Business Details
40 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Cardiff
Established in 1986, Merola's has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in Grangetown, Cardiff for over three decades. Our family-friendly restaurant specialises in traditional Italian dishes inspired by the Amalfi Coast and Campania region, featuring homemade pizzas, fresh pasta, and high-quality steak, chicken, and fish meals. We pride ourselves on using the finest Italian and British produce to create wholesome meals, with gluten-free options available upon request. Our commitment to quality extends to our desserts, which consistently delight customers seeking a perfect meal finale.As a TripAdvisor-rated establishment, we maintain strong community ties while attracting visitors from across the region. Our flexible approach accommodates special occasions outside regular hours, ensuring memorable dining experiences for all customers. The restaurant's intimate setting combines traditional Italian charm with modern service standards, offering both table service and takeaway options for convenience.
Services
Italian Restaurant
Pizzeria
Takeaway Meals
Gluten-Free Options
Special Occasion Catering
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1986
- Our meals are made with fresh Italian and British produce
- We offer gluten-free options available on request
- Our restaurant maintains traditional Italian style and charm
- We are highly rated on TripAdvisor for food and service
What people say
First-class food
Efficient service
Great value
Best tiramisu
Authentic Italian food
Services
Italian Restaurant
Our Italian restaurant offers traditional cuisine inspired by the Amalfi Coast and Campania region. Customers enjoy homemade pasta, quality meat and fish dishes, and authentic Italian desserts. The menu combines classic recipes with modern adaptations to cater to contemporary tastes while maintaining traditional preparation methods.
Pizzeria
Our pizzeria serves authentic Italian pizzas cooked in a traditional pizza oven. The menu features classic Neapolitan-style pizzas with generous toppings and calzones described as 'as big as your head'. Customers can choose from traditional recipes or request customised options to suit personal preferences.
Takeaway Meals
We offer takeaway meals with discounted prices on pasta and pizza dishes. The service maintains the same quality standards as our dine-in offering, with meals prepared fresh to order. Customers can place orders by phone and collect their meals at their convenience during operating hours.
Gluten-Free Options
Our gluten-free options are available on request for customers with specific dietary requirements. The kitchen team can adapt many menu items to accommodate these needs while maintaining authentic Italian flavours. This service demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and customer satisfaction.
Special Occasion Catering
We cater for special occasions outside regular opening hours, including Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and birthdays. The team works closely with customers to create tailored menus and arrangements. This service extends our traditional Italian hospitality to private celebrations and events.
People
Nick
Co-Owner
Co-owner of Merola's since its establishment in 1986, Nick has dedicated over three decades to serving authentic Italian cuisine in Cardiff. He maintains the restaurant's traditional standards while adapting to modern customer needs.
Spiro
Co-Owner
As co-owner of Merola's, Spiro has helped shape the restaurant's reputation for quality Italian food since 1986. He works closely with local customers and visitors to ensure they experience the traditional Italian hospitality the restaurant is known for.
Questions
What are Merola's opening hours?
We operate Thursday to Saturday from 5pm to 10pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, with no daytime service available.
Do you offer takeaway options?
Yes, we provide takeaway meals with discounted prices on pasta and pizza dishes. Customers can place orders by calling 029 2039 8803.
Are there gluten-free options available?
We offer gluten-free options on request. Our kitchen team can adapt many menu items to accommodate dietary requirements while maintaining authentic Italian flavours.
Can I book for special occasions?
We accommodate special occasions outside regular hours. Contact us directly to discuss requirements for events like birthdays, Valentine's Day, or Mother's Day celebrations.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash payments for both dine-in and takeaway orders. Card payment availability should be confirmed directly with the restaurant before visiting.
Where are you located?
We're located at 181 Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff CF11 6QS, approximately 15 minutes walk from the Millennium Stadium in the heart of Grangetown.
Reviews (7)
Mags M.
Dec 09, 2021
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Brilliant food, brilliant staff, cannot fault either, brilliant night there, thoroughly recommend it.
Debbie Gray
Oct 14, 2021
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What can I say apart from a jewel of a restaurant with outstanding food. This puts all your fast restaurants to shame as food to die for and staff go the extra mile. Already booked another night out as so impressed.
Tim Evans Timbodevans
Sep 09, 2021
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What a find! Were up in Cardiff for the day (family of 5) and needed food before heading back and started looking in the area we were. Had to wait half hour for table but was worth it. Best service we've had for a long time - attentive, polite & friendly. And all our food was great quality - 2 different steaks, pizza, meatballs & spag carbonara - very authentic. Says it all that there was virtually nothing left. Same for 3 deserts ordered and coffee was lovely also. Will certainly be an option for us next time we're up in that part of Cardiff.
Charlie Barton
Aug 10, 2021
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The food was outstanding! We were away for long weekend in Cardiff for a 30th birthday, we love an Italian and this was the one of the best Italian meals we have ever had. All the food was fresh and delicious. Staff were so friendly and accommodating. Would recommend to everyone! Thank-you so much for the lovely meal.
Remi Hovord
Jul 18, 2021
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Service was terrible, quality of food also bad, 2 hour wait for mains
Arrived at 19:30
Ordered by 19:40
-Instructed the elderly waitress to bring out the mains as soon as they're ready so that we don't wait too long for them as we only ordered 1 starter between 4
Starter of prawns came 20 minutes later
Mains came at 21:22, almost 2 hours later
-they said it was busy
-we arrived before a majority of people yet the tables around us had gotten their starters and mains well before us
-they had simply forgotten about us and didn't want to admit it
-they charged us for the garlic bread which
Arrived at 19:30
Ordered by 19:40
-Instructed the elderly waitress to bring out the mains as soon as they're ready so that we don't wait too long for them as we only ordered 1 starter between 4
Starter of prawns came 20 minutes later
Mains came at 21:22, almost 2 hours later
-they said it was busy
-we arrived before a majority of people yet the tables around us had gotten their starters and mains well before us
-they had simply forgotten about us and didn't want to admit it
-they charged us for the garlic bread which
Neville Callear
Jul 16, 2021
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I don't recall enjoying a meal in a restaurant so much. Tonight, (Saturday 31/7/2021) the service was excellent, owners and staff lovely, and the food wonderful. I eat out regularly and rarely have I enjoyed an evening so much. I recommend you wholeheartedly.
Congratulations.
Neville & Christiana.
York
North Yorkshire.
Congratulations.
Neville & Christiana.
York
North Yorkshire.
Sarah Landeg
Jun 14, 2021
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Very friendly staff and welcoming. Service impeccable. Food freshly cooked, hot and very tasty. Very good value for money. The garlic bread was awesome.
