With the hospitality community in Wales veering from one end of the scale - closures - to the other - exciting openings - once more the foodie scene has evolved massively in just one year. Rising energy costs have sadly buckled many old favourites like The Conway and The Smoke House but their spirit lives on in the capital's restaurant scene with hundreds of passionate and talented chefs and restaurateurs doing what they do best - creating amazing food and atmosphere for foodies.
One of the reasons why Cardiff is such a great place to dine out is the wide selection of cuisine on offer. From Spanish tapas and Turkish kebabs to Neapolitan-style pizza, southern Indian curries and stunning steaks, you'll never be bored with new places to try.
In the past year, we've seen restaurants from the capital city celebrate new gains in the AA Rosette announcements, and at the BBC Good Food Awards as well as the Michelin Guide mentions and even make it onto TV's Fred Sirieix's remarkable places to eat. So now, when it comes to eating out in the city, we are simply spoilt for choice. To make your next meal out in Cardiff that little bit easier we've rounded up, in no particular order, the best restaurants in Cardiff in 2024 that you must try.
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1. Parallel
Absolutely a great place to eat in Cardiff, brilliantly designed dishes, wicked flavour combos and executed in expert fashion right in front of you, if you're lucky enough to sit up at the bar - don't turn down that chance, either.
There's an option of the chef's menu, that comes with around 11 set dishes and is great value to get an overview of the talents and tastes on display, or a regular menu with things like rolled sirloin, lamb chop and more.
Sample dish: It has to be the carrot with tahini, smoked maple and cashew
Where:11 High Street, CF10 1BB
2. Mesen
Opened in summer 2023 Mesen took small plate heaven to the Rhiwbina neighbourhood, though it's more than another 'small plates' place, their menu is chock full of the best quality local meat, seafood and more. Cooked with expertly paired ingredient combos over an open charcoal fire, a lot of thought has gone into each menu - it changes regularly - and that pays dividends.
Sample dish: Gloucester Old Spot Chop, with jus. We tried that free-range chop, click here for our review.
Where:Heol-Y-Deri, Rhiwbina. CF14 6HF
3. Heaneys
Tommy Heaney, head chef and owner at Heaneys, first opened the restaurant's doors on Romilly Crescent in 2018, the same year that he appeared on the BBC’s Great British Menu. His reputation has only grown since and it is not the first plaudits the restaurant, well known for its fine dining and tasting menus, has earned. Most recently they've won best restaurant in Wales at the British Restaurant Awards (BRAs).
In 2023 renowned food writer William Sitwell, regular on MasterChef alongside John Torode and Greg Wallace, praised Heaneys during a visit in which he said he tried the "'greatest lamb I've ever tasted" and that "'for that lamb, Cardiff should give Tommy the keys to the city".
Focusing on precisely cooked fish and barbecued meat, Heaneys' laid-back atmosphere and big selection of wine by the glass and cocktails make it a fun destination for any occasion. Let's not forget Tommy's next door bar, Uisce, which reopened with a new look and menu late in 2023, if you fancy a more chilled out cocktail and nibble evening.
Sample dish: Lamb & truffle Wellington, goats curd, lamb fat carrot, black olive
Where: 6-10 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9NR
4. Bodega
Fuego y vino, or fire and wine; that's the concept behind Bodega, a small plates wine bar that comes from great stock.
Owners Sophie Pascoe and Benito Martinez, run The Priory hotel and restaurant in Caerleon as well as the much-loved pizza van, Ballers, which also has a bricks and morter spot in Lakeside next to Bodega.
Bodega's menu features snacks, small plates and sharer plates, with dishes including Colchester oyster with pickle and Cava granita, sobrasada croquetas with date puree, a Welsh dry aged sharer sirloin with burnt onion butter.
