Gorse — Restaurant in Great Britain

A welcome addition to Cardiff’s food scene since May 2024, offering a modern lunch menu priced at £35. The restaurant’s Scandi-inspired design, with an open-plan kitchen and seating for 22, creates a cozy and contemporary atmosphere.

The Meal

Amuse-Bouche: The mushroom cone was a standout, creamy with a delightful caramelized taste. The bread had a beautiful crusty glaze and soft interior, though slightly oily. However, the seaweed butter didn’t quite complement the bread’s flavors.

Starter: The venison tartare featured well-prepared cubes of tender venison with rye crisps, mustard, and green shoots. The flavors blended harmoniously.

Main: The cod was cooked to perfection, accompanied by broccoli and kale that were beautifully done. The addition of a muffin under the cod was a clever touch, enhancing the dish’s texture and flavor.

Dessert: The Italian meringue, slightly burnt on the edges, had a creamy depth that paired well with the caramel ice cream. The miso fudge, while intense and salty on its own, balanced perfectly with the other dessert elements.

Service & Pricing

Service was attentive and friendly, but the 12.5% service charge feels more reflective of London dining standards. While the service was good, Cardiff might benefit from a more tailored approach to such charges, in line with local expectations.

Overall, a delightful experience with beautifully executed dishes, though some refinements could enhance the value perception for...

Excellent meal at Gorse. The service is really friendly and enjoyed the open kitchen. We did the seven course tasting menu with wine pairing but will definitely do the ten course next time - great selection of wines and some quite unusual. Really love the dedication to Welsh produce, some amazing fish courses - this made the meal completely different to other fine dining experiences. Noticed that the ceramics were also Welsh made, great attention to detail. In our view now the best fine dining restaurant in Cardiff. We will definitely be back.

I note other comments about the 12.5% service charge but we felt that the value of the set menus are really reasonable, especially when comparing against other restaurants. We personally had no problem with that charge and was...

We recently celebrated my husband's birthday at Gorse, and it was the perfect choice for such a special occasion. Located in the heart of Pontcanna, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable 7-course tasting menu with impeccable wine pairings. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing the chef’s immense talent and creativity.

The atmosphere was intimate, and the host made the evening even more memorable with their warm service and passion for the food and wine. Every course was a delightful surprise, perfectly complemented by the wine selections. If you’re looking for a special dining experience, Gorse is a must-visit. We couldn’t have asked for a better birthday...