Romeat’s location – bang next door to the Globe on Cardiff’s Albany Road – makes it an ideal stop-off for pre-gig nourishment. But that’s certainly not all it’s got going for it.
First and foremost, while you can order a full pizza should you wish, Romeat also sells their speciality by the slice. And these slices are substantial for the price (between £3 and £4.50), with a light, bready base, and (crucially) rectangle-shaped rather than triangular, so you’re effectively getting twice as much for your money. Like a proverbial kid in a sweet shop, I’m powerless to resist the lure of pick‘n’mix. A slab of pepperoni is a given, as is another of foro romano (I’m a sucker for ‘nduja) – but it’s the outsider, marinara, that takes the gold medal, delivering a simple yet superb tomatoey hit.
Romeat scores bonus points for offering a calzone option for all of their pizzas – why don’t more places do this? A no-brainer, surely. Meanwhile, the more adventurous pizza lover can venture off-piste with a campidoglio (beetroot cream base, goat’s cheese and walnuts). There’s also a sizeable selection of authentic-looking Roman street food, including an enticing variety of croquettes.
Before my meal is even half-eaten, I’m already planning a return visit, so a complimentary cannoli combining crunchy pastry and smooth, delicately lemony filling only seals the deal. Stepping back out onto Albany Road in the drizzle breaks the spell somewhat – there’s no view of the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain, just shuttered shops, but I guess the chances of being mown down by a moped are much the same.
Romeat, 123 Albany Road, Cardiff. Info: here
words and photos BEN WOOLHEAD
APPLICATIONS for spring term 22 are now Closed: If you’re 18-30, live in Wales, and want to get ahead in the creative and cultural industries, express your interest for autumn term.
