Asador 44 in Cardiff

wow, incredible food and service

Fantastic food in a lovely setting

Went there this Saturday 9pm and kitchen was already closed. Quite disappointing.

Wonderful food and exceptional service. The prices are high, but the quality is amazing. I'd love to post a lengthy review, but what I've said above covers everything. Excellent from start to finish!

Really excellent, one of the best dining experiences I've had in a while. The service was great and the general atmosphere was relaxed. The lunch menu was simplified but the options were perfect, including the vegan options. Can't wait to visit again.

What a find. It’s like being back in Spain. The food and wine were delicious and the service friendly and helpful. Somewhere to go back to again and again.

We came here for dinner and enjoyed every course. The mushroom and egg yolk starter we had was outstanding and the sharing steak was top quality. Desserts here are also excellent. The staff looked after us well.

We had watched a series that highlighted great Spanish restaurants around the world. On our return from Pembrokeshire we decided to stop in Cardiff and try Asador. We were not disappointed. The food was excellent (I had scallops and octopus and my wife the mushrooms and bbq sole, accompanied by artichokes and leek gratin). The staff spent time to chat and provide informative advice without be over attentive, in particular in the selection of wines to match the meal. Great atmosphere that filled as the afternoon progressed.

Exceptional meal and fantastic service. Will recommend to friends and come again for sure 👍🏻

Couldn't fault the service, and the starters and drinks were all really good, but I was left disappointed by the main duck course which I found to be a little dry.

A very nice, smart city centre restaurant, with attentive staff, plenty of space and good lighting. The menu was interesting and the wine list varied, with an excellent Cava on offer. The food was generally very good, particularly the meaty mains and vegetable sides, but I personally found the starters to be overly deconstructed and very salty. I much prefer to know exactly what I'm eating, and to be able to identify each flavour. I'd definitely visit again though.

Fabulous early supper. Delicious food with a great balance of texture taste and flavours reflecting Spanish ingredients. Drinks were fabulous too especially their spicey margarita . Definitely recommend

The most amazing breakfast I've ever eaten, and I've eaten a few. will be returning.

Possibly one of the best breakfast plates I’ve ever had

Absolutamente perfecto. ¡La carne estaba deliciosa! ¡Son tan agradables! El desierto con torrón estaba delicioso. Papas fritas también delicioso. Pimentos bien. Las alcachofas también muy buenas. Pedimos queso y estaba delicioso también!

We had the most incredible experience this afternoon for Valentines/40th Birthday celebration. Every mouthful of food and wine was nothing short of exceptional. Paul, the head chef is a true culinary master. Lewis out front looked after us so well too. What a special day. Can’t wait to come back soon. Thanks all. Unforgettable.

Snacks and starters were amazing. The sides to the main were really nice, however, the £70 21oz sharing steak was just ok. Lovely restuarant and wait staff, would recommend but perhaps avoid the steak

What a treat to go to Asador 44 to celebrate my 67th Birthday. The meal was excellent, the service was friendly, well informed and timely. Without the hovering that sometimes occurs in restaurants. The food was amazing - from the Sobrassada butter that went with the Sourdough, through the lovely tasty starters to the main course. Sharing a kilo of wonderful, perfectly cooked Welsh Ex-dairy cow rib - it was so delicious I couldn't help myself chewing the meat off the bone - not something you are supposed to do in polite company, but it was my birthday, so I don't care. A wonderful evening, thanks to all the team who looked after us so well from arrival to departure.

Came with partner, everything was amazing from service to food. Highly recommended!

Fantastic food and staff. Good selection of wine.

This is a must visit and repeat visit restaurant 😍 The location is just off St Mary's street, easy to get to and opposite the Principality stadium. We arrived and were greeted immediately and taken to our table, which, for me, was perfect as it was at the front of the restaurant by a radiator 🙌 I hate being cold in restaurants 😂 The service was impeccable. i wish I had taken the name of our waiter. He was Spanish and so informative about the menu and ingredients. The food and drinks were both fantastic. I highly recommend having the Vermut, grape, and apricot aperitif 👌 I really rate a restaurant on the bread!! The soda bread, butter, and oil served were delicious. As for the beef, well, it really is delicious, so much so you may wish to eat off the bone literally! The tomato side goes perfectly with the steak. If you are undecided, take this review as the green light to just go. It's worth every penny, and I will absolutely go back. Thank you to the whole team. You have a superb restaurant 👌 👏

Excellent food and drinks! This was our first international night out after the craziest flight ever. It was such a delight to relax here and have the wonderful scallops. Everything is truly made with loving care and intention. I wish I had Asador 44 down the street from me in the States. Very attentive staff and wonderful experience from start to finish!