Sample dish: Firebrick chicken, miso, harissa, romesco
Where: 21 Clear Water Way, Cardiff CF23 6DL
5. Asador 44
There's delicacy and finesse on show in the starters at Asador 44 but the stars of the show, their sharing cuts of aged beef and whole fish cooked over charcoal, are sensational. If heavy meat isn't for you and there's an arroz (rice) dish on the menu - get it. Their skill of cooking this is sublime.
Just as much thought goes into the slick and friendly service and the extensive selection of Spanish wines, sherries, cocktails and beers on offer.
And it's not just lunch and dinner that's on offer. It also does a delicious breakfast that will keep you full for the whole morning - if not the day. Have a read of what we thought here.
Sample dish: Spanish ex-dairy sirloin for two, served medium rare
Where: 14-15 Quay Street, Cardiff CF10 1EA
6. 591 By Anatoni's
Tony Frawley (formally of Roath's Anatoni's ) is back in Cardiff and back making sublime Neopolitan pizzas with the utmost care and perfection. Tony, and wife Anna, and their staff make sure that everyone's looked after and well fed to the high standards they expect from themselves. None of the pizza options (excellent gluten free bases, too) are a bad choice and if you're hungry enough, don't miss the calamari and rosemary potatoes, either.
Sample dish: Their Caruso is banging (crushed tomatoes, fior di latte, baby sautéed spinach, salame Milano, honey truffle oil, fresh goats cheese, pine nuts) but they also do a wicked carbonara pizza
Where: 591 Cowbridge Rd E, CF5 1BE
7. Sushi Life
The 1980s-style red brick building in which you'll find Sushi Life couldn't be further away from the colourful maki rolls, ramen, tempura, curries and rice dishes you'll find served inside.
Understandably, sushi is the highlight, and their Boston Rolls, filled with salmon, avocado and cucumber and topped with unagi (eel) are not to be missed. Much to the joy of north Cardiff sushi lovers, Sushi Life has opened a second location in Whitchurch, now, too.
Sample dish: Spicy tuna maki rolls filled with tuna, sriracha sauce, homemade wasabi mayo, cucumber and avocado and topped with Japanese mayo, chilli flakes and chives.
Where: The Globe Centre, 5, Wellfield Road, CF24 3PE/ 16 Park Rd, CF14 7BQ
8. Purple Poppadom
Anand George changed Indian cooking in Cardiff forever with his refined southern Indian food. It's not gone without recognition either as Purple Poppadom is the holder of a Traveller's Choice Award from TripAdvisor, runner-up at the Observer Food Monthly Awards and in 2021, was named best restaurant in Wales in the British Curry Awards.
If you haven’t visited in a while then you might be surprised by the restaurant’s modern new design which coincided with their 10th birthday.
Sample dish: Pan-seared tiffin sea bass served with curry leaf infused mashed potato and a raw mango, ginger and coconut sauce
Where: 185a Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AJ
9. Nook
Despite being one of the smallest spots in the city, this neighbourhood restaurant punches well above its weight.
Serving seasonal small plates and natural wines, Nook gained a listing in 2021’s Michelin guide and offer top quality dishes in an intimate, homely setting.
Sample dish: Hasselback potatoes, chive aioli and garlic butter
Where: 587 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff CF5 1BE
10. Ansh
A collaboration between burger geek Aled Hill and Shaun Jones, owner of Oriel Jones butchers, Ansh has raised the bar for burgers in Cardiff and it’s all down to their attention to detail.
Their juicy smashed Welsh beef patties stuffed into squidgy potato buns are the centrepiece of a colourful menu inspired by notable Welsh people.
Sample dish: Grav burger - Welsh black beef in a potato bun with strong Welsh cheddar, streaky bacon and Ansh sauce
Where: 589 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff CF5 1BE
11. The Heathcock
Owned by the same team behind the Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Hare and Hounds in Aberthin, the Heathcock is a brilliant place for a pint of real ale and a bar snack or a blowout dinner of seasonal pub food.
Their sharing dishes always feel like a celebration, from a steak and ale pie to a whole shoulder of Welsh lamb with all the trimmings.
