The Eat Guide by St David's 2017-18 edition

THE

EAT GUIDE

BY St Davi d’ s

Y o u r G u i d e t o e at i n g o u t at S t D av i d ’ s

EAT CLUB

BY ST DAVID’S

SD EAT Club Notebook Advert Jan2016.indd 1

22/01/2016 11:26

HELLO

WELCOME Welcome to the 2017-18 edition of The Eat Guide by St David’s - your handy introduction to the 40-plus restaurants and cafés you’ll find right in the heart of Cardiff city centre.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, St David’s is the place to come for good food, and by good food we don’t mean expensive food, we mean satisfying, lick-the-plate, share-it-onInstagram, delicious food. From sushi to sundaes and from pain aux raisins to the perfect risotto, you’ll find everything you could possibly fancy here. There’s food for a quick stop while you shop, for a can’t-be-botheredto-cook Tuesday, for a special birthday. Bon appétit!

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Brought to you by…

The Content Emporium thecontentemporium.co.uk Editor: Charlotte Laing. Art Editors: Neil Lodge and Esther Curtis.

Editorial Assistant: Jessica Rees. Contributors: Charlotte Dallin, Catherine Davies, Greg Laing. © 2017 The St David’s Partnership, a joint venture between Land Securities and Intu Properties PLC. No content from this guide can be reproduced without prior written consent of The St David’s Partnership.

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What’s Inside

CONTENTS 16

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5. The world is here

Take a taste tour at St David’s

6. Our restaurants

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Cardiff, you’ll find the best places here

9. Wahaca’s Thomasina Miers

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The queen of Mexican cuisine talks exclusively to The Eat Guide

10. Jamie’s Italian spotlight

The celebrity chef on Cardiff, plus, we have THAT famous brownie recipe

15. Carluccio’s spaghetti vongole recipe

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Cut out and keep this stunning dish

17. From dawn ‘til dusk

Whether you want morning coffee, a casual lunch, a dressed-up dinner or late night cocktails, you’ll never go hungry at St David’s

25. Cosy Club’s head of food

Discover the man behind the menu

27. Make a day of it

Food for mid-shop munching, family feasting or pre-theatre dining

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30. Our cafés

Refuel on lattes, wraps, crêpes, smoothies, pretzels, cakes and more

DINING IDEAS

THE WORLD IS HERE...

With everything from classic carbonara to sushi on the menus at St David’s, you can take a taste tour. No passport required…

french

japanese

The Japanese really know how to eat – from steaming bowls of ramen to perfectly formed sushi, it’s always a winner if you want a tasty, and often healthy, meal. At St David’s choose from Wagamama, YO! Sushi and Mount Fuji.

italian

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian food at St David’s.

From the pizza favourites Zizzi, Prezzo and Pizza Express to the foodie haven Jamie’s Italian, and the traditional Ciliegino you are never far away from an Italian welcome and a cold glass of Prosecco.

american

Burgers, fries, mac ‘n’ cheese, shakes, New York cheesecake, doughnuts... there’s no end to the delicious food we’ve borrowed from across the Atlantic. Get your fill at T.G.I Fridays, Ed’s Easy Diner and Krispy Kreme.

In France lunch often lasts for hours. We like their attitude! For croque monsieur, boeuf bourguignon, or moules frites, step into Café Rouge. Fancy a crêpe?

Try Crêpeaffaire for amazing sweet and savoury options.

mexican

If you like your food spicy, and full of flavour, you’ll love Mexican cuisine. One visit to Wahaca for tacos and guacamole and you’ll be hooked.

For a quick bite packed with big flavour, you have to try Barburrito, while Chimichanga is a really fun place serving up tasty Tex-Mex dishes.

british

Exciting, exotic food is all well and good, but sometimes we hanker for a little home-grown comfort food. Bangers and mash, fish and chips and a nice pie! Step into Cosy Club for traditional British food, done well.

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RestAURANTS

Jamie’s Italian The Hayes 029 2002 7792

@Gerosimov: Another brilliant meal at @JamiesItalianUK I can always trust the food is good here #cardiff #restaurants #italian

The Jamie’s Italian menu is packed with the food you’d find ordinary people eating in Italy. Rustic, simple dishes, the best seasonal ingredients, sourced both locally and in Italy, made with care but delivered without fuss. There’s fresh pasta made daily, mouth-wateringly good anti-pasti planks, menu staples such as burgers and spaghetti, and specials allowing you to discover something new on every visit. In the summer you can even sit al fresco on The Hayes and watch the world go by - bliss!

Wahaca The Hayes 029 2167 0414 Overturning the ‘Tex Mex’ stereotype with every plate served, Wahaca is the brainchild of Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers. This is the Mexican restaurant chain’s first opening in Wales, and we’re not quite sure what we did before we had their tacos and tequila cocktails in our lives. Drop in (most tables can’t be reserved) for a taste of Mexican market eating. It’s a sociable, bustling place with friendly staff and an upstairs cocktail bar that’s perfect for a pre-dinner drink and people watching. We think this is an equally perfect settling for lunch while shopping, date night canoodling, or a fun evening out with friends - the welcome will always be warm.

