Located at the top of the Meridian Tower in Swansea is Grape & Olive, a stylish restaurant overlooking the stunning Swansea Bay.
My first visit here was back in March, courtesy of Visit Swansea Bay, so I was excited to be invited back by the Brains-owned restaurant to explore their new menu offerings.
The views up here are a huge talking point, by day the sweeping coastline of Swansea Bay can be savoured – and I could spend hours watching the clear waters ebb from the beach. By sundown, the city streets are mapped out by shimmering lights, a very glitzy backdrop to compliment the beautifully presented dishes.
The interior has cosy armchairs, polished tiled flooring and pale wood fittings surrounding a fully stocked bar. The floor to ceiling windows ensure every table comes with a view – and reminds me of being on a cruise liner ready to set sail for the open sea.
On my last visit I tried the Fillet Steak, which I’m pleased to see remain on the menu. It appears Grape & Olive have refreshed popular Welsh dishes and introduced some tempting (and internationally inspired) alternatives including; ‘Posh Mac And Cheese‘, ‘Asian Duck Noodle Broth‘ and a ‘Superfood Salad With Goats Cheese’.
I dined with my blogger friend Hannah, who ordered the ‘Smoked Salmon‘ to start, whereas I tried the ‘Moroccan Lamb Cakes‘, infused with Ras-el-hanout spices and topped with coconut yoghurt. I wasn’t sure what to expect biting into one, but they were so light and fluffy (a potato-like texture) and just melted away in your mouth. I wasted no time finishing the rest!
It was a cool autumnal evening and I was craving something warm and peppery for my main course. I went for the Chicken Dhansak Curry (South Indian Vegetable Curry also available) which includes; homemade bombay potatoes, mini naan bread, mango chutney and pilau rice. Fortunately it wasn’t too spicy for my taste and it was generously portioned – I felt rather full afterwards! I’d have liked the naan bread to have been thicker and more ‘pillowy’, but I enjoyed dunking it into my mountain of chutney none the less.
Hannah liked the sound of the ‘Pan Fried Lemon Sole‘ which included new potatoes, broccoli and tarragon butter.
I had just enough room to squeeze in a ‘Black Forest Eton Mess‘, a stylish glass bowl filled with mulled winter berries, Amarena cherries, whipped cream and meringue with dark chocolate shards. Though I’d take any dessert, this was a perfect lighter option from a heavy main. Hannah choose my second choice, ‘Salted Caramel Fondant‘ with salted caramel sauce and clotted cream ice cream.
There’s nine desserts to choose from and one sharing plate featuring a few bite-size versions – love this idea as I’m always so indecisive when it comes to sweets!
I’d say on average a three course dinner will cost you around £25 – very reasonable for the quality and location (of course there are pricer options like the Filet Steak at £24.95 alone). They currently have a fixed price lunch menu too where you can have two courses for £11.95 or three for £14.95.
Grape & Olive Swansea is open everyday from 11:00 to 23:00 (but check for special holidays and events).
Visit their website for more information by clicking here.
Disclaimer: My food was complimentary, however all opinions are my own.