thursday lunchtime

Prices: Starters £4-7, pasta around £10

Do they welcome children? Of course

Vegetarian choice: Plenty

Disabled access: Good

Wine list: Predominantly Italian, of course, but there are also a few Spanish, Chilean and South African wines in there, too

Service and atmosphere: The service is Italian, friendly and passionate about the food

"At this point we were all slumped in our chairs slightly more nonchalantly. There is just something about carb-laden, Italian fare that induces a pleasant, comforting, lethargy. One that can only be remedied with a shot of limoncello. Somehow on this occasion we managed to pass on this particular treat and instead stuck to the lemon cheesecake – just one between three, but so large was the portion that there was no unseemly fighting – made with mascarpone, cream and fresh lemons (£3.75). The base was rich and sticky with butter, while the top was possibly the smoothest cheesecake I had ever tasted – silky and not cakey in the slightest. The lemon flavour was delicate, which we all enjoyed (never were three spoons so rapidly employed). Italians don’t like to do things by halves, and Lorenza’s is no exception. A fine example of Italian cookery at its best."

Reviewed: Issue 32

Published: July 09


Cosmo

Unit 16 and U7B,rrdsc05141.jpg
Mermaid Quay,
Cardiff Bay CF10 5BZ
Tel: 02920 461333
www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

Opening hours: 12-3pm, Mon-Thurs 5.30-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 5.30-11pm, Sun 12-10.30pm

We visited: Monday early evening

Prices: Lunch £6.50, Dinner £11.99-£12.99

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: A good selection

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: Good choice of wine and beers

Service and atmosphere: The atmosphere is fun and buzzy, service is minimal

"I was royally defeated after two plates (I admit I was ashamed). The lodger, three plates later, was still eager to try the puds, which again were plentiful. Colourful, but fairly standard, the desserts ranged from chocolate fountains to sweets, fresh fruit and cakes. We opted for the fresh fruit and sorbets – a refreshing and light end to a jam-packed meal. A great, relaxed night out in an ideal location and for a great price – I’ll definitely be back."

Reviewed: Issue 31

Published: July 09


 

The Market Place

66 The High Street,p1040978.jpg
Cowbridge
CF71 7AH
Tel: 01446 774800
www.the-marketplace.co.uk

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 12-3pm and 6-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-3pm and 6-9pm, Sun 12-3pm

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime

Prices: Set lunch menu two courses £10.95, three £13.95, a la carte starters around £5, mains around £12

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: One or two per course

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: A good mix

Service and atmosphere: Very relaxed and friendly

"While the service may be rather too relaxed for suit those on a limited lunchtime, there is a little to fault at this eatery. New head chef and owner Tim Marriott (who incidentally, likes to walk, genial-host-like among his customers to see that all is well) has struck the perfect note. Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together?"

Reviewed: Issue 30

Published: June 09

 


 

Llansantffraed Court

Llanvihangel Gobion, nr. Abergavenny,rrp1120409.jpg
Monmouthshire
Tel: 01873 840678
www.Llch.co.uk


Opening hours: Open every day; lunch served midday-2pm, dinner 7-9pm

We visited: Monday lunchtime

Prices: Set lunch meal £14.50 for 2 courses, £19 for three

Do they welcome children? “We welcome children, dogs and cyclists”

Vegetarian choice: yes

Disabled access: A couple of steps

Wine list: Extensive; you can have anything you like from the list by glass

Service and atmosphere: Relaxed, old-fashioned, but in a good way

Llansantffraed Court may look like an unlikely place for an uprising, but it’s very much a part of the foodie rev0olution that’s happening in Wales today. Definitely worth a detour.

Reviewed: Issue 29

Published: June 09


 

Mint & Mustard

134 Whitchurch Roadrrp1040250.jpg
Cardiff. CF14 3LZ
Tel: 02920 620333
www.mintandmustard.com


Opening hours:
Sun-Fri 12-2.30pm; Mon-Sat 6-11pm; Sun 6-10.30pm

We visited: Monday lunchtime

Prices: £25-27 for the tasting menu; a la carte starters £3-6, mains £8-11

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: Plenty

Disabled access: No

Wine list: Predominantly new world plus the obligatory Cobra beer

Service and atmosphere: Attentive and thoroughly knowledgeable; calm and sedate

"Not normally one to venture into the world of Indian desserts, we were intrigued by the final platter of three sweet bites. The chocomosas (filo parcels of a nutty dark chocolate ganache) were good, but the crème brulee was magnificent. A smooth custard infused with cardamom, with a thin but perfectly caramelized crispy top. Wonderful. The third was a grilled piece of pineapple marinaded in honey and saffron – a spice a little too subtle for me hardened taste buds.
"At £27 for the (meat) tasting menu, it certainly isn’t cheap, but you can’t argue that this is a very well balanced and executed example of authentic Indian cuisine. I’ll certainly be listening to Priya’s recommendations again.
"

