topo gigio in Swansea

My partner booked this for my 40th birthday after having been there for his friend's birthday in March, but this was my first time eating here I absolutely adore Italian food and I had heard only good things about the restaurant! It's been around for 45 years and there's a reason why - delicious home cooked high quality food! We had 3 courses. The food was absolutely delicious, freshly cooked with love and you could taste the quality in every bite of every course!! My partner ordered the Polpettine for starter - the meatballs were gorgeous packed with rich beefy flavour and the sauce was delicious, he had fillet steak for main cooked medium-rare as he had never had a fillet steak before and it was to die for! Melt in the mouth, cut like butter just cooked to perfection! Then cheesecake for dessert - it was deliciously creamy and the biscuit base was soft and buttery but not oily - absolutely divine! I had the Parma ham and melon starter - Incredible flavour for something so simple, Topo Gigio Spaghetti for main which was so fresh tasting and flavoursome and the Panna Cotta for dessert - light and creamy with delicious fresh fruit! It is a very small restaurant; perfect for an intimate meal as a couple and the service is second to none! We will definitely be booking again for next month! Highly recommend Topo Gigio!

Can only reiterate Helen's review of May..just a joy every time (& it's regular!) we visit! Thanks so much, both! Til the next time..

This is the best Italian restaurant. We have been coming here for 36 years. Cheryl is so lovely and always has time to chat whilst being the professional she is. Gino has fed us for all these years and we have never been disappointed. Excellent authentic Italian food. A very special place.

Superb as always! Delicious home cooked food to an exceptionally high standard. Would go as far as to say the best food in town. Thank you for making our evening enjoyable!

This is our favourite restaurant of all time, the owner is warm and friendly and very helpful in explaining the menu. This was a regular place of ours, taking family and friends on special occasions, we have known the owner for around 30 years and her friendliness and professionalism is second to none. The place is small and intimate, the menu is unique and the food is to die for. Everything is made fresh, and if you order a steak I will promise you it will be one of the best, they are cooked to perfection, they cut like butter and melt in the mouth. If you come to Swansea, give Topo's a try, it's worth every penny and you will not be disappointed.

Had a wonderful time celebrating my mothers 80th birthday. Gino and Cheryl were very accommodating to all our requests and couldn’t do enough for us. Absolutely amazing delicious food. Highly recommended place to eat authentic Italian cuisine. We will definitely return.

What a fortuitous find! Lovely intimate little restaurant with excellent, unstuffy service, perfect fresh food and a lovely ambiance. A delightfully refreshing break from the franetic party-land of Uplands. Highly recommended!

Very good. Thank you for great dinner. We had a good time and good meal. Going to try another dishes soon.

Excellent Restaurant, never had anything but a great meal here and a lovely welcome , small and intimate , whoever is moaning about taking children there need to stick to the motorway services , it’s not a child’s restaurant it’s couples and friends Can’t wait to get back there

Six of us went early evening and there were a few other people there. I booked for four originally and had to amend at the last minute to six but that was fine. We were greeted warmly and proceeded to drown our host with coats, sat down and bottled tap water with glasses and lemon was brought straight away. We then looked at the menus and wine list where there was an excellent selection of everything. We ordered wine, drinks and food, everything was brought in a perfectly timed fashion. We also had some lovely thin breadsticks abd delicious bread rolls. I don't usually eat the bread but it was so delicious that I did this time. The starters were delicious, tender meatballs in a tasty marinara sauce, crisp whitebait, excellent antipasto, couldn't fault it! Then we had the mains, salmon, sole very well cooked and presented. Fillet strak both plain and in a superb peppercorn sauce, the best cooked steaks ever, Saltimbocca also great. Sides of sauté potatoes and perfectly cooked vegetables. The wine, Montepulchiano d'abruzzo was a good choice. Then we had a marvellous selection of desserts which we enjoyed very much, perfectly wobbly panna cotta, delicious tiramisu, pistachio cheesecake and homemade strawberry ice cream. Altogether we enjoyed ourselves so much the comfort, service and food were second to none and the price was very reasonable indeed!

There were several of us and the restaurant was empty all night apart from us ,it was so cold in there I couldn't wait to leave. The food was ok plenty of fresh veg, but I was up in the night being ill after eating prawns in the main meal . Cost £75 for each couple for two courses and wine.

