The Fig Tree Restaurant, Penarth | Review

First Impressions

The setting of the restaurant is in a picture postcard sitting on a pretty Esplanade on the South Wales coast and even on a dismal day like this the views are enchanting, The decor of the restaurant is contemporary giving and airy yet cosy feel, probably helped by the contrasting weather. The kitchen is open plan and in full view as you enter and is both reassuring and interesting but somehow felt cluttered and overpowering.

The service

The welcome was warm and we were shown to our seats happily accommodating a busy toddler. Throughout the service was consistently good showing a well balanced combination of attentiveness and space to relax and enjoy our food.

The Food

I decided upon a starter of Per Las cheese and pear brulee. The classic combination of cheese and fruit seemed a perfect but it fell short of my expectations. The ingredients were well put together and the presentation was classic brulee but the initial mouth shocked my taste buds as i was expecting a contrast of warm cracking candy against the room temperature cheese and pear all melting in one delicious mouthful. It was unfortunate the dish presented was fridge cold dish with a slightly chewy [not cracking at all] candy topping that removed any flavour sensation that one would expect. It was duly eaten on the other hand.

The main course i choose was belly pork with new potatoes and greens in a garlic dressing. The meat was presented well with a great flavour coming from the pork fat a superb contrast from the crackling against the moist pork. The dressing was slightly overpowered by garlic but the robust pork stood up well and the combined mouthful was truly delightful, one which i repeated until the plate was cleared of food.

The portion sizing was well balanced and i left fulfilled without the need to indulge in a dessert. The people accompanying me all chose the battered fish, chips and peas that wowed them on arrival due to the size of the fish portion and satisfyingly crispy batter. The pricing for the lunch time service was remarkably reasonable with a set two courses at £11.50.

A satisfying dining experience from an establishment of significant reputation one that i would recommend you try.