A Pin of Salt is an Italian owned restaurant at 12 City Road in Cardiff. The cosy dining room is built around traditional cooking and generous hospitality, offering lunch and dinner through the week with extended service on Saturdays.
Handmade pasta is a particular focus, supported by sauces prepared slowly and recipes that favour clear, familiar Italian flavours. Recent dishes include rigatoni with lamb ragù, spaghetti carbonara, seafood risotto and penne arrabbiata, alongside changing specials that make use of seasonal ingredients.
Antipasti such as burrata with prosciutto, arancini, calamari and meatballs in tomato sauce provide a varied start to the meal. Pasta is joined by meat, fish and vegetable main courses, while a children’s menu and lunch choices make the restaurant workable for different occasions and group sizes.
Desserts are made with the same emphasis on traditional technique, with tiramisu and Italian cakes among the recurring choices. Wine, cocktails and Italian coffee round out the experience, and table bookings are available for diners planning a longer meal.
Address: 12 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3DL, Wales
A Pin Of Salt Menu
Antipasti
Insalata Caprese
Burrata, vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil
Beef Arancini
Beef arancini served on a bed of bolognese sauce
Fritto di Calamari
Crispy calamari in flour & semolina; tartare sauce
Veli di Salmone Affumicato
Smoked salmon, citrus & spring onion dressing
Polpette al Sugo
Classic meatballs, rustic tomato sauce, parmesan & grilled bread
Il Tagliere Salumi All’Italiana
Salame Napoli, spianata piccante, salame di Milano, speck , prosciutto, (serves from 1 to 2)
Pane & Bruschetta
Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread with Cheese
Bread Basket & Olives
Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Pizze
Margherita
Classic Neapolitan pizza; tomato, mozzarella & basil
Diavola
Pomodoro, spicy pepperoni sausage & mozzarella
Prosciutto & Funghi
Pomodoro, mushroom, ham & mozzarella
Ortolana
Pomodoro, roast vegetables & mozzarella
Il Salumiere
Pomodoro. Selection of Italian cold cuts & mozzarella
Primi Piatti
Calamarata ai Frutti di Mare
Fresh pasta, olive oil, garlic, shrimp, mussels, calamari, cherry tomato
Trofie al Pesto di Zucchine
Fresh Ligurian classic pasta, zucchini Pesto
Spaghetti Carbonara/Bolognese
Spaghetti with a choice of: guanciale, egg & Parmigiano Reggiano sauce; or classic Bolognese sauce
Ravioli Ricotta & Spinaci
Fresh ravioli, stuffed with ricotta, spinach & cherry tomato sauce
Busiata al Ragù d’Agnello
Fresh Sicialian pasta, rich lamb ragu‘ sauce
Secondi Piatti
Stinco d’Agnello Brasato
Welsh braised Lamb shank with mashed potatoes
Pollo Alfredo
Pan-fried chicken breast, creamy parmesan sauce, seasonal vegetables
Special Dishes
Market availability from our local Suppler. Lobster, T-Bone, Ribeye Steak
Contorni
Fries
Mixed Salad
Seasonal Vegetables
Tomato & Red Onion Salad
Lunch Menu
2 courses £19 or 3 courses £23
Pane all'Aglio e Mozzarella
Warm Garlic Bread topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Arancini Bolognese
Crispy, golden rice balls filled with a savory, slow-cooked meat ragù and melted mozzarella. Optional Vegetarian
Calamari fritti
Deep fried squid ring served with tartare sauce.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with chopped tomatoes, origano, garlic and olive oil.
Ricotta e Prosciutto
Parma ham style served with ricotta cheese, finished with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil leaves.
Penne Arrabiata
Al dente penne pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce, infused with toasted garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a bold kick of crushed red chili flakes. Finished with fresh Italian parsley. Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Spaghetti Bolognese
Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese A comforting bowl of al dente spaghetti topped with our signature slow-simmered ragù. Made with 100% lean ground beef, aromatic garden herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. Finished with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprig of basil. Gluten-free
Rigatoni al pesto
Rigatoni pasta served a light creamy and basil pesto sauce.
Spaghetti alle cozze
Sautéed mussels with garlic, white wine, tossed with spaghetti and finished with fresh parsley, olive oil and touch of cherry tomatoes.
Tiramisu
Panna cotta
Dessert of the day
Desserts
Totra di Formaggio
Homemade cheesecake, velvety and rich, served with a choice of delicious house-made toppings for the perfect sweet finish.
Tiramisu Tradizionale
Classic homemade tiramisu, with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, marsala wine and a dusting of cocoa, offering a rich, indulgent dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavour.
Panna Cotta
Silky homemade panna cotta, delicately flavoured and served with a choice of home-made toppings, offering a smooth, creamy dessert with a light, refreshing finish.
Coppa di Gelato Assortito
A selection of assorted gelato flavours, served in a delicate cup for a refreshing, creamy treat that’s perfect for any sweet craving.
Misto di Formaggi
A curated selection of fine cheeses, served with sweet marmalade, savoury crackers, and a variety of dried fruits for a delightful balance of flavours and textures.
Dolci del Giorno
Homemade daily desserts, crafted with care and featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering a sweet and satisfying end to your meal.
Menu Bambini
All Child Dishes £8.95
Spaghetti Bolognese
Classic spaghetti topped with a rich, slow-cooked Bolognese sauce made with tender ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, creating a hearty and comforting Italian favourite.
Penne Panna Prosiutto e Funghi
Penne pasta tossed in a creamy sauce with tender slices of prosciutto and earthy mushrooms, creating a rich, savoury dish that’s both comforting and full of flavour.
Penne Pomodoro e Basilico
Penne pasta served with a fresh, tangy tomato sauce and fragrant basil, offering a light, flavourful dish that highlights the simplicity and vibrancy of classic Italian ingredients.
Pollo Milanese
Crispy, breaded chicken breast, golden-fried to perfection, served with a side of crispy fries for a satisfying and classic comfort dish.
Polpettine della Casa
Tender mini meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served with a side of crispy fries or pasta for a comforting, flavourful dish.
Soft Drinks
Coke
Coke Zero
Fanta
Sprite
Appletiser
Orange Juice
Pineapple Juice
Beer & Cider
Peroni
Large Peroni
Moretti
Large Moretti
Ichnusa
Messina
Kopparberg Mixed Berries
Coffee
Espresso
Double Espresso
Americano
Cappuccino
Macchiato
Latte
Mocha
Tea
Breakfast Tea
Herbal Tea
Cocktails
Old Fashioned
A timeless classic with bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, a sugar cube, and a twist of orange peel. Strong and spirit-forward.
Margarita
Tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice, served with a salt rim. A perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory
Martini
Gin or vodka with a touch of dry vermouth, stirred or shaken, and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. Sophisticated and crisp.
Mojito
A refreshing mix of white rum, muddled mint and lime, sugar, and a splash of soda water. A zesty, tropical favorite.
Negroni
Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. This Italian aperitif is bitter, balanced, and bold, with an orange peel garnish.
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of sugar, shaken and served over ice. Tart, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
Cosmopolitan
Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime. Its iconic pink hue and tart flavor make it a modern classic.