Phil and I have wanted to check out Miller & Carter for a while but just hadn’t got around to going. However, when we were invited for dinner recently, we just couldn’t refuse!
We went on a late Sunday afternoon, which was surprisingly busy. A good sign. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a lovely staff member who took our names and showed us to our table. While seated, we had the chance to take in the interior of what was once the Habitat homeware store – thick grey pillars, exposed piping and bare brickwork. Mirrors, framed pictures and warm lighting added cosy touches.
To start, I sipped a mango Bellini while Phil opted for a large glass of Rioja, his favourite.
For starters, neither of us could resist the black pearl scallops, with cauliflower purée, crispy pancetta crumb and vegetable tartare. The scallops were tender, moist and cooked perfectly. The sharpness of the tartare paired with them nicely and added a tangy contrast to the delicate flavour of the scallops.
For the main course, I went for an 8oz fillet which was cooked medium. The meat was succulent with a delicate texture while the parsley sky butter was rich but not too overpowering. Phil chose the guest ribeye steak, which he said was perfectly juicy.
All steaks are served with parsley butter, seasoned fries, a slice of onion loaf and a balsamic glazed beef tomato along with your choice of lettuce wedge and steak sauce.
I went for a Stilton and blue cheese lettuce wedge and creamy mushroom chasseur steak sauce. The lettuce was fresh, crunchy and the Stilton and blue cheese was creamy and moreish.
Phil had the garlic and parmesan dressing on his wedge, which he really enjoyed. The mushroom chasseur was chunky in consistency and tasty in flavour but the pot was a bit on the small side. Phil found his chimichurri sauce to be enough for him though.
Meanwhile, the onion loaf side added a bit of extra texture and crispiness but it was basically a glamourised onion ring. We loved it though and could have happily eaten more!
You can have steak extras including creamed spinach and fried egg or grilled asparagus but personally, we thought there was no need to have them as the steak already came with a lot of sides anyway.
The skin-on fries were fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside – just how I like them! I could have done with a larger portion though. But perhaps that was me being greedy.
To finish, I had the lemon meringue roulade while Phil’s eyes lit up at the Belgian chocolate ganache. Even though the meringue was soft and the lemon sauce was perfectly zesty, it was all a bit too sickly for me. As for the chocolate ganache, it had a rich texture but the lack of peanut flavour in the peanut butter crumb was a let down.
Despite the desserts being a tad disappointing, we were overly impressed. Service was super-friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed and the food was great. If you want quality steak in a more glamourous setting than your typical steakhouse, you won’t go too wrong with Miller & Carter.
9-11 The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AH. Tel: 02920 372344.