El Puerto Restaurant in The Vale of Glamorgan

We have Been coming here for years. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great wine. And great staff. Fish is amazing. And I do love the saw dust. I was cracking up laughing reading a customer complain about the saw dust with the photos. Priceless.

We have been coming to El Puerto for years and unfortunately our most recent experience was atrocious. We booked for our best friend’s birthday with high expectations. One of the starters did not arrive, no apology, and the food generally was not up to par. There was a considerable delay waiting for the missing starter to arrive yet we were forced off our table after we had barely finished our main courses. Paying for the bill was a disaster. Our first bill was whisked away from us and the second bill had over a hundred pounds added to it, including multiple drinks we had not ordered. We raised the issue with one of the waiting staff and were repeatedly fobbed off and treated rudely. Eventually the first bill ‘magically’ reappeared and we paid what we owed. To say that I was appalled by this behaviour is an understatement. I will no longer be recommending El Puerto to my friends.

We had the midweek lunch menu, 2 courses for £18, choice from 4 starters and 4 mains. All we're lovely. Service was excellent, it was fairly quiet, as it was a Monday lunchtime.

Stunning food, reasonably priced, great service.

Meh. The food was below average for the price. The staff werent great. The guy at the food counter was so rude and his attitude stank. The system of ordering food and everything all seemed really stupid to me. The waiting staff barely waited on us and we had to ask for loads of things they forgot to bring out. We always had to collar them for a drink each time as they would run away as fast as they could and were barely around for us to be able to ask for anything! There were also loads of dishes they could've cleared from the table still before the next course arrived so had to ask them to remove them as there wasn't any room. What are we paying for exactly? I had the lamb roast and it looked like the tesco frozen Sunday lunch thing. Not impressed. £28?! Madness. Of course we paid and left because who can be asked to argue. I had high hopes for this place and was disappointed unfortunately (:

Average for me. Fish was tasty but the fries tasted like in an old fry shop, soaked in old fat. Chicken for a child was tasty but it was also deep fried and the breading was tasteless. Cheesecake too greasy and too sweet. We entered the place and waited for someone to show us in but no one had time to take an interest in us, they didn't even check who the reservation was for and for which time. I don't understand the popularity of this place.

A beautiful restaurant on Cardiff bay, in an elegant and well-kept historic building. There is plenty of meat and fish and a very high quality wine list.

We arrived without any real expectations or knowledge of El Puerto and we were more than pleasantly surprised. The service, the food, ambiance were all exceptional. We really enjoyed our experience.

The food was outstanding and well worth the money. Had the slow roasted Welsh lamb and the meat fell off the bone. Would definitely go again.

Wonderful experience start to finish- had a drink at the bar first and a great atmosphere and speedy service. The service continued with our meal. Food cooked to perfection and a fantastic selection of wine and cocktails

I have eaten in restaurants all over the UK and this place falls into the top 10% WORST places for service and accommodation of someone with a disability. I would like to provide a fair and balanced review of the food however the manager felt unable to help and therefore due to my disability I was forced to leave. Shocking approach, you have been warned, don’t bother with this place!!!!! Dear owner, in response to your spurious accusation, it saddens me that in this day and age with heightened awareness to disabilities you and your staff still display a bias that is not even unconscious. My autistic son eats in many establishments where the vast majority are happy, and go out of their way to accommodate him (no you are the only one I can recall) and his challenge to tolerate background music whilst eating, for the short period of time that he actually frequents the restaurant. We purposely booked with you early in the evening, to be less impactful but you really did not try very hard to accommodate (not sure what the DDA act would say about that, I will leave that to our legal counsel). Finally to accuse me of “aggressive” behaviour for simply pointing out to your manager of his legal obligations in such situations beggars belief, if you are responding to my review as the actual owner you seriously need to reconsider the trustworthiness of the staff reporting to you.

Another fabulous meal. Big shout out to Elliot in the bar and chef Paul. All the food was stunning, especially the fish soup. Attentive staff at all times, couldn't fault anything. One of our favourite restaurants 👍👏😁♥️