Reviewed: Issue 28

Published: May 09


 

The Crown at Whitebrook

Whitebrook,rrp1030813.jpg
Monmouthshire
NP25 4TX
Tel: 01600 860254
www.crownatwhitebrook.co.uk


Opening hours:
12-2pm Mon-Sun, 7-9.30pm Mon-Sat

We visited: Thursday lunchtime

Prices: Lunch: two courses £25, three courses £28. Taster menu (6 courses) £39.95.

Do they welcome children? Lunch yes, dinner 12+

Vegetarian choice: One per course

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: Award-winning and varied

Service and atmosphere: A little formal on first impression, but smile and the staff soon relax

Head chef James Sommerin, who is also employed as executive head chef at The Crown at Celtic manor, has seemingly created a menu that is a masterpiece of subtleties.
No one flavour overpowers, attacking your taste buds, instead each dish is a careful and exquisite balance of flavours, which dance over your tongue like a well-performed ballet. The verdict: utterly sublime.

Reviewed: Issue 27

Published: April 09


 Ba Orient

Unit 27, Ground Floorrr_p1100677.jpg
Cardiff Bay CF10 5BZ
Tel: 02920 463939
www.baorient.com


Opening hours: Food is served Sun 12-10pm, Mon 12-3pm, 6-10pm, Tues-Thurs 12-3pm, 6-11pm, Fri 212-3pm, 5.30-11pm, Sat 12-11pm

We visited: Monday early evening

Prices: Dim sum around £4 each

Do they welcome children? Until 9pm

Vegetarian choice: A few in each section

Disabled access: Yes

Wine list: Forget wine, this place is all about the cocktails

Atmosphere: While quiet on our visit, on the weekend you can imagine Ba Orient comes alive

"There is something about this kind of cuisine and dining ritual that I absolutely love. The multiple plates and hands for that matter, all digging in to enjoy their morsels of food. The ability to eat your way through a whole menu, the convivial nature of the whole experience. It’s just more relaxed. Will I be back? Of course – mine’s a kumquat crush please."

Reviewed: Issue 26

Published: March / April 09


The Thai Houserrthai-house-exterior.jpg

3-5 Guildford Crescent,
Churchill Way,
Cardiff
Tel: 02920 387404
www.thairhouse.biz


Opening hours: Monday-Saturday midday-2.30pm and 6.30-11pm

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime

Prices: Lunchtime two courses £10.50, three £12.95; Dinner: starters £5-£9, mains £8-£15

Do they welcome children? For early dining

Vegetarian choice: A good selection of starters, sides and main courses

Disabled access: Not ideal

Wine list: Predominantly French, with Spanish, Italian and even Thai wines

Service and atmosphere: Friendly, brasserie-style

"The Thai House certainly sated my craving. And while some of the main dishes weren’t everything I’d hoped (I’m sure the evening menu has plenty more to offer), that amazing lemon soup is still fresh in my memory. Well, worth a visit, if only for the soup alone."

Reviewed: Issue 25

Published: March 09


Bully’s

44 Cardiff Road,
Llandaff,rrp1030292.jpg
Cardiff
CF5 2DS
Tel: 02920 561996
www.bullys-restaurant.co.uk


Opening hours
: Tues-Fri 12-2pm/7-9pm, Sat 7-9pm

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime

Prices: Two courses£10.95, three courses £12.95

Do they welcome children? Yes

Disabled access: Difficult

Wine list: Rumoured to be good!

Service and atmosphere: Russell is a superb host and makes the whole experience that much more pleasurable

"What oozes from this place is pure, unadulterated passion. Russell eats, sleeps and breaths his food and that comes across in both his masterful hosting skills (he made us feel at complete ease, even though we were the only ones dining) and his wonderful relationship with his chefs, who are skilled craftsmen in their own right. How this place has been kept a secret for so long, I will never know. If there is one restaurant you visit this month, or even this year, make it this one."
 
