San Martino in Cardiff

Really nice Italian restaurant in the Cardiff Bay area. Art deco interia with multiple covers. Avoid sitting by the door you get cold blasts of air in the cooler months. Food was very good and a cut above some of the other places in the complex. House wine was perfectly palatable if slightly over priced. The reason for only 4 stars is the staff were helpfully and friendly but slow. There was a large group in a private dining room and I think they got preference. Even with this said I would visit again.

We were in Cardiff Bay for a family photo shoot and thought it would be lovely to go out for lunch afterwards. 6 out of 8 of us had just walked through another restaurant door when we were called out by my Mum who had noticed the lunch menu at San Martino and really fancied the trout. Turns out that this was a fantastic decision, Mum!We were welcomed at the door by the owner who gave us our choice of tables and made an excellent first impression. Our drink order was taken quickly and efficiently and we were given just the right amount of time to choose our menu options. The owner and his team made us feel incredibly welcome - almost as if we were in his own home. Our starters were absolutely delicious - freshly cooked and full of flavour. Special mentions for the crab fishcake with coriander and lime aioli and the meatballs - my Dad is still talking about them this evening!The main courses came not long after our starter was served and they were equally delicious. The carbonara was the best I've tasted and the trout was more than worth the last minute restaurant change!Throughout our meal, the service was wonderful. The staff were attentive without hovering and represented San Martino well. Just before the mains were served, one of our party was approached by a waiter who informed him that his chosen meal of slow cooked lamb shank wasn't going to be ready on time. An delicious alternative was swiftly provided, free of charge. For most people, this would have been a negative but we really appreciated the fact that the chef refused to serve something he wasn't happy with. We also saw this as another expression of their wonderful customer service and hospitality.Thanks to all at San Martino for such a lovely lunch and a special thank you to the owner who helped me with my coat when we left the restaurant. We'll definitely be returning in the very near future.

Really lucky to stumble upon this place, originally tried to get a table next door in ZIZZIS however were greeted by the waitress there and asked if we had booked and if we had not then she did not have anything for us.DESPITE THE RESTAURANT BEING HALF EMPTY.......We decided to go to San Martino where we had a friendly greeting and were immediately taken to a table.The Service was great , the waitress was excellent and we weren't left waiting or wanting.The food arrived promptly and was both delicious and the portions were good sized.When we ordered from the desert menue it was nice to find that they actually made them on the premises and they weren't bought in.Will definitely be going there again

The starters were cold and tasteless. Looked like they had reheated the food up throughout the day. Waiters did attempt to solve the issue and were lovely however as it was my birthday didn't want to risk ruining the rest so left before the mains was cooked. We did offer to pay for what we had had as we do not like to complain however they waivered the bill.

Good place overlooking Cardiff bay. Italian menu with option of vegetarian and fish too. Absolutely loved the ambience and the arrangements. Had a great get together during Christmas time. Tasty desserts at the end.

While my food was above expectations, my friends could only complain about flavour and the cooking methods to a point where one was near vomiting. There were numerous issues with our private room, including audio issues that caused headaches and nausea that the staff insinuated was our fault, and were beyond rude in saying such things. Ridiculous for the price paid.

Delicious food and very attentive, without being obtrusive, service.

Delicious. Fabulous food and staff! I went to San Martino on a Saturday night with a group of friends celebrating a birthday. I had the Salmone Spaghetti which was lovely, a generous amount of salmon and delicious flavours! The service was lovely - I was offered black pepper and Parmesan. The food did take a while to come out but we were a slightly bigger party of 10 so that’s understandable. I had cheesecake and a cappuccino for dessert. The cheesecake was very nice and light with a biscuit base. There could have been a bit more to the atmosphere of the restaurant but nice music was playing and we all had a lovely time. I’d definitely recommend San Martino for a lovely Italian meal.

I Have eaten here for a number of years. I have also visited Italy a number of times too. San Martino gives you the nearest to the taste of Italy too. Food is excellent. Staff are committed to providing the level of service that you wish for and they are knowledgeable of the menu and wines. Treat yourself. You won't regret it.

We had the best anniversary dinner ever! The food is incredible, fresh and excellent quality 💕 I would like to thanks to all lovely staff who works in San Martino, you made us feel like a part of your family. Thank you again and we will see you again! Cheers from polish couple :)