Went for a night out with a few friends who had been before to Asador. The food variety, restaurant layout and the look a feel were all very good. The service was excellent and the food was good but be prepared to pay for it, as it’s not a cheap night out and I am not absolutely convinced the food is worth the price. Would I go again, probably yes but it would be only to go with friends at their request, but I wouldn’t say no. The bill was £400 between 4 of us with 1 bottle of wine in that.

Went here for a birthday dinner and had the last spot for reservation. Finding parking was a nightmare (not the restaurant's fault, obviously) but the staff made every effort to accommodate us despite arriving slightly late. The food was served promptly, was piping hot and delicious, full of flavour! Ended the evening with a nice little surprise- 44% off the bill at the roll of a dice! (They had a promotion going in January) 10/10 would recommend!

El restaurante en sí es muy agradable. Buena iluminación y decoración. El personal es acogedor, pero el servicio es lento. He estado varias veces en los últimos años. En esta ocasión visité con un grupo de amigos y gasté £ 50 en un refresco, un plato principal y un postre. Tenía merluza que no tenía sabor y venía en una extraña sopa de judías verdes que no comía. Me quitaron el plato todavía lleno y no me preguntaron por qué no me lo comí. Me ofrecí voluntariamente a ellos que no era una buena comida, pero no tenía disculpas ni ofrecimientos que reemplazar. Entonces pedí un helado, y era horriblemente marrón claro insípido. Una oferta de supermercado barato. así que de nuevo dejé mi tazón lleno y de nuevo nadie preguntó por qué no lo comí. Cuando pagué la cuenta les dije que mi comida era horrible. Una vez más, ninguna disculpa u oferta para reducir mi parte de la cuenta para reflejar el hecho de que no comí. No volveré de nuevo y no recomendaría desafortunadamente.

What a gem we have found!! We loved everything! Even things that we thought would be simple, like the petit fours, were spectacular. The fries although we differ in that one would want them thick (they were thin and crunchy), but we agreed that they were divine!! What looked like a simple tomato salad, wonderful!! The shrimp croquettes, spectacular!! The sangria, very good!! The nougat ice cream sandwich was sooo good. Buuut, the star of the night was the ribeye or Tbone, made of matured meat (Porterhouse), it was perfectly cooked, super tender, the meat very very tasty, with the fat with a caramelized point, simply impressive!!! Yes, you pay for that, but it's totally worth it!! Thank you!! We hope to return soon!

Best Spanish restaurant in the area by far. Delicious dishes that taste fantastic. Definitely go back again.

One of my favourite spots in Cardiff with what may be the best steak I have ever tasted. They have a great selection of wine to either come here for a nice drink with your family or take a date. I highly recommend.

Food was really good, quite pricey though, we had a steak to share for two at over £60 and then had to pay for all sides... Chips, veg, sauce etc. Was really delicious though! Good for a special occasion maybe

Thanks to the whole team for a really lovely night. The customer service from everyone we encountered was really warm and attentive. I thought I had booked a table and it wasn’t showing in the system but they really kindly found us a table anyway. Everything we ate was absolutely delicious. The prawn croquettes were outstanding. We have had croquettes all over Spain and these were easily the best we have ever had. We played the roll the dice game when we got the bill and won a beautiful hard back book. Such a lovely keepsake to remember a great night. We’ll be back sooner rather than later!

Asador 44 is well known in Cardiff, and so this is one I had to try. We had the prawn croquetas, wild mushroom and root veg pisto, slow cooked lamb shoulder, cauliflower gratin, almond turron ice cream sandwich. All the quallity and flavour you'd expect from such an establishment. A must visit.

Attentive, but not over the top staff and service- nothing too much trouble. Excellent choice of dishes on each course and really really delicious food. Highly recommend it and will definitely return.