Sample dish: Potato gnocchi, red wine braised octopus and smoke cod's roe
Where: 58-60 Bridge Street, Cardiff CF5 2EN
12. Jackson's and Cora
One of Wales’s most talented chefs, Lee Skeet trained under Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay and previously headed up the kitchen at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London.
Both Cora and Jackson's sit in Cardiff's gorgeous, gothic, Duke Street Arcade - the former showcasing Lee's modern flavour-packed cooking, free from gimmicks, the latter, selling seafood, Jamaican soul food and wine to a revolving backdrop of pop-up cooks, comedy and music.
Sample dish: Freshly shucked oysters from Pembrokeshire or Colchester served with citrus and condiments
Where: 3-7 Duke Street Arcade, city centre
13. Lahore Kebabish
Don't let Lahore's simple appearance fool you, the Pakistani food on offer here is legendary and a real delicious bargain. They offer slow-cooked, tender meat curries and traditional specialities like meat and lentil stew (Halleem) and breakfast special (Paya) - trotters in a spicy sauce.
Sample dish: Simple, the keema naan.
Where: 174 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CF11 6NJ
14. Maasi's
Found opposite Victoria Park in a church hall, Maasi's is a far cry from your average breakfast and lunch in the Pontcanton area thanks to their BBC Food Award-winning Pakistani breakfasts and lunches (plus the occasional, always sold-out, curry club).
Side-by-side on the menu with Maasi's eggy bread is the breakfast naanwich and lala's eggs. Lunchtime sees a larger selection of naanwiches and their famous, unbeatable samosas.
Sample dish: Has to be a naanwich - their pillowy soft naan with breakfast fillings or spicy chicken, paneer, keema aloo or curried chickpeas.
Where: St Lukes Church Hall, Cowbridge Rd E, CF5 1BE
15. Saray
If you’re a fan of Turkish cuisine then you must try Saray. One of City Road’s best Middle Eastern restaurants, Saray’s sharing platters are always a feast. After that, save room for the baklava, which is made in-house and served with Turkish tea.
Sample Dish: Mixed grill - chicken shish, lamb shish, lamb kofte and chicken kofte
Where: 164-166 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3JE
16. Thomas by Tom Simmons
The high-end brasserie cooking at Tom Simmons’ eponymous Pontcanna restaurant combines the best of Welsh produce and French technique.
Since opening in February 2020, it’s deservedly received acclaim from both celebrities and national restaurant critics and has become one of the hottest destinations in Cardiff - plus it is a firm favourite to a number of celebrities who frequent the area.
Sample dish: Welsh lamb cannon with crispy lamb belly and black garlic
Where: 3 & 5 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HQ
17. Casanova
Opened in 2005 by three Italian friends, Casanova is a far cry from your typical pizza pasta joint. They import much of their own produce directly from Italy, their compact menu changes with the seasons, there’s no pizza and usually only a couple of pasta dishes on offer. In fact, you’d struggle to find a more authentic Italian restaurant in Cardiff.
Sample dish: Mailale - Pork belly, chili black pudding, chorizo, Iberico pig cheek, celeriac puree, roast celeriac, apple sauce and ginger ketchup
Where: 13 Quay Street, Cardiff CF10 1EA
18. Curado Bar
Curado is owned by the same team as Ultracomida, a pair of hugely popular Spanish restaurants and delis in Aberystwyth and Narberth.
This bustling city centre restaurant and bar serves a great selection of Spanish tapas and wines. Once you’ve finished your meal make sure you pick up some of the excellent produce they import directly from Spain themselves.
Sample dish: Garlic and thyme marinated iberico pork with allioli and Basque peppers
Where: 2 Guildhall Place, Cardiff CF10 1EB
19. Matsudai Ramen
Started by ramen-lover James Chant, his food first exploded onto the scene at pop-ups across the capital before he began selling ramen kits online during lockdown. After they proved a massive success, he opened his first permanent restaurant on Clare Road in summer 2022. His food has had rave reviews - including ours - and understandably so, with the likes of renowned food critic Jay Rayner singing its praises. His recommendations? Japanese fried chicken dish (karaage), shredded oysters mushroom with a vegan curry mayonnaise and the signature tonkotsu.
