Mesen is a modern restaurant centred around open charcoal-fire cooking, where flames and smoke are used to bring out the best in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Designed for sharing, the menu transforms locally sourced produce into colourful, flavour-driven dishes served in a relaxed setting that works well for casual meals, group dining and celebrations. The restaurant is located in Rhiwbina in North Cardiff and is open for lunch and dinner.
Inside, the dining room's wooden floors and neutral walls create a calm backdrop, while colourful artwork introduces subtle pops of colour around the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant allow natural daylight to fill the room during the day. A bar runs along one side of the room, lined with barstools and illuminated by industrial-style pendant lighting. Countertop seating places guests close to the kitchen, while pots of greenery and soft twinkling lights around the room add warmth to the space.
The Mesen menu centres around dishes cooked over the charcoal fire. Starters include dishes such as chicken skin crackling, padron peppers served with grilled hummus and sesame, or watermelon with cucumber, feta and mint. Other small plates include sardines with olive oil and black vinegar, roasted quail with aioli, or ox liver tacos.
Larger plates highlight the fire-led cooking, with dishes such as whole brill finished with brown butter and capers, half a chicken with garlic bread sauce and crispy onions, or pig’s head pancakes served with hoisin, cucumber and spring onions. For groups, a dry-aged tomahawk steak is available as a sharing centrepiece.
Sides include smoked potatoes with confit garlic butter and wood-fired greens. Desserts at Mesen range from Stilton, honey and walnut hobnobs and chocolate cake with whipped cream to sweet corn brulee or seasonal sorbets and ice cream. The drinks offering includes classic and inventive cocktails, a curated wine list and local beers and ciders.