2nd visit to Asador and this experience was just as good. Two of us shared the suckling pig option. The meat cut was excellent and cooked with a crisp skin. We shared just one side veg to go with the meat which was plenty as the cut was huge. Having a 1st course will likely mean you can't finish the pig due its size. This was one of the best meat feasts I have ever had.

The food was fantastic - really good quality and very good value. I felt it improved with each course, with the dessert (a choux bun with vanilla filling) one of the best desserts I've ever had. I could still taste it 6 hours later! Service was friendly and efficient, without being intrusive, and the restaurant is very conveniently located a short distance from Queen Street.

Warm welcome, we were there for new years eave , a busy time , we were treated to great service and fantastic food would definitely recommend and definitely go again. Couldn’t have been better,

Very good food and service was attentive with a diverse cellar catering to all persuasions for wine. Vegetarian offering were slim, though that wasn’t a concern for our party. Only moot point was the service charge was very high. We always leave a tip, but the charge added was higher than the usual 10% you’d expect to see.

Excellent steak, gorgeous wine! Staff are friendly and know the menu and wines very well. We will be back! Perfect meal.

Had a fantasic meal with colleagues leading up to Christmas. Staff were superb too.

Fantastic meal! Great service, and the PX port was phenomenal - recommend to everyone visiting the restaurant! Goes well with the cheese board. Will certainly be returning regularly

Always an amazing meal and service!

An amazing experience, food, service,deco, atmosphere just perfect. Highly recommended!

This was our first time here back in June 23, at short notice we could only get in for the Sunday menu which was understandable. Upon arrival we were greeted by very polite and friendly staff who showed us to our table. The service we had was good, But could have been better (We did understand how busy it was at that time). This is a Very professional place and food presentation was lovely. We had the Sunday sharing sirloin which was cooked to perfection and the quality of food was phenomenal. We were very impressed and cannot recommend it enough, Will definitely be back. Thank you

This is my second visit here. It remains a really great placed to eat and drink. Top service and food. A highlight for me was the scallops starter. …4 starters , desserts, water, a beer and coffee.65£ including service.

Asador 44's main calling card is ex-dairy beef, grilled over live fire - and boy, do they knock that particular delicacy out of the park. But lest that not get your juices flowing, there's plenty of delicious alternatives on offer. My wife's lamb shank, smothered in a rich, unctuous gravy was perfection. The desserts meanwhile were amongst some of the best I'd had in ages - rich, velvety chocolate mousse with an intriguing cherry vinegar to cut through the richness was decadence on another level. It helps too that the service at Asador 44 is delivered with a smile; every staff member working there appears genuinely proud of their station, as well they should be. HIGHLY recommended.

Great food, lovely atmosphere and very helpful staff. Definitely recommend if you want a taste of Spain!

Paid £54 for a 15oz Steak that came with no sides! And that was for 2 people apparently. When told 30 minutes after that it comes with no sides, I asked for a menu to order some. There was no waiter that could assist me after 5 minutes of putting my hand up. By the time I got served, the steak was in front of me and we had to eat them apart. Steak had way too much salt on. They tried making it look fancy by sprinkling salt on top of an already seasoned steak. Ruined it completely.

Great place, amazing food, will definitely return

Superb restaurant. Lots of Basque country favourites, with the highlight of the menu being the steaks - the best I have had in the UK. Very efficient and friendly staff. I try to come here every time I am in Cardiff... Update Nov 2024 - It is still great, and the children love it too!

Asador 44. Overall underwhelming. Steak stringy, hake somewhat tasteless, white rioja a bit thin to the palate ... red rioja ok. Staff helpful and attentive. V noisy restaurant. Cheese to finish best part.

Fairly expensive, but really nice food and a great atmosphere. The beef tartare was amazing, but the bluefin tuna dish was quite bland, which I didn't expect for such a rich fish. The whole squid was really nice and the array of sides (fries, beetroot, leeks, tomato salad) were all delicious. Would definitely go again, if just for the orange cream filled choux pastry!

Steak stringy, hake laked taste, white rioja thin, red ok. Chese to finish best part. Staff helpful & friendly. Noisy restaurant. Overall not great.

Incredible place, service is attentive but does not intrude, the food and drinks are wonderful. We shared one of the specials a whole suckling pig leg and it was superb. Can't wait to return.

