Scaramantica Cardiff review: The city's newest pizzeria everyone is talking about
After weeks of seeing post after post of people raving about Cardiff's newest pizza and cocktail bar I just knew I'd have to try it.
Opening just two weeks earlier on June 1, Scaramantica Pizzeria on Pen-Y-Lan Road, Roath, is already making waves in Cardiff's foodie scene.
And after our much-anticipated visit, it's easy to see why.
If authentic oven cooked Neapolitan pizzas are your thing, then Scaramantica is one not to be missed, as the pizzas really are something to write home about.
We visited the restaurant on a Monday night, and because of the traction it's been getting on social media, thought it would be best to book ahead. But no fear, if you're hoping for spontaneity in a world full of pre-bookings, they also welcome walk-ins.
Located on the corner of Pen-Y-Lan Road, where it joins Albany Road, the restaurant is the perfect location for a pizza or a drink after a day in nearby Roath Park. The site, formally Da Mara, is also afforded a pavemented piazza, meaning it's the perfect sun-trap for some al fresco dining.
We arrived just before 8pm and the outside area was still very lively of people making the most of the last hours of sun. We were immediately greeted by a friendly server who asked if we would like a table inside or outside. Given the evening was closing in - and eating inside a restaurant still feels very much like a novelty - we chose a table indoors.
The restaurant itself has a friendly, relaxed, atmosphere and everything felt very covid secure. However, it is not huge, and with covid restrictions limiting the number of tables, I personally would recommend booking if you're hoping for a table indoors.
One of the fantastic features about Scaramantica is that the kitchen is open plan, jutting slightly into the restaurant, meaning diners can see the chefs cooking each pizza fresh. Luckily for us we were placed on a table near the kitchen and seeing each meal being made definitely added to the dining experience.
The menu is modest - if pizza is not for you, then there are limited other options - but with everything you could want from a pizza place.
Starting with drinks, after a boiling hot day in Cardiff (26C!) a larger was the only thing for it. We both ordered a pint of Peroni on draught (£5) but I vowed to try one of their signature cocktails later in the evening - after all, it would be rude not to in a cocktail bar. The Peroni was the only draught beer although there were several other bottles on offer as well as wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.