Valentine's Day is fast approaching and love is in the air. If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate the occasion, a dinner date is a classic and timeless option.
The right atmosphere and great food are essential for the perfect romantic evening. But with hundreds of appealing restaurants across Cardiff, it can be overwhelming to know where to pick.
Whether you're going on a first date, taking your significant other out for a meal or simply hanging out with friends, we've rounded up top picks across the city, chosen by the people of Cardiff on Tripadvisor, so you can treat your lover or friend to an unforgettable night. To get What's On news straight to your inbox, subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
Read more: Valentine's Day meal deals 2023 from M&S, Aldi, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and more
1. Jashaan
This authentic Indian restaurant located on Crwys Road promises meals made from "the finest and freshest ingredients" for you and your partner to enjoy. Coming in at #4 on Tripadvisor out of all restaurants in the city, it's no surprise that its reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with 336 out of its 355 ratings being "excellent" - the highest possible one.
Customers have praised the five-star restaurant for its "delicious food", "excellent service" and "large portions" - with many claiming it is the best Indian spot in Cardiff. One of the most recent reviews reads: "Excellent range of rather more unusual dishes, and what we ate (chicken karahi and Chennai Soi, with king prawns) were superb. Amongst the relishes was a delicious dry coconut one, which I’ve seen nowhere else in this country. Good value prices, too. Friendly service and nice atmosphere."
This February 14, Jashaan is offering lovebirds a Valentine's Banquet Meal, which includes welcome drinks and a goodie bag. The deal, which is £34.95 per person, also includes poppadoms and chutneys, any starter, any main dish, a special side dish to share, any rice or naan or chips, and a Valentine's Day dessert.
Jashaan can be found on 129A Crwys Road, Cardiff, CF24 4NG. It is open every day 5.30pm-11pm. You can book your spot for the Valentine's Banquet Meal by calling the restaurant on 02920232511 or 07506114445.
2. Empire
Proclaiming itself Cardiff's longest-established Indian restaurant, Empire, located on Albany Road, specialises in north Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine and provides a fine dining experience. It's rated 4.5 stars from 1,023 reviews and currently stands at #10 out of all restaurants in the capital.
Recent reviewers have praised "unbelievable" food, with one saying the the curries are "lovely, flavoursome, with tender, juicy meat". Meanwhile, the service is also frequently singled out by customers, with the staff being described as "efficient" and "welcoming".
One, who called the restaurant "outstanding", wrote: "Visited The Empire for my girlfriend's birthday. The service was absolutely outstanding, the food was delicious and we had an amazing evening. Staff here are friendly and attentive. This is my third visit and the two prior times I was just as impressed!"
The smart contemporary eatery has also been praised for its relaxed atmosphere and its large modern but plush dining space. The Empire Restaurant is on 157-159 Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3NT. It is open Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-11pm, Fridays 5:30pm-12am and Saturdays 12pm-2pm and 5:30pm-12am. You can call them on 02920485959 or 02920 485757 to book your romantic dinner.
3. De Courceys Manor
Where is more fitting to spend Valentine's Day than a wedding venue? This majestic family-owned estate, located just outside Cardiff and surrounded by the gorgeous Pentrych countryside, is a popular destination not only for couples looking to tie the knot, but also for parties, conferences and private dining.
One review reads: "I don't think there are enough positive words to explain our experience at this venue. From start to finish we had the most amazing time. From lovely welcoming staff, friendly bar staff, efficient waiters and amazing chefs. The food was exquisite and every course was outstanding. We felt very welcomed which made our evening a very memorable and enjoyable one. Would highly recommend." Another said: "The food was out of this world and could easily compete with a Michelin starred restaurant!!"
On its website De Courceys says its "five-star dining is available to meet a range of needs, from couples dining to family Sunday lunches." The Sunday roasts in particular, which they host every few weeks, are a hit with reviewers. Customers have recommended others to try out the homemade stuffing and gravy, and pudding selection which is 'to die for'.