Reviewed: Issue 23
 
Published: January 09

 


Tenkaichi

cardiffrrpic.jpg

236 City Road
Roath,
Cardiff
Tel: 029 2048 1888
www.tenkaichi.co.uk


Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12-2pm. 5.30-11pm. Fri-Sat 12noon-12midnight. Sunday 12noon-10.30pm

We visited: Friday night

Prices: Bento boxes £5.90-£11.50, rice dishes £4.40-£8.50. Ramen dishes £5.70-£6.90/ Yakisoba and udon dishes £5.40-£6. sashimi £5.30-£13.30. Sushi £1.90-£4.20

Vegetarian choice: excellent

Wine list: Surprisingly good, there’s also a good cocktail menu

"This place is properly authentic, right down to the cramped seating and buzz of happy conversation that filled the room. The food is good and the sashimi excellent; it really is like having a bit of Tokyo in the centre of Cardiff, just about a hundred times cheaper. Go, go now and learn to love raw fish."

Reviewed: Issue 22

Published: January 09


The Star Innrrs1030024.jpg

Ewenny Road,
Wick,
Vale of Glamorgan,
Tel: 01656 890 519


Opening hours: Dinner served until 9pm

We visited: Friday night

Prices: Starters and puds at £4.95, mains up to £9.95

Vegetarian choice: One choice per course

Disabled access: Excellent

Wine list: Very decent list

Service and atmosphere: Quiet when we went, with excellent service, got very full just as we left. Perhaps it was us.

We’d been told that the puddings here were mighty good, particularly the lemon posset, and after what had gone before I could well believe it. Problem was we were just too full to try, properly bursting at the seams so, sadly we had to pass. As we were about to leave the bar was flooded with trendy looking media-types; it was that star sign you see, guiding them, like so may wise men.

Reviewed: Issue 21

Published: December 08


The Hard Rock Caférrp1030047.jpg

The Old Brewery Quarter

Cardiff

Tel: 02920 373 403

www.hardrock.com


Opening hours: Sun-Thurs: midday – 10.30pm; Fri-Sat: midday – 11.30pm

We visited: Sunday lunchtime

Prices: Our ‘Shake it Up’ session cost £30pp including all food and drink (minimum 8 people)

Do they welcome children? Yeprrofficial-pic---tiny.jpg

Vegetarian choice: Veggie versions of the legendary burgers and much more

Disabled access: Some steps to the restaurant

Service and atmosphere: Rock’n’roll

"Lovely guys; a fun afternoon. And here’s the thing: quite apart from enjoying the laidback atmosphere and the drinks, we’d been served a considerably better meal, quite frankly, than the luckless Cardiff Life team had endured in one of the city’s posh eateries that week. There’s more to the Hard Rock Café than meets the eye."

Reviewed: Issue 20

Published: November 08


La Fosserr_dsc03520.jpg

9-11 The Hayes,

Cardiff

Tel: 02920 237755


Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm, Mon-Weds 6-9pm, Thurs-Sat 6-11pm, Sun 12-4pm

We visited: Thursday 6pm

Prices: Starters: £5-6, Mains: meats and fish are weighed so prices differ, Desserts: £4-5

Do they welcome children? Yes

Vegetarian choice: Very limited – here the focus is on the fresh fish and local meats

Disabled access: Yes, there is a lift down to the basement

Wine list: Long, with a wide price range

Service and atmosphere: Delightful, on both counts

Reviewed: Issue 19

Published: October 08

"Once down the flight of stairs, things changed. I began to hear the soothing sound of a Spanish guitar; I could smell the gentle charring of fresh meat on a grill and the light offered a gentle, moody glow. The place looked familiar, possibly because several Doctor Who scenes were shot here a couple of years back, when Billie played the companion du jour.
And (if you’ll tolerate the whimsical leap) it felt a little as if I, too, had travelled back in time, thanks to a retro-décor that embraces palm trees, a Copacabana-style bar and impeccably-dressed European waiters.

"I couldn’t decide between my childhood favourite – fruits of the forest cheesecake – and a more adult indulgent, a chocolate and rum torte.
“No problem senorita, you can have a bit of both.” How can you not love this place?
"


 

cardiffrrp1020728.jpgLas Iguanas

8 Mill Lane,

Cardiff

tel: 02920 226373  

www.iguanas.co.uk

Opening hours: Every day midday-11.00pm;  bar open Fri-Sat until late

We visited: Monday lunchtime

Prices: Tapas £1.60-£5.50; sharing platters £12.50-£15.50; mains £7.90-£14.50; desserts £3.80-£4.80

Service: Friendly and helpful

Disabled access: Main area is fne

Children: They’ll adore it. Special half portions avaialble and free organic baby food/activities on tap!  

