Best Restaurants Cardiff

Cardiff is one of my favourite cities in the UK. Why? Because it has an incredible cultural scene – and part of that is its food scene. Today I’m taking a look at what I consider to be the best restaurants in Cardiff.

This beautiful Welsh capital has way more to offer than just Welsh cakes and bara brith (though they’re lush too). Cardiff has so much to offer on the dining scene, especially in recent years.

After a few trips to Cardiff, I managed to eat my way around the cobbled streets to find the best in the biz. So whatever you fancy right now or plan on booking for that special occasion, take a look at the best restaurants Cardiff can offer.

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Fine Dining & Special Occasions

Heaney’s

I managed to get a table here for my friend’s birthday last month – had to book about six weeks ahead, mind you! The whole experience was just incredible. We went for the tasting menu, and honestly, I was blown away by the creativity.

There was this beef fat brioche that I still think about – sounds simple but it was utterly divine. And their desserts! I had this chocolate and sea salt creation that was just the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

The staff really make the experience special too – they explain each dish without being snooty about it, and you can tell they genuinely love what they do.

It’s definitely a special occasion place (our bill came to about £180 for two with drinks), but for a birthday or anniversary, it’s worth every penny.

Location: 6-10 Romilly Crescent, Cardiff CF11 9NR

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Asador 44

This place is fabulous, very good for any occasion but especially a date night and the likes. The place specialises in cooking over fire, and you can really taste the difference.

I went for the Galician blonde steak – it’s aged for longer than your typical steak and has this incredible depth of flavour. My other half had the whole baked fish which was cooked to perfection. Oh, and do NOT miss the patatas – they’re cooked in beef dripping and are sooo good!

The wine list is exclusively Spanish and the staff are really knowledgeable about what pairs well with your food. We took their recommendation on a rich Rioja and it was spot on.

If you’re going on a Friday or Saturday, definitely book ahead – this place fills up fast, and for good reason!

Location: 14-15 Quay Street, Cardiff CF10 1EA

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The Potted Pig

Went here for my birthday dinner and the setting alone makes it worth a visit! It’s in an actual former bank vault underground, which gives it this amazing atmosphere – all exposed brick and moody lighting.

The food is quite meat-heavy (the clue’s in the name!), and their pork dishes are outstanding. I had these short rib croquettes to start that were packed with flavour, then the slow-cooked pork belly for main which was so tender it fell apart at the touch of my fork.

And if you like gin, you’re in for a treat – they have a huge selection and do some really interesting gin cocktails. I tried one with thyme and elderflower that was absolutely gorgeous.

Just a heads-up – it’s not the best choice if you’re vegetarian as options are limited. And being underground, there’s no phone signal, which can actually be quite nice for a proper catch-up without distractions!

Location: 27 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1PU

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Casual Dining with Authentic Flavours

These places offer amazing food without the formality – perfect for when you want quality grub in a more relaxed setting.

Cafe Citta

This tiny family-run Italian is a Cardiff institution for good reason! Popped in for lunch with a friend last week and was reminded why I love it so much.

The place is absolutely tiny – maybe 10 tables max – and decorated with photos of the family’s Italian hometown. The wood-fired pizza oven takes up a good chunk of the restaurant, and watching them make your pizza right in front of you adds to the experience.

I usually go for their carbonara which is the real deal – just eggs, cheese, pancetta and black pepper. None of that cream nonsense you get in chain restaurants! But this time I tried their seafood linguine and it was packed with fresh prawns, mussels and squid in a light tomato sauce. (I’ve added a classic picture of their awesome pizzas though as this their ‘thing’.)

Be warned though – this place is ALWAYS busy and they don’t take bookings for less than 4 people. I’ve queued in the rain for a table before, but it’s always worth the wait!

Location: 4 Church Street, Cardiff CF10 1BG

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Purple Poppadom

Had a takeaway from here during lockdown and was amazed how well the flavours travelled – so much so that I booked a table as soon as they reopened!

This isn’t your typical curry house – the chef takes traditional Indian dishes and gives them a modern, sometimes Welsh-influenced twist. Their signature sea bass with mango sauce is absolutely to die for – perfectly cooked fish with this sweet, tangy sauce that has just the right level of spice.

Last time I visited, I tried their tasting menu, which is a great way to sample lots of different dishes. The lamb dish with chocolate and chilli sauce sounds weird but works brilliantly!

The restaurant itself is lovely – modern and stylish without being pompous. And the service is always spot on – they really know their menu and can recommend dishes based on what you like.

Location: 185a Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AJ

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Matsudai Ramen

Finally made it here a couple of months ago after hearing so much hype, and I’ve got to say – it lived up to expectations! The place started as a pop-up during lockdown and now has its own permanent spot.

The menu is focused on a few different types of ramen, all made with proper care – the broths simmer for hours and the noodles have the perfect bite to them. I went for the tonkotsu ramen which has this incredibly rich, porky broth topped with chashu (braised pork belly), a soft-boiled egg, and all the traditional trimmings.

Yes, £16.50 for a bowl of soup and noodles might seem steep, but when you taste the depth of flavour in that broth, you understand why. The portion size is generous too – I was absolutely stuffed!

It’s not the place for a quiet, romantic dinner – the vibe is lively and you might be seated at communal tables. But for a casual meal with friends it’s spot on.