We were really looking forward to dining at El Puerto, but unfortunately, my experience was pretty disappointing. Right from the start, things felt off. We were seated in a corner, and it was a struggle to get the attention of the staff. We tried waving them over a few times, but it felt like we were just being ignored. It’s not the kind of service I expected from a place like this. What really bothered me was that it seemed like we were treated differently because of our age. The waiters were indifferent and even a bit dismissive, which made us feel isolated and unwelcome. We were there to celebrate a special occasion, but the atmosphere just didn’t match the importance of the evening. To make things worse, my partner’s dish wasn’t cooked properly and had to be sent back. By the time it came out again, I was already halfway through my meal, and even then, it still wasn’t right. Given the vibe we were getting from the staff, my partner didn’t want to send it back again, which just put a damper on the whole night. Another thing that shocked me was when I mentioned to the waiter that I’d stick to water since I was driving, and they responded by saying I could still have one or two drinks—as if encouraging drink driving. That kind of attitude is really concerning and totally irresponsible. I also noticed some cleanliness issues, like sand on the floor near where we ordered food, which was unexpected and a bit worrying for a restaurant that’s supposed to be top-notch. The final straw was when the waiter tossed the bill and card machine onto our table without a word. That lack of basic courtesy was really disappointing and left us feeling pretty uncomfortable. After talking to others, it seems we’re not the only ones who’ve had issues here recently. I hope management takes this feedback seriously because it’s clear that there are some big issues that need addressing. Overall, our experience didn’t live up to the expectations we had for El Puerto We left feeling let down and undervalued, which was a real shame.

Accommodated us when arriving just as kitchen was closing. Great service and exceptional food

Perfect Welsh summer evening. Sat on the deck with views of Cardiff Bay. El Puerto has a unique choose your own fresh meat and seafood bar to rival the best butchers or fishmongers. Extensive chalk menu boards present the wide range of options for starters, mains and deserts. Meat servings are large and cooked to your liking. Portuguese flavours feature in the cooking methods and in sauces and dressings. Very stylish bar and dining areas.

Very disappointed...filet medallions in peppercorn sauce...so thinly sliced and was in gravy sauce...plus patatas bravas more like boiled potatoes with meatball starter...

Very good menu and excellent service very much to recommend.

Nice Sunday lunch, wine selection particularly good

Been going here for a number of years and cannot recommend it enough. Everything from the location, decor, staff and food is excellent. I have never had a bad meal. The quality of the food is superb and added with excellent staff it is a winning combination. Can't wait to return!

Can't wait to return. Everything was stunning. Beautiful way to celebrate my birthday.

Really looked forward to my 55th Birthday dinner on Saturday evening, we arrived and was seated just after ordering drinks from the bar. We went to the seafood section and selected our starters & main dishes , I also ordered a portion of garlic bread. We received our salad bowls really filled up our bowls with a nice selection of salad. Returned to our table where our garlic bread was already their and very hot. Our starters arrived very quickly just as we had finished our salad . Our mains were perfectly cooked. Dover sole and Skate wing we recommend. 5 stars for service food and atmosphere.

Always a great meal at El Peurtos. Food excellent, service excellent, atmosphere great. The only down side for me is, I think the food is a little over priced.

One of the best restaurants in Cardiff. The service is top-notch, food is excellent but expensive. But since we were celebrating my wife’s birthday it was worth the money. There were 5 of us and it came to around £65 per person for a 3 course lunch, without alcohol.

The atmosphere & food are very nice. Definitely a good place for gathering !

Very nice seafood restaurant in Cardiff seaside. Plenty of seafood with a big counter for self selection, with different choices of cooking too. They also got a nice fridge for dry-aged steak. The restaurant is quite busy, and probably need to book in advance.

Unaware we had to go to the counter to order our food, we attempted twice. I'd forgotten my glasses so hubby had to read the long menu listed above the counter. Queueing to do this we found ourselves constantly in the way of staff, being asked to move numerous times. Saw a guest use his hands to take salad from salad bar. Tables seemed very close together and felt overcrowded. Was brought the wrong wine to the table. Didn't have the same serving staff so various people coming to our table. When brought the bill was just left waiting to pay. Saving grace was the food was good. For the prices charged and seemingly fine dining, the service was erratic, the restaurant was loud and overcrowded and the fact we had to leave our table to order our food, we were not impressed. Won't be dining her again.

The food was excellent. My prime sirloin steak was succulent. Fries were tasty. Only slight problem was one of the drinking glasses was dirty, and I noticed many of them on our table for 6 were scratched. They need to inspect their glasses and replace with new if they are worn out or dirty.

