Cardiff dining shines at Mesen

A Friday night in Cardiff features bold charcoal cooking and a memorable prawns dish that comes with a noticeable cost.

Cardiff restaurant Mesen serves standout prawns dish worth the price

A Friday night in Cardiff finds a city with a thriving dining scene. The writer starts at The Rhiwbina Tap for a drink before moving to Mesen, a restaurant that specialises in sharing dishes cooked over charcoal. The chalkboard menu and intimate bar seating create a relaxed, food-focused atmosphere. Dishes mentioned include scallops with Marmite butter and black pudding, buffalo carrots with ranch and parmesan, and a choice between pig’s head or a T-bone steak for a main, with staff offering confident guidance.

The standout moment is the prawns in garlic and chilli butter. The reviewer describes the prawns as flame-cooked with a sauce that is silky and more than the sum of its parts, and admits to scooping the sauce up with a fork to capture every bit of flavour. The meal is memorable enough to spark enthusiastic praise in the wake of the dinner, even as the bill approaches £200 for two with wine and dessert. The piece closes on a note about Cardiff’s growing range of high-quality dining options, from bustling market spots to refined night-out options.

Cardiff’s dining scene has expanded rapidly, blending traditional favourites with new, adventurous concepts like charcoal grilling and bold, shareable plates. This growth reflects a city embracing cuisine as a cultural touchstone and a driver of local economy and tourism. At the same time, high price points signal a potential affordability squeeze for regular diners, which could influence who feels welcome at top-tier spots. The experience here illustrates a broader trend: diners now expect not just good food but a complete evening—attentive service, a lively atmosphere, and the chance to discover something innovative in a glass and a plate.

As Cardiff markets a growing culinary reputation, restaurants face a balancing act between quality and accessibility. The value proposition hinges on memorable flavours and conversation-starting dishes, but sustained success will depend on whether more locals feel comfortable spending at premium prices on an ordinary night out or if special occasions become the default.

Highlights

The night leaves a lasting impression of a city hungry for inventive meals and confident in its growing culinary voice.