The manor is holding a Valentine's Supper Club on Friday, February 17, which offers a sumptuous three-course meal. Starters include smoked duck breast, while the main dishes include a whole roast sirloin on beef. To finish up, there is a "decadent" sharing platter with homemade sweet treats. De Courceys Manor is at Tyla Morris House, Pentyrch, CF15 9QN. You can call the venue at 02920892232.
4. Pasture Cardiff
Standing the shadow of Cardiff Castle, this highly sought-after eatery is notoriously booked up months in advance. This premium steak venue features an open kitchen showcasing charcoal grills and dry-ageing cabinets displaying whole cuts of beef - perfect for a unique and special date night.
It prides itself on sourcing its beef from farms in Wales and the south west, all of which have been raised on pasture. With 506 out of 580 ratings being 'excellent', customers say the food is "cooked to perfection", with one describing the Tomahawk steak as "stunning".
With its dim-lit ambience, the restaurant provides a romantic spot in the city centre. Sadly, it looks like it's fully booked for this Valentine's Day, though it's worth keeping an eye on their website for cancellations.
However, the restaurant also offers a terrace and bar menu for walk-ins only. Its signature steaks may not be on this menu, but you can still get steak tartare, a 45 dry aged burger, a flash steak, and a 600g sirloin on the bone to share. The menu includes a selection of small plates, from sourdough from the Ground Bakery in Pontcanna to short rib croquettes.
One customer recently wrote in a review: "I genuinely can’t remember the last time I had food this good (if ever)! We were very lucky to get a table on a walk-in. We were sat on high seats around a table in the bar area, although still had full choice from all menus which was great. The restaurant itself was almost full. It wasn’t loud but had a nice buzz about it. Decor was also impressive...The service from start to finish was also faultless."
If you want to experience Pasture at home on February 14, it's also selling a Valentine's chateaubriand box - including a complimentary candle and bottle of prosecco. Pasture is on 8-10 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BB. You can call them on 07511 217422.
5. The Classroom - Y Dosbarth
If you're looking for a reasonable "first class" meal in a modern and airy setting then Tripadvisor customers suggest you check out The Classroom. Situated on Dumballs Road, the venue has "breath-taking" views over the city - ideal for a memorable romantic experience.
Open for lunch and dinner, The Classrom's menus change with the season, with all dishes prepared entirely from scratch - even the bread, which is freshly baked each day in its in-house bakery. One reviewer recently wrote: "Food and service was excellent, really enjoyed the braised beef. A really good varied choice on the menu for the mains, beef, chicken, fish, veggie and gluten free options. All locally source, cooked to perfection, nicely presented and quick service."
The Classroom is offering a Valentine's Day Dinner - a six-course tasting menu for £59 per person, with matched wines at £29 per person. Dishes on the menu include smoked beetroot carpaccio, sundried tomato polenta, and mascarpone and coffee mousse. But if you're on a budget, the restaurant also offers a three-course meal cooked up by students at Cardiff and Vale College for just £15 every Tuesday - and this year the student takeover falls on Valentine's Day.
The restaurant is located at the top of Cardiff and Vale College on Dumballs Road, Cardiff, CF10 5EE and is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays 12pm-2pm and 6pm-10pm. You can call them on 02920250377.
6. Mina
Rated #7 out of all restaurants in the city, this Lebanese restaurant has praised on Tripadvisor for its "excellent" meals at affordable prices. One reviewer recently wrote: "Mina's was fab, from the moment we walked in, waitress friendly & informative, making recommendations. Food was superb, simple food, cooked well & beautifully presented. We will return as it's great, sensible prices too."
Another said the restaurant was the closest thing you'd get to "having an instant transportation to a restaurant somewhere in the middle of Lebanon". Meanwhile, its decor has been described by users as "traditional" with "the lighting and decor really giving the whole place a unique, cosy and chilled atmosphere".
For Valentine's Day, Mina is offering a special three-course for the occasion, costing £29.50 per person. Starters include tiger prawns to mussels, while the mains include lamb coucous to shish tawk. Desserts on offer include traditional Lebanese sweets. Mina is located on 43 Crwys Road, Cardiff, CF24 4ND. It's open every day 5pm-10pm. You can call Mina on 02920235212.
