Le Mandela Restaurant — Restaurant in Grangetown

We were in Cardif for my sons christening from London. We ended up having way more people than originally planned confirmed for dinner after, so we were scrambling around trying to find somewhere that could accommodate 26 of us. My hubby found La mandela online and the owner was more than happy to accommodate us at such short notice. And boy, they did not disappoint! Every aspect of the evening was outstanding. Food: 5/5 I've been to many african restaurants and I must say this was the best I've had in regards to authenticity and flavour. There was also alot of thought on how the food was presented, very chic and upscale. African food in most restaurants are usually made previously and frozen. As the stews often take a while to cook. Every single dish was delicious and FRESHLY made! But my favourite thing on the menu was the suya. ( You've been warned, It was deliciously spicey!🔥) Atmosphere: 5/5 the music was amazing, which set the tone nicely. I often found myself wanting to have a dance every other mouthful. Music was also the right volume, which is super important as you want to be able to speak and listen comfortably. Service: 5/5 it's a family business and every single person that served us were amazing. The host was outatanding, got all of our 26 orders correct and was very gracious especially when a couple of my older family members were slightly demanding. The kitchen is open style which to me speaks volumes about their standard and skill. The chefs were great, he went above and beyond by actually slicing my cake into perfect portions for my guest. You normally pay for that service in London. Decor: Warm Afrocentric vibes, adorned with cool art pieces and captivating African mask. I didn't feel like I was in Cardif tbh. I will definitely be back when we are in Cardiff...

It was lovely restaurant. Great ambiance. The food was tasty. It is a place you go to be seen. People make an effort to dress up. No that's a lie.... The Ladies make an effort to look a million bucks... men...not so much. The grilled fish is one of their most popular dishes. Rightly so, as it is phenomenal! They bring it with their own homemade chilli sauce on the side but beware ☣️☢️⚠️ that it burns like lava 🌋 in your mouth. On the downside, expect to wait about an hour for your food. Expect to buy bottles and mix your own cocktails as they don't sell shots. The staff just seemed grumpy which was not at all in keeping with the ambiance. There were zero #COVID19 measures in place. Even the music was loud so people had to speak louder to be heard. If you are a wheelchair user you have to ask for a ramp to enter. I don't believe that the toilets are wheelchair friendly at all. That said, Le Mandela is an experience I would highly...

LE MANDELA

Location: 156 Penarth Rd Cardiff CF11 6NJ UK Rating: 4.5/5

"LE MANDELA is a hidden gem in the heart of Cardiff! The moment I stepped inside, I was transported to the vibrant streets of West Africa. The decor was colorful and lively, with traditional textiles and rhythms setting the tone for a fantastic dining experience.

The service was warm and attentive, with our server happily guiding us through the menu. And what a menu! From spicy jollof rice to poisson braisé, every dish was a flavor sensation. Don't miss the Okra soup - it's a game-changer!

Portions were way generous, and prices were reasonable. Overall, LE MANDELA is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic African cuisine in Cardiff. Can't wait to return!"

RECOMMENDED FOR: Adventurous eaters, African food lovers, spicy food fans🤸🏽

Price range: £15-£25 per entree

I will...