**Cardiff’s Ember Restaurant Celebrated in Michelin Guide Just Five Months After Opening**
A new Cardiff eatery, Ember, has attracted significant attention after being named in the highly regarded Michelin Guide only five months after serving its first customers. Located in the fashionable Pontcanna area, Ember has quickly become one of the city’s culinary hotspots—an achievement now recognised by the international dining authority.
The inclusion of Ember in the Michelin Guide comes as a thrilling milestone for the team behind the restaurant. The establishment made the announcement through their Instagram account, sharing their joy and gratitude for the recognition. The accolade is seen as a testament to the establishment’s commitment to quality and innovation, setting high standards for Cardiff’s already vibrant food scene.
Renowned for its “straightforward ethos” in the kitchen, Ember’s approach to food has attracted praise from critics and diners alike. The review from Michelin highlighted the bright and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant, noting its simple yet elegant décor. With light wood furnishings and a clean, uncluttered counter, the restaurant exudes a relaxed, neighbourhood feel.
The menu at Ember champions seasonal British produce, while drawing heavy inspiration from Italian cuisine. According to Michelin’s review, handmade focaccia and an assortment of pasta dishes, such as spaghetti with red mullet, are notable features. The guide was impressed with how Ember’s pared-back presentations on the plate offered diners bold, memorable flavours—a hallmark of modern, ingredient-led cookery.
Chefs Tommy Heaney and Dave Killick, who co-own the establishment, are no strangers to Cardiff’s restaurant scene. Heaney is well known locally for his eponymous restaurant and Uisce, both also based in Pontcanna. Killick brings expertise from his time at The Heathcock in Llandaff, and his favourite nose-to-tail philosophy and pasta-making know-how are evident in Ember’s innovative and hearty dishes.
Ahead of Ember’s opening, there was high anticipation amongst food enthusiasts, with many eager to see how the duo’s combined talents would shape the city’s culinary offering. Their vision was clear: to create a laid-back yet stylish neighbourhood restaurant championing the best seasonal ingredients Wales and Britain have to offer.
A well-curated drinks menu complements the food at Ember. Tuva Villa, head sommelier at Heaney’s and Uisce, has put together a selection of European wines, draught lagers, and local beers in cans. Cocktail enthusiasts are also well-served, with a mix of classic concoctions alongside several of Tommy Heaney’s more creative signatures.
Feedback from initial guests and local reviewers has been overwhelmingly positive. A Wales Online reporter, after visiting Ember, described the venue as “well worth the wait” and predicted a bright future for the restaurant. The review noted that if Ember continues its current approach, it is set to remain a beloved fixture in Pontcanna for years to come.
Ember’s recognition by Michelin is seen not just as an individual accolade but also as a boost to Cardiff’s reputation as a city with a thriving, diverse, and high-quality food scene. It is likely to encourage more food lovers, both local and visiting, to discover the gems that the capital has to offer.
As the team at Ember look forward to what lies ahead, they have expressed gratitude for the support from their guests and the wider community, promising even more culinary delights to come. With accolades like this in their first half-year, the future appears exciting for both Ember and Cardiff’s blossoming restaurant scene.