Qype: Strada Restaurant in Cardiff

Cardiff - Restaurants - Italian & Pizza

I rate this restaurant highly. Went there a couple of months ago on a Sunday afternoon after a hectic week and weekend and had the most chilled out, blissful time.
First off, the decor is great - modern but warm at the same time. There are great big lamps hanging from the ceiling giving off just the right amount of ambient light. The place isn't dark in any way, but it is what i call cwtchie!
There is a well balanced mix of large tables and small, allowing the place to cater effortlessly for couples or large parties. In fact, i have been there with my boyfriend and on a works night out when there was 11 of us and the service was of the same high standard both times.
On the subject of the staff, they are warm, smiley, funny, polite and know their stuff. They can advise on food and drink and on what compliments what without making you feel like a dumbo!
When i went with my boyfriend on that Sunday afternoon, the place was only half full and everyone seemed to be kicking back and chilling out over a glass of wine. being mainly a beer drinker, i decided to avoid my usual tipple and go for a red wine. After a quick chat with the waiter i chose a bottle of Italian red that was deep and fruity and a bit spicy and alltogether gorgeous (and i can't remember the name of it! Yikes - i'll have to come back later and update my review). My boyfriend never drinks wine, ever, but he polished off half of the bottle and would have ordered another one if i hadn't remembered it was a Sunday and we had work the next day!
On the subject of the food, i can clearly remember what i had. Carbonara. Boring you may say, but not for me, because i never order it. I usually go for the seafood option.
The carbonara was beautiful. Not too creamy, on a bed of rocket with fat shavings of parmesan and real parma ham draped over the top. It was really very very good.
As was my boyfriend's bolognese, i'm told.

Anyhoo, if you're in the bay and you fancy an Italian, give this place a go. I'd be very surprised if you regretted it.

Check out my review of Strada Restaurant - I am Tommowinnie - on Qype