Visited Asador 44 for a Birthday with family. I did not disclose this when booking but requested the suckling pig if possible. Was delighted with the result. They took note when I booked & delivered. Ambience, service & food outstanding. They had ensured the suckling pig was available & it did not disappoint. Exceptional. I have never tasted such well cooked meat & crackling, The service was also great, and if the waiter was unsure about the wines, he sought advice & did not “wing it”. Honest friendly service & a great meal. Would highly recommend & will definitely revisit. Restaurants of this calibre are very rare anywhere in the world. Had a very happy birthday….thanks Asador 44.

Eaten here a number of times now. The restaurant has a very relaxed feel but the service is excellent. The staff have great knowledge of all the food and drinks and have often gone with their recommendations which have never disappointed. The food is great quality, prepared well and often appears simple but you can taste all the effort that has gone in to create fantastic dishes. The sharing pork and lamb dishes have been some of the best meat I have eaten in a long time but have been equally impressed by fish we have had. Not an everyday eat as you pay for such quality but well worth it.

Great place to go for a really nice meal. The food is amazing! The staff are great, especially if you like to be served and left alone. I do get the sense that they have been trained to ask if you're celebrating something special, but they take no further interest when you say the occasion you are celebrating. But that is fine if you just want to enjoy the company of the person you came with 😆 great wine recommendations, and they are very knowledgeable about the food!

I’m sorry but the steak wasn’t all that flavourful. The highlight was the olive fried chips. The prawn croquettes were also nice.

First visit here and will definitely be back! Food was absolutely amazing. Both duck and steak were cooked to perfection, and would also highly recommend the olive oil fries and cauliflower cheese.

Lunch with 3 work colleagues. Staff were brilliant from the point of arrival. Friendly welcome and shown to our table with attention to detail for explaining the menu and answering any queries. We all chose the lunch set menu (2 courses for £30 as we were limited for time). Exceptional value for the quality of food. I enjoyed it so much I only managed to capture a photo of my starter. We all had the 8oz rump steak which were all perfectly cooked to different requirements and the steak & fries were delicious! We will definitely be back!! Thank you.

These guys just have it sorted. Towards top end costs but worth it. No pretense or ego. Just lovely surroundings, food and service. Lewis was a fantastic host, as were the other staff members who served us. Stayed at the accompanying hotel Parador 44 a few times and that is excellent too (honesty bar and terrace is intimate and relaxing, plus breakfast is awesome). No doubt will return to stay and eat again. Had lunch in the nearby sister tapas restaurant Bar 44 yesterday, which was also a joy. This company just have it right. We miss Cowbridge Bar 44 a lot (hint hint)!

Service charge included in table < 4 people, not optional. Not impressed by the quality of the food.

We had the suckling pig with cider gravy too share and was amazing wow thank you Lloyd for his recommendations for sides and his overall service.

This restaurant came highly recommended, but to be honest the food was nothing to write home about. Who ever had steak and chips (500G Sirloin £54.00) without the option of a green salad, or a simple coleslaw? ( Tomato salad £7.50 !!!) My expectation of any restaurant is that the food presented is better than I can cook at home, that then makes the cost acceptable and reasonable. I’m afraid the food, whilst good, was certainly no better than a home cook can produce. The service was pleasant and prompt.

Not worth the money. Paid £120 for chewy steak and chips. Waited 45 minutes for it aswell.

Great food, fine dining but you can bring the kids

Hard to find words to describe it, everything you would want from a great place with great food.

What amazing value for money. This is a little gem. The menu isn’t extensive, but you’ll get the best ingredients executed with fantastic skill at unbelievable prices. Serving staff are very knowledgable and just the right side of attentive. Wines are selected with care. Wonderful, wish I lived in Cardiff so I could visit every week.

Personally, I didn't like it, but not a reason not to try for yourself .

Outstanding Michelin Star standard food! Great value too!

Friendly staff, and a menu with a healthy selection of options for each part of your meal. The real stars are the sharing options, pair with a selection of sides and you really have a feast. We chose snacks in place of starters and didn't regret it. Decent portions of high quality ingredients.