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Must try: We love the pork pibil tacos - toasted corn tortillas stuffed with slow cooked pork in a Yucatecan marinade. The guacamole and spicy slaw are also out of this world.

RestAURANTS

Wagamama The Library 029 2064 1564 In the heart of the city, Wagamama is a great option for shoppers looking for lunch, or cinema-goers grabbing a bite before catching a film.

The refectory-style tables and buzzy atmosphere, modelled on the ramen bars of Japan, make it a great setting for people-watching. The panAsian menu is freshly cooked to order and scores top marks for taste, matched by the team’s friendly, efficient service.

A takeaway and a delivery service are now available, meaning you can enjoy the delights of Wagamama from your sofa or the park!

Why we love it: The steaming bowls of ramen are a classic choice for hungry diners, while the innovative menu means there’s always something new to try.

Frankie & Benny’s Upper Eastside 029 2037 1972 If you’re hankering for Italian-American classics like pizza, spaghetti with meatballs, or ribs, head to our Frankie & Benny’s. This celebrated restaurant and bar is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch, a family meal or a drink with friends. Try the delicious salads, sharing platters, pizzas and pastas or sample the house specialities such as the New York Chicken or the Smothered Steak. There’s also a fab breakfast offering and a yummy kids’ menu with fun activity packs to keep your little people happy. @Corinnexx15: Lovely birthday meal at @frankienbennys for my 20th! Lovely staff and lovely food! My new favourite place!

Must try: Meat lovers will adore the Meat Feast Platter. Tender chicken breast bites, smoky BBQ ribs, potato skins loaded with pulled pork and much more!

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RestAURANTS

Ciliegino Upper Eastside Ciliegino is an authentic Italian brand from Sicily which has chosen to open its first UK restaurant at St David’s! Using only the finest ingredients brought from Italy, Ciliegino offers fantastic pizzas freshly cooked in traditional ovens, alongside other typical Italian recipes including pastas and salads.

Their staff will be waiting to welcome you and to help you choose which of the delicious dishes to try first.

Why we love it: At Ciliegino they’re passionate about offering the best authentic Italian recipes, freshly prepared for you.

COMING SOON

Byron The Hayes / Grand Arcade

@ILovesTheDiff: Whoop! @byronhamburgers is coming to Cardiff – great news for the city’s burger lovers. @StDavidsCardiff

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In the autumn of 2017 we’re set to welcome Byron, the restaurant famed for its epic hamburgers! The idea for Byron came to the founder Tom Byng after he ate simple, messy, comforting burgers at classic diners in the US. He felt the UK was lacking what they were offering – so Byron was born. At the St David’s restaurant you’ll be able to choose from the classic beef, chicken or veggie options plus an array of sides and the famous Freakshakes. You’re going to love it.

wahaca EXCLUSIVE

tacos with tommi We chat to the friendly and passionate Thomasina Miers, foodie, Wahaca founder, and fan of all things Mexican (and Welsh) We’ve heard you have Welsh connections and that’s why you chose Cardiff for the first Wahaca outside London.

“Yes. My father grew up near Llandeilo so we spent all our summers and holidays in Wales visiting castles, going on beach picnics with lots of rounders, discovering small waterfalls in the rivers to fly down. I love the country so much, its incredible produce, the rolling green hills, the people. We still often spend our summer holidays in Wales.”

What look were you going for in the Cardiff restaurant?

“We work with graffiti artists from around the world and ask them to take inspiration from the Mexico they know – it is such fun to see all the different interpretations. We were so excited by the site and location at St David’s. The idea was to open somewhere grownup and beautiful. I think we have achieved that.”

What dishes do you always recommend people try?

“I love the new buttermilk chicken taco, the aubergine and jalapeno hummus salad is delicious as is the corn and spelt green risotto.

We have been doing lots of research in Mexico to bring some bold, fresh flavours.”

How can we eat like a Mexican?

“Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world with amazing fruit and

vegetables, which is what attracts people to the cuisine. I also love how everyone cares so much about good food there. We really try to translate this passion onto our menus.”

What’s lies ahead for Wahaca?

“We’re working with Mexican chefs, looking at new ingredients and improving what is already on our menus. It is a very exciting time for us right now – I am hugely excited by what we will bring to your plates!”

Are you still learning about Mexican cooking yourself?

“I go out to Mexico about twice a year to look for fresh inspiration.

We want to keep innovating and bringing people exciting new flavours. We also have a new Mexican development chef on board. I know we’re both going to have fun challenging each other on delivering the best new ideas.”

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JAMIE’S ITALIAN

Passion on a plate Jamie’s Italian at St David’s is a foodies’ favourite in Cardiff. Serving up awesome antipasti, pukka pasta and posh chips, it’s perfect for everything from a big celebration to a casual lunch

E

verybody knows that Jamie Oliver is a passionate man. He’s campaigned for better school lunches, wants us all to learn to cook well at home, and started his Food Revolution to educate children about food and to fight the obesity epidemic.

