Elgano Italian Restaurant image

Elgano Italian Restaurant

Restaurant Italian restaurant

Vibrant lodging is a laid-back property with free Wi-Fi and cooked breakfast, plus Italian dining. People often mention staff, Italian, friendly, good, restaurant, service, great, meal, amazing, menu,


Address

58 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9LL, United Kingdom

Website

www.elgano.co.uk

Contact

+44 29 2025 5853

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (548 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 5:30 to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 5:30 to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 5:30 to 9 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 2 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 2 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 2 pm, 5:30 to 9 pm
  • Monday: 5:30 to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (21) Italian (21) friendly (14) good (14) restaurant (14) service (14) great (12) meal (11) amazing (9) menu (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Chloe W. 1 year ago on Google
    I had the fungi risotto which was tasty, my friends had pizza & pasta which they said was great. The staff were friendly. For such a busy place there is only 1 toilet in an awkward position so at one point 4 girls were queuing at the bottom of the stairs where waiters bring food through. It was very loud on the top floor as all the tables were full, felt as though they needed a window open to spread the sound. Downfall was their measures are not accurate. We ordered Gin & mixers and couldn’t taste the gin, so we all got an extra shot to put in our drink and he brought them to our table, no wonder we couldn’t taste them as it was a little more than a thimble full. Think they need to address this especially at £3.50 or so for the gin.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam 2 years ago on Google
    Portions were generous, flavour was excellent, prices are reasonable, Alex was very friendly and accommodating. I will definitely return!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sarah D. 2 years ago on Google
    food was lovely, but not amazing...staff very friendly and helpful but the price of wine was shocking...highly over priced...80.00 for a standard bottle of moet and over 30.00 for a very cheap bottle of prosecco... not good. Probably will not go back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Call Me C. 1 year ago on Google
    Me and my partner came here for our 4th Anniversary. On arrival, we were welcomed in to a very cosy seating area, with good vibes and a great atmosphere. The staff are amazing, and go above and beyond to cater to your needs. We were offered a glass of water to start, which was very kind, and the food we ordered came out fast, and tasted incredible. Everything was fresh, sauce was thick, and the cheesy garlic bread was the best I've ever tasted, and I've had a lot of it! The desserts were delightful and beautifully presented, my only complaint would be that the special of the day tasted so good that it needs a permanent spot on the dessert menu! Thank you so much for an unforgettable night at Elgano, it really made our anniversary special. Compliments to the chef!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David L. 1 year ago on Google
    Believe all the good reviews and accolades. Stylish restaurant, we sat outside in comfort, and warmth when it got cooler. Beautifully cooked and presented food, served with friendliness and interest. Can't wait to our next meal.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David D. 11 months ago on Google
    Impeccable food; impeccable service. If there's something you want that's not on the menu, just ask. For example, I wanted a seafood pizza without tomato sauce. What I got couldn't be faulted: clams, prawns, mussels, calamari, sea bass, etc, all fresh and properly sourced. I ate half; the rest I took away in a cute little pizza box just the right size for the uneaten half. It's an Italian restaurant, so you expect Italian wine, but I think the drinks menu would benefit from the introduction of a few of the excellent New World wines currently available. The prices for the food are good value, especially for something like the lamb chops, cooked in a jus I could drink a whole mug of. However, the wine-- bearing in mind that drinks are the greatest profit earners--should be a tad cheaper. Lacking are fresh flowers on the tables and the repetitive musak becomes annoying--where are the live guitar duo wandering from table to table?--but overall visiting Elgano's is a very positive dining experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike N. 10 months ago on Google
    We eat here quite regularly and without doubt its the best Italian in Cardiff, food is always good, nothing is too much trouble, if you want something changed on the menu or something added they will always accommodate where possible, the staff are always friendly and the service they give is excellent. If your looking for good food at a reasonable price with great service then this is the place.

  • 5/5 Nicholas L. 1 year ago on Google
    I can't sing enough praises, I would go back many times if given the option! The arancini on special was amazing, the penne amatriciana was fantastic, the wines from Puglia, I could go on and on. Also, I didn't see a single staff member (save for at the bar) that wasn't convincingly, authentically Italian. If you like Italian cuisine, don't sleep on Elgano.

  • 5/5 Paige W. 1 year ago on Google
    amazing place! food was spectacular, really nice presentation, perfect portions, for dessert I had the special which was pistachio profiteroles which was one of the best things I've ever had. the atmosphere was really calm and welcoming, the customer service was really good too. I had an amazing experience, best place I've ever been to!