I was lucky enough to visit El Puerto last night. I was impressed by the whole experience, the staff were very helpful and attentive. Our party included 4 children under 10 and the patience shown by the staff was noticeable, as meeting the needs of a table of 18 is no mean feat. I'll end this review by saying well done EL Puerto, and a double well done for my Hake, undoubtedly the best I've tasted 👍👍👍👍👍

Lovely place food good service good tables a bit close together and was very busy

We were so happy to secure a same dat booking. Restaurant was busy. The atmosphere, service and food was excellent! Absolutely loved my lamb and mint sauce main. The only small issue was that i specifically asked if I could have a small salad instead of the starter options on the board. Who ever was behind the counter, said "sure, we can do that for you." My husband paid the bill, gave a good tip, whilst I went on to the car. He arrived a few moments later, with receipt in hand. He realised that we were charged for the salad. I know it's only 5 pounds extra, but we are tourists and 5 pounds is 5 pounds. We have started to realise that it is common to be charged "extra" without warrant. A little disappointed as we thought we were going to have a near perfect experience.

All excellent except for noise.

Very pretentious. Not worth it.

Amazing seafood and very good location here. We came here by car, and there is a free parking lot for the restaurant. Just need to do a registration at the reception desk of the restaurant. One more thing, remember to make the reservation before you come, it’s really popular 😍👍

Have been coming here for 5 yrs food excellent. Service excellent. Went on the 24/6/2023 omg what a change staff given wrong food ordered. Waiting 35 minutes for your main .you are ignored except if your a celebrity I.e rugby players and they are all over them .my anniversary meal was s..t won't be going again my special occasion eas ruined because I was told they were too busy

Like walking onto the set of Mrs Doubtfire. Lovely fresh food that you pick a la carte right in front of you. Consistently good to great quality... Everytime. I recommend to anyone visiting Cardiff.

Service was terrible it appears that they were understaffed. Ambiance was good however the food was deplorable. To say this restaurant holds itself to be a fish restaurant all the fish we had was overcooked. The steaks the party received were acceptable however the veal had a rancid taste. When we complained after one of our party being sick we received nothing but attitude from the management and said pay what you want knowing that if we did not pay the full bill they would call the police. We will not be frequenting this establishment again

Everything top notch,food fab,great staff,and a great wine list 👌

Staff did a great job on a busy night, and some orders were rushed. But the food was good all the same. With a lovely atmosphere, not my first time there and won’t be my last

Great place to have a few drinks and watch the boats come and go. Faultless service at the bar.

Fabulous restaurant, though not cheap. Absolutely love this restaurant and it's location/building. This is our special occasion restaurant.

We have eaten here several times over the years and have usually been pleased. This time, not so. The starters and dessert were fine. We both had lasagne for the main course and it was the worst one both of us have ever had. There was no lovely rich tomato sauce between the layers of pasta which meant that the meat was very dry. I’ve made better lasagne myself and bought better from a supermarket.

Food very nice. Staff very friendly. And a lovely place to be.

Beautiful ambience, beautiful food, great staff.. what more can I say..

Fab place to eat. Massive choice.

Definitely, I will be back. The food was amazing! But it's a bit confusing how to order and probably due to the number of people (a lot) they were rushing you to order! Same for the table service, I have to say that I can tell that the staff were doing they best they could. A lovely restaurant in a lovely place and parking is not an issue!

Booked for lunch. My wife had Spanish meatballs followed by halibut while I had salad, from the salad bar, followed by the home made beef pie. These were the 2 course lunch specials at £24 each. Both were delicious: the pie especially, with very tender meat, rich gravy and a light flakey crust (no pastry shell). Plus 2 drinks each and two coffees. Total cost £65. Excellent value, and excellent service. Highly recommended.

Very nice food and atmosphere. Slight wait on the food but that's being picky. Would definitely return

There are a lot choices. Menu on the broad and order in the counter which quite interesting.

Nice food ... run out of beef so had lamb if you drink soft drinks very small bottles

This place has previously been one of our family favourites that we have returned to year after year and I have recommended to many people. Unfortunately, our latest visit has been extremely disappointing. The food, usually excellent, was very hit and miss, with some of the main courses being inedible. More disappointing was the level of service. I appreciate that during the Christmas period restaurant staff are very busy and working incredibly hard. But there is no excuse for poor manners and a disrespectful attitude. There was a lengthy wait for service, when it arrived the staff were disinterested and rude and there were multiple errors made. We will not return and unless the management take action soon they will find that many others will reach the same decision.

Holidays finished with a diner at this chic restaurant. Very nice that we could choose our food at the counter. Staff was very nice to our 1,5 year old toddler. Unfortunately there was no high chair available for her. Very good food quality. Lot of choice. Free parking.

