Mae Maria Portuguese Restaurant in Cardiff

The place seems very dark and dingy food was ok but took a long time and wasn't that hot, the location of the restaurant is quite bad no parking and looks quite cheap and easy from outside.

Visited this restaurant with my family. We had purchased the groupon deal, 3 course meal with wine for 4. The restaurant was very quiet for a Saturday evening, which was a bit off putting at first, but the waiter was very attentive & the food was all freshly cooked & delicious. We were offered a good range of options (even foods that were not listed on the voucher). Would definitely recommend & will return to try different options. Thank you Mae Maria.

Went here on a recommendation from my daughter using a Groupon Voucher which was bought for as a gift. Out experience was far from recommendable. It was a sunday lunch. The service was poor long waits despite an empty retaurant and food almost inedible. Never again. It is a local restaurant for my daughter who recommended. She has used a number of times in an evening perhaps it is better then. Personally I will not be taking the risk

went to this restaurant on a groupon voucher, our offer was for a two course meal to included wine, on arrival we were shown a menu that didn't include one of the things we were going to have as a starter{does this mean that there is a separate menu for groupon deals that seems to happen with other offers from this company),so our starter came after 45 minutes and with no one in the restaurant seems to be a very long time to wait, our main course came without to much of a wait after a average starter, myself and my partner choose peri peri chicken which was a half of chicken and chips unfortunately the chicken appeared to just been washed with a thin coating of something which I guess was a peri peri sauce which was tasteless on top of a piece of chicken which was over cooked, we pecked at a few morsels and made our excuses and left not before I used the toilets which are really nice but no toilet paper, you need to improve your act or was this just a blip, in future I will make sure I check restaurant reviews before using a groupon voucher again

Visitar um restaurante português e sempre uma das nossas prioridades quando temos um passeio programado. O Mae Maria era uma das prioridades nesta visita a Cardiff. Comida agradável e nada mais.

Like many others, we visited on a Groupon voucher. The restaurant seems like typica al taverna, doesn’t look much from outside but cosy inside. We ate early, 5.30 and were the only ones there. Can’t say we had the warmest or most attentive welcome but service was pretty good after that. Food, excellent value on groupon deal and all tasted fresh & delicious. My only negative comment, very few prawns in the starter. I would definitely recommend a visit if you want delicious hot food at an uncomplicated venue.

Had a groupon voucher for 2 as a gift and as family was visiting from Eire we booked a table for 3... it was weekday early at 5.30pm and pretty quiet but that didn't matter... service excellent.. food tasty... 5 stars.. I'm sure it would be lovely in an evening or weekend... and I see they do breakfasts too!

Used a Groupon voucher tonight but will definitely be going back to try different meals.. Has chicken skewer which was absolutely delicious and Mum had beef stroganoff. Cooked fresh and very very tasty. Can’t wait to try the tapas next time... Lovely friendly atmosphere and excellent service. Would highly recommend

Visited this lovely family run Portuguese restaurant using a groupon voucher and will definitely being visiting again. The service we received was excellent and very welcoming. The food was very fresh and absolutely delicious! I can recommend the clam starter with lemon, white wine and butter. This is well worth a try with or without a groupon voucher.

My three friends and myself purchased a Groupon voucher for a 3 course meal including a glass of wine. We weren't sure what to expect but were very pleasantly surprised as all our meals were home cooked and delicious. We had the place to ourselves and the manager/waiter could not have been more helpful or attentive. We had a great evening - thank you!

Visited Mae Maria with some family members. At first it doesnt look like much, but the food was delicious and service was second to none. I myself had a chicken kebab (pictured) delicious! My parents had tapas, the waiter was very helpful with giving advice regarding what tapas to order and such. They enjoyed it very much! Dessert was to die for, I had a cremé caramel type dessert, was so lovely and 100% home made. Prices were reasonable, and inside the restaurant was nice, could be slightly spruced up, but overall 8/10. Really recomend the wine pictured on this post!

Honestly, I have been in few portuguese restaurants in Wales and this one, is the most similar to the ones in North Portugal. The ideal dish is the “Bacalhao a Bras” and “Bacalhao a Braga” I missed so much this quality of fish food and we found it here. Definitely worthy. If you want real portuguese food, come here.

