It is that time of year again when menus start to shimmer with seasonal touches and restaurants lean into the warmth of the festive period. It is one of our favourite moments in the calendar.
As the city fills with shoppers and the early evenings take on that familiar glow, Browns Brasserie in Cardiff has just launched its festive dining experience, promising a mix of comfort and refinement. We went along to see how it measures up and found a calm, elegant setting that offers a peaceful break from the bustle outside and a menu that brings a touch of seasonal magic to every course.
Browns Brasserie in Cardiff brings a calm sense of elegance to the festive season. Its location is one of its strengths. It sits close enough to the city centre for complete convenience yet remains slightly removed from the busiest dining clusters, creating a quieter and more refined setting. It is an ideal choice for those wanting somewhere relaxing to pause during Christmas shopping or enjoy a meal without the usual noise of central Cardiff.
The festive decorations contribute to this feeling of calm sophistication. Browns leans into a warm and refined look, with soft lighting, subtle foliage and gentle metallic accents. The décor enhances the space without overwhelming it. There is nothing garish or overly bright, just a classic festive atmosphere that suits both casual gatherings and more elegant celebrations.
Service also plays a major part in the experience. Andreea and Patrick were particularly welcoming, managing to be attentive without being intrusive. They struck the right note from the moment we arrived. Friendly conversation, thoughtful recommendations and a genuine interest in ensuring we enjoyed our meal made a real difference. With the festive season often being a busy time for restaurants, their approach kept the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable throughout.
This year also marks the arrival of a new head chef at Browns, and the improvement in the food is noticeable. The dishes feel more carefully balanced, the presentation is more refined and there is a clear sense of confidence in the kitchen. Traditional festive flavours remain at the heart of the menus, but everything tastes fresher, better judged and more thoughtfully put together.
The festive set menus available throughout November and December offer flexibility. Guests can enjoy the three course menu for £45 or the five course celebration menu for £55, which includes hors d’oeuvres, tea, coffee and mince pies. There is also an early week offer from 11 November to 9 December when three courses are available on Mondays and Tuesdays between 12.00 and 17.00 for £40. It is a lovely option for a quiet lunch or a break during a shopping day.
Our meal began with two starters. The Classic Prawn Cocktail delivered exactly what you want from a festive staple.
The king prawns were fresh and firm, the cocktail sauce balanced and not too sweet, and the toasted brioche was a clever touch that made the whole dish feel more luxurious.
The Roasted Butternut Squash Soup was rich, silky and full of depth. The pumpkin seeds added texture while the butternut squash crisps contributed both flavour and crunch. Served with toasted sourdough, the soup was warming and satisfying without feeling heavy.
For the mains, the Browns Festive Turkey offered a traditional Christmas plate done with real care. The cranberry stuffing was fragrant and well seasoned, and the pig in blanket added a welcome touch of nostalgia. The garlic and thyme roast potatoes were excellent, crisp on the outside and soft inside. The vegetables were varied and flavourful.
The mulled wine braised red cabbage brought sweetness and colour, while the shaved Brussels sprouts with chestnuts added a more distinctive flavour. The sprouts themselves were something of a talking point. They are a true marmite moment, something you will either love or hate, though we were pleased we tried them. The red wine jus tied each element together with warmth and richness. Overall, this would be our top pick, offering great value for money in terms of quality and portion size. You won’t leave Browns hungry.
The Maple and Cinnamon Glazed Pork Belly was the standout dish of the evening. The pork was tender and perfectly seasoned, with a crisp layer of crackling. The buttery mash acted as a smooth base for the mulled wine red cabbage and the beautifully balanced candied apple purée. The red wine jus added depth without overpowering the other flavours. It was a comforting dish that still felt elegant.
We also ordered several sides, each priced at £5. The Parmesan and Truffle Chips were generously seasoned and had a wonderful aroma without the truffle becoming overpowering. The Pigs in Blankets were crisp, well cooked and full of festive flavour. The Tenderstem Broccoli with Pine Nuts added a lighter, fresher option to the table and worked well alongside the richer dishes.
Desserts continued the strong standard. The Apple, Rhubarb and Cinnamon Crumble was classic and comforting, and the ginger ice cream added a warming dimension that lifted the whole dish.
The Salted Caramel Profiteroles were light and glossy, filled generously and served with a smooth toffee sauce and fresh berries that cut through the richness.
Beyond everyday festive dining, Browns offers various options for the main events of the season. Christmas Day features a five course menu for £100 per person, including Scottish smoked salmon with caviar, a duo of duck, beef Wellington or festive turkey, before ending with a Champagne sabayon made with Moët and Chandon custard, followed by truffles and mince pies.
New Year’s Eve celebrations begin at £75 per person, or £86 including a glass of Moët and Chandon. Menu highlights include baked scallops with a lemon and thyme velouté, roasted monkfish with chorizo and a 7oz fillet surf and turf, with Champagne and prosecco packages available for those wanting extra sparkle.
What sets Browns apart this year is the combination of its elegant setting, noticeably improved food under the new head chef, calm atmosphere and warm, attentive service. Andreea and Patrick made the evening feel personal, and the kitchen delivered dishes that were both comforting and polished.
Whether you are looking for a festive meal with friends, a family celebration or simply a peaceful break during Christmas shopping, Browns Brasserie offers a seasonal experience that feels relaxed but still special. It is a place that embraces the season in a way that is comforting, stylish and quietly indulgent.
If you would like to experience Browns Brasserie’s festive dining for yourself, bookings are now open.
You can reserve a table through their website at www.browns-restaurants.co.uk. Browns operates ten restaurants across the UK, with Cardiff being the only site in Wales.
You will find Browns Brasserie Cardiff on Mill Lane, Cardiff CF10 1EZ.