Sample dish: Classic tonotsu - super decadent classic hakata-style pork bone ramen with salt tare, thin, hard hakata noodles, pork belly chashu, kikurage mushrooms, half an ajitama egg and pickled ginger
Where: 183-185 Clare Rd, Cardiff CF11 6QS
20. West Pizza
Selling New York-style pizza by the slice means pizza-lovers can get a piece of pie on the go, or as just a small snack, a mid-pub crawl stop-off, or just to sate that hanker for pizza we all often fight against.
This isn't the first rodeo for West's Ieuan Harry and Jez Phillips as the 'Pizza Boys' also run sister pizza place, Ffwrnes in Cardiff Market, which is also worth a visit if you want a pizza while in the city centre. So, they absolutely know what they are doing when it comes to the best of all takeouts you can hold in one hand.
Sample dish: While we are pepperoni-addicts, West come up with some cracking specials, lately they've touted a West BLT with streaky Trealy Farm bacon, lettuce & tomato topped with our house tangy mayo
Where: 60 Glynne St, Pontcanna, CF11 9NS
21. Moo Moo Thai Tapas
This City Road restaurant doesn’t actually serve tapas. But, naming quibbles aside, they serve excellent Thai food with standout dishes including stupendously crisp and tender duck breast bathed in panang curry sauce.
Sample dish: Kagae Massaman - slow cooked tender lamb shank with new potatoes, carrots and onions
Where: 244 City Rd, Cardiff CF24 3JJ
22. Bar 44
Just around the corner from Asador 44, you'll find sister establishment Bar 44. Owned by brothers Owen and Tom Morgan, they’re consummate hospitality professionals who have raised the bar for eating out in Cardiff with their group of Spanish restaurants and boutique hotel - Parador 44.
The tapas on offer at Bar 44 combines the traditions of Spanish cooking with a flurry of modern big-flavoured twists. There’s also a great range of Spanish wines, beers, sherries and cocktails.
Sample dish: Pringa 44 - Confit duck smoked morcilla burger, piquillo pepper ketchup, apple and fennel
Where: 15-23 Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1DD
23. Milkwood
Having been added to the Good Food Guide in recent years [2022], Milkwood in Pontcanna is the perfect spot for breakfast to start your day right or make your all-day brunch one to remember.
Offering some delicious plates made with local produce - like waffles with yoghurt and maple syrup - it also serves up creative, residencies, the latest of which is Alex Vines, who honed his craft working in the kitchens of some of London’s most celebrated kitchens for 11 years.
Sample dish: Milkwood Breakfast - Eggs, smoked streaky bacon, hash browns, Oriel Jones Sausage, slow roast tomato and sourdough toast
Where: 83 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HS
24. I Giardini di Sorrento
This enormously popular restaurant on City Road has a fine reputation for indulgent, classical Italian food inspired by the Sorrento region of southern Italy. Some of the most interesting dishes appear on their daily specials board including handmade pasta and wild boar ragu.
Sample dish: Ravioli Caprese - homemade pasta parcels filled with mozzarella, ricotta and basil, in a classic cherry tomato sauce
Where: 12 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3DL
25. Pasture
Set next to Cardiff Castle, this grand steakhouse features an open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work and dry ageing cabinets displaying whole cuts of beef. Whilst the focus is superb sharing steaks cooked over charcoal, their sides and starters don’t let the side down, from short rib croquettes with gochujang aioli to four cheese mac & cheese with bacon crumb.