What else do I need to know? The place buzzes after dark, with killer cocktails served in the cachacaria

Reviewed: Issue 18

Published: October 08


armless dragon

p1020502.jpg

97 Wyeverne Road,
Cathays,
Cardiff
tel: 02920 382357
www.armless-dragon.co.uk

 

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday: 12-2pm, 7-9.30pm; Saturday 7-9.30pm. Monday evening by prior arrangement only . 

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime.

Prices: starters £4.95-£6.25, mains £15-£18; puddings £4.95.

Décor: Tired.

Cuisine: Contemporary Welsh.

Service: Charmless and clueless.

Veggie choice: One starter, one main.

Disabled access: Good.

Reviewed: Issue 17

Published: September 08

"By this stage we were feeling quite complacent; OK, so the place wasn’t a looker and the service was laughably amateurish, but our food had been tasty and the cooking imaginative; our friends and colleagues had been wrong! Then it all fell apart.

We both went for the hazelnut panacotta, which was OK, if not wildly panacotta-ish, being more like mousse. The crunchiness of the nuts was a welcome addition – which is more than I can say for the black hair that appeared in the second spoonful. We both froze with horror; our appetites instantly evaporated."


 

 cardiffrest_16.jpg

Illtud‘s 216

216 Church Street,

Llantwit Major.

tel: 01446 793800

www.llantwitmajorvale.co.uk

“Flickering candlelight that makes the room glow like a jewel and a projected flm of a crackling fre makes you feel as if you’re at a mediaeval feast”

 
Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday: coffee from 10am, lunch from midday-2.30 pm, dinner from 7pm; Sunday lunch midday-2.30 pm, dinner from 7pm

We visited:  Saturday evening

Prices: starters £4-£8.95, mains £12.50-£14.75, puds £4.50  

Cuisine: “A comfortable menu using predominately Welsh ingredients."

Service: Disarming

Veggie choice: Two starters, two mains.

Disabled access: Good

Reviewed: Issue 16

Published: September 08


cardiffres15p1020321.jpg

Madame Fromage

18, 21-25 Castle Arcade,

Cardiff

 

tel: 02920 644888

www.madamefromage.co.uk

"a lot of effort goes into this place" 

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10am- 5.30pm. Saturday: 9am-6pm. Sunday: 11am-5pm

I visited: Tuesday lunchtime  

Prices: A flling main course costs around £6/7. Or call in for coffee and a slice of home-made cake. 

Service: Delightful

Disabled access: Good

Children: They’ll love it

Reviewed: Issue 15.

Published: August 08


  

p1000766restcard14.jpg

Woods Brasserie and Bar

The Pilotage Building

Stuart Street

Cardiff Bay

tel: 02920 492400

www.woods-brasserie.com

 

Opening hours: Mon-Sat midday-2pm, 5.30-10pm, Sun midday-3pm (also 7-10pm June-September)

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime.

Vegetarian choice: Good

Prices: Great set lunch meals from £10.50-£16.50; pre-theatre £16.95-£19.95; Sunday lunch £14.95-£17.95; dinner à la carte obviously pricier (see website).

Disabled access: OK.

Children: Not really a kid zone.

Reviewed: Issue 14

Published: July 08


 

 Glo Bar and Restaurantcardiff_rest13.jpg

4 Churchill Way

Cardiff 

tel: 02920 237177

 

OUR  VERDICT

If you thought that the Glo Bar was just for nighthawks, think again; the restaurant takes its ingredients as seriously as any haute cuisine diner,  and serves them up in generous proportions with the minimum of fuss and pretension.

 

Opening: The bar is open 10am–3am seven days a week with food served from 12pm to 7pm

Prices: The tapas menu, which is served from 3pm, has dishes from around £3-£5, while main courses range from about £5 to £9

Service style: Chilled out but certainly not neglectful

Vegetarian choice: Veggies should be suitably satisfied

Disabled access: Limited

Children: Welcome, but perhaps not at 3am

Wine: Take your pick, the clue is in the title...

