Bosphorus Restaurant Cardiff Bay Tel: 029 2048 7477. THERE can be few better settings in South Wales for a meal to remember than this Turkish restaurant, perched on a pier at Mermaid Quay, jutting out into Cardiff Bay.

The steel and glass structure allows everyone panoramic views across the Bay and although the modest stretch of water enclosed by the barrage may not match the restaurant's namesake, it does make a visit something special.

We'd asked for a table with a good view when we booked and were glad we had as the place was buzzing when we arrived at 8.30pm. Cheery staff guided us to a corner spot facing the lights sweeping round the Bay.

A dish of olives and bread on the table got us into the mood while choosing and ordering. The menu offers a pretty broad choice of mostly traditional Eastern Mediterranean food.

From a range of hot or cold starters I opted for patlican salata, a refreshing and tangy rough puree of aubergine, red pepper, dill, garlic, herbs and other chopped bits. My partner picked kalamar - squid rings fried in vodka batter - which were nigh on perfect. The batter was thin and crispy, the squid just firm, with not a hint of the rubberiness which can ruin the dish.

Main courses were a scallop and bacon shashlik and for me a special mixed grill, which turned out to be a mountain of kebabs and chargrilled meat. The lamb was exceptionally good, melting in the mouth as it should but rarely does. I forced myself to help my partner out with her scallops and was glad.

I did - the combination with bacon is a classic. We washed things down with a bottle of house red. As a gesture to healthy living we had a shepherd's salad on the side which was plenty for us both. All this for an acceptable £45. Paul Traynor