Cafe 21

I am 65. I travelled to the first UK McDonalds when it opened in 1974. I ate at The Lexington, the first authentic US Diner in Cardiff just a couple of years later, run by an American, then in 1977 I ate at the Diner 77 in Pontcanna in Cardiff when it opened. Anyone old enough to remember will agree these last two are benchmarks in South Wales to stand the test of time. Believe me when I say the burgers at Cafe 21 are the best I have tasted in living memory. A good steak is only compromised by the sauces you put on it. In much the same way, as I ate Diner 21's delicious and succulent Smokers Delight, the actual beef pattie shone through and made me wish I had ordered it plain to enjoy for itself - mouth meltingly delicious and succulent ground beef. And a bonus - a complete burger bun that fits in the mouth, and hence a genuine burger, not a pretentious bland and tough tower stack held together by toothpicks needing dis-assembly to pick over. And the price? Ridiculously good value for money. Between the £6 for the pleasant consistent McDonalds peasant food and the huge rip-off £20 tower Stack, the mid price Cafe 21 knocks the ball out of the park. £65 for 4 with drinks and some very nice wings as appetiser and lush cheesecake in a jar with 4 spoons (stuffed by then). Atmosphere? Well, it's a cafe diner, nice enough.

I have eaten here on many occasions, breakfast Lunch and dinner plus I've had their burger menu as a takeaway - the food and coffee is a different class from anywhere else. Really good Quality, very tasty. Never had a bad meal - the coffee is perfect every time. Jonathan and the lovely girls, in particular Dionne and Sarah are so lovely. Nothing is too much trouble - Highly recommended 5 Stars.