Reviewed: Issue 13 Cardiff Life

Published: June 08


 

cardiff_12res.jpgLe Gallois Y Cymro

6-10 Romilly Crescent,

Cardiff CF11

tel: 02920 341264

www.legallois-ycymro.com

Effortlessly French in ambience and fusing a Gallic/Welsh cuisine, this friendly restaurant combines fine, imaginative dining with great, relaxed service – equally loved by locals and those seeking a destination diner for a special meal Deri Robins enjoys a faultless Ffrench lunch at a popular Canton restaurant

“Had it been my sole meal of the day, the starter would have been just about the right size. Le Gallois – Y Cymro is about as French as Cardiff gets”

Opening: Tuesday-Thursday, midday-2.30pm, 6.30-9.30pm; Fri and Sat midday-2.30pm, 6.30-10pm; Sunday lunch midday-3pm

Prices: Lunch £12.95 for 2 courses, £15.95 for three. A la carte: starters £3.50-£7.95, mains £13.95-£31.95

Service style: Affable, efficient, Français

Vegetarian choice: Un peu

Disabled access: Très bien

Children: Mais oui! (We felt like Mr Bumble for even asking)

Wine: Good choice, good prices, mainly French

Reviewed: Issue 12 Cardiff Life

Published: June 08

 

car11res.jpgTempus Fugit

Ogmore-by-Sea,

Bridgend

tel: 01656 880661

 

www.tempusfugitogmore.co.uk 

 

Cosy, laid-back Ogmore restaurant with immensely friendly staff, serving  Spanish-style tapas along with ‘the best pizzas in Wales’ – a Mediterranean cuisine that ideally complements Tempus Fugit’s sun, sea and sand location  . As summer attempts to arrive in South Wales, Deri Robins goes in search of some sunshine cooking at Ogmore’s friendly Mediterranean eatery. “Portions come in sensible sizes rather than as glorified canapés”

Opening hours: Food served Tues-Sat  midday-3pm, 6-9pm; Sundays and bank holidays, midday-5pm. Closed Mondays.

We visited: Wednesday lunchtime

Prices: The legendary pizzas are £5.95-£13.95; tapas £3.50-5.95; Anthony’s home-made puddings are £4.95

Service style: Local, relaxed and friendly

Vegetarian choice: Good

Disabled access: Good

Children: Yes, they’ll love it here

Dogs: Permitted to sit outside (this is Ogmore, after all...)

Reviewed: Issue 11 Cardiff Life

Published: May 08

 

res_pic.jpgThe Plan

28-29 Morgan Arcade,

St Mary Street

tel: 02920 398764

  “People plan things when they come to cafés,” says the owner of The Plan. Mindless consumption of good food is also a valid option, says Deri Robins... 
“The emphasis is on comfort food, seasoned with sustainability”

  Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 7.30am-5pm; 11am-4pm Sunday
(“though we’re thinking of opening earlier”)

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime

Prices: Salads and main courses £6.20-7.50; filled baguettes £4.70-£5.20; breakfast around £3.50

Vegetarian choice: Veggie dishes predominate; many vegan options

Children: Welcome; they’ll love it

Disabled access: Ground-floor café fine, loos down steep stairs

Service style: Relaxed and charming

What else do I need to know?: The Plan sources locally, seasonally and organically wherever possible. Coffees are Fair Trade; they also do delicious home-made smoothies and organic milkshakes, hot chocolate and soft drinks; beer and wine also available.

Reviewed: Issue 10 Cardiff Life

Published: April 25


dsc01408.jpgThe Yard

42-43 St Mary Street,

Cardiff

el: 02920 227577

 

www.sabrain.com

 


OUR  VERDICT

The city centre’s most stylish bar serves well-priced, filling, super-fresh fare
all day long – for which Deri Robins and team are truly grateful. “It was the kind of evening that positively encouraged the consumption of comfort food”


Typical of the new Brains pub/restaurant hybrid. Drink and eat, or just drink, or just eat; hearty, affordable food, served by friendly staff in contemporary, relaxed surroundings. The clear choice when meeting friends in the city centre.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-1am; Sun, 11am-12.30am; food served Mon-Sun, 10am-10pm

We visited: Monday evening

Prices: All our mains cost £7.95; salads are from £6.95, sandwiches from £4.25, puddings from £3.45; in other words, it’s all very affordable. Most expensive are the steak grills; even they are £11.95 tops

Vegetarian choice: It’s certainly not The Yard’s speciality, but there are a few choices

Disabled access: Good

Children: Up until 7pm

Reviewed: Issue 9 Cardiff Life

Published: April 4

 

 

 

p1000519.jpgEl Puerto

The Old Custom House

Penarth Marina

Tel: 02920 70 5551

 

www.theoldcustomhouse.co.uk

 

 
OUR  VERDICT

Welsh ingredients, European cuisine and staggering views across the Bay; the Cardiff Life dining team have just added El Puerto to their favourites list.
The vast experience of head chef Trefor Jones, impressively fresh local ingredients, a laidback, brasserie feel and one of the best locations in the Cardiff area; no wonder you need to book or turn up early to ensure a table at El Puerto
“The pleasant, relaxed atmosphere was rapidly winning us over. It’s precisely the sort of cooking you stumble across in the tavernas of the Med”


Opening hour's: Lunch, midday-2.30pm, dinner 7-11pm; Sunday, midday-4.30pm.

