Parallel in Cardiff

Restaurant situé près du château de Cardiff dans une des rues animées. De délicieux plats à petits prix. Ce restaurant est à recommander. Le service est très professionnel et très sympathique.

Quite simply the best meal out since I left Italy, ten years ago. Just one weak point I will address at the end. The booking on-line was clear and simple. On arrival, we were greeted by a friendly, efficient, professional Harrison who helped us select the best table and explained the menu options. We opted for the sharing plates. This was hugely generous and every dish was a delight, mixing meat, fish, vegetable there was innovation thought without any bollocks. The lovely Anna, from Sicily, took over serving our table so we could chat away in Italian. The whole place had a warm, friendly atmosphere. The two chefs, working in full view, were producing an amazing variety if dishes from what seemed no larger than a domestic kitchen. They were laughing and smiling and obviously enjoying themselves. All staff added to the sense of fun. Everything was perfect and the whole experience was sheer joy from start to finish. This is a unique and exceptional restaurant which defines categorisation. Influences of classic British dishes, Italian, oriental but not a (ghastly) "fusion" place. Neither was it the curse of today and the chef's "tasting menu" when one is supposed to bow and pray to the chef! We loved every minute and will be back. The one fault and it is rather glaring: the wines were the usual suspect from, I believe, Boring Wines Direct. Oh dear. Such excellent dishes require, deserve, excellent wines. We settled on the Pinot Nero from Kosovo, which is a decently riced red table wine but would have happily paid more for something better. So much effort has gone into every detail of this place, decor, layout, seating staff selection and training, stunning dishes and the such a sad a boring wine list. Please, Parallel, get yourselves a better wine supplier. Next time we will book and pay corkage and bring wines of a quality to match your food

Wow … so excited to have found a hidden gem in the centre of Cardiff. We had the tasting menu and were truly spoiled by the food, atmosphere and especially by Anna and the whole team, who talked us through the dishes and the ethos of this incredible restaurant. Well done Parallel, you have customers for life in us. Thank you!

MARIUS !!!! You made my whole holiday!! Marius looked after me amazingly on Friday, I have a full spectrum of allergies and he took the time to go through the menu with the Chefs and offer me possibly the best meal I have ever eaten! The effort he went to to ensure I was looked after was second to none. I'm so truly thankful he works there and honestly he deserves so much recognition (a raise too after Friday he deserves it)!! Please I hope this review finds you as I can't stop talking about the experience you gave us and I extend a huge thank you to you and to your team! You are amazing !

Came here after hearing many great things about the restaurant, food was brilliant, but the service was even better. Anna took great care of us, very kind and attentive.

Went for dinner as a group of four -three of us had the chef's menu which was exceptional; the other who is coeliac chose from the menu. Plenty of gluten free choices which were delicious. All dishes were tasty - standouts ..flatbread, croquettes, crispy chicken, oyster and steak.Special mention to Harrison who was knowledgeable and guided us in our choices.Will definitely be returning.

Had a lovely visit here yesterday. They offer a tasting menu but we opted for the menu where we could choose our own dishes. We had croquettes, crab on toast and crispy chicken ….the chicken was outstanding and we could have happily eaten more! We then had pit beef, new potatoes with chicken skin and their signature carrot. All the dishes were delicious and the service was very good. The lady who served us was Ella and she was brilliant. She explained how the menus worked, offered suggestions on the food and wine and was very friendly and welcoming. Overall a very enjoyable experience

Booked this as a special treat for two mum friends and their two daughters to celebrate one daughter's graduation and the other daughter getting engaged. All of us had previously been to Pasture and enjoyed that experience. I rarely order steak when going out so for all its fab ambience, good food and great staff Pasture for me isn't top of my choices to rebook. For me, Parallel blew Pasture out of the water. We visited on a Sunday lunch time and the staff were outstanding - so friendly and helpful but in a really natural and authentic way. The cocktails were delicious. The food was just incredible. Like many previous reviewers have said the vegetable dishes were just stunning. We all fancied the ratatouille dish which was on the menu served with goats cheese. None of us like goats cheese so we asked if we could have the ratatouille on its own. The staff weren't having any of that and were keen to give us a similar experience so we had ratatouille served on burrata instead and it was mind-blowingly good. Not asked for but evidence to me of going the extra mile to create the best food and service experience. We also ordered dessert, which was of the same standard as the mains and our daughters were given a complimentary brownie each on a congratulations dish. We hadn't mentioned the special occasion when we booked but as we were shown to our table we were asked if we were celebrating anything special. Such a nice spontaneous touch on top of a wonderful experience. I will definitely be rushing back. It was fab and I'd highly recommend.