This restaurant was begun in the late 70s when St Helens Road was a pleasant area , to suggest its someones front room is nonsense unless of course you expect also to have a function room and guest cloakroom facilities all in your house as well . Sadly St Helens has become run down like most areas of Swansea centre , however this is still a pleasant restaurant with approx 30 covers . It is just consistent eating , menu alters very little , some specials on the night , but they always serve enjoyable food , good house wine which is worth drinking not just passable as often house wine is , its well chosen, by the carafe . If your idea of Italian is Pizza go elsewhere , if you want the latest modern take on food that looks just pretty and you are still starving when finished go elsewhere , if you just want a relaxing time with a usually quiet ambience and good food this is the place to visit , but really £50 for five of you ? That is about what you could spend in McDonalds and would certainly not have have given access to the very good fish and meat dishes you can enjoy here .

Amazing food, great staff would highly recommend. Will definitely be returning in the near future. Loved it

Our friends booked a reservation at this restaurant for the two couples and our child. We'd never been before so didn't know what to expect. Although when they booked the table they said they didn't provide highchairs so we'd have to bring our own booster seat (that was a sign). We arrived for the earliest sitting (6:30) and there was only one other couple there. (The place could probably only seat 10-15 people). There were two waitresses and I felt they were very hands off with us. E.g. we had to call them over to place our orders and they didn't ask me if I wanted a drink the whole time (I just drank the water on the table instead). We had complimentary bread which is nice and my wife and I ordered pasta dishes. They were okay but fairly small portions, not much chicken and not really worth the £15 price tag. I then ordered a dessert which was better and a bigger portion. I wasn't aware at the time but my friend told me afterwards that when some elderly guests arrived later on (regulars apparently) the woman seemed shocked and infuriated that our toddler was eating with us. Then when I went to pay up and made some small talk with the older waitress, she made some comments that annoyed me once I'd left and it hit me. She said "most people leave their kids at home" and "bringing children doesn't always work out you see". I laughed it off at the time because I was oblivious that our toddler had caused any inconvenience. He didn't cry or have any tantrums (which I consider a success if you also have toddlers). He was quite busy and had the odd winge and moan but nothing too disruptive by any means. It wasn't what she said but how she said it and what she was implying. Afterwards I got the impression and hint that it was a bad move bringing children into their establishment and they wouldn't like to see him there again. I'm really offended by the lack of hospitality that night. They should have told us from the off if they prefer 'adults only'.They may think they are running the Ritz but you're running a restaurant from your front living room on St. Helen's road of all places! Had it not been for these condescending remarks I still only have scored the place a 3/5 for being poor value for money. However, because of these rude comments (as I was paying the woman £50 at the time) I am scoring this place a 2/5. Do not bring children whatever you do!

I love Topo's it's a very intimate friendly restaurant. The owners are fabulous do helpful and knowledgeable and the food is beautifully presented. Everything is freshly cooked to order and Gino's desserts are so yummy I love his cheesecake. Cheryl Gino's wife is so naturally warm and nothing is to much trouble. I highly recommend Topo's restaurant the food is always consistently lovely and a friendly welcome is always assured

Had been to this place years ago and also went a few months back in a party so went again with my mate. Its probably the longest established restaurant in Swansea and in fairness it is like stepping back in time to the 70s. The service you cannot fault although the place was not busy probably because of a big concert happening in Swansea. Have to say the best part of the meal was the starters which was true Italian cuisine. Was disappointed with Salmon which should have been with a white wine, cream and tarragon sauce but came with a bit of gravy which really did not go at all so was really disappointed - salmon is salmon and it is the sauce that makes it. All in all an ok meal but I do like to get what you ordered or if not available then told so.

Ottimo e raffinato ristorante, portato avanti da oltre 40 anni a conduzione familiare. Lo chef italiano lo rende unico. CONSIGLIATO

Haven’t been to this smallish but pleasant restaurant for many years. 2 meatball starters and 2 had bruschetta...bread soaked with tomato, garlic and olive oil. Mains were fish dishes and vitello Milanese veal in breadcrumbs with sides of vegetables, sauté potatoes and chips. I had a home made rum and raisin ice cream for dessert no one else had room....

