Cardiff Life
Restaurant Reviews
Sale Pepe
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 Tree
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 
3 & 5 Pontcanna St,
Cardiff CF11 9HQ
tel: 02920 220466
cameoclub.co.uk
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
Ffresh
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’s
5 Romilly Crescent,
Cardiff CF11 9NP
tel: 02920 221905
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 
Hemingway RoadCardiff 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
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 
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
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
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 & Bar
Park Plaza Hotel,
Greyfriars Road, Cardiff
Tel: 02920 111103
Lagunakitchenandbar.com
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,
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 Street
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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 Road
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,
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 Floor
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 House
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,
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
Tenkaichi
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 Inn
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 Café
The Old Brewery Quarter
Cardiff
Tel: 02920 373 403
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? Yep
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 Fosse
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?"
Las Iguanas
8 Mill Lane,
Cardiff
tel: 02920 226373
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
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."
Illtud‘s 216
216 Church Street,
Llantwit Major.
“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
Madame Fromage
18, 21-25 Castle Arcade,
Cardiff
tel: 02920 644888
"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
Woods Brasserie and Bar
The Pilotage Building
Stuart Street
Cardiff Bay
tel: 02920 492400
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 Restaurant
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
Le Gallois Y Cymro
6-10 Romilly Crescent,
Cardiff CF11
tel: 02920 341264
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
Tempus Fugit
Ogmore-by-Sea,
Bridgend
tel: 01656 880661
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
The 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
The Yard
42-43 St Mary Street,
Cardiff
el: 02920 227577
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
El Puerto
The Old Custom House
Penarth Marina
Tel: 02920 70 5551
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
Mimosa
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
tel: 02920 491900
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
The Grape & Olive
Wedal Road, Cardiff
tel: 02920 617054
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
Bayside Brasserie
Mermaid Quay
Cardiff Bay
tel: 02920 358444
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