What you might not know is that he’s incredibly passionate about his first Welsh restaurant too. The celebrity chef told us: “I’m very proud to be here, and we think of it as a foreign country in order to embrace the Welsh produce and language.”

“Cardiff’s a fab city – full of history but really developing.

The restaurant’s an absolute stunner too with some great eye-catching features including a massive spray-painted Welsh dragon.”

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An authentic neighbourhood restaurant When Jamie’s Italian was first conceived, the aim was to recreate what Italians are most proud of - rustic dishes, using recipes that have been tried, tested and loved!

Jamie says: “Since I was a teenager I’ve been totally besotted by the love, passion and verve for food, family and life itself that just about all Italian people have, no matter where they’re from or how rich or poor they might be. Somehow, they’ve managed to retain a unique sense of tradition and village spirit.”

It’s that village spirit that you’ll find in his St David’s restaurant - a place with a neighbourhood feel, where people relax, share, and enjoy each other’s company.

“Cardiff’s a fab city – full of history but really developing.

The restaurant’s an absolute stunner too, with some great eyecatching features including a massive spraypainted Welsh dragon.”

Jamie Oliver

Recipes

BY ST DAVID’S

JAMIE’S ITALIAN’S epic chocolate brownie This is a great little recipe for easy, fail-safe, and gloriously gooey chocolate brownies…

RECIPE Serves 20

INGREDIENTS 200g quality dark chocolate (70%) 250g unsalted butter 75g dried sour cherries, optional 50g chopped nuts, optional 80g quality cocoa powder 65g plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 360g caster sugar 4 large free-range eggs

METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.

Line a 24cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper.

Snap the chocolate into a large bowl, add the butter and place over a pan of simmering water, until melted, stirring regularly. Stir through the cherries and nuts (if using).

Sift the cocoa powder and flour into a separate bowl, add the baking powder and sugar, then mix together.

Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate, cherry and nut mixture and stir together well. Beat the

eggs, then mix in until you have a silky consistency.

Pour the brownie mix into the baking tin, and place in the oven for around 25 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them so, unlike cakes, you don’t want a skewer to come out clean – the brownies should be slightly springy on the outside but still gooey in the middle.

Allow to cool in the tray, then carefully transfer to a large chopping board and cut into chunky squares.

Delicious served with a dollop of crème fraîche or yoghurt mixed with some orange zest.

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RestAURANTS

YO! Sushi Lower Eastside 029 2060 2174 Fans of Japanese cuisine will love grabbing their favourites from YO! Sushi’s conveyor belt, laden with lovinglyprepared sushi and sashimi. There’s also the option of hot dishes cooked to order, meaning there’s something for everybody to enjoy. Speedy service and a quick turnaround make YO! Sushi a favourite with diners on the go, but don’t be surprised if a quick bite to eat turns into something of a lunchtime marathon when you can’t resist picking up just one more dish!

Why we love it: This relaxed dining experience is shaped by the restaurant’s unique layout. It’s fascinating watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen, too.

The Eat Guide goes to Sushi School I’m always mesmerised by the delicate creations coming around the kaiten belt at YO! Sushi, so I was excited to try out their sushi school experience and learn some techniques for myself. One Saturday morning I joined six other sushi novices at the St David’s restaurant for a lesson with the lovely Basia. We each had a rolling mat and sheets of seaweed nori paper. We watched how to make everything from maki and ISO rolls to sashimi, and had a go at several of the techniques ourselves. I was really impressed by how simple yet delicious everything we made was. I’ll definitely be putting my new skills into practice at home soon!

Charlotte Laing, The Eat Guide editor Find out more at yosushi.com/sushi-school

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RestAURANTS

GBK The Library 029 2066 8379 Nothing beats a great burger, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at GBK. In a prime location right next to Cardiff Central Library, GBK is ideally located for dinner before a night out. All burgers are made from 100% prime beef and combined with the freshest ingredients and sauces – delicious!

Why we love it: The extensive menu of sides lets you customise your burger to your heart’s content.

Café Rouge Upper Eastside 029 2023 6574 Nobody does good food quite like the French, and whether you’re popping in for a mid-morning coffee and croissant or a three-course dinner, you’ll find a Gallic classic to whet your appetite. Lunchtime diners will have plenty of energy to tackle the shops after a tasty croque monsieur or baguette, while evening customers will have time to make the most of the extensive wine list and delicious plats chauds.

We’re huge fans of the stylish, French-inspired surroundings, too.

Why we love it: There’s a menu for every time of day. Make sure you’re au fait with the patisserie for an afternoon pick-me-up, or start the day in style with breakfast.

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RestAURANTS

Mount Fuji Lower Eastside 029 2034 0333 Designed to look like a bullet train against the backdrop of Tokyo at night, Mount Fuji is the perfect place to dine Japanese style!

The restaurant echoes the city’s traditional eateries, serving up miso soup, bento boxes, teriyaki and noodles alongside a daily sushi bar. There’s also a range of Asian beers and Japanese soft drinks, while the green tea tiramisu is a must-try!

