
Saray Restaurant
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Quick info
About Saray Restaurant
Saray Restaurant has been a Turkish restaurant in Cardiff since 2015, found at 164-166 City Rd and open daily. Its concept draws on the historical Saray, where diverse cuisines blended together, and the cooking follows traditional Turkish lines. The menu includes Lamb Mix served with chips and salad, a mixed grill, and a platter for two with a variety of meats and sides. Meals begin with complimentary warm bread and mixed meze dips, and they end with complimentary Turkish tea and a piece of baklava. Spacious seating with booths gives groups room to sit together.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention complimentary turkish tea and dessert, bread and mixed meze, mixed grill and lamb mix.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention complimentary turkish tea and dessert, bread and mixed meze, mixed grill and lamb mix.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the meat dishes, with the mixed grill and the Lamb Mix with chips and salad described as perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, and a platter for two praised for its variety of meats. Close behind are the generous portions and the warm bread with mixed meze or dips at the start, which several call fresh. Servers are repeatedly described as friendly, and a few mention a quiet room that suits conversation, booths for groups and pretty lights and paintings. Complaints are fewer but specific. One reviewer found the food dry and average, and another called it average at best, citing a rushed, hectic dining room, poor lighting, sauces in plastic squeeze bottles and being asked to buy bottled water instead of being offered water. Several reviewers close their meal with complimentary Turkish tea and dessert, with one naming baklava on the house.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the meat dishes, with the mixed grill and the Lamb Mix with chips and salad described as perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, and a platter for two praised for its variety of meats. Close behind are the generous portions and the warm bread with mixed meze or dips at the start, which several call fresh. Servers are repeatedly described as friendly, and a few mention a quiet room that suits conversation, booths for groups and pretty lights and paintings. Complaints are fewer but specific. One reviewer found the food dry and average, and another called it average at best, citing a rushed, hectic dining room, poor lighting, sauces in plastic squeeze bottles and being asked to buy bottled water instead of being offered water. Several reviewers close their meal with complimentary Turkish tea and dessert, with one naming baklava on the house.
Featured reviews
- Veronica Panayi
“Amazing food, friendly staff and such a great place to go! Would highly recommend this place.”
- Ceris
“I always forget how good this place is! Absolutely delicious. Staff work incredibly hard. Food was quick and so tasty. The salads so fresh.”
- Shazad Mohammed
“I visited Saray Restaurant expecting a relaxed, enjoyable dinner, but unfortunately it wasn't the experience I had hoped for. The restaurant was extremely busy, and while I understand it's a popular place, the service felt rushed from start to finish. Staff were constantly running back and forth, creating a hectic atmosphere that felt more like a busy food court than a restaurant for a leisurely evening meal. The lighting was poor, the dining room felt tired and in need of refreshing, and there wasn't much personal attention given to customers. As a visitor, I felt like just another transient customer rather than someone there to enjoy the experience. The food itself was average at best. It wasn't memorable, and there was nothing about the meal that made up for the rushed atmosphere. Even the presentation felt lacking, with sauces served in plastic squeeze bottles, which didn't add to the dining experience. I was also surprised that water wasn't offered and instead I was asked to purchase bottled water. It's a small detail, but it contributed to the feeling that the focus was on turning tables quickly rather than providing a comfortable dining experience. Coming from Toronto, I'm accustomed to restaurants where dining is about more than just eating—it's about taking your time, enjoying the atmosphere, and receiving attentive service. Here, it felt more like a fast-food operation than a place for a well-dressed, relaxed evening supper. The restaurant is obviously popular, so many people clearly enjoy it. It simply wasn't the kind of dining experience I was looking for, and I wouldn't return.”
- emir
“Every time I have visited, the food has been fresh and well-presented. The warm bread and mixed meze served as a starter was a lovely touch. The mixed grill was cooked perfectly - the meat was tender and extremely juicy. The portions are very generous, a great value for money. The servers are always friendly and serve excellent customer service. Overall, I have nothing to complain about whatsoever. I 100% recommend to everyone.”
- Marina Watts
“One of the best Turkish meals we have ever had. Would definitely eat here again when back in Cardiff!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Saray Restaurant, open since 2015, A Turkish restaurant in Cardiff inspired by the historical concept of Sarays. where diverse cuisines blended together. With a motto of "Expect the Best," we aim to provide a friendly atmosphere and serve delicious food.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Restaurants near Saray Restaurant
- Shaam nights restaurant4.62,4890.1 mi£10–20Vegan optionsVegetarian optionsGood for kids
hummus, fattoush, mixed grill
- Curry Hut Cardiff4.06690.2 mi£10–20Vegan optionsVegetarian optionsGood for kids
biryani, kottu, masala dosa
- Hadramowt4.07160.3 mi£10–20Vegetarian optionsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
lamb mandi, chicken mandi, mandi rice
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saray Restaurant | 4.52,639 | — | — | complimentary turkish tea and dessert, bread and mixed meze, mixed grill |
| Shaam nights restaurantVegan options · Vegetarian options · Good for kids | 4.62,489 | 0.1 mi | £10–20 | hummus, fattoush, mixed grill |
| Curry Hut CardiffVegan options · Vegetarian options · Good for kids | 4.0669 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | biryani, kottu, masala dosa |
| HadramowtVegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.0716 | 0.3 mi | £10–20 | lamb mandi, chicken mandi, mandi rice |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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