The early months of any new year are usually filled with a balanced mix of ‘new year, new me’ excitement and arduous regret for succumbing to that extra glass of wine or succulent pig in blanket over the festive season. Nathan Roach suggests a few places that offer brilliant food to get you fat and jolly on your cheat day/week/month/year.
MINA RESTAURANT
If you’re a fan of Lebanese smorgasbords then Mina’s is the place for you. Situated in Cathays, this cosy restaurant offers many options of meal grills, mezze dishes, fine wines and a fair few cocktails. The indoor decor encapsulates the Lebanese setting with carmine and crimson colours warming the environment for a charming Middle Eastern experience.
43 Crwys Rd, Cardiff. Info: 029 2023 5212 / www.minarestaurant.co.uk
INDIGO TAKEAWAY
Sometimes a good old takeaway is the blessed relief you need from the monotonous debate of what to have, and do we have the perfect curry house for you. Rich in spices and exploding with taste, Indigo is the perfect place for students (especially with the 15% discount) or anyone who’s after a good hearty meal at a fair price. With an enormous range of various dishes and assorted meal deals (including vast vegetarian options), you’ll be hard-pressed to find something you wouldn’t like from this tasty selection.
132a Albany Rd, Cardiff. Info: 029 2045 2708 / www.indigocardiff.com
FINO LOUNGE
Looking to get fat but want the family there to share the pounds? What was once the old Whitchurch video store has long since been converted into an all day 1950s-esque cafe/bar, packed with cakes, panini, and their own vegan/gluten-free menus. Wanting the Bristol-born chain establishment to be the prime place for family gatherings, they also have a ‘little loungers’ menu and a range of entertaining games and books to keep mum and dad firmly fixated on enjoying their time and well-prepared meals.
49 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff. Info: 029 2069 2616 / www.thelounges.co.uk
COCO GELATO
If you’ve had a hard day and need some reminding that the world is not all doom and gloom, take a trip down to Cathays to indulge in some traditional and delicious Italian desserts. Signature sundaes, freakshakes and savoury waffles are among a few of the mighty menu options available to eat in or takeaway at your pleasure.
133B Woodville Rd, Cathays, Cardiff. Info: 029 2037 1036 / www.cocogelato.co.uk
COFFEE BARKER
If you consider yourself quite the coffee connoisseur and enjoy satisfying your sweet tooth, then this cafe, nestled on the edge of Castle Arcade, is definitely a location that should already be on your ravenous radar. The interior itself being quite the quirky conversation starter, Coffee Barker is rich with not only a large range of hot drinks, delicious meals and mouth-watering desserts but also a luxurious seating area, stylish bare brick and an assortment of garage sale oddities that give it an edge in comparison to Starbucks et al.
Castle Arcade, Cardiff. Info: 029 2022 4575 / twitter.com/coffeebarker