We went here in a large group for New Year’s Eve . Although slow to begin with service wise , the working member of staff was attentive , polite at all times and was helpful. Food was overall good with the Francesinha dish being highly recommended for anyone visiting the restaurant . Food when ordered was served quickly. The overall ambience of the restaurant especially in the eating area could be an area for improvement compared to other areas , however overall it is a good family run restaurant with friendly and attentive staff .

We were visiting Cardiff and come across a voucher on Groupon. Great value for money. Really lovely food and lovely staff. Will return when we go bk to Cardiff

Superb food and atmospere. Very friendly staff and nothing was too much trouble for them. The firsy of many visits to come

Situated in canton this one of the only two Portuguese restaurants in town. Just happened to pass by and decided to stop over for a quick bite with my wife. Being a Tuesday, The restaurant had just 1 couple who were there for a few...

we had a small birthday party over there,fresh food,lovely cakes,cold Portuguese beer. just wow highly recommended! thank you for singing a song for my wife;) Tom

This is a lovely friendly family run restaurant. We went there on a Wednesday evening, just myself and my husband, lucky ther was a large party of students to celebrate a birthday, they were not over loud but made a good atmosphere. We had a...

Had a meal on Friday night using a Groupon. The owner was very nice, polite and friendly, we had a lovely meal and great service.

I visited early on a Tuesday evening with a group of friends and we were waited on by a very nice gentleman. We had a Groupon voucher, we received a really good welcome and thoroughly enjoyed our meal )this also meant that it was extraordinarily...

We were late and phoned to make sure we would still be served dinner on a Thursday night. The answer was a welcoming yes, and we were served without rush, good Portuguese cuisine in an attractive setting. All we had was absolutely well prepared and...

Went in visit in that topical Portuguese Restaurant and i got a tipical portouguese dish The Francesina. Highly recommended

Fancied a late breakfast do popped in here. Lovely breakfast, coffee and tea. Staff friendly and welcoming. Good to support local business 😉

Went down to Cardiff to specifically go to this restaurant (we live in Oxfordshire) by chance we purchased a Groupon voucher for this visit had to book into a hotel to stay the night, tried ringing to book no answer but was told to leave...

I selected a main course only - Bacalhau com Natas. This is an oven baked cod pie with onion, diced potatoes and bechamel sauce which came in at £14.95. I found it to be dry. All rooms are at floor level so helpful for wheel...

We went there today for a look, and had the warmest welcome. It’s exactly like the tavernas from our holidays - and it was just that. Very very clean and a lovely glass of wine. My husband had the local lager and that was lovely...

I've never tried Portuguese food before but it was delicious. The Muscles were amazing and the fish was outstanding. Would come back again.

We visited Mae Maria in Canton Cardiff, the service was outstanding and the food was amazing and authentic, can’t wait to visit again.

We have just returned from a meal in Mae Maria. This is our 5th time here and wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt before reviewing. We so so wanted it to be a little taste of Portugal but sadly it was far...

First visit here after purchasing a groupon and wanted to find a new relaxed local but it just didn't fit the bill. Only people in the restaurant yet service was slow and not really welcoming. Food was awful came cold and no taste. Really disappointing....

I've mixed thoughts. Ate at 7ish on a Saturday night and we were the first in the restaurant, another two tables were filled by the Time we left. Food was ok but nothing out of the ordinary but good value. Place lacked atmosphere.

Came here with a Groupon voucher on a Friday evening in early January, the premises are large and are cut in half, one half being a bar with comfy seats and TV, the other being a more formal restaurant. We entered in the bar side...

Guys. I’ve tried this place 3 times now and I’ve been going back to give them the benefit of the doubt. 1st meal I had was actually great but we were the only people in there. 2nd meal was with a group and some people...

Ate here in the last week and really enjoyed the experience and the food. Seemed to be a Portuguese Restaurant on the one side and a Tapas bar on the other. Ate in the Portuguese restaurant and the food proved to be authentic and good...

