The Classroom
Perched on top of the Cardiff and Vale college on Dumballs Road, where culinary students are offered the opportunity to ply their trade alongside seasoned professionals.
The Classroom is a restaurant that doesn’t get talked about enough.
A Jay Rayner review in 2016 is more than sufficient evidence to prove this place is, or at least was, on the radar. But fast forward to 2024 and it’s rare I see them mentioned locally.
My only previous visit was back in 2019 - my university days - I was a lot younger, more foolish, and lacking in facial hair back then but still enjoyed the evening enough to consistently recommend them to others. I always wanted to return and finally got around to it 5-years later.
Do take note that to gain access into the restaurant, you must first take a trip through the heart of the college campus and up the elevator to level 5. A minor detail I forgot to include when recommending The Classroom to a friend who took his partner and her parents out for a celebratory meal. He turned a light shade of crimson whilst escorting through her well dressed father on a school day, though it should be mentioned they had a wonderful time. An experience I feel most will have here.
I’ve seen some descriptions of the panoramic views outside the large restaurant windows on the 5th floor as ‘stunning’. You can take in some famous Cardiff landmarks: the BT tower, IKEA, Cardiff City stadium, and a large building site below. It might not be so picturesque but it offers a unique vantage point of the city.
Inside there are high and expansive ceilings, with an open kitchen facing the dining room. There’s a modern feel in here with classical touches. Though I’m unsure of the salt and pepper grinders at each table.
I spent a large chunk of time admiring the chefs/students at work and trying to figure out how I could enrol at the college alongside my full time job.
I’m here for lunch which is available at two courses for £18 or three for £24. On the surface this appears to be good value. Similar to the dining room and the front of house service, the menu is classic and changes with the seasons.
Bread that is baked fresh in house is offered in a basket table side and leaning towards uninspiring. Due to my hunger I still help myself to two rounds, which is a prelude to a really good starter.
There’s an interesting combination of textures within this dish. A twist of ribboned vegetables and slices of crispy duck. The broth is soy based but not overly salty or strong, and contains a subtle kick of heat. The vermicelli noodles bundled on top snap, crackle, and pop.
It’s like a miniature stir fry on steroids.
Millie chose the Salmon ‘Mi Cuit’ - translated to partially cooked - no spoon was provided but she’s quickly requesting one to polish off the ginger/lime broth.
Beef short rib (£5 supplement) is sweet and sticky as promised, but in some spots drier than the sands surrounding the pyramids of Egypt. Sawing through this meat was a tougher task than undoing the bolts on M’s tyre when she got a flat on the way home.
Chicken supreme is the best dish of the lot. It’s not often we order chicken whilst out but we were reeled in by the promise of parmesan gnocchi and chorizo. The boneless, skin-on breast has been roasted expertly. According to M the pea puree is lacking.
Mille-fueille is a classic dessert, this version heavy - perhaps a little too much - with chocolate and lacking in the strawberry element which felt slightly carelessly assembled. Thick wedges on the side and two thin slices dumped on top of the pretty looking, well constructed, layered puff pastry.
Often set lunch menus skimp on portion sizes but that is absolutely not the case here. After suggesting previously that on the surface the lunch menu holds value, I can confirm that two courses for £18/three courses for £24 is excellent.
Elderflower jelly, blackberry sorbet, orange candy, and a sprinkling of ginger crumb is a lighter way for M to finish and those clumsy wedges of strawberry appear once again.
If nothing else, The Classroom is a unique experience. Panoramic views that sweep from the bay to the city centre, a team comprised of professionals and students beginning their careers in the industry, and a lunch menu which oozes value.
They’re now closed until 5th of September for end of term so perhaps this piece is poorly timed, but this is one to add to a list of places to visit.