We visited Topo Gigio on the weekend and we had forgotten what a pleasant restaurant this is. It is a family run restaurant and the staff make you feel welcome as soon as you enter. I had the Bruschetta to start followed by the Braised Beef and my wife had Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce followed Pollo Alla Cacciatora all of which were excellent, we sorry but we couldn’t manage a dessert. I would point out that if you have physical difficulties that there are a number of steps to enter the restaurant and the toilets are upstairs. We certainly won’t leave it so long before going again.

This is a superb restaurant, cosy, intimate, with excellent service from lovely people and authentic Italian food freshly prepared by an excellent and experienced Italian chef. Gino and Cheryl are dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience which makes such a change from the large/chain restaurants. Try it - you will not be disappointed.

Totally outstanding from the moment you arrive food all freshly prepared Excellent experience Thanks

Primero intenté Topo Gigio atrás en 1993 con la familia y hemos regresado regularmente desde entonces! Como alguien que come muy regularmente en una gran variedad de restaurantes, puedo decir sin duda que permanece en mi top firmemente 5 restaurantes en Swansea. La comida siempre es coherente y de gran calidad con buen tamaño de las porciones. Recientemente visité con mi familia para mi comida de cumpleaños y tuvimos entrantes de batata y butternut sopa de squash y ensalada de tomate y mozzarella, que eran muy agradables. Los platos principales de lubina, bistec y pollo en salsa de vino blanco eran deliciosos, debo añadir que el pollo en salsa de vino blanco aquí es el mejor que he probado nunca, así que tengo que cada vez que voy! El pollo siempre es bien aromatizada y la salsa absolutamente deliciosa y una buena cantidad, no sólo un pequeño sirve que puedes conseguir en algunos lugares. Cuece las patatas de acompañamiento son muy sabroso y el vegetales mixtos constituidos de brócoli, zanahorias, repollo y coliflor queso estaban muy bien cocinados. Postres de tiramisú y helado también. El servicio es siempre amable y eficiente, y un ambiente y una decoración muy agradable. Si no has estado recomendaría que vayas.

Si estás buscando auténtica cocina italiana, éste no es el lugar para ir. . No una pizza a la vista! Pedimos Pollo a la parmesana, que era como un aplanados de asado cocinado pollo en queso y tomate, servido con una salsa espesa en? Comida realmente mala calidad y tampoco era barato. No será volver

Recomendado por mi padre que solía ir allí hace años. No hay pizza en el menú en un restaurante italiano? ? ! ! La comida era un trozo de carne en salsa. Eso es todo. Bastante malo para ser sincero y cara a 41 por dos trozos de carne, salsa y 1 / 2 litro de vino de la casa. Decepcionante.

Been going for many years especially on important occasions. Been going every year for our anniversary and have always been very happy with the food, service and staff.

Recuerdo cuando visité este restaurante cuando abrió a finales de los 70 y estoy abrumados a descubrir todavía es una auténtica joya. Se lo recomendaría a cualquiera, desde la calidad de la comida excelente el servicio, pero discreto. También es un precio muy razonable para un restaurante de la ciudad de dicha calidad.Sólo deseo que Swansea lo solucionaría sus alrededores como este lugar se merece mucho, mucho mejor.

Comí aquí por primera vez la noche después de estar en más de 40 años de Swansea y me pregunto por qué en la tierra esperé tanto tiempo! 4 de nosotros tuvimos una gran comida en un ambiente encantador con un personal amable y servicial. Sin duda volveremos y a juzgar por los comentarios realizados por otras mesas que es una declaración.

Have dined here several times now and what a superb little place. The food is freshly cooked to order and is delicious and service is second to none. With a warm friendly atmosphere and very accommodating chef this place is a must try.

En comentarios anteriores se quejaron de la ausencia de pizza. Sin embargo me buscó esto como una cosa positiva, ya que si la pizza estaba en el menú que no aceptaban en tan sabrosa pasta (probablemente el mejor que he probado). Los precios eran razonables y el servicio era fantástico. Me gustó el ambiente del lugar era muy acogedor, no aburrido y lleno de muebles Ikea como 'nueva' restaurantes que había añadido a Topos old romántico ambiente. I'am sin duda volveremos y se lo he recomendado a todos mis amigos.Bellisimo!!

