Lorenzas is an Italian restaurant offering the perfect romantic night out. The excellent service and authentic Italian food ensures that first timers quickly become regulars.

The Venue
Lorenzas is located on the busy Crwys Road close to the city centre of Cardiff but far enough away to feel hidden away from the bustle. And although it's located in the student area the restaurant has an upmarket feel with a clean white and blue decor mixed with wood. Lorenzas is owned by Italians with a passion for food and the owners are often there to greet you.

Upon entering the restaurant you discover charming, ambient surroundings which immediately help to relax you while the low lighting creates a very romantic setting, perfect for couples.

The People
Lorenzas is all about the atmosphere. From the warm and friendly staff who greet you on arrival to the fact that they'll go out of their way to make your evening is special. However, on occasion there can be a long wait for tables and with an expensive bar that makes pre-dinner drinks painful this can be frustrating so make sure you book ahead.

The Food
Although perhaps a little pricey, the food is of a great standard and authentically Italian. The starters are simply delicious especially the Melanzane alla Parmigiana, priced £5.75. The aubergine and mozzarella give a sweet contrast to the tangy tomato sauce it is cooked in. The staff also go out of their way to offer a vegetarian option, often changing menu ingredients to accommodate. However, the portion sizes tend to be pretty small for the price and are dwarfed by a far more ample side salad.

The mains offer a lot of choice with a variety of steaks, pastas, pizza and seafood. The pastas are traditionally cooked with original Italian sauces. The Ravioli al Funghi Porcini, priced £8.95, is particularly flavoursome with its distinctive meaty wild mushroom taste.

The Drink
A wide variety of drinks are served at Lorenzas including a superb wine list and several bottled lagers, again slightly overpriced at around £3. The house red and white wine are both very pleasant and complement all dishes on the menu well. However, the chardonnay goes particularly well with fish dishes as it has a fresh and slightly tart flavour that cleans the palate.

The Last Word
Lorenzas is definitely worth a visit as the atmosphere transfers you into a far calmer world brimming with Italian hospitality. The food is authentic and there's a good range of dishes. However, the food and drink is overpriced for the portion sizes.