  • 4/5 Edward D. 1 year ago on Google
    Found this place on Google maps. Has a lot of very good reviews. Inside, it's has a very nice clean interior. We managed to find a parking space very easy outside. The food was so tasty, we have booked another visit to try some of the other dishes. If I were to be picky, we were both a little cold. could have done with just a tad more ambient heat. Can't fault the staff, so friendly and kept checking everything was OK. I am very impressed at this price point.

  • 4/5 souldivashay 1 year ago on Google
    Really lovely meal, great service and would definitely recommend

  • 5/5 Angelika W. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great place ! Service and staff was amazing, so friendly, kind and nice. Food arrived quickly and was one of the best we had, so tasty 11/10. Cozy, intimate atmosphere . We liked it so much we booked another visit in two weeks :) thank you

  • 5/5 Giovanni Garaldi B. 10 months ago on Google
    Super cosy Italian restaurant just a couple of steps from Bute park. Excellent service and a very good variety of dishes. Top marks for the Vitello Saltimbocca. Staff were kind (and almost all Italians), and the price point is fair for what you get.

  • 5/5 Stacy D. 11 months ago on Google
    What a find! An independent Italian that serves freshly made quality food. The flavours were on point and the dishes were well executed. Nice to see euthentic Italian dishes on the Menu too. Service was to the same high standard as the food and floor staff were really friendly. Decor, again, is to a supurb modern quality within the dining area and everywhere else. Honestly cannot recommend enough if you like Italian food or would like try real Italian cuisine.

  • 5/5 Rhian from Wales A. 1 year ago on Google
    Went early, mid week. The dining area is spread out with different spaces flowing though the ground floor to an extension at the back. Period property with character but still light and airy. So not too noisy making conversation easy. Space for larger groups as well as intimate dining. Clientele mixture of family groups, couples and works groups out for christmas meal on our visit. We had pre ordered as we were a larger group and it was our Christmas meal. Relaxing background music with excellent service and knowledgeable staff

  • 5/5 Alison F. 9 months ago on Google
    What a fantastic place to eat at. Staff very friendly, quick service and the food is stunning. Will be going back again to try the pizzas. I had the pasta which was beautiful. Can't fault the place. Really lovely for a birthday meal treat

  • 5/5 James A. 6 months ago on Google
    We booked for dinner whilst looking around Cardiff and the university, and arrived much earlier than our booking which was no problem when greeted by our friendly team member. We had a couple of cocktails whilst waiting for the starters which were well portioned and tasty. The main courses were some of the best pasta we’ve ever eaten and again well portioned. We had no room for dessert but did take away the special of the day - pistachio profiteroles which were amazing. Lovely staff and will be back for sure.

  • 4/5 DY C. 4 months ago on Google
    Update 4.11.23. food superb this evening. Waiting staff could be friendlier. Busy Tuesday evening, almost full. Friendly service, albeit tad slow. Food nicely presented and good value.

  • 4/5 Inês M. 3 months ago on Google New
    This restaurant was very busy when I walked in. Dinner was served upstairs. Starter was ok but I would have liked more salad. Bread crust was impossible to cut so had to eat with my hands. Main was alright, lamb was delicious, but unfortunately not many potatoes or veggies. Dessert was homemade panna cotta. Overall nice meal less quantity than expected but with quality.

  • 5/5 Ziying Y. 7 months ago on Google
    What a delicious dinner! The staff are very nice!! Will come back next time for a meal (without kids) haha 😁😁

  • 5/5 Nicola R. 3 months ago on Google New
    Delicious meal and drinks at Elgano Italian. The restaurant is cozy and comfortable, we were Sat in the Orangery which was quiet and romantic. Our meal was top notch, tasty, served in a timely manner by friendly staff. This is our 3rd time visiting Elgano, each experience was fabulous. We will definitely be back soon.

  • 5/5 clive s. 3 months ago on Google New
    It was spectacular.a real treat for my Birthday Girl. They made a proper fuss of her. I enjoyed it as well.

  • 5/5 Karen H. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited in September of 2019 while on a trip to Wales. We were staying in a B&B just up the street. The area is beautiful and close to so many things. The food was truly excellent and the staff was attentive and kind. Hoping to return someday!

  • 5/5 Emiemmy39 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely hearty Italian food. Staff were very welcoming and competent, service quality was excellent. We came with our 3 year old and she loved the pizza. Seemed like a great place for a romantic meal or a special meal out, we looked a bit scruffy in comparison to other customers but still felt completely welcomed. Parking was very difficult so I would plan that in advance if driving.

