My quest for affordable food in the Welsh capital continues….
16:46, 17 Feb 2026Updated 18:26, 17 Feb 2026
I am forever on the hunt for decent eats that don’t cost a fortune(Image: Portia Jones)
Dearest readers, you’ll be delighted to hear that my quest for affordable food in the Welsh capital continues. I know you have been anxiously awaiting updates.
Determined not to be worn down by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, I am forever on the hunt for decent eats that don’t cost a fortune, then sharing them with you. Not all heroes wear capes; some of us wear stretchy leggings. While bargain breakfasts and lunches haven’t been too tricky to hunt down in the diff’, finding a decent, reasonably priced evening meal out is proving difficult.
While spending a typical day heavy in important research (scrolling on Instagram), I was alerted to a seemingly affordable restaurant I’d not frequented before that promised the “flavours of Morocco and the Mediterranean, where authentic cuisine meets a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.” Be still, my beating heart.
Family-run Casablanca is back on the Cardiff food scene following extensive renovations and opening in a new Albay Road location. Long-time residents of the diff’ may remember it as Mezza Luna on City Road, which was best known for its Lebanese dishes and opulent decor.
I last visited Mezza Luna many moons ago, during a particularly boozy birthday celebration several months before its closure.
While I recall warm service and excellent hummus, I’m drawing a blank for the rest of the night. I’m really hoping I didn’t start belting out Bonnie Tyler while standing on a chair, my usual wine-fuelled party trick.
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As usual, I digress. Back to Casablanca. Having spent a lot of time travelling in Morocco, I’m a massive fan of their aromatic cuisine. I love the spicy, fragrant fusion of Berber and Mediterranean influences, and I’m always game for a massive, flavourful tagine.
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.
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.
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As I arrived to check out the evening offering at Casablanca, I was fixated on sampling one of their tagines to see if it was up to scratch.
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 lovely brunch with my gal pals.
Typical dishes on the dinner menu include a range of classic mezze(Image: Portia Jones )
Upon arrival, I was struck by how bright and inviting the refurbished space felt. There is Mediterranean décor throughout with colourful flourishes and nods to Morocco.
Our welcome was even warmer than the surroundings, with chatty staff happy to engage with me on locations such as Egypt and Morocco and even pass on recommendations on where to go and what to see.
Menu-wise, the staff were also happy to guide us and confidently recommend dishes and sides, and the wine was brought promptly. Excellent.
Typical dishes on the dinner menu include a range of classic mezze, including falafel with tahini, vine leaves, bread and hummus, and fattoush. There’s also a selection of grills, signature dishes and an affordable ‘tangia for two’ for just £33. A bargain in this economic climate.
What a delicious feast we had! (Image: Portia Jones)
I opted for classic hummus and the lamb tagine. My long-suffering husband, suddenly struck with option paralysis, panicked and ordered his usual Chicken shish and rice.
I had planned a long, wine-filled date night, but the service here was very prompt, and our dishes arrived just as I was mid-gulp. With another round 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? I nervously sliced into the shank and was thrilled to find the lamb falling off the bone (yes, I need to get out more, I am aware).
I am pleased to report that there were deep, rich flavours going on here, a most pleasing balance of warm earthy flavours with apricots and prunes delivering a sweetness kick and almonds providing a subtle crunch. I may have let out a little squeal of delight.
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.
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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.
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. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
For a filling, affordable dinner that won’t leave your bank account weeping, Casablanca is 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.
Dining and Cooking