Slice restaurant, Swansea, had been on our bucket list of restaurants to try in 2017, but we just simply hadn’t been able to get in. We’d had to wait a good couple of months to get one of their coveted Saturday night tables.
The long waiting list is no doubt due to a combination of factors. Chefs and best friends, Adam Bannister and Chris Harris opened Slice in 2014, and within a year of opening, it was voted as the best restaurant in Swansea according to Trip Advisor. Today, Slice still retains that top spot, with 90% of all reviews awarding it the full five out of five stars (or circles I should say).
On top of that, Chef Bannister has been the Welsh champion on the Great British menu for two years running. And the accolades keep coming, as Slice has also been been listed in both the Michelin and Good Food Guides.
Adding to this is that the restaurant is tiny. And I mean tiny. It seats only 16, has only one evening sitting and is open only four days a week. Which means these tables are in high demand and in short supply.
Slice Restaurant, Swansea, Review:
As soon as we headed through the main door of Slice, Chef Bannister, popped his head out of the kitchen to say a welcoming hello. A promising start.
The restaurant is upstairs and even though you’re expecting it, the first thing you notice is just how small it is. I counted only five tables! All tables are set in an area in the shape of an isosceles triangle, like a pizza slice, hence its name.
Consequently the atmosphere is intimate, cosy and very relaxed. There’s simply no room for stuffiness here. The menu is limited, just three choices per course for the a la carte menu. You can also opt for the tasting menu if everyone at your table wishes to partake. Our table of four opted for the a la carte.
As soon as we sampled the miniature loaves of freshly baked warm bread we knew we were in safe hands. The white bread with its sea salted top and crunchy crust was my favourite.
An amuse bouche of warm hummus in a pot with cured goats meat providing some welcome texture followed. Who would have thought that warm hummus would taste so good?!
For starter, three of us opted for the Quail with the odd one out choosing the Gurnard. The poached quail breast was perfectly cooked with a salty crispy skin. The accompanying braised leg meat was textbook cooking, with the meat just falling off the bone. The vivid green sauce and plump herb gnocchi provided depth and complemented the dish but rightfully left the quail to be the star of the show.
There were practically groans coming from the other side of the table as they tucked into theirs. The Gurnard, sat proud on a bed of clam linguine awash in a rich buttery sauce. It looked (and sounded) delicious.
For mains, between us we sampled the Beef, roast Brill and the Pork, all equally good. My roast Brill was superb, perfectly tender and slightly charred. The accompaniments of burnt leeks, meat radish and delicate langoustine sauce were all fresh and light, and made for an almost spring like dish.
The beef, a little more boring to look at, was presented perfectly pink with a side of broccoli and a small oxtail cottage pie. I had a taste, well it would be rude not to, and as succulent as the beef was, the showstopper was the unassuming cottage pie. This winter warmer had a creamy buttery mash on top of tender minced beef with a slice of juicy onion as its base. I’m sure food critics would describe much better than me, but for my limited writing all I can say was that it was comfort food at its best.
Despite being stupidly full, we still made room for deserts. I chose the caramelised pear tart. This was a perfect end to a perfect meal. Silky caramel ice-cream on top of caramelised pear and light as a feather flaky pastry. Somehow I made room for it all. The deconstructed cheesecake went down well with others, but wouldn’t have been my choice.
It is also worth mentioning that Slice fully catered for being lactose intolerant. They provided a separate menu and provided advice on all the dishes in terms of ingredients. You just need to inform them when you book of any dietary requirements.
Our Verdict of Slice Restaurant, Swansea:
Despite our high expectations, Slice exceeded on every level, from food to service. There was only one waitress serving and yet she catered for our every whim effortlessly managing all tables. The food, was exactly as I like it, packed with flavour but in no way overly pretentious or fussy. I certainly can’t wait to go back. Although most probably I’ll have to wait at least another three months before we can get in again.
Additional Information:
Website: www.sliceswansea.co.uk
Telephone: 01792 290929
Address: 73 – 75 Eversley Road, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 9DE
Opening Hours: Lunch Friday to Sunday from 12.30 to 14.00 and Dinner Thursday to Sunday 18.15 to 21.15.
Family Friendly Rating: *
Ambience: ****
Food: *****
Overall: *****
High Chairs – Yes
Baby Changing – No
Childrens Menu – No
Dog friendly: No
