About
If you find yourself in Cardiff, make sure to take a trip to Volcano Express, a delightful gem tucked away at 23 Salisbury Road. This cozy Japanese restaurant effortlessly combines a welcoming atmosphere with an impressive menu that caters to both sushi enthusiasts and ramen lovers alike.
Upon stepping into Volcano Express, you are greeted with a charming diner feel that instantly makes you feel at home. The friendly staff, including the owner Alex, are dedicated to ensuring a fantastic dining experience, as evidenced by the glowing reviews from patrons. Nick UK praised the restaurant for its "friendly small vibe" and generous portions, particularly highlighting the crunchy dragon rolls— a must-try!
The highlight of the menu is undoubtedly the ramen, as several diners have claimed it to be the best they’ve encountered in Cardiff. Christian Johnatty reverberated this sentiment, noting the perfect saltiness and comforting nature of the broth, while Z M couldn't resist recommending the spicy chicken ramen for its stellar flavor. Each bowl embodies a balance that leaves you wanting more, from the perfectly cooked noodles to the rich, savory toppings.
But the delights don’t stop there! Volcano Express takes pride in its sushi offerings, with dishes that are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Kyle Fourie praised the non-vinegary sushi rice, making for a refreshing experience, while Lisa Payne's selection of gyozas and pumpkin croquettes showcased a commitment to culinary artistry. Each dish seems meticulously crafted, reflecting a passion for authentic Japanese cuisine.
With an attractive price point and generous portions, Volcano Express is perfect for a quick bite or a casual outing with friends. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot to catch up over delicious food. Plus, with the addition of charging ports, it’s a nifty choice for those who want to enjoy their meal while staying connected.
In summary, Volcano Express is more than just a restaurant; it's a community hub where food lovers gather to share their love for Japanese cuisine. With plans for continuous improvement and an expanding menu that promises exciting new dishes, it's a place you'll likely want to keep coming back to. So, the next time you're near Cardiff, drop by Volcano Express for an unforgettable culinary experience!
“ Nice diner style Japanese restaurant in Cathays. Ramen is honestly the best I’ve had in Cardiff. It beats back Matsudai (in my opinion) for all the Matsudai lovers in Cardiff. The broth was just the right saltiness and perfectly comforting. The karaage is crispy, juicy and flavourful as well. Friendly service. We were the only ones dining that particularly night and I’m amazed by that as the food was excellent and well priced. ”
“ Absolutely fantastic, so happy to have found this gem. The staff are always really lovely, it is such a cosy and pleasant atmosphere and the food is stellar. Can't recommend it enough, especially the spicy chicken ramen - it is my favourite! ”
“ Lovely little Japanese restaurant. I had Crabstick maki and a Japanese Ramen. I really liked that the sushi rice wasn't very vinegary which is common for some sushi restaurants. The Ramen was very well balanced the Boiled egg had a salty taste the mushrooms were fantastic and the broth was light and tasty. The noodles weren't overcooked and had a great texture. The pork however wasn't my favourite on its own but combined with everything else was fantastic. For £17.64 I basically had two meals! I was happy with the prices and portions. A perfect place for a quick meal or casual outing with friends. The restaurant also has charging ports and Poke bowls which I will definitely come back to try. I'd also like to note that the restaurant is very new and is likely to improve even more! ”
“ The food at Volcano Express is delicious and presentation of each dish was amazing ! It was my first time here and it was a lovely way to catchup with friends and little one . We had pumpkin, sweet potato, avocado, onions and aubergine croquette cooked in batter for starters . Followed by a selection of sushi dishes ,gyoza’s and Japanese pork Ramen and more. It was all served by Alex the owner who is so friendly and kindly helped to change a few ingredients for our group . Thank you so much Alex, we had the best time, best food and definitely will go back to dine in order a takeaway 10/10 ”
“ Nice friendly small restaurant with a range of sushi and other rice dishes and bento boxes. Nice portions I really enjoyed the crunchy dragon rolls. ”
“ We ordered 3 ramen here: 1 regular chicken ramen 2 super spicy chicken ramen (one regular spicy, one 1/4 spicy) The wait was about 15 minutes, but totally worth it! The ramen came out looking amazing and tasted just like the ones I had in Japan. The broth is thick and flavorful, the chicken juicy, and the noodles perfectly cooked. But just a warning the spice… It is really SUPER SPICY (and I loved it)! Prices are lower than chain restaurants, yet the quality is way better. They even offer student discounts, which makes it an even better deal. Definitely recommend! ”
“ Amazing food and great service, perhaps the latter had to do with the fact that we were the only ones in the restaurant (19.45 on a Sunday) But nonetheless the katsu curry with udon noodles was super flavourful and the chicken very crispy. Would highly recommend eating here! ”