Parallel, the sister venue to sustainable steak restaurant Pasture in Cardiff, is winning praise for a single side dish: a charred carrot priced at £8. The restaurant's signature creation has been described as the best value dining experience in the city.
A carrot worth revisiting
The carrot has been a menu staple for two years and has been ordered four or five times by our reviewer. It is a large carrot, chopped into chunky pieces, charred on the grill behind the bar, and drizzled with a mix of maple, cashew creme and zoug - a Yemeni sauce made with coriander, chillies and spices. A handful of crispy chickpeas is scattered on top.
The combination delivers a sweet, al dente centrepiece with slightly spiced, slightly tart juices, creamy cashew and a pop of chickpea. The dish hits every texture and flavour element, leaving our reviewer in disbelief that it is essentially just a carrot.
Other menu highlights
Beyond the carrot, Parallel offers a menu of nibbles, small plates, larger plates and sides, with most dishes cooked in front of diners. Recent visits included crispy fried chicken, chilli squid, a halibut special with Diane sauce and wild mushrooms, padron peppers and leek croquettes with black garlic sauce.
Regular menu items also include fried chicken at £9, praised for its crisp, peppery coating, and beef fat butter flatbread at £6, described as hot, juicy and well-charred. The menu rotates monthly, but the carrot remains a permanent fixture.
Visit details
Parallel is located at 11 High St, Cardiff CF10 1AW. Diners can also enjoy cocktails, beer and wine in the adjacent orange-themed bar, where staff ask how spicy you want your Bloody Mary.