Sample dish: Has to be the awesome-looking (and tasting) Tomahawk, served on the bone
Where: 8-10 High Street, CF10 1BB
26. Poca
A new Cardiff location for Antonio Simones, the man behind Alium in Barry and the Humble Onion in Dinas Powys, Poca's small plates will meat, fish and vegetables, and will be matched with hand-selected wines and cocktails. The menu is split into ive sections: morsels, fish, meat, vegetables and dairy , and there's a large sharing plate, too.
Sample dish: Leek, potato & cheddar croquette, mustard
Where: 11 Kings Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9BZ
27. Sen Bros
A smashing Turkish breakfast can be found here with everything from fresh mint tea, newly baked bread, Turkish eggs and rose jam. Those who know about it go time and time again. They also do traditional grills later in the day, too with the ever-popular shwarma on offer.
Sample dish: Has to be their falafel or kofta. Or their homemade bread. Or rice pudding. Heck, try everything.
Where: 122 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9DX
27. Calabrisella
Open all day from breakfast through till dinner, you’ll find people at Calabrisella enjoying both morning espresso and an evening glass of wine. With a branch in Canton as well Cathays, people flock here for their magnificent and huge thin-based pizzas.
Owned by three friends from Calabria, they also have a gelateria on Cowbridge Road East, which opened in 2021, where you can order a brioche bun stuffed with scoops of smooth and creamy Italian gelato.
Sample dish: Pizza Calabrisella topped with buffalo mozzarella, ‘nduja and sundried tomato
Where: 154 Cowbridge Road East, Canton and 51 Cathays Terrace, Cathays
29. Scaramantica
Another solid and crave-worthy pizza to sate those with a hankering in Cardiff. We really do have a fantastic pizza scene in the Welsh capital. On a sunny summer evening there's no where better to treat yourself to their lengthy cocktail menu and a light and airy Neopolitan-style pizza.
Sample dish: La Scaramantica pizza topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, salami Milano, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, goats curd, honey and crushed walnuts
Where: 2 Penylan Rd, Cardiff CF24 3PF
30. Porro
A stone's throw from Llandaff's beautiful cathedral and on the bustling high street, Porro is dedicated to bringing the best of Italian cooking and using the topmost Welsh produce. Their main a la carte menu is steadfast focused on pasta, pizza and Italian favourites but they also do a solid breakfast menu, Sunday lunches and for gluten free pasta-fans who are fed up of penne, their special menu contains linguine and orecchiette options.
Sample dish: Monkfish & Cod Linguine; Long flat strips of pasta served with monkfish cheeks & cod cheeks, samphire, rocket, garlic, lemon, white wine, chilli & olive oil
Where: 22 High Street, Llandaff, CF5 2DZ
31. The Classroom
Staffed by students honing their culinary and service skills at Cardiff and Vale College, The Classroom - Y Dosbarth - is based on the top floor of their Dumballs Road campus and has panoramic views across the city.
Their menus change with the season and ambitious dishes include balsamic onion tart tatin with honey roast fig and a mixed salad, saffron risotto with pan roast salmon and grilled asparagus and Valrhona chocolate fondant topped off with rum and raisin ice cream. They also have a dedicated gluten free and dairy free menu.
Sample dish: Crispy pork belly with sweet apple and red cabbage slaw
Where: Dumballs Road, Cardiff CF10 5FE
32. The Potted Pig
Located in a former bank vault, The Potted Pig focuses on good, seasonal cooking and good gin. The Michelin Guide was impressed by its "robust, tasty dishes".
There are decent vegetarian and fish options, but as the name suggests, it's carnivores who'll really be in their element here. There's even a show-stopping whole suckling pig available for a minimum of eight people to share.
Sample dish: Ham hock, Asian slaw and greens
Where: 27 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1PU
33. Brother Thai
One of the stars of Cardiff’s street food scene, Andrew Chongsathien offers a very different take on Thai cooking at his Brother Thai roti bar.
Their signature flaky and buttery rotis are served with a range of spice-laden toppings including sticky spicy beef and roasted jackfruit whilst sides include Thai fried chicken and crispy mushroom larb.