So many problems with this place. I think the restaurant is trying to provide a fine dinning experience however doesn't live up to this as firstly there are no menus on the table so you have to read an extensive menu above the food display counter (I wouldn't expect to get up to read and order food in this way in a fine dinning restaurant) also with no clear way to queue up it means you end up queuing around the tables and people eating ( waiters did show us where to queue but again with no clear way people still started queuing around the tables). Also where you order food there's sawdust on the floor which is strange. They do have 'budget' menus if you will so a starter and a main, but also say you order the beef medallions you literally have 3 very thin medallions with a tablespoon of peas, four slices of carrots and gravy. Therefore you order sides which aren't cheep either. I will say the starter of salmon gravlax and celeriac was delicious. For the price of the food is very average and the experience they try to provide I just expect alot more in regards to quality, presentation and service. We were a very large group (some older family members who are partially deaf) the waiter was asking who had ordered a cappuccino at one end of the table nearly everyone had repeatedly said no, I told them no but we are waiting for a latte and two desserts. To which he replied very abruptly something along the lines of what about the Cappuccino. Turns out the Cappuccino was for the partially deaf lady and couldn't hear from the other end of the table. The waiter got asked again for our desserts which he brought one. My dad then had to chase up the waiter and ask again for the dessert which wasn't great. For me the whole experience of the restaurant doesn't qualify as a fine dinning experience which is what they are trying to provide. The bill was also really awkward to sort out as everything was on one recipe, which is our fault I suppose but would be handy if things were listed individually such a coke £ X3 instead of the total of the three cokes. Ask for separate bills if paying individually.

El mejor restaurante que hay por Penarth y Cardiff

Expensive but exceptional food for a special day or evening meal

Delicious food as always. We were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary so it was a special occasion. Very tasty Sunday lunch but no rapport with one Spanish waiter in particular and to be honest, the whole atmosphere feels like a canteen with an emphasis on getting you fed, and out of the door Our Spanish waiter simply removed our empty wine glasses without making eye contact or asking if we would like another, wiped the table and off he went in search of other table to clear . When i mentioned this to another more friendly waiter taking our coffee order he admitted there is pressure from the management at weekends to get throughput. Pity,as we didn't feel relaxed even though food was good and won't be choosing this restaurant again despite the quality of its food. Hilary Davies

Great food and teased amazing, but the potions were similar to those tenko

Have not had Sunday lunch here for a few years. What a lovely surprise, food quality and service was excellent. Made it extra special as we had coffee on their terrace and the sun was shining 😊 They serve tapas on their terrace which was new to us…. Perhaps we’ll try this next time

Fish was expensive and not fresh. Unacceptable for a restaurant located by the sea. Service was good. The waiters were very helpful.

Amazing choice of menu and excellent atmosphere. Definitely recommend a table outside for your enjoyment!!

Food was good Service not so good

Beautiful foody favourite place for eating

This was my first time at El Puerto and it won't be the last. It was for my birthday and they made the night ever so special for me. Nothing was too much trouble. Every member of staff was polite and helpful. The food was out of this world and so much choice. Fantastic seafood. So so pleased. My birthday was made so special and I can't thank the staff enough from the Manager to the Waiters/Waitresses. I thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

Great food at a very reasonable price - lunchtime deal, 2 courses for £16. Staff are amazing. I need to come here more often.

Always fabulous food, wines and champagne. Recommend to our guests as a must place to visit when in Cardiff Bay

Sunday lunch today was totally amazing. Helped by the weather. We sat outside, the staff were professional and a credit to the restaurant. Fish soup was the best I've ever had, roast lamb was delicious, perfectly cooked, good selection of vegetables and delicious gravy. Really good lunch and experience. Sad I didn't have the creme brulee however I wasn't paying and didnt want to be greedy. Thank you El Puerto.

Have used often over the years but time to move on. Our last visit was expensive with smaller portions high drink costs and for the third time this year "NO OYSTERS" Fair well

Just a beautiful place to go to eat or just to have a drink, they have just got it right. Love going there

Nice place by sea , I order juice , very bad quality juice not fresh , they do very cheap stuff disappointment

My husband booked this as a treat while we were staying in cardiff bay..and it was lovely from start to finish..good food,good service and playing good music ..will be staying in the bay again so we can go back 👍😀

Great food..music bit loud for my taste.

Always have an amazing quality meal and value for money.

Such a great atmosphere and wonderful Food. Writing this review makes me hungry.

Always amazing service and food!