  • 5/5 Laura C. 2 years ago on Google
    You know it’s going to be great food when it’s a Tuesday night and it’s fully booked! This is hands down the best Italian restaurant I have ever visited. The food was amazing, the atmosphere really relaxed, staff really friendly, funny and attentive despite being fully booked and busy…and being able to see into the kitchen and watch everything being made fresh from scratch was brilliant. They had nothing to hide and watching them make the pizzas and pasta etc from scratch just really elevated the entire experience. If it wasn’t for the fact that we were visiting Cardiff from Yorkshire, we would be regular customers for sure and without doubt would be trying every single thing on the menu!! Only negative is that it isn’t local to us!

  • 4/5 Robert S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good food, and lots of seating. The restaurant has been extended out the back with a conservatory, a marquee and the front has a terrace so the tables are well spaced and airy. It was quite busy (a testament to the quality of the food) and we had a little issue ordering - we and another table got passed over several times for a group ordering drinks while they waited on their friends (they seemed to know the owner but staff walked past both our tables several times to take their order and serve them drinks) - but once we did order the food came quickly and was delicious. Finally, the staff got our order wrong a couple of times (a tuna pizza turned into a mushroom pizza and the wrong drink turned up) so they lose marks for the service.

  • 5/5 Kelsey F. 2 years ago on Google
    Food and service is always lovely here! The cocktails are also amazing - especially the passion fruit mojito! One of the places that has felt very safe since the pandemic. The outdoor seating at the back is well covered with heaters too 😍

  • 5/5 Charles O. 2 years ago on Google
    Just perfect! What a great experience. Excellent food and friendly efficient service. Thank you for a great evening.

  • 5/5 John D. 2 years ago on Google
    Delightful Italian. Great fresh food. Good wine selection and very nice Cocktail menu. Try the Special God Father, its locally inspired and divine

  • 1/5 Night Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Very rude service. No reception, no greeting, the servers/waiters just stare at us without as much as a "hello", as if we're invisible. We could not try the food as we didnt feel welcome in this restaurant. It's not difficult to say hello to customers and have them seated. At least say hello and acknowledge their existence. Utter rudeness Update: First of all, I did not "shout". Second of all, when I came in saying hello, you did not seem to care. But when I decided to leave that was the only time you noticed us :) What does that mean? That means you deserved the attitude I had. Apparently that's the only way to be noticed in this restaurant. Keep that invitation to yourself because I will never return to this vile place that lacks basic etiquette and manners. The only respectful person was the bartender, who had the decency to smile and talk to us while the servers just glared at us as if we barged into their home.

  • 5/5 Mark F. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a lovely little Italian restaurant. A short menu with well prepared food - obviously Italian. Good wine list and the cocktails are very nicely mixed. Service very friendly and unobtrusive. Go for the relaxed ambience, soft music and well cooked dishes by a chef who knows what s/he is doing.

  • 3/5 Malcolm G. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is very good but it expensive. For £42 pp for a fixed price 3 course menu is only justified if the quality of the dishes served lives up to that price. I started with the sqiud and it was not as good as the squid I had eaten a few hours earlier at the pub for half the price. The carbanara was average, not the worst by any stretch of the imagination but not the best I have ever eaten either. The triamisu was uninteresting. At a tea bag in a glass summed up the experience. Indifference! There was an element of indifference that was found in the food preparation and the staff attitudes that did not make me feel that I got value for money. It felt like the restaurant was only interested in turning over the number of covers as quickly as possible and had over priced in the process.

  • 5/5 Cristina S. 2 years ago on Google
    The restaurant is one of the best. I felt like home welcomed by the warmth atmosphere and exquisite food! The place is on our list when go back to Cardiff.

  • 5/5 Seamus C. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely excellent. Saturday is my eating "treat day". The staff are Italian so this place is authentically Italian. The are incredibly helpful and the food is to die for. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Nathan D. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful food as always and the welcome from start to end was nothing short of welcoming, enthusiastic, professional and perfect. Staff were brilliant with the children as they were with us adults. Highly recommend, the caprese was gorgeous and so was the salmon ravioli.

  • 5/5 Toby C. 1 year ago on Google
    Was there to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday and they put a candle on his tiramisu and sang him birthday song. It’s a small gesture but they definitely didn’t have to do it. Definitely made his day, food was great too!

  • 4/5 Mark C. 1 year ago on Google
    Tasty Italian dishes. Good range of main course. Friendly staff. Good drinks menu too.

  • 5/5 Andrea 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent Italian food! Last Friday we went to the restaurant hoping to get a table since we didn't book in advance, luckily we got one! Atmosphere was great a bit loud but still very pleasant to be there, great value for money and the members of the staff were polite Highly recommended

  • 5/5 Dennis C. 1 year ago on Google
    Easily the best Italian restaurant I've ever been to and probably one of THE best full stop. The food was absolutely delicious. Service was friendly and they squeezed us in without a reservation. Highly recommended. 👌


Call +44 29 2025 5853 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Free water refills
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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