**Hidden Cardiff Gem Earns National Recognition for Unique Charcoal-Fired Dining**
Tucked away in the Rhiwbina district of Cardiff, a small restaurant called Mesen has quietly established itself as one of Wales’ most celebrated local eateries. Eschewing the standard printed menus and the more common gas-powered kitchens, Mesen distinguishes itself with food cooked entirely over charcoal and a frequently changing menu handwritten on brown paper affixed to the wall—a testament to its ever-evolving culinary creativity.
The restaurant’s distinct approach has not gone unnoticed. In the recently published 2025 edition of The Good Food Guide, Mesen was named one of the UK’s 100 Best Local Restaurants, earning the distinction for the second consecutive year. This recognition sees the two-year-old establishment join the ranks alongside just eight other Welsh restaurants, with only one other Cardiff eatery—Casanova in the city centre—also making the list.
Founded in June 2023, Mesen is the vision of Rhys Williams, who returned to his Cardiff roots after nearly two decades as a chartered surveyor in London. With no professional background in the restaurant trade, Williams took the bold step of pursuing a long-held dream: to provide exceptional food and genuine hospitality for his home community.
The word “Mesen” means ‘acorn’ in Welsh, and the ethos here is very much about growth—from humble origins to an influential presence on the city’s food map. The restaurant doubles as a wine and cocktail bar, with a thoughtfully curated drinks list spanning classics and innovative cocktails, local beers, and ciders—all served in a relaxed, welcoming setting that prioritises community spirit.
The kitchen at Mesen is entirely powered by open charcoal fire, compelling the culinary team to create dishes that are both simple in technique yet remarkable in flavour. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients form the backbone of the menu, which is intentionally designed to encourage sharing. Popular offerings range from barbecue chicken skewers to padron peppers, hefty T-bone steaks, and smoked potatoes, all imbued with a distinct smoky profile courtesy of the flame-fuelled cooking method.
Rhys Williams credits much of Mesen’s success to its community roots and the strong relationships developed with both customers and staff. “Seeing familiar faces, both in the team and among our guests, is everything to us,” Williams reflected. “We’re not just a restaurant; we’re an integral part of Rhiwbina—a neighbourhood gaining recognition in its own right.” Indeed, Rhiwbina was recently highlighted by The Times as one of the top 25 places to live in the UK, further putting a spotlight on the local food scene.
The Good Food Guide accolade, according to Williams, is more than just an award—it’s validation of the team’s relentless creativity, commitment, and care delivered night after night. “It means the world to us to be recognised once again, and it spurs us on to continue pushing boundaries and perfecting our craft.”
The 2025 Good Food Guide announcement places Mesen among an elite list of local Welsh eateries, including category champion Paternoster Farm in Pembrokeshire and others such as The Warren in Carmarthen and The Shed in Swansea. These listings point to a vibrant revival of local dining across Wales, with establishments like Mesen leading the charge by prioritising authenticity, community, and quality over unnecessary frills.
For diners and food enthusiasts, Mesen’s continued place on The Good Food Guide’s list serves as an invitation to discover a side of Cardiff that prizes neighbourhood spirit and straightforward, remarkable food. As awards and accolades accumulate, the small restaurant that began as one man’s dream has become a flagship for local culinary excellence—proving that with the right blend of passion and authenticity, even the smallest venues can make a national impact.