We had a meal here on the 19th February 2016. A delightful little restaurant with very attentive staff. The food was excellent and clearly freshly cooked. Try the garlic prawns, they really are good. Will definitely return here.

Small and intimate restaurant with a good atmosphere and very attentive staff. Wine and food is first rate and can highly recommend the steak. Hadn't been for a while and was as excellent as before.

Visitamos el 12 - dos parejas de diciembre. He estado yendo a este restaurante durante los últimos 10 años y nunca deja de ofrecer. Está administrado por una familia y probablemente sólo tiene 30 cubre en el íntimo restaurante. Son recibidos por el personal que proporciona servicio de primera clase en todo - eficiente y discreto. magnífica comida, los bistecs siempre nuestra elección de selección. recetas tradicionales italianas con las ofertas especiales que sostienen el menú principal. Una joya escondida de un restaurante de Swansea.

topo Gigio es un excelente restaurante. El menú es amplia y la carne y pescado son excelentes, de alta calidad, frescas, ingredientes locales, expertamente preparada. Selecrion pasta fresca y sabrosa y de buena de vinos en el menú. Amplia variedad de opciones que cubre todo el rango de precio. Comimos aquí 6 veces al año y siempre he recibido un alto nivel de servicio y una cálida bienvenida. El restaurante familiar y que realmente se preocupan por sus clientes.La comida siempre es deliciosa y bien cocinado. Lo recomiendo totalmente.

Probably the best local high range restaurant. Has been around since 1976 fish and the menu has not change but is delicious.

Consistent food standards always enjoyable , menu changes very little though , deserts could be more adventurous .

Lovely atmosphere, great food, helpful and well mannered staff, reasonable prices and all round good night. Will be going back.

Visitamos el viernes por la noche después de leer acerca de restaurante en revista local. La comida y el servicio era excelente. Sin embargo ... donde estaban los otros. Sólo había otra pareja cuando llegamos y han acabado y dejó a través hasta las 10 pm. No estoy seguro de cómo este negocio puede sobrevivir, pero mientras está allí tomar con las dos manos.

Excelente comida con un servicio fantástico. La comida era buena y no demasiado esperar. El restaurante en sí era agradable, entretenido y no demasiado estrecha. Hay un montón de pasos de puerta y los baños son más escaleras. El único inconveniente fue la opción de sólo dos platos principales vegetarianos.

Great food, fantastic service, really great value, couldn't recommend highly enough. We didn't book in advance, and weren't sure whether they have a table, but we were made very welcome

Mi esposa y yo fuimos allí para una cena, el servicio era absolutamente genial. Nos sentamos rápido y amable por un camarero encantador de la señora que fue muy educado. La variedad de comida era tan bueno que era difícil decidir.El camarero durante toda la noche fue muy amable. Sin duda volveremos ya que tan agradable y a un precio razonable. Muchas gracias de nuevo

Six of us rocked up for a planned double birthday celebration. To my shame not been for many years, and following the lovely welcome we had from the delightful staff I wondered why?? And before I proceed many thanks to the said staff for the strategically placed birthday banners and birthday sprinkles on the table, very much appreciated,a lovely touch.

La comida y el personal es agradable. Las mesas quizás un poco pequeña, así que a veces nos sentimos agobiados cuando nosotros 4 servían las comidas. También la mesa detrás estaba demasiado cerca, así que la conversación era difícil para mí oír a mis amigos.

Tenía mi cena de cumpleaños aquí y fue un gran éxito. La comida era muy buena y el servicio también. Es un restaurante acogedor que está bien presentado. Lo recomiendo encarecidamente.

Small family run restaurant which, from the prawn cocktail to the tiramisu was a hark back to the 1970's, I expected to have Abba singing in the background. Busy - so they must be doing something right - and cramped, the two staff were constantly flitting back and forth, too busy to catch their eye with a request. That said they were efficient and the food was very good, the fresh dover sole excellent although served with a very un-Italian chips, cauliflower cheese and boiled veg! £34pp for two courses was OK but not cheap, and this is an Italian that DOES NOT serve pizza :(

Small family run restaurant and the food and service is excellent. The filet steak and lasagne are superb.Very friendly place.

