Wagamama
Mermaid Quay

Mermaid Quay is certainly chock with international-themed eateries. But discreetly tucked away upstairs with views across the Wales Millennium Centre, ‘Pan-Asian-inspired’ noodle restaurant Wagamama’s airy atmosphere and clean, simple layout immediately put you at ease for a relaxed dining experience. Though the regular wine list is well stocked, it seems more appropriate to sample their plum wine, diluted to hangover-eschewing levels with sparkling water and ice. We recommend refreshing Japanese beer Kirin Ichiban too, though the plum wine tang perfectly complements our chosen side-slash-starter, duck gyoza, five deep-fried duck dumplings with seriously tasty spicy cherry hoi sin sauce.

Healthy they may be, yet mains are where eyes can outstrip stomachs in a big way, particularly if you order a ‘soup noodles’ ramen option. Plumping for new menu addition pork miso ramen, the roasted pork belly arrives in hearty chunks and the accompanying menma (pickled bamboo shoots) are a treat. It would take a greedier appetite than ours to empty an apparently bottomless soup bowl; generous barely covers the helpings. Vegetarians are spoilt as well, our partner trying teppan selection yasai yaki soba, its whole-wheat noodles cooked on a griddle with grilled flavour to satisfy the staunchest carnivore. If anything, in fact, the meat-based dish is eclipsed: gobbling through crunchy beansprouts and mushrooms, each mouthful is more appetising than the last. Sweet tooth satisfied via a coconut reika ice cream dessert drizzled in tangy mango sauce, for sheer convenience, tastiness and value, Wagamama has to be among Cardiff Bay’s top destinations for dinner or lunch. Adam Kennedy

Tempus at Tides Bar and Restaurant
St David’s Hotel & Spa, Cardiff

Situated in one of Cardiff’s premier hotels, the Tempus at Tides Bar & Restaurant offers diners the opportunity to enjoy incredible sea views without the bustle of tourism. Unlike some of the newer eateries to the city, here you are not sitting elbow-to-elbow with other diners – which probably contributes to the constant flow of A-listers through their doors, eager for anonymity and space to unwind. The lion’s share of the menu comes straight from the Welsh seas, with a concerted effort on producing hearty yet stylish dishes. My dining partner begins with a goats cheese filo parcel with beetroot salad and red onion marmalade; I’m told the flavours are balanced impeccably as I tackle a dish of mussels, nicely offset by a subtle white wine and cream sauce.

My main course of traditional fish pie with seasonal vegetables is deftly presented with a rich, deep filling. Its delicate look and combination of tastes betrays the hearty and warming effect on the tummy. My dining partner opts for the seared fillet of Welsh sea bass which, coupled with the generous seasoning, evokes childhood memories of sitting on ramshackle fishing boats breathing in gulps of salty air. It is fused seamlessly with a creamy cockle sauce. The dessert menu is effervescent with experimentation. The classic pear tart tatin is accompanied by a black pepper ice cream, enclosed skillfully into a crafted honeycomb shell. At first it leaves the palate somewhat confused but a few spoonfuls elevate the uncertainty into pure satisfaction. My dining partner finishes with a white chocolate mousse, mango milkshake and lemon biscotti. Again, it’s a bold culinary statement with winning results. Add efficient, friendly staff and stunning surroundings to the mix and Tempus at Tides is swiftly becoming one of the Bay’s shimmering dining jewels of the sea.
Michael Took

The best tables courtesy of RedHanded

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