Sample dish: Sticky spicy beef roti
Where: 35 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3JN
34. Yakitori 1
A gem of an independent amongst the chain-dominated offerings of Cardiff’s Mermaid Quay, Yakitori 1 serves deliciously fresh and vibrant Japanese food from sushi and tempura to katsu curry and yaki soba noodles.
Owned by Meng Yap, who moved from Malaysia in 1982 with just £150 his aunt had given him, he went on to build a business which would become the biggest supplier for Asian ready meals for Sainsbury's across the UK.
Sample dish: Torched salmon teriyaki maki roll
Where: 10 Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
35. Riverside Cantonese
A classic Chinese that is a bit of a Cardiff institution - it used to be at the town end of Riverside and had great, round booth seating - Riverside Cantonese has really great, fresh-tasting food. All the traditional items - roast duck, sweet and sour chicken, crispy beef - done and presented really well. You can also try out their dim sum menu if you visit at lunch.
Sample dish: King prawns with ginger and spring onion
Where: Leckwith Road, Riverside, CF11 6HN
36. Bacareto
This effortlessly cool cafe, bar and restaurant is inspired by the bàcari of Venice. You can enjoy a selection of seasonal small plates or a heartier three-course meal washed down with Italian wines and spritzes.
The kitchen was previously headed up by Grady Atkins, a mentor to one of the UK’s best chefs and a legend of the Cardiff cooking scene, and now is run by Owen Bowley.
Sample dish: The cichetti is seasonal and changes quite a bit and they have lots of specials on, but they usually have a line of regular bites on the counter including deviled eggs, blue cheese, honey and walnut and they're likely to have an arancini or pizzetta on the chalkboard.
Where: 13 Church Street, Cardiff CF10 1BG
37. Good World Chinese
A must-visit if you love dim sum and secret menus, Good World serves up its deliciousness in the most unlikely of places, above a casino down in Leckwith.
There's the regular restaurant menu of westernised Chinese restaurant dishes such as spring rolls, chicken in black bean sauce and sweet and sour chicken, but there's also a more authentic dishes such as roast meats; stir fried Chinese bacon with celery; and whole sea bass with ginger, spring onions and soy sauce. Check out our review of Good World, here.
Sample dish: Has to be the grilled pork buns, round balls of soft and slightly crisp exterior with minced pork and chives found within.
Where: Capital Retail Shopping Park, 8, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff CF11 8EG
38. Ponnuswamy
Ponnuswamy sells superb Southern Indian food in a low key dining space. With dishes including kal dosai, masala paneer and lamb kothu parotta and a BYOB policy, it's a big flavoured and great value night out.
Sample dish: Lamb kothu parotta - shredded flatbread fried with lamb, tomatoes, onions, curry leaf and scrambled egg served with curry sauce
Where: 129 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3BP
39. The Sorting Room
One of the swankiest new additions to Cardiff’s dining scene, the Sorting Room is the restaurant at the Celtic Collection’s new luxury Parkgate Hotel, located next to the Principality Stadium.
Serving a brasserie menu in the grand setting of a renovated mail sorting room, the kitchen is headed up by Justin Llewelyn, previously executive chef at The Vale Resort and Park Plaza and is mentioned Michelin Guide and the recipient of two AA Rosettes.
Sample dish: Beef Wellington with 21-day-aged Welsh reared beef fillet and perigourdine sauce
Where: Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1DA
40. Cafe Citta
This tiny and buzzy city centre Italian restaurant is one of just a couple of independents on a street that’s otherwise dominated by chains. If you give one of the big brands a miss then you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal of hearty seasonal Italian cooking.
Sample dish: Linguine Citta with sun blushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese, cream, roasted pine nuts, chilli and rocket
Where: 4 Church Street, Cardiff CF10 1BG
41. The Hellenic Eatery
This family-run restaurant delivers a truly Greek experience, from the decor and atmosphere to the food and booze. A meal of feta wrapped in filo pastry with honey followed by a sharing platter of souvlaki and Greek sausages is just the ticket if you want to be reminded of sunshine holidays abroad.
