Gorse

As a small boy from Llanishen, it felt very nostalgic walking the streets of Cardiff again. What filled me with joy though, was experiencing this little gem of a restaurant, tucked away as it is. The welcome was as warm as they get. The door adjacent to the quaint kitchen ensures you are greeted by not only the hosts, but the chefs too! A humble little room, perfectly lit and tastefully decorated. The restaurant is a labour of love from Tom and the team, and it is apparent. Service is immaculate, only pipped by L’enclume in my opinion. The staff were on par with the best of the Michelins we’ve experienced. Friendly, attentive and genuine. They were a delight. The food?! My goodness, what a treat. This is the first Michelin I’ve been to where EVERY SINGLE COURSE was exceptional. The Fallow deer? Perfection. The best piece of meat I’ve ever tasted. If I have just one critique of an otherwise perfect meal, both desserts are rich, creamy with a little tarte fruit. Just a little crunch to either of the desserts would allow better distinction between the two. Maybe a stem ginger or a biscuit. Albeit, I’m not a big dessert guy, but the smoked cherry? Chefs kiss. It is by far, the BEST dessert I’ve ever tasted. Including Moor Hall. Including L’enclume. THE BEST. the day before we visited another Michelin that shall remain anonymous (because it wasn’t the best experience) , but we had just the two courses and the cheese board. And the cost of the meal was equal to the absolute experience that Gorse put on. For the quality of service and food, this was fantastic value. Kudos. Tom and the team have built an absolutely delightful experience here in Cardiff. And I couldn’t be more proud to have such a great experience just a stones throw from where I was born.

After visiting last Saturday with a friend (whom I have started travelling round the country going to Michelin restaurants with) I can say without hesitation that this is a fantastic restaurant and experience. From first walking in with warm welcome, to being greeted by the owner and head chef Tim Waters and his team, to the exquisite food and final goodbye, there wasn’t a single moment I didn’t love about our evening. The ambiance may be my favourite I have experienced out of the 10 Michelin star restaurants I have currently visited. And the menu did not have a single item I thought “it was good but I would have preferred….” Which I cannot say for even the likes of some 3 Michelin star restaurants I’ve been to. Overall, my friend and I personally rated this the second best restaurant we’ve eaten at, with only Moor Hall topping it by less than a full point. Congratulations for your 2026 Michelin win. Here’s to 2 next year! Thank you for a wonderful evening Was worth the all round 6 hour drive!

A jewel of a restaurant well deserving it's Michelin star. Every detail is thought through with fastidious attention to detail. The food is innovative, and delicious. We had the four course set lunch which started with a seaweed broth that was light and fragrant and set the tone for the courses to follow. We can't wait to return to enjoy the more extensive tasting menu.

Definitely Michelin 🌟 worthy restaurant. The atmosphere here is cosy and welcoming, staf is attentive and knowledgeable. We've had the tasting menu with the wine pairing, the menu is fish and mushrooms focused with a venison main. As someone who doesn't like mushrooms I will say thst the best and most unexpected dish had mushrooms. The presentation and detail of every dish is on point and the deep rich flavours are worth the price tag. There was only 1 dish where the wine pairing did not work for me, but that comes down to personal taste and palet so I can't fault it. Prices are as expected, but worth it given the quality and experience you get.

Took my Mam for a seven course tasting menu. Innovative, new and exciting food with fresh and local ingredients. They catered to our special dietary requirements too with zero fuss or complications - great to have that piece of mind! I was mesmerised by the kitchen which was the central feature of the entire space! Staff were lovely and welcoming and the handsome chefs were the cherry on the cake. Diolch!

Having first visited during their pop-up at Ground Bakery, I was so happy to see Gorse receive a Michelin star in the first year of opening. We opted for the 10 course taster menu and were not disappointed. There was a lovely flow of flavours through the menu and some lovely treats such as Welsh lobster, monkfish and Salt Marsh lamb. Service is relaxed and friendly but also knowledgeable and helpful. This is a great addition for Cardiff, and does Pontcanna proud. Highly recommend!

Just a phenomenal experience. Yes, you are paying a premium over other good quality places in Cardiff, but other than that this is worthy of it's Michelin star, with a variety of local, original dishes (we had the 7 course tasting menu), friendly excellent and knowledgeable service and staff, a lovely venue and just tasty tasty food! Look forward to our next visit!

Sensational experience! Food was exceptional, seasonal, varied, simple in presentation but complex yet well balanced in flavour. So many stand out dishes, but for me the scallop was the best I’ve ever eaten and my first taste of mutton was very delicious! Service was very friendly but attentive without being intrusive. The staff expertly talked us through our wine pairings with interest and passion. We had a wonderful evening at Gorse and highly recommend it!