My partner and I came to celebrate my birthday. I’m a big fan of Bar 44 food which has the same owners, so I was keen to try Asador 44. The service, atmosphere and drinks were all really great. I had a delicious spicy margarita and my partner had a smoky cocktail that I don’t remember the name of. The starters were also really good, we had the prawn croquetas and the scallops, the latter of which was the stand out for me. Unfortunately we were really disappointed with the steak, which was the real reason we came. We went for the dry-aged Welsh sirloin sharer, which was the most expensive one on the menu I think (I just remember it being pretty pricey but not entirely sure of the exact price). The steak itself was very chewy and fatty, and so by the time you’d cut off the fat the serving size was actually quite small, and wasn’t really enough for two. It didn’t come with any sauce, so we asked for some salsa verde which the waiter ran to get us. We also ordered a size of chips and the leaks. Chips were delicious but not really enough for two and the leaks were ok but not worth the price in my opinion. For the price, I was expecting a really top quality main meal and neither of us felt that the quality or quantity was worth the price. We definitely didn’t come away feeling full but couldn’t justify spending more money. Overall, great for drinks but I think its sister restaurant Bar 44 is much better for food and cheaper too!

Limited food and drink list selection options. Attentive service and very good food.

Definitely worth going to Asador - steak was amazing and grilled leeks were phenomenal. 10/10

Really impressed with this restaurant! All of the food we had was delicious. Probably the best steak I’ve ever eaten. Also recommend the prawn croquetas, sourdough bread with tasty butter and leeks with the steak.

Simply the best customer service I’ve ever experienced. The food was outstanding but the evening was made by the customer service. Congratulations team. Our first visit tonight but we definitely will be back.

If you guys wanna have a culinary firework in your mouth then come to this place; I’m not gonna disclose any details; just gonna tell the names of dishes I’ve tried (and added pics for): 1. Tuna loin with yuzu oil (don’t remember the exact name of the dish) 2. Ex dairy beef tartare 3. Grilled squid + heritage tomatoes The only comment I can make: no comments x

Really loved this place! Served by lovely Lydia who knew all about the providence our steak and we totally enjoyed our meal. It all felt very authentic and the food was delicious and good value for money (we're Londoners!). Highly recommend. 🤗

As seen on a Fred Siriex prgramme. Looked and sounded really good. Annivers ary and in Cardiff so gave it a punt. What a good choice. Friendly and approachabel staff. Food presented and deliverd professionally. Great selection bu tall three coupes went for the leg of lamb sharing option (no imagination). Starters were realay different and extremely tasty. TYhe mains cam eup with a few sides, which were also relaly good. Would have preferred mash or scalloped or even dauphinoise, but the 'fries' were good. We all struggled to clear the plates as th eportons were very good and the lamb just fell off the bone. Only teo of us had desserts. I went forthe baana one which cam eup looking like rashers of bacon with two small eggs on top. Clever, witty and so very tasty.I know Imade the best choice. Not teh cheapest of restaurants but if you want good food and excellent service it is well worth it. A great evening and a good way to celebrate 33 years.

My friends and I came here on valentine’s day, a day you would expect to have not as good service - however our experience here was stellar! We ordered multiple starters which were delivered almost immediately, and the ex-dairy sharing steak for a main (with sides of course!) and everything was brilliant. Honestly cannot fault this place, the view into the kitchen was also a lovely touch to see how everything functioned! Will be returning ASAP.

Outstanding food, discreet service. Fantastic experience

Been here several times, great dining experience normally. Went there 5th September for my son’s birthday, he ordered Rump with onion ketchup roscoff onion ect He asked for it rare it came very well presented although extra’s ie onion ketchup was minimal ( I know it’s only a garnish) but was very tiny, and I’ve had shoe leather more tender, steak was chewy and TOUGH. When asked if everything was ok mentioned to our server steak was tough. She said she would inform chef. Who knows? Probably not chefs fault but d source of meat? bad batch? Anyway disappointing. Would have waited for a response but had travel plans and couldn’t hang around. Shame 😏🍻

What a find. Seen on Fred Siryic TV programme and took a punt. Far exceeded our expectations. Fantastic food and so well executed. Knowledgeable staff and very friendly.

Wonderful experience of eating food cooked over fire. The greeting from the amazing staff was excellent. The menu and the specials were explained to us as we’d never been before. Great selection of drinks. Food was excellent and promptly served. Service was top notch; attentive without being intrusive. Would highly recommend for a date night.