Sample dish: Pork gyros served with mixed salad, chips and tzatziki
Where: 100 Crwys Road, Cardiff CF24 4NQ
42. Maison du Beouf
A limited menu, yes, but what it does do, it does well. There are two fixed price menus - deux plats (starter and main) for £24.95 or complet (starter, main and dessert) for £29.95. Onion soup, with the giant, cheese-deluged bit of bread on top, souffle and snails are the starters and then steak and frites for main - but, with 'refillable' steak, so to speak!
Sample dish: Maybe try the steak?
Where: 21 Castle Arcade, CF10 1BU
43. Don Don Yatai
Located on Cowbridge Road West, an area otherwise not known for its independent restaurants, Don Don Yatai fuels you with rice bowls topped with Japanese fried chicken, braised shin of beef or katsu pork, ramen, and gyoza and they are are just some of the dishes on offer.
Sample dish: Tonkatsu bento with vegetable gyoza, rice and miso soup
Where: 128A Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff, CF5 5BT
44. Zi’s Cafe
Located in the student heartland of Cathays, this Chinese restaurant has an understated feel. Whilst it’s worth a visit for the well-executed Cantonese classics on offer, some of their lesser-known dishes are the real stars of the show.
Golden battered chicken with dried chilli and leek, stir fried lamb with cumin, and deep fried aubergine with salt and pepper are all not to be missed.
Sample dish: Squid with salt and pepper
Where: 96 Woodville Road, Cardiff CF24 4ED
45. Tukka Tuk Canteen
Anand George's latest - and frankly delicious - project, is his attempt at recreating the rustic roadside eateries of South India and what an attempt it is. You won't go far wrong with any pick on this menu and the choice is plentiful, there's a taster section, a small plate-style "short eats" canteen style section and there's the banana leaf meals. The bone marrow varuval and parotta are just **chef's kiss**, though.
Sample dish: Beef fry - tender chunks of beef, slowly braised with garlic, ginger and curry leaves
Where: 90-92 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff CF14 3LY
46. Vegetarian Food Studio
The Vegetarian Food Studio has been serving spice-packed vegetarian and vegan food predominantly from the Gujarat and southern states of India for nearly 20 years.
In that time they’ve picked up multiple accolades and currently hold the title of the Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year at the Welsh Restaurant Awards 2022, as well as its chef, Neil Patel, taking home the award for Chef of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards.
Sample dish: Ringan no-oro - roasted aubergines cooked with onions, tomatoes and chillies - but don't forget the Atom Bombs, too (baby pots filled with garlic chutney, served with tamarind chutney.)
Where: 115-117 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CF11 6JU
47. Cafe Du Chat Noir
This delightful French eatery has been dubbed as having the best French food outside of France and is run by best friends Stuart Stuart Boltershone and Dorothee Henry - read more on their story here. Tucked away in Wellfield Court, the pair serve up cuisine that includes French onion soup (the best around), Croque Monsieurs, Quiches and more. Plus, if they weren't French enough, they host the most amazing live music shows and cabaret nights.
Sample dish: Croque Monsieur
Where: 28 Wellfield Road
48. TukTuk
Located in a slightly obscure spot on Crwys Road, TukTuk’s striking interior combines exposed brickwork and hanging pot plants. However, it’s not a case of style over substance as people rave about their fresh and authentic Thai cooking.
Sample dish: Gai yang - chicken thigh marinated in Thai herbs and spices.
Where: 22 Crwys Road, Cardiff CF24 4NL
49. Cinnamon Tree
A classic, long-standing Cardiff Indian restaurant loved by its regulars and visitors, famous ones too, like Larry Lamb from Gavin & Stacey, to Cardiff alike. Its friendly, familiar service comes side-by-side with a stong menu of classics and specials. The below sample dish is a strong favourite, the combo of succulent prawns and hefty potatoes in a tangy sauce is a top choice.