I absolutely loved my first visit to Mt. Fuji, and I am certain that it won’t be my last. My favourite thing about the restaurant is the story behind its design, but the food is also far better than that which I have tried at other Japanese restaurants in Cardiff.”

Taste Team, walesonline.co.uk

Carluccio’s The Library 029 2023 2630 You’ll find a little corner of Italy when you step into Carluccio’s. The airy surroundings make for a stylish destination whatever the time of day.

Enjoy a romantic dinner for two or a lazy lunch with the girls, indulging in everything from eggs Benedict and fresh crêpes to perfectly-prepared pasta and bruschetta. If you’re with friends, order some sharing platters. They’re the traditional way to kick off an Italian meal.

Don’t forget to take a look around the deli and food store, where you can pick up classic Italian ingredients and gifts.

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Must try: The Penne Giardiniera.

Giant Pugliese penne with courgette, chilli and garlic, served with fried spinach balls and Italian cheese.

It’s just so good!

Recipes

BY ST DAVID’S

RECIPE This spaghetti tossed with fresh clams in a white wine, parsley, garlic and chilli sauce is a simple supper that will really wow

CARLUCCIO’S SPAGHETTI VONGOLE

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS 80ml white wine (half a small glass) 2 pinches of cracked black pepper 4 tsp chilli oil (if you don’t have this, use a tsp of dried chillies) 4 tsp garlic oil (if you don’t have this, use two cloves of garlic) 400g clams – Palourde 1 small bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 250g spaghetti Extra virgin olive oil to finish

METHOD

“If you go to The Adriatic, a better result you couldn’t have.

It’s wonderful.”

Antonio Carluccio, Founder of Carluccio’s

Put a pan of water on to boil.

Add the pasta to the boiling water with a good pinch of salt and cook according to packet instructions until al dente.

Discard any clams that are already open before cooking.

While the pasta is cooking, place the garlic oil, chilli oil and clams into a pan. If using dried chillies and fresh garlic, fry these for a minute in a splash of olive oil before adding the clams.

Once the clams start to open add the white wine and cover.

Cook until all the clams have opened.

Drain and add the spaghetti, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the chopped parsley.

Toss in the pan and season to taste before serving into individual bowls or a large serving dish.

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RestAURANTS

Barburrito Lower Eastside, 029 2022 5182 This colourful place is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for an authentic taste of Mexico. Choose from freshly-prepared burritos, tacos or nachos, all bursting with the best ingredients and guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling.

You can customise your menu choice with a selection of sauces and accompaniments to add some zing too – we can’t resist plenty of the delicious chipotle sauce!

Why we love it: The flavourful Mexican-inspired dishes on offer will appeal to all the family, plus the central location means it’s the ideal stop-off after a day around the shops.

Zizzi Lower Eastside, 029 2022 7733 One of our newer openings, the Zizzi interior really has the wow factor with an industrial vibe softened by natural wood and aqua accents. Plus there’s outdoor seating for sunny days. On the food front, you’re in for a treat. Think generously proportioned thin-crust pizzas, deep dishes of sauce-laden pasta and sophisticated salads with clever combinations that never feel like the boring option. With a great awareness of special diets and gluten-free and vegan menus, Zizzi really is a place for everyone.

The dessert menu will never fail to tempt you either. Plus, if it’s food on the way home from work that you fancy, takeaway is available.

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Must try: The dedicated vegan menu. At Zizzi it’s so easy to enjoy tasty food, from pizza to gelato, while sticking to a vegan diet.

FROM DAWN ‘TIL DUSK

From morning coffees and tasty brunches, to flavour-filled lunches and evening meals to remember, at St David’s you’ll always be well-fed

Breakfast at St David’s can be an event or simply your chance to fuelup on your way to work. You could grab coffee and an almond croissant from Starbucks or our new Caffè Nero. Or perhaps treat yourself to a bacon bap and squeezed juice from EAT. The crumpets and hot chocolate from Costa are always popular, too.

Really want to make sure that tummy doesn’t rumble until lunch? Get a smoked salmon and free-range egg breakfast baguette from Pret a Manger!

11AM: RELAX AT BRUNCH Whether you’re here chilling out with the family on the weekend, or having a girls’ shopping day and fancy a tasty brunch between stores, you’re spoilt for choice. From the Breakfast Magnifica at Carluccio’s (an Italian take on a full English) to the oh-soInstagrammable avocado brunch at Cosy Club, all tastes and appetites are catered for.

