This affordable family-run restaurant scooped an award at the recent Welsh Restaurant Awards
I am forever on the hunt for decent eats that don’t cost a fortune(Image: Portia Jones)
An affordable Cardiff restaurant that promises the “flavours of Morocco and the Mediterranean, where authentic cuisine meets a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere” has been recognised for outstanding achievement in the Mediterranean Restaurant of the Year category at the recent Welsh Restaurant Awards.
Family-run Casablanca scooped the outstanding achievement award at the elegant award ceremony held on Monday, March 23 at The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff.
The awards, run by Oceanic Awards, “recognise the dedication and perseverance of restaurants that work to provide their customers with a quality dining experience, raise the profile of the Welsh food and restaurant industry, and contribute to its ongoing growth and success.”
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After a major glow-up, a rebrand and a move to Albany Road, this recently reopened spot is making waves in Cardiff’s food scene. Locals might remember it as Mezza Luna on City Road, famed for its lavish decor and Lebanese dishes.
I last visited Mezza Luna many moons ago, during a particularly boozy birthday celebration several months before its closure.
I remember the friendly service and dreamy hummus, but the rest of the night is a blur. Fingers crossed, I didn’t serenade the room with Bonnie Tyler from atop a chair, my signature wine-fueled move.
But I digress, dear reader. Let’s get back to Casablanca. After plenty of Moroccan adventures, I’m hooked on their aromatic cuisine. The spicy, fragrant blend of Berber and Mediterranean flavours always lures me in, especially when a well-executed tagine is involved.
However, finding a decent tagine in the UK can prove tricky. I have tragically eaten many inferior tagines, so now I am incredibly sceptical when presented with a slapdash clay pot.
Typical dishes on the dinner menu include a range of classic mezze(Image: Portia Jones )
A banging tagine can be hard to achieve; it demands perfect, slow-cooked execution. As Les Misérables author Victor Hugo put it: “To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better.” Here, he’s obviously talking about how tagines should be a complex balance of sweet and sour.
Ever in search of decent food at an affordable price, I was dispatched to investigate the culinary offerings at Casablanca. They give me all the important assignments here.
Located in Roath and open 10am-10pm every day except Monday, there’s a selection of mezze Brunch Classics like Feta with Honey & Pistachio, Baba Ganoush and Labneh with Olive Oil & Zaatar, and I made a mental note to come back for a massive brunch with my gal pals.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by a bright, welcoming space bursting with Mediterranean charm, splashes of colour and subtle Moroccan touches.
What a delicious feast we had! (Image: Portia Jones)
The staff’s welcome was even warmer than the décor, eager to swap travel stories about Egypt and Morocco and share insider tips on must-see spots.
When it came to the menu, the team guided us with confidence, suggesting their favourites and swiftly delivering our wine. Off to a great start.
Dinner brings a wealth of mezze, including falafel with tahini, vine leaves, pillowy bread and hummus, fattoush, and a tempting line-up of grills and signature dishes. The ‘tangia for two’ at £33 is a steal these days.
I went classic with hummus and lamb tagine, while my husband, overwhelmed by choice, defaulted to his trusty chicken shish and rice.
I’d envisioned a leisurely, wine-soaked date night, but the speedy service meant our food landed just as I was mid-sip. Another glass ordered, it was time for the tagine test.
My lamb tagine was a large lamb shank braised with apricots and prunes, and garnished with almonds and sesame. It was well presented, but would the lamb be tender? However, one deft slice and it fell off the bone, I was delighted! (Yes, I need to get out more, I am aware).
The flavours were deep and rich, with earthy warmth, sweet bursts from apricots and prunes, and a gentle crunch from almonds. I might have squealed with joy.
Husband was happy with his marinated chicken shish, which had clearly been expertly grilled, with a charcoaled, sweet, smoky taste and a warm spice.
Their hummus is worth mentioning: silky smooth and creamy, inhaled by the pair of us. It was well-balanced, with no ingredient overpowering the others, and I would return for this mezze alone.
Over a glass of red, I reflected that this was comforting, well-portioned Mediterranean food done right.
While other restaurants in the city may have fancier options, when the weather is this grim, I don’t want tiny, nonsensical plates of anything ‘deconstructed’ or artisanal, and god help if the conversation starts: “Hi, let me explain the concept here….”
Frankly, it’s never a good time for ‘pâté of indigenous legumes, paired with a compote of seasonal berries’ and served on a piece of driftwood. Give me a proper dinner, I beg of you.
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Thankfully, Casablanca understands the assignment and has delicious, fuss-free dishes at sensible prices. Here you can get a Lamb Tangia for two for less than £35, Skewers for £17, Kabseh rice with oven-roasted chicken for £16 and skin-on fries for £3.50.
I have no idea how they offer food this good for these prices, but I’m here to eat, not interrogate. I’ll leave that to my more talented colleagues.
For an award-winning, affordable dinner, Casablanca is frankly hard to beat in Cardiff. Homemade dishes, wine, beers, and a welcoming vibe make it one of the rare independents where you can eat well in a chilled neighbourhood setting. I’ll be back soon. Save me a window seat. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Dining and Cooking