I had the Francesinha in the picture and was disappointed with the bread which was obviously white sliced English bread. Starters were small portions although Taste of Portugal was OK and the house red again ok. The cod dish with pasta and chips cut up...

Had a lovely meal there, nice choice of all courses . Service was very good and staff friendly and chatty. My only complaint would be that they need to warm the plates prior to serving the food on them.

Before I went to the restaurant, I read the reviews and was reluctant to go because of all the mixed reviews but my girlfriend insisted to go. I was amazed, everything tasted, felt even smelled like home. A fantastic experience. I really recommend paying a...

We had good expectations for this restaurant and ended up being very disappointed. The restaurant was empty on a Friday night, with no atmosphere. The starters 'Taste of Portugal' were ok but badly presented. The Picadinho da Madeira was not was expected but ended up...

Somewhat bland and dull food. Restaurant only had about 6 people in it which seemed odd for a Saturday. Décor is pleasant but it lacked atmosphere and this wasn't compensated for by the food. One of the party had what should have been a nice...

Ordered a takeaway from here and spent over £70 to be very disappointed with portion size and quality. Ordered prawns camarao for £6.95 which were 2 measily prawns with poo tract still in them so they were very gritty and bitter. I also ordered steak...

Went to the restaurant on a Tuesday night and we are not sure if it was just bad luck but it was one of the worst restaurants we have ever tried. Soup, as the waiter said, was "not in the best condition", chicken had to...

This place has a very relaxed atmosphere and the food is lovely. Had the Francesinha which was super filling and excellent value. The sauce is so moreish and the chips were homemade and lovely to dip into the sauce. I wished I had room to...

Initially went when it first opened, average at best. 2nd time, clueless service, staff no idea of what was on the menu or available, food average. 3rd time, ordered takeaway, order messed up, and re-cooked while we were there. Got it home, rice and beans...

Wow what a great atmosphere, beautiful food great sangria. I felt I was back in Porto eating "The Francesinha" great value for money and very good customer service. One of my favourite places to eat 😊

Very friendly staff, food very tasty and very good value for money. Good selection of wines and fantastic homemade deserts.

Fantastic food,good service,will definitely be back there soon.Ideally located on the main bus route.Would recommend this restaurant. Sangria on tap,Sardines ,period period. Authentic Portuguese. Well done.

Had the special (sardines) and they were tasty. Friendly staff. Varied menu. Have also been for their tapas Tuesday deal with my flatmates and we were all impressed with the food.

We wanted to find a portuguese place to have autentic francezinha and feels like we chose the right place. Meal was very tasty and not expensive. Place is very clean, kids friendly with toys corner for little ones. Staff is very friendly and polite. Absolutely...

I'd read the mixed reviews on the same morning I'd agree to take a friend to lunch at Mae Maria but, determined to be impressed, decided to plough on with our plans despite the negativity. Unfortunately the 3 of us were really disappointed. 2 of...

Visited this restaurant with family (x5 of us) for my fiancé's birthday. We normally go to a Portuguese restaurant in town but it was fully booked so thought we would give this place a try. To start with my mother in laws starter didn't turn...

The trek (or bus) from the city centre is worth it if you are after traditional Portuguese food. We dined there on a wet Monday night which left us the only people there. It is has a bar brasserie and a restaurant and it also...

Food presentation was good but food made me really ill and all my family and friends I would not recommend this place unless you want to be ill

Lovely evening with really attentive and helpful service. Authentic menu with unusual dishes, including clams, salt cod and chocolate mousse with Portuguese brandy - which were all delicious. Would highly recommend. Great local restaurant and bar.

Went with family, it was not very busy, but we waited a long time between starters and mains, and service generally was poor. Starters were ok, mains a bit hit and miss in our group. Not sure if i would return.

Friendly and warm service. Nice food, I thought the bacon was great, but cheap sausages. The breakfast was £3.95 so it's good value in Canton. I will be going back for cocktails and live music on a Saturday night.

Excellent food and service with a great atmosphere and not expensive. I enjoyed so much this restaurant and I will come back again for sure.