Location: 101 Clare Road, Cardiff CF11 6QP

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Budget-Friendly Bites and Hidden Gems

Who says good food has to cost a fortune? These places prove you can eat well in Cardiff without breaking the bank.

Cardiff Market Food Stalls

I absolutely love nipping into Cardiff Market for lunch when I’m shopping in town. The food stalls here have undergone a bit of a renaissance in recent years, and now you can get some amazing grub for under a tenner.

My go-to is Ffwrnes for pizza – they do these incredible sourdough pizzas cooked in a proper wood-fired oven. Their ‘Cymru’ pizza with Welsh rarebit topping is a clever fusion that actually works!

Tukka Tuk’s Indian street food is another fave – their butter chicken wrap is messy to eat but so worth it. And Thai Asian Delish does the most amazing pad thai that’s as good as anything I’ve had in Thailand.

The best bit? Head upstairs to the balcony seating area and you can people-watch while enjoying your food. Just bear in mind the market closes at 5pm, so it’s lunch only!

Location: St Mary Street, Cardiff CF10 1AU

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Brother Thai

Discovered this place through a friend who lives nearby and it’s now a regular haunt! It started as a street food stall and was so popular they opened a permanent restaurant.

Their specialty is roti – this flaky, buttery Thai flatbread – paired with various fillings. The sticky beef roti is mind-blowing – tender beef in this sweet, sticky sauce wrapped in the flaky bread. Another one that’s messy to eat but absolutely worth it!

They also do fantastic small plates – the Thai fried chicken with sriracha mayo is ridiculously good, as are the salt and pepper squid.

Prices are really reasonable – you can have a real feast for about £15 per person. The place is small though, so you might need to wait for a table at peak times.

Location: 175 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3NB

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Sushi Life

When I’m craving sushi in Cardiff, this is my go-to. It’s a bit unexpected to find such good Japanese food in a shopping centre, but don’t let the location put you off!

The sushi is really fresh and well-made – I usually go for the mixed nigiri set which gives you a good variety to try. Their dragon rolls are also excellent – prawn tempura topped with avocado and a spicy mayo that gives it a nice kick.

I’ve noticed the quality can vary a bit depending on how busy they are, but when they’re on form, the sushi is as good as any I’ve had in London.

It’s perfect for a shopping break lunch, and prices are reasonable for sushi – expect to pay around £15-20 for a decent-sized meal.

Location: St David’s Centre, Cardiff CF10 2DP

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Unique Dining Experiences

The Clink

This has got to be one of the most unusual restaurants I’ve ever been to! It’s staffed by prisoners who are training for careers in hospitality when they’re released. I was a bit unsure what to expect, but was blown away by both the food and the service.

Had lunch here with my mum a few months back and tried their sea bass – it was cooked to perfection with a crispy skin and served with a lemon butter sauce that was just divine. Mum had the chicken supreme and said it was one of the best chicken dishes she’s had.

The service was absolutely impeccable – actually better than many high-end restaurants I’ve been to. The whole concept is brilliant – giving prisoners practical skills while also providing affordable fine dining for the public.

Just two things to note – you need to book well in advance, and it’s alcohol-free. But seriously, the food is so good you won’t miss the wine!

Location: HMP Cardiff, Knox Road, Cardiff CF24 0UG

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La Pantera

Went here with a group of friends recently and had such a fun night! It’s run by the same team behind The Dead Canary cocktail bar, so you know the drinks are going to be good.

The tacos are the star of the show – they come in pairs and I’d recommend getting a few to share. The baja fish taco with pickled cabbage and chipotle mayo was incredible, and the pork carnitas with pineapple salsa had this perfect sweet-savoury balance.

The atmosphere is what makes this place special though – it’s vibrant, a bit chaotic, with Mexican wrestling masks on the walls and great music. Perfect for a night out with friends rather than a quiet, romantic dinner!

Their mezcal margaritas pack a serious punch too – I’d recommend sharing a taxi home rather than driving!

Location: Basement, 18 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1PT

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Practical Tips for Dining in Cardiff

If you’re new to Cardiff or just visiting, here are some quick pointers to help you navigate the food scene:

• Location Guide: Most of the best independent restaurants are in the city centre, Pontcanna or Canton. These areas are all easily accessible by bus, and taxis are plentiful too. Cardiff Bay has some decent options but is dominated by chains.
• Budget Planning: For budget eats, Cardiff Market is your friend – you can get a great lunch for under £10. Mid-range places like Cafe Citta or Brother Thai will set you back £20-30 per person. For special occasions, expect to pay £40-80 per head at places like Heaney’s or Asador 44.
• Booking Advice: Always book ahead for Heaney’s, The Potted Pig and Cafe Citta – especially at weekends. Places like Cardiff Market and more casual spots don’t take bookings.
• Timing Tips: The market closes at 5pm, so it’s lunch-only. For the more upscale restaurants, booking for 7:30-8pm means you’ll get the best atmosphere.

Ciniawa Hapus!

So that’s my personal guide to eating out in Cardiff, no matter what you fancy or how much you want to spend.

Just remember that the really popular spots like Heaney’s and Cafe Citta book up well in advance, so don’t leave it to the last minute if you’ve got your heart set on somewhere special!