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Pictures: Cosy Club avocado brunch, Carluccio’s ‘Breakfast Magnifica’

8am: RISE & SHINE

Pictures: EAT. bacon roll, Caffè Nero cappuccino and croissant, Costa crumpets

DINING IDEAS

//PICS – Insomnia, Pret and SOHO//

Pictures: Patisserie Valerie afternoon tea, John Lewis Benugo scone

Pictures: Pret veggie boxes, SOHO jacket potato, Insomnia grilled cheese sandwich

DINING IDEAS

1pm: STAY OR GO Perhaps you’re grabbing lunch on the way back to the office, or perhaps you’re here for the day and want to savour something hot for lunch. Either way, St David’s has your back. On the grab-and-go front there’s Pret a Manger for amazing salad boxes and deep-filled sandwiches, or trusty M&S food hall where you can choose from a vast array of sandwiches, wraps and more. Hungry? SOHO Coffee Co’s jacket potatoes are big and packed with yummy fillings. For sit-down lunch, try the new piadina menu at Prezzo, or opt for one of the great value set lunch menus at our restaurants.

4PM: TEATIME TREATS For dainty afternoon tea, perfectly presented on tiered plates, you have plenty of choice. Benugo at John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Patisserie Valerie all do their own take on the tradition. If you’re not feeling quite so hungry, you can just opt for the cream tea option - scones with jam and cream and a pot of tea.

No time and just want a sugar kick?

Head to Krispy Kreme for one of their delicious doughnuts, or make for My Cookie Dough and get yourself a cookie served with ice cream.

Heavenly!

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DINING IDEAS

7PM: Let’s feast Pictures: Jamie’s Italian prawn linguine, Wagamama chicken raisukaree, Carluccio’s beef steak alla griglia

Dinner at St David’s can be as informal or formal as you fancy. At Wagamama you can tuck into tasty noodle or rice dishes and slurp miso soup as you sit on communal benches. Over at Jamie’s Italian, the atmosphere’s buzzing and foodies mingle over starter sharing planks and bowls of freshly made pasta. Wherever you choose, there’ll be a warm welcome and no standing on ceremony - just great food and friendly service.

If you’re heading home from the cinema or have been for a few drinks with friends and now need feeding, you’re in the right place.

Many of our restaurants open ‘til 10.30pm or 11pm, and some have bar areas where you can hang out before or after your food. Wahaca has a great party atmosphere with an upstairs bar and sociable sharing options on the menu.

At Cosy Club the tapas menu is fun - cocktails and mini dishes of meatballs and patatas bravas are the perfect combination!

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Pictures: Wahaca’s Mexican street food and Cosy Club’s tapas

9pm: Late night eats

RestAURANTS

opening autumn 2017

JRC Global Buffet Hills Street Take a culinary world tour at JRC Global Buffet.

With an array of deliciously diverse dishes, there’s something to please everybody. Start your journey in Italy with pasta and pizza, or take a trip to Asia among the noodle and sushi selections. Fans of Indian food will love the range of curries and rice dishes. There’s no limit to the number of times you can fill your plate, so try a little of everything!

Must try: The desserts. No matter how full you already feel, you won’t want to miss the mini tiramisu, brownie or mango cheesecake portions.

Ed’s Easy Diner Lower Eastside 029 2037 3706 Lovers of Fifties America should hop into a booth at Ed’s Easy Diner. The cool surroundings make it perfect for an informal dinner before heading to the cinema at Vue. The menu lives up to expectations, too, with classic American hamburgers, hotdogs and fried chicken, plus indulgent milkshakes and waffles. Don’t forget to stick a tune on the ‘Dime Selector’ jukebox!

Why we love it: There’s a great junior menu – complete with mini shakes – so you can be sure that the whole family is catered for.

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RestAURANTS HEADING

Must try: Bigger and packed with toppings, order a Prestigo pizza if you’re hungry. We love the Margherita Royale.

Prezzo Upper Eastside 029 2039 7512 For classic Italian flavours in contemporary surroundings, look no further than Prezzo.

Although it’s close to all your favourite shops, the stylish surroundings mean you can step away from the crowds and enjoy a relaxing meal. The menu is filled with Italian favourites, with pasta, pizza, risotto and calzone just some of the dishes on offer. There’s also a tasty piadina menu that’s ideal for lunchtime.

Shake Shack Upper Eastside 01923 555173 Located on Upper Eastside, with an entrance on Upper Level Grand Arcade, this chic yet casual American restaurant serves up great burgers, hot dogs, crinkle cut fries and concretes (frozen custard with mix-ins - trust us, you’ll love them).

They’ve added a few exclusive local items to the menu, from Welsh beers to a concrete with Welsh cake mixed-in. It’s fast food that you’ll want to linger over because the setting’s so welcoming and the staff so friendly.

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Must try: We love the ShackMeister burger – a cheeseburger with crispy ShackMeister ale-marinated shallots and Shack Sauce.

RestAURANTS

TGI Fridays Upper Eastside 0344 846 9915 Friday nights are made for fun, and where better to kick off the weekend than TGI Fridays? Renowned for its fantastic service, relaxed atmosphere and mind-boggling drinks menu with over 500 delicious cocktails, this is the perfect place to unwind with friends at the end of the week. The menu is an ode to American classics, and diners can enjoy handcrafted burgers, ribs fresh from the grill or the legendary Jack Daniel’s chicken. Situated right next to the cinema, you can plan your visit around the evening’s screenings!