Sample dish: Peshwari jhing - king prawns flavored with mustard seeds, onion seeds, fennel, coriander, and tomatoes cooked with potatoes in a medium curry.
Where: 173 Kings Rd, Cardiff CF11 9DE
50. Dusty's
Another classic who can't be shifted from our best of lists, and with bloody good reason, Dusty's team have been kneading hard for the past decade to bring the perfect Neopolitan-based pizza and they've damn near done it, too. They've been at many homes for that 10 years, but now their permanent base is down in Llanishen.
Sample dish: A newbie this one is, but they've recently upped the ante on fancy and tasty combos with a mortadella, pistachio pesto, stracciatella & lemon pizza.
Where: 9 Llangranog Road, Llanishen, CF14 5BL
51. Fowl and Fury
This restaurant - which began as a popular street food vendor at Roath hotspot, Sticky Fingers before opening its first permanent restaurant last summer - claims to serve up some of Wales' spiciest Nashville hot chicken. With varying levels of heat - from mild to sweat inducing - there is something for everyone, even veggies and vegans. If you're after a burger that will satiate your hunger but won't leave you feeling greasy, give this Cathays stop a go. Read our review of it here.
Sample dish: The sando with breaded chicken breast, comeback sauce, 'slaw, pickles in a challah bun. Their cauliflower version is equally as delicious
Where: 99 Wyeverne Road, Cardiff CF24 3BZ
52. Troy Meze Bar
This long-standing Turkish restaurant is the place to come if you’re looking for a chargrilled meat feast. You can even watch the chef at work cooking kebabs over the open charcoal grill (ocakbasi). But before you get stuck into the meat, there’s a wide range of hot and cold mezze to enjoy first. .
Sample dish: Troy Special - grilled selection of kebabs including lamb beyti, lamb chops, quail, half skewer chicken shish and two joint wings
Where: 15 Wellfield Road, Cardiff CF24 3NZ
53. Silures
Roath's latest restaurant fills a spot on a high-end scale east of the river and its menu uses the abundance of local Welsh produce available while carefully creating and curating those dishes using the best ingredients.
Sample dish: Creedy Carver duck breast, soy-glazed leg confit, cavolo nero, bordelaise sauce
Where: 55 Wellfield Rd, Cardiff CF24 3PA
54. La Cucina Da Mara
Having relocated from Roath to Whitchurch, Da Mara has continued to serve the excellent wood-fired Neopolitan pizzas on which they build their reputation. Also now open during the day as a cafe, Da Mara sells freshly made filled focaccia, antipasti, panini and cakes.
Sample dish: Mauro pizza with spicy salami, roasted peppers and gorgonzola cheese
Where: 3 Penlline Road, Cardiff CF14 2AA
55. Six By Nico
Found in a gorgeous city centre former bank building, Six By Nico is small UK-wide chain that switches up its menu theme every six weeks. Its appeal, and aim of creator , Nico Simeone, is to bring fine dining to people who might not book in a high-priced, fancy restaurant and with a £39, six-course taster, it's a worth a try to see if it's for you.
With the rotating menu theme, past options are fish & chips, Mad Hatter's tea party and Hanoi, it's obviously hard to get a 'sample' dish.
Where: 27 High St, Cardiff CF10 1PU
56. Salkaara
With a second branch having recently opened on Roath’s Wellfield Road to go alongside the original in Llandaff North, Salkaara has firmly established itself as one of Cardiff’s best Indian restaurants. Co-owned by Santhosh Nair, who originally hails from Kerala, Salkaara’s menu will be familiar to fans of Cardiff’s other high end southern Indian restaurants.
Sample dish: Andhra-style slow-cooked shank of lamb in a sauce of cashew nuts, coconut milk, fresh coriander and spices
Where: 25 Station Road, Llandaff North and 24 Wellfield Road, Roath