7. Culley's Kitchen & Bar
If you're looking to treat your Valentine to a mixture of classic dining and modern classics then look no further than Culley's Kitchen & Bar. Situated in The Coal Exchange hotel, a Grade II listed building full of fascinating history, it is rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor.
It is praised by reviewers for its "well presented" and "extraordinary" food, including Sunday lunches and bottomless brunches. One customer recently wrote: "Came here for a meal with my partner and it was the perfect restaurant for an evening out when its cold and raining outside. The restaurant's appearance [makes] you feel warm and welcome with its yet rustic look.
"The food was amazing all round and could not fault it one bit. We both had the scotch egg to start which was perfectly runny, followed by the Culley's Burger which was packed full while my partner had the steak which was cooked to perfection."
It's offering a Valentine's dinner from Saturday, February 11 until Tuesday February 14. From £45 per person, the options on the four-course set menu include sun-blushed tomato and mozzarella arancini, beetroot and red onion tarte tatin, and chocolate fondant. It's also offering a Valentine's bottomless brunch on February 11, at £35 per person - a two-course meal, served with 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco or beer.
Culley's Kitchen & Bar can be found inside the Coal Exchange Hotel, Cardiff, CF10 5FQ. They are open Monday to Sunday 9am-10pm. You can give them a call on 02921991904.
8. Svago
This independent Italian restaurant has been praised on TripAdvisor for its fabulous authentic food and lovely ambience. One customer said the restaurant has the "best vegan/vegetarian Italian food ever". Another said the portion sizes were "very generous" and the presentation and taste was "perfect".
Many users praise the ambience of the restaurant, describing it as a "relaxed ambience with really nice modern interior inside" making it a laidback choice for date night. Though Svago doesn't appear to have a special Valentine's day menu, it does offer any two pizzas and two drinks - a glass of house wine or bottle of Peroni - every Tuesday lunch or dinnertime for £25.
The restaurant can be found at 153-155 Crwys Road, Cardiff, CF24 4NH. It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 12-2:30pm then 5:30-10:30pm. You can call the restaurant on 02920232261.
9. Elgano
This Pontcanna restaurant has been described as being "excellent from the minute you enter" and specialises in Italian cuisine. The latest review reads: "My partner and I have been coming here for big occasions for 4-5 years now. The service has always been professional but warm. Every meal we've had has been flawlessly tasty. I always order the caprese salad for starters as it is refreshing and delicious despite its few ingredients. Their cheesecake is easily the best cheesecake I've had."
Customers also praise the great atmosphere in the place with its "stunning decor" which is "very clean and modern" - the perfect place to impress your date. Elgano is offering a three-course Valentine's Day dinner this year for £35 per person. The special menu includes options like deep-fried brie, venison ravioli, and raspberry cheesecake.
Elgano Restaurant is on 58 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9LL. It is open Mondays to Thursdays 5:30pm-10pm, while it's open from Friday to Sunday from 12pm-2pm then 5:30pm-10pm. You can call them on 02920255853.
10. Giardini di Sorrento
In the very heart of the capital sits this quaint authentic Italian restaurant, where chefs put "a lot of love and passion" into their homemade Italian food. The dishes have been handed down for generations in their families back home and customers can definitely tell, with the reviews describing the restaurant as a "fantastic Italian experience" with a "beautiful and typically Italian atmosphere".
A recent review reads: "Just came back from Sicily and Sorrento but the food we have had here is better than what we had over there. Massimo is an amazing chef and today's speciality blew my mind. I will definitely recommend it and keep coming back."
The restaurant says it is "celebrating the love of St Valentine" from February 11 to February 15. It adds customers will be able to "choose from an extended selection of homemade specials, Champagne cocktails, fine wines, decadent dolci, liqueur coffees and even a cheeky chocolate or two".
The restaurant is on 12 City Road, Cardiff, CF24 3DL. You can call the restaurant to find out more on 07703429185.
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