@_rainboots: I have arrived in Cardiff and I’m in TGI Friday’s and I’m so so so happy

Must try: Order up a selection of the delicious sharing platters to turn post-work cocktails with your friends into a night out to remember.

Pizza Express Upper Eastside 029 2035 9200 You have to go a long way to beat a Pizza Express pizza, which means this Italianthemed institution must be on to a good thing!

Kick off your meal with the legendary dough balls, then choose from perfectly-cooked pizzas, tasty pasta dishes and tempting salads. There’s also the delicious calorieconscious Leggera menu, meaning you don’t need to feel guilty about indulging. Book an early evening table before heading over to the Motorpoint Arena – it’s just across the road, so the ideal way to start a special night out!

Why we love it: Catering for your whole party, Pizza Express offers a wide range of vegetarian, glutenfree and healthy menu choices to keep everybody happy.

@emilyjoyhart: Excellent lunch @PizzaExpress Cardiff St David’s. Delicious express lunch menu & great service. Thanks Steph and Aaron. Now more shopping!

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RestAURANTS

Chimichanga Upper Eastside 029 2034 0220 Named after the deep-fried Mexican menu favourite, Chimichanga is a must-visit for an authentic taste of Mexico. The relaxed ambiance and vibrant décor makes it perfect for a funfilled meal out, and the Eastside location means it’s close to all the shops. There’s plenty to entice you on the menu, too! Inspired by LatinAmerican, Tex-Mex and Mexican flavours, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from burgers and steaks to burritos and sizzling-hot fajitas.

Must try: If you’re in a large group, order a selection of sharing platters for an informal dining experience. Don’t forget the mojitos!

Cosy Club Hills Street 029 2022 5998 Whether you’re planning a laid-back lunch date or drinks with the girls, the cocktails at Cosy Club are hard to resist! The quirky décor (think mismatched vintage furniture and oversized sofas) and chilled-out vibe make it easy to relax over a drink or two of an evening. The menu’s full of crowd-pleasers – indulge in a burger or bangers and mash, or enjoy a selection of mouth-watering tapas dishes.

The meat was cooked beautifully, and the steak itself was flavoursome and tender. The peppercorn sauce was thick and creamy, while the skin-on chips had the required crunch.”

Wales Online Taste Team, walesonline.co.uk

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COSY CLUB

Somewhere special We get cosy with Antony Bennett, head of food at Cosy Club to talk brunch, clean eating, cocktails and boozy desserts

What’s new at Cosy Club?

“We’ve got some corkers - our ‘Rather Elegant Brunch’ is fresh for 2017 and is going down very well with our guests - it’s a tongue-in-cheek twist on a Full English, but in a vibrant salad form - all of the flavour, rather fewer of the calories!

Coming up soon we’re looking at developing some interesting small plates and sharers - you can expect to see some champion British food producers being showcased.

We’re also working on a rather splendid dish that’s currently sitting under the working title of ‘Lord’s Luncheon’ - I could tell you what it is, but then I’d have to… well, you understand.”

Which new food trends will Cosy Club be bringing to the menu?

“We’re loving the movement towards ‘clean eating’ - it’s a great opportunity to let fabulous ingredients stand up

“At Cosy Club, we serve up a sense of being somewhere special, with a hint of nostalgia.” and be noticed. We work with some great producers around the country, and it’s fun building the right balances of flavour and texture to create vibrant dishes that still tick all those boxes that are so important to people. Our guests are looking for dishes that are clean, healthy, vegan or gluten free, but don’t want to sacrifice flavour or enjoyment.”

What’s your favourite dish?

“Well, this clean eating thing’s all well and good, but I often just want something big and indulgent. I love our MajorGeneral Burger - it’s a 100% beef patty, with a macaroni cheese fritter that oozes yummy cheese sauce with every bite, plus bacon and a really indulgent burger cheese recipe.

It’s seriously tasty, although does make you feel like an afternoon nap afterwards…”

Does Cosy Club have an ethos?

“Very much so. We try to ensure that our food reflects the spirit of our wonderful venues and our remarkable staff. At Cosy Club, we serve up a sense of being somewhere special, with a hint of nostalgia. Inside, you’ll see amazing chandeliers and nods to classic British icons, and our food matches that spirit.

We want everyone to leave feeling splendid.”

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RestAURANTS

Nando’s Upper Eastside 029 2066 7878

Must try: The Portuguese custard tarts, or Pastéis de Nata are the perfect sweet hit after an indulgent meal, and taste great with a coffee!

Home of the legendary flamegrilled PERi-PERi chicken, Nando’s is something of an institution.

The flavours are inspired by the Portuguese explorers of the past who discovered the African bird’s eye chilli – the key ingredient in the restaurant’s signature PERi-PERi sauce. Check out the other menu favourites too, including burgers, pittas, wraps, salads and piled-high sharing platters. You can even specify the spice level of your marinade, taking your meal from nicely spicy to extra hot! Oh, and did we mention the yummy Nandinos menu for children under 10?