Two weeks running on a Friday we have tried to get served outside but always seem to wait a long time ,,, 15 minutes last Friday,,,, The terrace needs a good clean tables need wiping

Food, service, atmosphere - everything was perfect for a weekend lunch. The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable, couldn’t be better. We sat at the counter so could see the chefs doing their magic. Highly recommend. We are big fans of Pasture too - I would say Parallel for a lunch and Pasture for an evening meal.

Came here for a Christmas meal with boyfriend and went for the taster menu. The food is amazing! I have been a couple of times now and there are 0 complaints! Really friendly and laidback service. It is quite pricey but really don't mind spending the money when everything is this good!

Food was incredible. Some of the best tasting dishes I’ve had. If you can, sit on tables 9/10 as it makes the experience. Chefs happy to talk throughout the evening adding a really personable vibe. I’ll definitely be back. Thanks for having us!

This is a lovely restaurant with really friendly staff. It was busy when we were there creating a buzzy atmosphere . All the small plates we had were amazing but funnily enough the star of the show for us was the plain old carrot. We just couldn't believe how delicious a giant carrot can be. The desserts deserve a special mention as well as they were very different and gave a fab end to the evening. Just felt the tables were too close together which made you feel a bit rammed in.

We had such a lovely time at parallel. We were served by Anna, who was absolutely amazing! I got the booking time wrong and they were able to accommodate us. The food was superb and the atmosphere was fab. So relaxed. Really couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more. I'll definitely be back without a doubt.

Brilliant vibe, fantastic food and Anna who looked after us was superb. Couldn’t fault her. Made our 25th wedding anniversary extra special. We’ll be back xx

Came here for valentines with my partner and had an absolutely wonderful experience. Great food and even better service. The lovely waiter Harrison walked us through all the dishes and made the dining experience even more special so a very special mention to him. Can’t recommend this place enough if you’re looking for a great atmosphere, friendly staff and a lovely night!

Absolutely amazing menu with stunning small plates, the chefs are clearly extremely skilled in combining new flavours and ideas. Truly amazing. Special mention to our absolutely fantastic waiter Harrison, who truly made the evening with his insight and informed input. Cannot recommend this place enough as an intimate venue with incredible food and handcrafted drinks.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner last night at Parallel! James, the Parallel manager, welcomed us as soon as we walked through the front door, and got us settled into our seats for the evening, immediately got us menus and guided us through menu adjustments for a gluten free dining restriction. Our server, Daisy, was fantastic every step of the way! Great food paired with wonderful red wines by the glass as well… We had pre-dinner cocktails consisting of a lemongrass-dill margarita for my wife and a smoked maple old fashioned for myself. Our starters were Padron peppers with cashew yoghurt and a hoisin mushroom topped crumpet with kimchi styled thinned sliced onions and veggies Our main courses were Rolled Sirloin with burnt onion butter and Braised Short ribs in chimichurri salsa. They were accompanied by veggie sides of Broccoli, broccoli salsa and cauliflower purée & Fir potatoes in a Cavolo Nero pesto Our desserts were chocolate and olive oil with shaved dark chocolate over a crème mousse along with a rhubarb and white chocolate sauce over a crème Mousse as well. A few times during our meal, Nick, one of the Parallel chefs, stopped by our table to chat about our dinner choices and the kitchen team’s preparation of each course. What a wonderful experience we had. 5 Stars all the way. Making Reservations appears to be a must for anyone wanting to dine here at Parallel!