If I had to put my experience in one word it would be underwhelmed. I am not a fan of the ordering system, having to go up to a counter to pick what you’re having whilst there are people stand behind you waiting to order, I just felt under pressure and didn't feel comfortable asking what multiple things were when I have a few tables of people behind me ready to order when I’m asking how much is this and what’s this mean and what not. Every glass/jug we had were dirty. Had to be at least 4 glasses and the jug. The wineglasses are something you would be given down whether-spoons which I was quite shocked at given it’s an upmarket restaurant you’d think the effort for little things like that would be down to a tee. The atmosphere was loud also like whether-spoons. Dress code said smart casual so I went and bought something smart casual to arrive and see people wearing gym shoes and a few in hoodies which don’t get me wrong doesn’t bother me but I wouldn’t of gone through the effort of getting something smart casual if it’s not needed. Then to the food. The steak was decent to be fair cooked perfectly and decent quality but they just went and dumped all of the sauce I had ordered with it all over it. I would prefer it on the side to add when I like to. The portion of asparagus was way to little for the price. Near enough a tenner for 3 stems. The chips were awful, tasted like real bad Chinese shop chips. The shrimp was nice and the beef ribs also very nice. Overall it wasn’t a bad experience but I was just a little underwhelmed after the good things I’ve heard for years. The service was good tho, the waiters were very polite and always had their eyes on the area to see how everyone was doing and if drinks were low or plates needed to be taken. Just a shame there was so many waiters so it wasn’t as personal as it could’ve been.

Very noisy, hate standing in queue to order my food, need more unpressurized time to read the huge chalkboard and decide what I want to eat, service was fairly prompt, my lamb was chewy and tough though the flavour was good, couldn't swallow some portions. My friends loved their halibut. Prices were too high for the ambiance and meal value

If you like ala carte menu's then this is the place for you top quality food cooked to order.

Beautiful building. Fantastic service. Great food selected from a deli counter. Amazing wine list. Havana cigars. Great decor and atmosphere.

Evening meal for a special celebration .. excellent venue, top quality food and customer service.. will definately return.

My favourite restaurant in Penarth - very friendly staff, impeccable service, fabulous food. !

Absolutely amazing food and really good service highly recommend for a night out

Prawns, veal,wine and the whole experience was amazing. Highly recommended.

Very helpful, friendly and attentive staff. Food was really nice and very good variety. It was very busy when we were there and they operate a system you have to queue to order your food so it took about 15 - 20 mins standing in the queue - hence one star off. Very popular place and you can see why... definitely go back!

Excellent food and service. Cannot rate highly enough.

Oh it was delicious. Very crowded because Wales was playing France at the 6 nations rugby tournament. Also very expensive but very nice food

My husband and myself went on a Saturday night. Our table was ready when we arrived. You don't have a menu you go up and place your order. All the meat and fish are in front of you to chose. The food was amazing. I had Garlic Mushrooms and Fillet Steak Kebabs. Both cooked perfectly. My husband had The steak and it was cooked medium just as he ordered. The Kebab arrives on a hot plate so you can leave it cook longer if needed. Lovely atmosphere and very helpful staff. Great visit and will definitely go back.

Gravadlax was to die for, fantastic service throughout and a pleasant atmosphere.

Dreadful.!! Found a piece of glass in my mouth from my meal. They swapped meal, but the night was ruined as everyone had finished their meal when a new one arrived. One of the staff was extremely aggressive to me when I suggested that the meal be removed from the bill as a gesture of apology for ruining the night. He told me that he couldn't do that and that it was a mistake !! A piece of glass in my mouth the size of old half penny , is hardly a mistake. A heated disagreement followed which was heard by many people. Totally embarrassing. I told him to take the meal away. He left the meal on the table, shouting, " enjoy your meal " Dreadful. WILL NEVER return. Trading standards informed !

Excellent value lunches in nice restaurants. Staff very friendly.

Sign over the meat counter suggest the chef is able to steak well, not entirely sure thats true. Asked for a steak medium-rare, turned to dust on the plate it was that overdone. Rest of the food was ok.

Good food good company good service good value

Beautiful place Beautiful food. Really enjoyed or visit. Highly recommend

What an absolute shambles , waited 1 and a half hours for food . When it came beef was inedible , steak was overcooked , missing garlic breads , inedible pork , missing drinks . Attitude of waiter was apauling . All in all a very very expensive disappointment

Fab pre rugby lunch. Food beautiful and service great - perfect timing to leave for the match

Really fussy about Sunday lunch but this one was great. Plenty of meat, gravey and veg. All cooked well and served promptly. Will visit on a Sunday again definitely.

Swordfish was out of this world 🥰

My husband and I went here for a pre theatre dinner just before Christmas. Gorgeous food, great service and festive decor! Throughly enjoyed

One of our favourite resteraunts🥂 🕊💖🕊

Food not as good as it use to be, not such a good choice and drinks getting more expensive

Great restaurant - gorgeous food - super location with great views

Food has improved back to how it was. Had a great lunch.