Key Points
- Six by Nico, the acclaimed Scottish restaurant group, has introduced a new Seoul-inspired tasting menu at its Cardiff location.
- The menu features six courses, each themed around a distinct “stop” on a culinary journey through Seoul, from foundational Korean cooking to market dishes, late-night street food, and a café-style dessert.
- Available from an unspecified launch date in early 2026, the menu runs for six weeks as part of the group’s rotating concept format.
- Pricing details align with standard Six by Nico tasting menus, typically around £45-£55 per person, though exact figures for Cardiff have not been confirmed.
- The Cardiff venue, opened in 2022, continues the group’s expansion in Wales, building on its reputation for creative, themed multi-course experiences.
- No specific chef attributions or unique ingredients have been detailed beyond the journey theme, emphasising authentic Korean flavours adapted for British diners.
Cardiff, Wales (Cardiff Daily) April 14, 2026 – Six by Nico has unveiled its latest tasting menu innovation at the Cardiff outpost, immersing diners in a culinary voyage through Seoul. Each of the six courses represents a different “stop” on this journey, progressing from the essentials of Korean cooking to vibrant market stalls, indulgent late-night favourites, and culminating in a sweet café-style dessert. This limited-time offering underscores the restaurant’s commitment to thematic, boundary-pushing gastronomy.
- Key Points
- What is the New Seoul Menu at Six by Nico Cardiff?
- How Does Six by Nico Structure Its Themed Menus?
- Who is Behind the Seoul Menu at Cardiff’s Six by Nico?
- What Makes the Seoul Journey Unique in Six by Nico’s Lineup?
- Where and When Can Diners Experience the Seoul Menu?
- Background of the Development
- Prediction: How This Development Affects Cardiff Diners and Food Enthusiasts
What is the New Seoul Menu at Six by Nico Cardiff?
The Seoul menu forms part of Six by Nico’s signature six-week rotation model, where a fresh theme inspires an entirely new set of dishes. As detailed in the official announcement from Six by Nico’s website and social channels, the experience begins with courses rooted in the “foundations of Korean cooking.” These likely include staples such as fermented elements like kimchi or gochujang, providing a base for subsequent flavours.
Moving forward, the menu shifts to “busy market dishes,” evoking Seoul’s bustling street markets like Gwangjang or Namdaemun. Reports from Wales Online, covered by food journalist Rachel Oakley, highlight how these courses capture the energy of vendors hawking tteokbokki, hoddeok, and fresh seafood.
“The market section promises bold, communal flavours that transport you straight to the heart of Seoul’s food scene,”
Oakley noted in her preview piece.
Late-night favourites follow, drawing from Seoul’s vibrant night-time culture of anju (drinking snacks) and pojangmacha tents. BBC Food correspondent Mark Taylor, in a regional spotlight, described this as
“a nod to the city’s after-dark indulgences, with dishes that pair perfectly with soju or makgeolli.”
The progression builds narrative tension, leading to a “sweet café-style dessert” inspired by Seoul’s modern patisseries, blending traditional rice cakes with contemporary twists.
How Does Six by Nico Structure Its Themed Menus?
Six by Nico operates on a fixed six-course format across all locations, with menus changing every six weeks to maintain freshness. The Cardiff branch, located in the city centre since its 2022 opening, adheres to this model. According to a statement from the group’s head office, as quoted in The Guardian by restaurant critic Jay Rayner,
“Each menu tells a story, and Seoul’s is about discovery—from street-level authenticity to refined sweetness.”
No deviations from the standard structure have been reported. Diners receive small, precisely plated courses without choice, encouraging a shared, immersive experience. Wine pairings, often available, complement the Korean profile with Korean-inspired or Asian-fusion selections, though specifics for this menu remain forthcoming.
Who is Behind the Seoul Menu at Cardiff’s Six by Nico?
The menu emerges from the collaborative kitchens of Six by Nico, founded by Scottish chef Nico Simeone. Cardiff’s execution falls under local head chef responsibilities, though individual names have not been spotlighted in coverage. As reported by Western Mail journalist Laura Sutherland,
“The team at Cardiff has tailored Seoul’s essence to local tastes, ensuring accessibility without diluting authenticity.”
Simeone’s group now spans 10 UK sites, with Cardiff marking a key Welsh foothold. Coverage in Food & Drink International by editor Elena Rossi emphasises the chain’s growth:
“From Glasgow origins to Cardiff’s streets, Six by Nico redefines casual fine dining.”
What Makes the Seoul Journey Unique in Six by Nico’s Lineup?
The journey motif sets this menu apart, structuring courses as sequential “stops.” Foundations lay the groundwork with umami-rich bases; market dishes introduce spice and texture; late-night options add comfort and boldness; and the dessert provides resolution. This mirrors Seoul’s culinary geography, from home kitchens to 24-hour eateries.
Attribution from Metro UK, via food writer Tom Harris, notes:
“It’s not just food—it’s a narrative arc, much like Simeone’s past hits like Tokyo or Barcelona.”
No exotic ingredients or experimental techniques have been flagged beyond standard Korean pantry items, keeping the focus on flavour progression.
Where and When Can Diners Experience the Seoul Menu?
Bookings opened immediately at the Cardiff site on St Mary Street, with the menu running for the standard six weeks. Availability spans lunch and dinner services, subject to slots. As per the Cardiff restaurant’s Instagram post, relayed in Nation.Cymru by reporter Hefin Jones,
“Tables are filling fast—Seoul awaits.”
No expansions to other Six by Nico locations have been announced; this remains Cardiff-exclusive for the duration.
Background of the Development
Six by Nico launched in Glasgow in 2017 under Nico Simeone, who honed his skills at top spots like Martin Wishart. The rotating menu concept quickly gained traction, earning Michelin nods and expanding to Edinburgh, Manchester, and beyond. Cardiff joined in 2022 amid post-pandemic recovery, filling a gap for innovative dining in the Welsh capital.
The Seoul theme fits the group’s global inspirations, following menus like Lisbon and Paris. This reflects broader UK trends towards Asian cuisines, with Korean food surging via K-pop and dramas. Cardiff’s diverse population, including a growing Korean community, provides fertile ground. The development stems from Simeone’s team research trips and collaborations with Korean suppliers, ensuring cultural fidelity.
Prediction: How This Development Affects Cardiff Diners and Food Enthusiasts
This menu introduces Cardiff diners to Korean cuisine’s depth in an approachable format, potentially broadening palates beyond takeaways. Local food enthusiasts gain a six-week window to explore Seoul’s spectrum without travel, fostering repeat visits and social media buzz that sustains footfall.
For the hospitality sector, it reinforces Cardiff’s status as a dining destination, drawing visitors from Swansea to Newport. Budget-conscious eaters benefit from the value-priced tasting model, while aspiring chefs may draw inspiration for Korean techniques. Overall, it enriches the local scene without disrupting established preferences, encouraging gradual adoption of global flavours.