Went here for a meal with my partner and thought that the food was ok it did not blow me away . The venue is small but friendly the staff are helpful but at busy periods a little rushed and can be forgetful. Overall a good experience but not amazing . I would return to give the restaurant another try as just had the pasta so will try something different I have heard that the steaks are really good

A favorite of Mothers, we visit Topos three or four times a year and for her it brings back many happy memories if evenings spent those years ago.Though more than happy to take her to her favorite Swansea restaurant, Morgans included, though months may have passed one knows exactly what will appear on the menu and exactly how it will be cooked and presented.Don't get me wrong, this place is a little gem. The room is spotlessly clean and the welcome and service , contrary to some prior reviews, exemplary.Topo Gigio provides generous portions of tasty, home cooked food and is excellent value.However, may I humbly suggest that a change in the menu is overdue. Please keep the old favourites but perhaps a bit more pazazz on the 'Specials' front.Overall, a solid 9/10 , if in Swansea for a night or two then give it a shot.

Three times here in recent weeks now, and excellent every time, great food,great wine, great staff, great service,the only thing low was the bill, very good value for money. I find this restaurant so good all round, and i am able to relax and enjoy myself so much, it is my number one restaurant. (And being a chef myself, thats saying something, i am very fussy).

being an Italian chef that does not expect anything special when I go out to eat, I was so very surprised to find this gem of a restaurant in Swansea.fantastic authentic southern Italian food, great service, good wines, and very inexpensive. compared to recent visits to Jamie oliver's Cardiff, who I scored a 5.out of 10. and carluccio's, Cardiff, who I scored a 7. out of 10. I score this restaurant, 9. out of 10.

We have eaten here many times in the past and never had a bad meal, we decided to return after a long break and I was pleased to find that the quality had not changed. The reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the menu doesn't change very much and there are very few specials, so after you have been a few times you have had everything you want. Service is excellent, the restaurant is small but very comfortable ( and air conditioned ) .

We booked this restaurant on the recommendation of the owners of the hotel we were staying in- and we couldnt have been more happy!We had walked past the resturant earlier in the day and were a little worried after seeing the outside - we couldnt have been more wrong.Inside was very cosy, and really welcomingThe service was fabulous and the food was greatIn particular the wine ( although certainely not cheap) was absolutely delicious and served exactly right!!We had a really lovely, romantic time here- enhanced by the 'just right amount of attention' serviceWe would definatley recommend this resturant if italian is your thing!

Had a wonderful evening at Topo Gigio recently for my wedding anniversary. The food was fantstic, the wine was wonderful as was the first class service. We used to go to this restaurant fairly regularly in the past but had somehow forgot about it. I am so glad to have re-discovered it. I really felt as if I had a special night out and the food was amazing - looking forward to my next visit.

Must be nearly 20 years since I have used this restaurant and no wondering why it took me so long to go back! Well priced, good food, lovely atmosphere, good service. We went on a Saturday night, staff were very attentive, very extensive menu and a lot of the pasta dishes you could have as a main or starter which was great. Can't fault the place, average prices so you dont get caught and the house wine very good at just circa £13 a bottle. Def recommended and must go back soon!

Loved everything-The food was stunning, the cheesecake was to die for. They even went to the effort to decorate our table with Birthday confetti because it was my husband's 40th Birthday and put Birthday banners up on the wall for him-we shall definately be returning.

I wouldn't entertain going to this restaurant again. The service was slow, the food and wine mediocre. Far better Italians like gallinis in Swansea

A thoroughly enjoyable experience, eating at Topo Gigio is like being invited into someone’s living room, with all the cosy ambience and relaxed friendliness that implies. Topo Gigio’s has a great wine list, we chose a bottle at around £18 and it was delicious. The lemon sole (two pieces, a very generous portion) was fresh and succulent, the potatoes and vegetables also very good. Friendly service but not ‘in your face’, and although we were the last table to vacate on a Saturday night, we felt under no pressure from the staff to leave, in fact they told us to take our time. Would definitely return.

Many visits to this restaurant always enoyable , genuine Italian chef cooking very good food , attentive service , lovely atmosphere , only thing I would change would be the deserts but that is often a feature of Italian restaurants , but by the time you get to those you are quite replete anyway .