RECIPE This hearty, comforting meal is perfect for a no-fuss dinner on a cold winter’s night, or for sharing at a summer garden get-together

NANDO’S SPICY CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS AND BUTTERNUT BAKE

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup (250ml) Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce 400g cannellini beans, drained 8 chicken legs 250g butternut, skinned and cubed 200g cherry tomatoes 26

METHOD Preheat oven to 180°C. Mix together the tomato paste and Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce.

Place the drained beans, chicken legs and butternut to a large oven dish and pour over the sauce.

Roast for 1 hour, then add the tomatoes to the dish and return to the oven.

Once the chicken and butternut are cooked and the tomatoes have blistered remove from the oven and serve.

make a day of it Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Cardiff has so much to offer. And St David’s is right at the heart of the fun…

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DINING IDEAS

family fun With child-friendly restaurants and toy shops galore, St David’s is the perfect place to bring little ones

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hen you’re in Cardiff city centre with children, make sure you head to St David’s. You’ll find interactive toy displays and things to wow them at Hamley’s, LEGO, Disney Store and BuildA-Bear. You could also take the little’uns to see a film at Cineworld, which is right next door to St David’s.

When it comes to food and drink, children are spolit for choice. Most of our restaurants have children’s menus packed with yummy options.

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GIRL’S DAY OUT Make a date in your diary and plan the ultimate shopping day with copious amounts of mid-morning cake and afterdark cocktails

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ake the most of those wonderful days when all your best friends are together and set on one thing: having fun. St David’s is the perfect place for getting the gang together as you have all the ingredients of the perfect day out in one place: shops, cafés, restaurants, beauty counters and more. Meet in the morning and go straight for a catch-up over brunch, then shop, afternoon cake stop, shop some more, on to dinner and cocktails until home time.

DINING IDEAS

CULTURE TRIP get your swing on

Treetop Adventure Golf on the third floor of St David’s is something all the family will love. With two 18-hole mini golf courses set amid tropical forests, friendly (and fierce) animals and ancient ruins. Enjoy some friendly competitiveness on the golf course, then chill out at the Clubhouse Bar and Café. Simi’s Simian Sling cocktail is our favourite.

Situated right in the heart of Cardiff city centre, St David’s is perfectly placed for eating out when you’re exploring

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ith our city centre location, we’re in the midst of the cultural scene in Cardiff. We’re right next door to St David’s Hall, Motorpoint Arena and Cineworld, and just a few minutes’ walk from Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. If your refined taste extends to eating out, you can find everything at St David’s from great French cheeses and matching wines at Café Rouge to Japanese delicacies at YO! Sushi and authentic Mexican street food at Wahaca.

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Cafés

Auntie Anne’s Upper Level Grand Arcade Strolling along the upper level of the Grand Arcade, you can’t miss the smell of freshlybaked pretzels coming from Auntie Anne’s.

With sweet and savoury pretzels with a variety of toppings from cheese and jalapeño to cinnamon sugar, this is the perfect snack to grab and go. There’s a selection of tasty dips to pair with your pretzel, too.

Must try: Feeling peckish? Then pick up a Pretzel Dog – a pretzel wrapped around a hot dog!

The Place to Eat and The Café by Benugo at John Lewis Third Floor and First Floor, John Lewis From award-winning coffee to scrumptious bites to eat, The Café by Benugo is a lovely place to take a shopping break or enjoy an amazing afternoon tea.

Meanwhile The Place to Eat on the third floor serves up tasty hot and cold meals, including children’s meals.

Must try: Benugo’s afternoon tea.

Caffè Nero Cathedral Walk The skilled baristas at Caffè Nero handcraft espressos in the classic Italian way and use them as the base for all their popular classics, including lattes and cappuccinos, so you get a perfect cup of coffee every time.

If you’re hungry we highly recommend the paninis, pastries and much-loved muffins.

Must try: Banana & Caramel Frappé Crème - a sweet and oh-so-satisfying iced drink.

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Cafés

Costa

SOHO Coffee Co.

Lower Level Grand Arcade & Working Street

Town Wall South

It doesn’t matter if you prefer a coffee, hot chocolate or pot of tea with your slice of cake Costa’s got you covered. With two convenient St David’s locations, a Costa is never far away when you need to refuel during a day of hitting the shops.

Need a mid-afternoon caffeine hit? With 100% organic and Fairtrade coffee roasted locally and perfectly brewed, SOHO Coffee Co. is the ideal spot. There’s also an impressive lunch menu packed with wraps, jacket potatoes, sourdough toasties and salads.

Crêpeaffaire

Sblended

Hills Street

Town Wall North

A crêpe from Crêpeaffaire is simply impossible to resist! Freshly prepared in the city centre branch just off The Hayes, you can choose from a delicious selection of toppings to create your perfect combination. The strawberries & cream crêpe hits the spot every time for us.

Sblended is the home of millions of magical milkshake moments. You’ll be staring at the menu in awe while trying to decide what flavour combination to order. Our favourite?

A Kinder Bueno shake topped with whipped cream, Nutella and crushed nuts. Mmmm!

