Woods Brasserie

Reviews

• Great food, but service not up to scratch

  My boyfriend booked this as a surprise on a recent trip to Cardiff as it is supposed to be one of the best restaurants in Cardiff. its in a good location in Cardiff Bay, and the place is done up very nicely, although in the dining room the tables were slightly too close together so that the back of the chair on the outside got bashed every time a waiter or other customer walked past. First impressions were very good with friendly, competent staff, one of whom even brought around a board of raw steaks to let us know their origin and maturing process which is a new one on me! The food was very tasty - no complaints there, and the portions were very big (particularly the dessert). Perhaps a little too big, but I did manage to finish off my 3 course meal without feeling too ill at the end ;-)My only complaint is that of the service. After our initial order had been taken, the food came out very quickly (a little too quick perhaps), but after our main course it took about 20 minutes for someone to come back and take our dessert order - and even then, only when we flagged them down. Again, after the dessert we waited another 20 minutes or so for the bill and had to ask for it twice. When the bill did come, it had 2 bottles of wine - only one of which was ours. The waiter was apologetic and took it off again with no questions asked, but when you are paying about £100 for 2 people (3 courses each plus 1 bottle of wine), you expect the service to be a little better.Overall, I really enjoyed the food and the experience, but it was let down by the service. I didn't let it spoil the night though, and my boyfriend proposed later on that night, so I shall have fond memories of the meal despite the below par service!

  Imicola
  Review Date: 10/07/2009 Report review
• Cardiff Bay Brasserie

  During a visit to Cardiff we spent some time exploring the Cardiff Bay area and decided to stop for some lunch. Woods Brasserie caught our eye as it was located in a fabulous converted old building, with a bright and modern interior, and tasty sounding food.We were lucky to get a table, as it was Sunday lunch and the place was set up for several family group who were relaxing in the bar area when we arrived. Luckily they squeezed us in and we sat down to enjoy a lovely lunch.The restaurant looks good and the food consisted of quality ingredients, well presented. The service was a bit odd though, and too slow at times, but not enough to detract from a nice meal.We selected from the 2 course menu options. For starter we both had the Roasted Goats Cheese with Primavera Salad - there was a huge round of goats cheese, way too big for any normal person to want to eat....although I did almost finish mine! Main course was the Pan fried Gnocchi with Tomato sauce & Pesto dressing, which was a little disappointing, and the Roasted Rib eye of Aberdeen Angus with Yorkshire pudding and red wine jus, which was really delicious.

  Sue
  Review Date: 06/06/2007 Report review