Second time here and was not disappointed. Food is delicious. We had the chefs set menu which is great value considering all the disses you get and a cocktail. Talking of cocktails they are so unique and wonderful. The coconut and pineapple is just *chef’s kiss* The set menu also lets you try a bit of everything and there wasn’t a single dish I disliked. One friend isn’t into fish so much but even they enjoyed those dishes. The flatbread is just incredible for such a simple dish as well. Service is very attentive and so friendly. Our server Anna was always quick off the mark and we felt so well looked after. Only one small comment is music could be a little quieter. Otherwise another fantastic visit and quickly becoming a favourite in Cardiff.

Absolutely amazing from start to finish. Server Howard explained everything. Would have loved to try everything. Nothing to fault. Price was a little expensive but that’s what you pay for food of this quality and presentation. No loud music while we were there just a bit of background. Can’t wait to go back and try more as the menu changes all the time.

We went for our anniversary from the minute we walked in to the moment we left it was so lovely.Sitting at the bar chatting with the chef’s watching how they worked was a real delight. The Executive chef was engaging and explained the process explaining the flavours combinations just made the eating even more enjoyable.Our server was an absolute sweetheart and made us feel welcome and special even though the restaurant was busy.We had the taster menu which was excellent the range of food was superb, the cured mackerel with the blood orange and the XO beef were absolutely gorgeous so many flavours but all of it was melt in the mouth amazing. We loved that we could swap the rhubarb with the lemon dessert which was so clean and refreshing and then the chocolate truffle with happy anniversary just the bestThank you so much.. x

Sadly we can’t rate parallel any more than we have . We looked forward to our meal with bated breath after thoroughly enjoying their sister restaurant Pasture . Some of the main reason’s for this are that they play extremely loud music , so loud that you can’t even hear yourself speak and the fact that it’s absolutely tiny , you either end up seated on a bar stool or by the door . To enjoy this kind of food (which is a tasting menu costing roughly £100 a head if you have a few alcoholic drinks) you should have enough space to move .

Parallel is right next door to Pasture, bang in the city centre, with the same ownership and shares some of the same kitchen space. Pasture requires booking well in advance which is why Parallel was our second choice. It's quite small, much smaller than it looks on their website, but that's ok. it's very informal with some of the seating on stools next to the chefs' cooking area, so don't expect white linen table cloths and silver service, but it certainly isn't "down-market". There is background music, but it's not too intrusive. Quite chilled and easy going. Nice. The menu is "small plates", so lots of small individual dishes. Each dish shared between two or one per person, but sharing makes more sense. Don't even think of sharing one plate between three. Dinner for two probably needs about eight or ten dishes. However there is a set tasting menu at about £60 pp which we had and would recommend, and we certainly did not leave hungry. The dishes are all very different, every one was delicious! A whole carrot (well a very special carrot!), seared padron peppers, shredded lamb, fillet of beef, and others. All were a real treat. The staff are great. They seem to know when to be there and when to leave you alone, but of course they will be bringing all those plates so at your table or seat frequently. Marius seems to run things, and does a really great job while still finding time to chat with customers. The wine list was ok, but only ok-ish. More detail of each wine is needed. Our choice really did need decanting or opening at least an hour before drinking, but of course that's not possible in most restaurants. I would order a cheaper one next time so I wouldn't care too much. Come here for the food not the wine. Food at this level requires as much attention to the wine. Highly recommended. Obviously not cheap. You could spend the same amount or less on a more conventional meal, but it would not be as interesting and possibly not as pleasurable. I need to get myself organised enough to make a booking at its bigger next door neighbour.

Had the taster menu and we loved it. Great value, very tasty and fantastic hospitality. It’s rare to find a taster menu where each course is loved by everyone at the table.

Everything about this place was absolutely spot on! Exceeded our expectations, food was outstanding, service was exceptional. We will 100% be returning and would highly recommend to anyone looking for somewhere to eat in Cardiff!

Having visited Pasture before yesterday was my first visit to Parallel and it didn't disappoint. The whole experience was fantastic, The food was amazing but the staff were simply brilliant, It was like personal dining sat at the bar to eat and drink Shout out...

ANNA was fantastic! Best waitress ever! Fantastic service, really nice food! Also we had an amazing time taking a picture by the christmas tree with Anna! I wish you all a fantastic Christmas! Grazie Anna!!!