Popped in for lunch at a "quiet" time of the year (late July) but the place was going on great. Really enjoyed the steak with salad. Meat was done perfectly, and paired with a nice refreshing chilled red that sunny summer day. Wife had the fish, of which there is always a good varied range. Very friendly service and we'll be back.

Second visit to Asador 44 and won't be our last. Stunning food, great service.

Fantastic good, excellent service from start to finish 👍🏻 real flavours and really good wine. It was a special occasion for me and my missus, which I mentioned when I booked it. However nobody made any effort about it. I didn't want any freebies or handouts but if you have this question when you book your restaurant I would expect a small touch or at least mention. This is for you guys as a suggestion to look at. But once again I highly recommend this place, very enjoyable food and atmosphere 💯

Cracking meal, what can I say that Mr. Coren hasn't already said in the paper this weekend. Excellent food among the best in Wales

This is an old favourite of my wife and I’s anyway but every time we come it seems to improve and we find something new to obsess over on the menu. This time the wild mushroom croquetas as a special snack we’re so good we had to order a second plate. The sharing welsh bone in sirloin is top quality meat from meatmatters and you can see why it is slightly more expensive than its Spanish counterpart but worth every penny. The charred leeks and broccoli sides really elevated the meal and the mango, chilli and lime sorbet really was a life changing experience. The service is always spot on with friendliness, professionalism and knowledge at the forefront of everything they do. I never need another excuse to come here, but every time I do I feel it improves. So lucky to have a restaurant of this quality in Cardiff.

Amazing lamb sharing platter for 2. The heritage tomato side was beautiful! Service was second to none, water replenished throughout the meal, very relaxed, but with attention to detail. Would not hesitate to return, thoroughly recommend!

Perfect medium rare steak. Great atmosphere and service.

Food is amazing , atmosphere is great and staff also. Cheers guys, see you again soon

Spent a fantastic evening here recently. Food and service just excellent. Highly recommend! Shared the suckling pig and it was delicious!

Oh my. This place is amazing. The food the experience everything. Highly recommended and will come back

What a treat. Food was superb, service brilliant and a great atmosphere. Busier than we expected for a Monday lunchtime but having thoroughly enjoyed our visit we can understand why Asador 44 is so popular.

Fantastic meal. One of the nicest restaurants in Cardiff great food and great atmosphere will definitely be returning. Fantastic staff

Continues to be one of Cardiff's best dining experiences

Incredible food. Steaks were superb and there was plenty of choice for non meat eaters. Service was impeccable. A great evening out to celebrate.

Me and my partner came here over the weekend for our anniversary, going to a place like here with that sort of price for food isn’t a common thing for us. We came here very excited as it was recommend to us. As soon as we walked in my partner had a monster can in his hand, the manager (I assume) instantly charged over saying “you can’t bring alcohol here” to not say hello first or even looking at what my partner was holding before making assumptions, didn’t set a good impression for us, so instantly we didn’t feel welcome. The manger apologised once he knew what the can was. The restaurant was beautiful and well taken care of. The food is the reason why we were there and also the reason why we are never going back. I had the scallops and he had the beef tartare for starters, mains we shared the steak, with a side of chips. All of the food lacked in any sort of flavour and very small portions for the price. I wouldn’t have minded the small portions if the food was heaven, but it wasn’t, I am not a someone who knows anything about cooking but I at least know how to season food. I believe this place may have been amazing a while ago but I think now they are making everything expensive to make you think that the food is good when it is not. We have learned a valuable lesson at this place and that is just because a restaurant has Michelin stars doesn’t mean they are consistent with them. Last note is that the morning after me and my partner were very unwell after eating here this was the last meal we had that day, we believe it was the tartare.

Great restaurant. Smart, friendly and intelligent service is coupled by a simple but mouth watering menu. The food was well presented in time and was simply delicious. If only more restaurants could be like this. Well done Asador 44, next time I’m in Cardiff you will be my first choice.

Went for a family lunch, for what we paid for the four of us, we should have had top end food. Sadly it wasn't, the sharing steak was tough, the Tuna was badly presented and greasy. The sides are just not worth the money and not very good at all. It was a special occasion for us and we will NEVER return. Poor.

Must be one of the best places for food in Cardiff. We shared an amazing piece of beef from a retired dairy cow. Really great flavour.