Tapas for Two at Pica Pica

It's a Sunday evening as we trundle up Westgate Street looking for a bite to eat before heading to the cinema. We stumble in from the cold into a chic looking basement, complete with brick arched ceilings, cosy atmosphere and plenty of tables, bar stools and sofas to get settled at.

We choose a table and the barman helpfully points out that, in the tradition of tapas bars, we can place our orders at the bar.

After several minutes of scanning the menu – which is slightly overwhelming if you've never eaten tapas before – we decide to play it a little safe and opt for the Marinated Olives, Cold Cured Meat selection, Tapas Selection and a plate of dips.

Ordering at the bar, we decide on a bottle of the Torres Vina Sol, and find that all orders must be paid for in advance or you have the option to leave your credit card at the bar. I would only recommend this if you have strong will power or an inexhaustible bank balance as there is always a tendency to order more and more food!


The wine came in it's own ceramic ice bucket, keeping it nicely chilled. "Easy-drinking" wasn't just wine menu blurb – it really was! One glass slipped down before food had arrived!

The olives were a mix of green and black, marinated with chilli and garlic. Maybe it's my Italian roots but I can't think of anything more blissful than olives and wine. The meat selection was also good – thin slices of chorizo, Serrano ham and salami's.

The dips (hummus, tabbouleh and tzatziki) were served with gusto and a pile of pitta slices. Each tasted freshly made and were packed with flavour.

The tapas selection consisted of skewered dates wrapped in bacon (deliciously juicy and salty all at once), honey mustard glazed chicken wings (succulent but sadly only one piece!), chargrilled sweetcorn, sweet potato wedges, souvlakia (grilled pork skewers), falafel and plenty of salad. This changes day to day depending on what's available – but is highly recommended to novices.

More wine was consumed and the food quickly vanished. Still wanting more, we ordered the deep fried crab claws and the fried manchego cheese and weren't disappointed. The crab claws were sweet and slightly nutty, whilst the cheese came with a sweet chili dip which set of the creaminess perfectly.

Although the bar filled up, the place still managed to maintain it's friendly, relaxed feel. It's the perfect place for lazy lunches or drinks and nibbles with friends.

The total meal including wine came to £35.

5-23 Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DD
Tel: 02920 345 703



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