Our second visit to this fabulous restaurant. We chose the Christmas Menu and it did not disappoint! We sat at the pass which was really entertaining, the chefs were very friendly and chatty . Festive spritz was a delicious start! . All courses were equally...

Being to Parallel twice before but decided to book after the rugby had finished and took my son. We were greeted in a very friendly way and given a seat at the bar, which is great as I like to see what the chefs are...

We visited a couple weeks ago & still dreaming of it! We had the taster menu & added a side of duck on also. One of the best meals we’ve ever had, tasty cocktails & the service was amazing. Will definitely recommend and will return.

Not just the ordinary meal,but a wonderful culinary experience! In addition to the tables in the dining room, it is possible to choose to sit near the kitchen and see the chefs during the preparation of the dishes. we chose the chef's menu, highly recommended!...

Fantastic food. Brilliant service especially from the chef Luke .Really recommend, the meat is sensational and the side dishes are tasty. An overall great experience. Like their sustainability values too

A great experience. Rohan's food knowledge was great and he made us feel so welcome. Food highlights were the bread, the carrot and the mushroom crumpet. Although they were all amazing. The fried chicken is like KFC times by a thousand. Well done to the...

I work in hospitality and service was spot on -- so much that gave waitress a tip on top of the service charge (can't remember EVER doing that) Food was really good ... think tapas, but British (not Gazpacho, potatoes, gristly lamb). Good atmosphere in...

I dine out every night either alone or with a friend. I have eaten in Parallel 6 times in the last 10 days as I am often in Cardiff. That is a good indication of how good I think the experience is. I had eaten...

We had a really good meal, the tasting menu was great, loved the trout and beetroot, the cod and the carrot was amazing. The best part was the staff, from the first contact, the chefs, all the waiters and waitresses - even when I set...

My god! What an incredible experience. We sat at the chefs table and we still can’t get over how great it was. The chefs, Ethan and Luke, walked us through each dish. We had a lot of questions, and they took the time to really...

Had a lovely evening at Parallel. The food presentation was fetching, and the menu was well explained before ordering- definitely take suggestions from staff if you're debating between certain plates. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal- it was delicious and satisfying. I had a great experience...

Had the chefs menu , The food was good- bar the seabass ceviche, the meat main was 50g which was on the tiny side and the fluid poured on the Bombay Alaska was unnecessary as too sweet Then an unpleasant experience as we tried to...

Our second visit to Parallel and it was outstanding . Had the beef flatbread , fried chicken , croquettes , a cod fillet , the ( stunning ) carrot , beetroot and the potato with bacon and peas. . Couldn't find fault with any of...

When we (three of us) arrived, I was slightly disappointed to be sat at the bar. However, this is effectively a chef's table and turned out to be brilliant, much more fun than a separate table. You're effectively in the kitchen. We had the chef's...

After a long awaited date night, we finally managed to experience the most amazing meal we have had. We decided on the selection of the chefs menu and it wasn’t the wrong choice. The food was out of this world. Felt like we were repeating...

We had food at Parallel and it was absolutely fantastic. The staff were amazing, in particular Ella and James who were very kind and helpful. It was my wife's birthday and they even sang to her. I had my little dog Ralph with me as...

Visited on a busy Friday night and had an amazing time, I genuinely can't wait to go back. The service was exceptional from the minute we were greeted by the host, to our own waitress and the chefs that often delivered the food (we were...

We had a fantastic evening. Wonderful food, service and staff. The carrot was the best carrot we've ever tasted! And those croquetas - wow! We'll definitely be going back.

Absolutely delightful. We loved the opportunity to try smaller dishes to experience as much as we could. The chefs’ knowledge and passion just added to the 10/10 experience and the service of the staff was faultless. We can’t wait to go back and try more...

Just brilliant - amazing food, chefs and staff. We were given seats at the bar with a view of the kitchen and guided through all our food choices (daughter has numerous severe allergies) with amendments made where necessary. The small plates are great to share...

Love anything small plates related, so was very excited to try this restaurant and it did not disappoint. Staff were super friendly, and the food was delicious, it was so hard not to order one of each dish from the menu. Everything tasted amazing, can’t...

