St David’s II Shopping Centre, Cardiff. 029 2002 7792 / www.jamieoliver.com
Food: **** Atmosphere: ***
There’s no doubt about it, love is in the air. Well, either love or the freezing February chill. Either way, it can mean only one thing: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. To celebrate, restaurateurs around the country are inviting diners to treat their other halves (or friends, I’m sure they don’t want to discriminate) to try their special Valentine’s menus, which are normally the same as their usual menus but with Prosecco. Not complaining. Jamie’s Italian is among these restaurants and have concocted a special Italian Valentine’s menu with generous portions of antipasti, meats, fish, veggie options, Italian desserts, coffees, and of course Prosecco. We couldn’t resist.
Upon entering, we’re sat down and given our glass of Prosecco to tide us over until we decide. Luckily for indecisive people, two out of the three courses are already chosen for you really, with antipasti for starters (veggie and meat options) and a generous selection of desserts to finish you off. The only bit left up to us was deciding the main. I opt for truffle steak and fries, while my partner choses pork belly. We also pair it with one of their mocktails: a delicious apple and vanilla fizz that I highly recommend.
The antipasti are a treat, with a good selection of meats, roasted vegetables, and cheeses to nibble on while we await our mains. The steak and pork belly are both beautifully done, with the pork tender and succulent, almost melting in my mouth. After we think we cannot possibly eat another mouthful, we see the desserts arrive: cheesecake with biscotti as the base; hot chocolate brownie; and a sour lemon tart. All were beautiful, but for me the cheesecake was what undoubtedly made the meal, and went down well with a caffè corretto. With very generous portions, and a well-chosen and thought out menu, this is a recommended Valentine’s treat in Cardiff’s city centre.
words LUKE OWAIN BOULT