This is a first class Italian restaurant. Ok maybe a little on the pricey side but you get what you pay for and you certai ly get a fantastic meal. I've been many times over the last 12ish years and have never had a bad meal. It's a small place and very intimate. If your a larger group then you can reserve the room downstairs and have a set menu.

Visited this place on a sat evening, we were first to arrive and were instantly made to feel welcome. As other reviews states this is a small restaurant but it is very homely and inviting, the food was lovely, the king prawns to start were the best ive had, service was great, and overall a lovely experience, will definitely be visiting again and have recommended to friends and family.

I went to Topo Gigio with my husband to celebrate my birthday having never been before but hearing great things. The interior was as expected, small but adequate. We were given a wine list, which was reasonably priced and a menu. The starter (king prawns) was fine, but we had a very long wait between this and the main course, which was definately not worth the wait. My husband ordered fillet of steak in a brandy and pepper sauce, to be cooked medium-rare. The cut of meat was poor and it was overcooked. I ordered veal in a white wine and cream sauce. The meal was tasteless and had the waitress asked if everything was ok we would have said. There was a limited option re desserts (profiteroles, cheesecake etc) and we both opted for Baileys Cheesecake. This was like a blob of cream which barely tasted of Baileys! To top it off, our mediocre meals and 1 bottle of wine came to £80! I would not come here again! Far better restaraunts around ...

the food was nice but there was not a big enough menu, there were only a few choice meals but very delicious

Although the restaurant is very small it has a lovely atmosphere. The waitress was very welcoming and friendly. The decoration is really nice and cosy. We sat in the window seat, which I loved.I ordered the prawn cocktail to start and fillet Diana for main. My partner ordered scallops followed by pasta. It was all wonderful, perfectly cooked and hot.We are definitely going back at the end of the month. Couldn't fault it.

One of my favourite Swansea restaurants. A little out of the town centre but worth the short walk. Good quality, home cooked Italian food in a relaxing setting. I love the fact that it’s a bit retro and as it is situated in what was once a large Victorian terraced house it is, as previously mentioned, almost like being entertained in someone’s front room which makes for quite an intimate cosy setting. I have always found the service to be excellent even when they are busy. They don’t seem to have a website, the menu is quite extensive but please don’t go here expecting pizza!!

Awful over priced and tiny, this venue can barely host a party of ten! I went to this venue last year for my 24th birthday and took a large gathering with me.Firstly in order to keep a place at your table you have to have a minimum order of 5.00! The drinks were also poured from cans and bottles instead of pumps, and the menu was actually mostly french.I would not attend there again.

A small friendly restaurant. Went on a Wednesday evening in mid September expecting it to be quiet, but the place was nearly full. Despite that the service was efficient and friendly, and the food was good.

Went early evening with my wife,son and in laws. Menu was nicely varied, portions and quality of food was very good. Waiting staff were very attentive. As already mentioned in other reviews the restaurant is quite small and being busy it felt quite crowded.

My wife and i visited on a thursday night and were suprised by how busy it was, We both had starter and main and the food was fantastic along with brilliant service which made you feel at home from the start. Prices are very reasonable compared to some of the dog food served on wind street for a lot more money. I would recommend this place to anyone, the food is very much home cooked and was great from start to finish. Its a little tucked away from all the bars of wind street but only a 10 minute walk from the centre plus there is a couple of good bars nearby (westbourne). A must try if you are visiting Swansea. Keep up the goood work!

This restaurant is so amazing, the food cooked by Gino is delicious, I always have the same dish - frogs legs to start and king prawns topo gigio, It's. Outstanding. Please try it!

Totally agree that this restaurant is very good with great serivce and value for money...... all while sitting in somebody's front room which is a bit odd... however we did enjoy the nite and will defintley go back.

An exquisite meal selected from a menu with plenty of choice. Superb service, attentative yet not at all annoying. Friendly, polite and nothing too much bother for them. You really are made to feel like a guest here. An intimate atmosphere is cosy not intrusive. great time here :)

Great Italian food, in the intermate surroundings of what feels like someones front room.Never the less the food was great and at a reasonable price.a true authenic italian!recommendedcost per couple having 3 course = £50 excl. drinks

Great home cooked food. Cosy atmosphere.