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CAFÉS

Starbucks

Krispy Kreme

The Hayes & Upper Level Grand Arcade

Town Wall South & Lower Level Grand Arcade

With two branches located around the centre, Starbucks is perfectly placed for all your lunch and breakfast needs. The team of baristas have turned coffee into an art form, and there are also tea, hot chocolate and blended iced drinks to choose from, plus a great range of sandwiches, salads, bagels and cakes.

We come over a bit Homer Simpson when confronted with the array of doughnutty goodness at Krispy Kreme. With so many flavours to choose from, including strawberries & kreme and apple pie, they’re the ultimate sugar fix after a day shopping. Or why not grab a box to take home?

BB’s Coffee and Muffins

Debenhams Restaurant

Town Wall North

Second Floor, Debenhams

BB’s mouth-watering muffins are baked fresh every day. Pair one with a coffee to take away, or enjoy lunch in the relaxing surroundings.

There’s also a wide selection of toasties, wraps and sandwiches available.

Enjoy a delicious great British breakfast, succulent roast carvery meat, seasonal salads, indulgent treats and a great selection of children’s food in this spacious and familyfriendly restaurant.

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Cafés

Greggs

EAT.

Town Wall North

Lower Eastside

From a Steak Bake to a Spikey Mikey (a starshaped biscuit covered in chocolate and sprinkles), where better to pick up a quick lunch or treat than Greggs? The pasties, pizzas, bakes and sausages rolls are freshly made in store every day, so you can be confident you’re enjoying great quality with every purchase.

Forget limp lettuce or soggy sandwiches, EAT. food is made fresh and packed with flavours from around the world. Serving up wraps, baguettes, sandwiches, soups, hot pots, salads and pies, EAT. is the stuff your lunch dreams are made of. It’s a great place to pop on your lunch break – you can sit in or take away.

My Cookie Dough

Fuel Juice Bar

Upper Level Grand Arcade

St David’s Way & Lower Level Grand Arcade

Sink your spoon into deliciously soft cookie dough topped with your choice of sauce and a swirl of whipped cream. With plenty of cookie dough options on the menu, you’ll feel spoilt for choice. Want something slightly lighter? Try a Dough Shake. The peanut butter & chocolate flavour is mouthwateringly good.

Need an energy boost? Try one of Fuel Juice Bar’s fabulously fresh fruit smoothies or juices.

They make for a perfectly healthy afternoon pick-me-up or a delicious breakfast. The Breakie Blast, which is full of strawberries, banana and frozen yoghurt, is amazing! Plus, you’ll be on your way to your 5-a-day.

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Cafés

Muffin Break Lower Eastside With an irresistible range of tempting muffins, cakes and pastries, Muffin Break is the perfect spot to enjoy a cuppa and a sweet treat after a day around the shops. There’s also a tasty lunch offering including toasties, savoury tartlets and a new range of wrap fillings including New York Deli and Red Pepper and Houmous.

Must try: The latest Curious Creations flavour from the Muffin Break Muffin Lab.

Patisserie Valerie Lower Eastside There are few things more indulgent than a really delicious cake or pastry, and Patisserie Valerie is just the place to find them! Located in the centre of Lower Eastside, you’ll find it hard to walk past without admiring the array of colourful treats. There’s also a great range of sandwiches, savoury croissants and quiches if you’re planning to stop by for lunch.

Must try: Treat yourself to the Madame Valerie Cream Tea and watch the world go by!

Pret a Manger Lower Eastside Pret has gone heavy with the veggies! There’s now an incredible menu that vegetarians and omnivores alike will love. Think Macaroni Cheese Kale & Cauli or a Poached Egg, Mushroom and Beans Power Pot. What’s more, all leftover food is offered to charity at the end of each day. We love a good deed.

Must try: Falafel and Halloumi Hot Wrap simple, yet super-flavoursome.

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Cafés

Marks & Spencer Café Joe Delucci’s Cathedral Walk

Town Wall South

Serving toasties, sandwiches, soup, hot meals and tasty cakes, the Marks & Spencer Café is a great place to stop for lunch or a cuppa. The nutritionally-balanced children’s lunch boxes are great for keeping little shoppers happy, plus everything served at the café can be picked up in the Marks & Spencer food hall downstairs.

With over 20 flavours of authentic Italian gelato, Joe Delucci’s is a must-visit for ice cream lovers.

Go fruity with apricot, banana, pear and cherry ripple flavours, or get a seriously sweet hit with dark chocolate, honeycomb and even tiramisuflavoured ice cream. Don’t wait for the sun – treat yourself today!

Insomnia Café at Debenhams

Spudulike

First Floor, Debenhams

Fresh, healthy and satisfying, Spudulike’s British-grown potatoes are baked to perfection before being filled with the best quality ingredients. Choose from a huge list of fillings, and look out for the great-value meal deals.

Nothing beats a jacket spud when you’re really hungry during a day shopping.

Stop by at Insomnia in Debenhams for a hot or cold breakfast, a gourmet sandwich for lunch or a quick coffee or hot chocolate. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the Hot Angel - white chocolate blended with steamed milk.

Lower Eastside

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