Incredible food and service. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. It was expensive but the quality was amazing. We had the set menu and 100% recommend.

We booked this magical place at the last minute as the Ivy had a flood and needed to shut and at the age of 55 and ate out in many, many places this was truly the best place we had ever been. We went for...

#carrot !! Rarely have I had an opinion about a carrot on menu previously. But then never have I been charged so much for a carrot!! However, I had never had a carrot quite like this. My closest experience of a carrot, that got me...

We stumbled upon this little gem on a night out in Cardiff. We hadn't planned on having a sit down meal and originally stopped there for a drink at their outside seating area. The fact this places offers small plates is ideal for that impromptu...

I came for dinner for my birthday and let me tell you it was an excellent experience. I had the chef’s menu which I can wholeheartedly recommend. If you’re a fan of new experiences and satisfying your palate, do visit. Just a tip maybe have...

We went to Parallel for my birthday because we have previously enjoyed Pasture, also a friend had told us about a dish called ‘the carrot’ which we must try! It was a meal I will remember for a long time, for the food and also...

Brilliant. Met a colleague here on a Friday afternoon. We sat outside in the sun and had a brilliant afternoon. The service, wine, and food were unbelievably good. Personal favourites were the croquettes with leek and smoked caerphilly cheese, Panzanella, and flat iron steak. If...

Food to exceptional!! We loved the experience from start to finish! Was a bit sceptical sitting at the bar at first, but without a doubt the best seat in the restaurant. You see everything getting prepared and sent out hoping it’s coming to you! We...

We couldn't get a table for Pasture (next door) so gave Parallel a try. Our server described the food offer as 'tapas with local ingredients' and suggested we order three plates each. The plates are brought out in a random order as they are ready....

I was there with my partner for one of the opening nights and had a good night. We tried lots of small dishes and as you expect, enjoyed some more than others, but in general the standard was high or very high. The staff was...

A fantastic evening in this new restaurant. We are big pasture fans and although we love the steaks, we tell anyone that listens that it’s the starters and sides that are the stars of the show - so for us, to have a night of...

Lighting, music, ambience, service, food and that unquantifiable X factor which turns dinner into an experience. This place is magic. Friendly, welcoming and attentive staff with a real passion for what they do. There is heart and soul in the food, and they take great...

Delicious food. And wonderful service. Many thanks. Had been recommended by some people we had met in Saundersfoot who have a place in Cardiff. Loved it.

This was our 3rd visit to Parallel and we absolutely love it here. Food is fantastic & the menu changes with every visit. The service is friendly and attentive. We have been so well looked after every time we’ve eaten here. Ask to sit at...

Superb from the moment we walked in. The staff were great and the food was outstanding. Sat at the counter for an up close and personal experience. Make sure you order ‘The Carrot’

Absolutely one of the most phenomenal finds of the year. The attentiveness of the staff is incredible, the food is beyond glorious, and the accompanying drinks menu thoroughly thought out. Genuinely could not ask for more from an establishment. Special mention to Lilly, Owen, and...

Hard to see what the point of this place was . Went here after failing to secure a reservation for the sister restaurant pasture - and was on the whole very disappointed with the experience. To start with the appetiser of chicken skins was a...

Absolutely stunning. Service was impeccable. Everyone was so attentive. The dishes were out of this world. Thanks for a great night.

This was our first visit to Parallel having visited Pasture, it's sister restaurant, many times. It's a different concept than Pasture focussing on small plates, that said it was a great experience. The restaurant is small but nevertheless full of character. Its only been open...

Superb small plates lunch in a sleek venue with excellent service. The type of vegetarian options that you’d just order anyway regardless of your preferences. Beef short rib cooked over fire, in the miraculously small bar/kitchen area, was a highlight.

Honestly, these guys have absolutely smashed it out the park! Great food and the service was incredible. Definitely go for ‘The Carrot’. These guys have only been open 3 weeks; and having worked as a manger in the industry, knowing how hard a new concept...

Wow, what a place. Ambience, food & staff are all incredible. Owen, you are an amazing host, super attentive & clearly overseeing an amazing team, that are so knowledgeable & super passionate. You guys are going to do amazing! Thank you so much Marius, hands...