Lovely cooked breakfast! Nice and relaxed atmosphere with lovely attentive staff. Will definitely be visiting more often

What a lovely restaurant! Warm and welcoming family-run establishment, top-notch dinner and breakfast. I will be making this a regular stopping point!

Wandered down on a whim for a Sunday breakfast and certainly wasn't disappointed! Lovely food and decent value too - will return for sure.

Bought a voucher as a gift from groupon, really pleased. Friendly staff, great service. Clean and modern restaurant, live music on Saturday. Reasonable prices and generous portions. Food tasted fresh and yummy. Toilets clean and well kept. Really pleasant evening!

Visited here this eve. Had high expectations from read reviews. Lovely welcome and good services. Starters were nice and tasty. That's where the good ended. Half roast piri piri chicken the size of a sparrow. All leg with no meat on spoke discreetly to chap...

Our first visit to this Portuguese Tavern/ Restaurant (which also serves Welsh style breakfast and pasta dishes). The waiter was friendly and very helpful and the restaurant was clean and beautifully decorated. The desserts are homemade and on display in the fridge. The food prices...

First visit here and first impression was very pleasant with a friendly welcome. The atmosphere is quite relaxed and the food was very good, as was the service. We all had steak meals with a Portuguese sauce washed down with a good red wine, very...

Mae Maria is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so whenever you're passing by, there's bound to be something good to eat. The food is delicious, very reasonably priced and is just really tasty, rustic and unpretentious. The style of food reflects the relaxed and...

Having passed by since it opened we decided to call in one evening on the off chance of a free table. We were told there would be in an hour and a half (it was Saturday) so decamped to the pub for a cheeky pint...

One of the best breakfasts I've had in Cardiff - cooked perfect, great latte! Recommend for quality and price!

went here last week for food. there is entertainment every saturday night in the one half as it is a large place. reminded me of something you would find abroad with different sections - i,e music if you wanted in a. more informal setting or...

Have eaten twice here now and been impressed both times with the good food and friendly service. On our last visit (Fri 3 March), I had bacalao dorado and my wife had bacalao con natas- both of which were very tasty. Would recommend and will...

Enjoyed a lovely quiet meal. Authentic home made food, friendly service. Good value too. All making for a nice relaxing evening. Might try the live music advertised at weekends next!

Our first visit. Excellent choice of traditional Portuguese cuisine. All my favourites on the menu. Friendly staff. Good selection of wines and Sagres on tap. Sport TV in the background. And to finish off Delta coffee.

Last minute meal. Busy tonight with a quiz going on as well in other room. Lovely starters and mains were different, tasted lovely and good portions. Worth a visit. Lots going on, DJ nights and live music. Great to support local establishments.

Just been in for lunch with my mum. Had soup, a lovely sandwich and cup of coffee for £4.50 each. Not only that but the food was lovely and it's got a 5 star hygiene rating. Took my 16 month year old with me and...

Fabulous evening. Foood really tasty. service Ok,ish. Main man superb, think new guy learning the ropes. Will definitely return!!!

Visited this restaurant ad hoc. Fantastic food, good customer service, good atmosphere and value for money. Fabulous experience.

Had a great visit to Mae Maria. We weren't hungry enough for starters so went straight for mains and enjoyed some lovely traditional (and unusual for Cardiff) meals. The francesina was particularly tasty and very filling! We tried a custard type dessert with a biscuit...

Visited here a few times recently and it's fast becoming one of my favourite places in Canton, especially for its lunch special. The food is excellent (I particularly recommend the pork) and the service is really friendly. Aside from the great food, the 'tavern' is...

This restaurant still has that cold feel ambience from its predecessor, Duck Egg Bleu as it appears most of the hardware is still the same. Service was friendly enough but I would rate the food and choice only mediocre though. Room for improvement I hope.

My friend and I were pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. It was very good value for the 3-course meal and wine we had (spent £25 per head). There is an extensive menu; some dishes may sound fairly simple and basic but it's all very nicely...

I saw this restaurant open a few weeks ago and risked going there for something different for Christmas not disappointed food was tasty and the staff were friendly. It was good to see the staff in the kitchen wearing hats and hair nets. The only...