Carluccio's - Cardiff Mermaid Quay

I'm fond of a Carluccio's in general, despite it being chain Italian food, it is chain Italian food done well. The food was better than the Carluccio's by the St David's centre. Possibly because this restaurant is less busy. The staff were polite and friendly. Nothing over and above but a pleasant visit.

Of the multitude of Italian chains this one is probably my favourite. The drinks are always nice and personally I like the little deli bit at the front where you can buy ingredients to take home. They do breakfast as well which is pleasant but then there are cheaper places nearby. Still, it's a good 4 stars more than anything.

This is a very nice restaurant. The food is excellent. The service is very good. I will get the reasons for them losing a star out the way because thus really is a great place. First reason us that outside and online it was promoted that you got two courses for £14.95, sadly when we had sat down and asked about it, we we were told the offer online and outside the restaurant had expired. We did try to find an expiry online but couldn't but we may have missed it. As for outside, remove the sign. The second reason for a star loss was that we were offered bottled water but wanted tap water. This did not arrive until 3 other staff members had been to ask us if we had ordered drinks. Probably an up sell technique. OK so thats why they did not get full stars. Rant over because dispite those 2 things the restaurant is amazing hence I only removed 1 star instead of 2. The food was excellent and the service was very good. The facilities and atmosphere was really good. Tasteful music really made the evening. Clean was an under statement, the place is spotless. Toilets were OK. The dessert, as you can see from the image, was so delicious it was half eaten before I could photograph it. If you get chance give them a visit.