We visited: Tuesday lunchtime.

Prices: The menu’s so varied and extensive that you really need to check the website – but you can eat as cheaply as £5.95 for a main course.

Service: Efficient and charming. 

Disabled access: Good

Children: Welcome. The cod and chips should go down a treat. 

Reviewed: Issue 8 Cardiff Life

Published: March 14

   

restaurant_pic.jpgMimosa

Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay

tel: 02920 491900

www.mimosakitchen.co.uk

OUR  VERDICT: “We liked the fact that you can order a wide range of courses in two sizes, and very much liked the fact that even the smallest of these turned out to be huge”

It’s nice when a place lives up to the hype; Deri Robins joins the chorus of praise for Mimosa, and only wishes she’d had room for the pudding course. Hip, stylish gastro-bar that takes its food seriously, and as such has won a loyal clientèle among locals and visitors-in-the-know.


Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-11pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-midnight; Sunday 10am-10.30pm. Brunch 10am-midday, à la carte from midday until 10pm (Mon-Sat) and 9.30pm (Sunday)

We visited: Wednesday lunchtime

Prices: Starters £3.95-£6.25, many available as mains-size portions. Salads £4.95-£9.50; burgers £6.95-£8.50; mains £8.50-£15.95

Service: Friendly and bilingual

Disabled access: Fine, all one-level

Children: Welcome

What else do I need to know? Mimosa fully supports Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s ‘Chickens Out!’ campaign; oh, and the name comes from the tea clipper Mimosa, which took Welsh families to Patagonia in 1895

Reviewed: Issue 7 Cardiff Life

Published: Feb 22

 

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The Grape & Olive

Wedal Road, Cardiff

tel: 02920 617054

www.grapeandolive.com

OUR  VERDICT: Deri Robins escapes to a popular Heath restaurant on a wet Welsh Wednesday, and finds it to be the ideal port in a storm “Had I had romantic designs on Joe, this would have been an ideal place to pounce...”


Very welcoming and unstuffy Brains eatery, serving an eclectic menu with a Mediterranean / Italian influence. Evening nibbles are ideal for sharing with friends

Opening hours: Open from 10am-10pm every day; brunch served 10am-midday, lunch menu from midday; after 5pm you can order from the dinner or ‘nibbles’ (tapas-style) menu

We visited: On a wet Wednesday lunchtime

Prices: Brunch from £5.95 to £41.90 for a champagne breakfast; lunch starters  £5.50-£6.95, pasta/pizza £6.95-£8.50; meat and fish £9.95-£12.95, desserts all under £5. Dinner prices identical, though pasta courses rise to £11.95

Service: Pleasant, laid-back yet efficient

Disabled access: Good

Children: Very welcome; they’ll love it

Vegetarians: Plenty of choice

Reviewed: Issue 6 Cardiff Life

Published: Feb 1


 

 

cardiff_restaurant.jpg

Bayside Brasserie

Mermaid Quay

Cardiff Bay

tel: 02920 358444

www.baysidebrasserie.com

OUR  VERDICT:The Brasserie combines one of Cardiff’s best dining locations with a well-priced menu that should please just about everybody. Great views. Great décor. Super-fresh ingredients, cooked to order; what’s not to like about this Bayside eatery? Not a lot, as Deri Robins discovers.

 

What else do I need to know? The location could not be bettered, with panoramic views across the bay. Ordering is on a self-service basis.

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12-2.30pm; 6-10pm (Fri& Sat open until 11pm); Sun 12-4pm, 6-9.30pm

We visited: Wednesday lunchtime

Cuisine: Classic brasserie fare

Prices: Great-value set meals at £8.95; à la carte meat and fish starters around £6; mains £13-£17; all desserts under £5

Service: Very friendly and efficient

Wine list: Excellent – see website

Vegetarian choice: One choice among mains and starters in set meal (plus soup)

Disabled access: Limited

Children: Well catered for 

Reviewed: Issue 5 Cardiff Life

Published: January 11 



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