I officially have a new favourite place to eat in Swansea – a newish restaurant called On the Rocks, in the old lifeboat building on the Pier in Mumbles. It’s a steak restaurant, which serves you your meat ‘blue’, which you then finish off on a hot plate at your table – and genuinely – it was the best steak I’ve had in years.
With a cool, clean, coastal aesthetic – outdoor and indoor dining, perfect views, exquisite cocktails and big ol’ hunks of meat – On the Rocks is where you want to go if you’re looking to go somewhere special when in Swansea.
On the Rocks – Mumbles Pier location
The On the Rocks restaurant is about a 15-minute walk from the main hubbub of Mumbles’ Newton Road. It’s on the pier, literally out on the rocks. On a nice day, you’d be able to sit outside on one of the tables over the sea or stay in the conservatory section of the dining room, which opens up when the sun is out.
It’s such a good location. The water in that aea is busy with sailboats, kayakers and paddleboarders, with the view of the pier and lifeboat station – iconic Swansea landmarks. As the sun went down, the temporary wheel lit up – it was a lush backdrop.
The only negative about the location is the parking. There’s a car park right outside the restaurant, which had plenty of room the evening we were there – but can get very busy during the summer.
Usually, I like to find a free parking spot somewhere on a sidestreet and walk to where I’m going, but you can’t really do that here – unless you’re particularly committed and happy to walk in the dark.
The On the Rocks Menu
The On the Rocks Menu is all about the steak. There are veggie and fish dishes of course, but the star of the show is the steak and hotplate combo.
Steaks come with a flavoured butter, sauce and one side. The Ribeye is £24, the Sirlon £26 and the Fillet £28. I ordered the Fillet, which was really big for a fillet, garlic butter which you use to fry your steak and a sauce. I chose Gorgonzola – it was delicious.
I know £28 isn’t ‘cheap’, but think its excellent value for the size and quality of the steak (sourced from the butchers down the road) – I’ve paid a lot more in London for a lot less.
We got some sides, including focaccia – which was made with sundried tomato, and very good. You get to pick a butter to go with it – and here me out the honey butter works well with it.
The spinach and broccoli were decent too – though not too sure how excited you can get over spinach and broccoli – and the deserts were solid. Again, it was all about the steak.
If I had to criticise at all, I wish there was an option to add some seafood with your steak. Some big prawns or lobster.
I also think a lunch menu would be good – I can’t imagine a load of Swansea locals would be happy to spend £40 on a Tuesday lunchtime (though we do get lots of tourists in the summer willing to spend, spend, spend). Maybe I’m wrong and the place is always packed, but it was so good, i’d love a cheaper option to go more often during the day.
It’s worth noting that if you take kids with you, you won’t be able to get the hotplate for your steaks. It’s literally sizzling, and well – not safe for little fingers. The chef will cook your steak how you like it instead.
On the Rocks, Cocktails
On The Rocks prides itself on the quality of its cocktails – again, with a focus on local ingredients. They say, ‘Our mixologists have selected the most impressive Welsh spirits and Lagers and have showcased these in our signature cocktails. The drinks are carefully prepared to transport you to some of the best beach bars in the world whilst staying loyal to our Welsh roots.’
Something I thought was fun was they had the usual non-alcholic and alcholic cocktails – but also a middle-type. Not alcohol, but made with an ingredient that was supposed to either give you a buzz or chill you out. I ordered a fruity one of those, and sure, felt buzzy – but that happens when you’re having a good time anyway, right? So who knows if it works.
The wraparound balcony over the water will be an amazing place to have some cocktails in the summer – can’t wait.
On the Rocks, Mumbles Pier Reviews
So you know what I think of On the Rocks – but here are some other reviews from past customers.
This is a very, very special place. We came here for my 24th birthday for a meal and all 3 courses were spectacular. The food presented beautifully and tasted delicious, and the service brilliant. We will definitely be coming back & look forward to spending summer at our new favourite place; thank you!
Such a lovely new restaurant. Really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Staff brilliant too – couldn’t do enough for us. Had a great night there and will be back very soon. Looking forward to experiencing it in the daylight too with the view and the windows open to the terrace in the summer!!
Absolutely stunning food. Probably the best steak I’ve ever had. The decor inside is beautiful and the staff were all so friendly and helpful. Would 100% recommend.
This is not an ad – not a freebie – just my own thoughts.
Have you been to On the Rocks on Mumbles Pier? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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