If you didn't already know - or you're relatively new here - our beautiful capital city Cardiff has some pretty lip-smackingly good restaurants in its midst ( ones that food critic Jay Rayner himself is impressed with ). From a beans-loaded brunch to a perfectly presented dinner, we've got a cracking selection to satiate your early morning, mid afternoon and late night hunger.
With utterly delectable fine and casual dining establishments and sarnie shops galore that have won major impressive awards - such as Fresh the Baguette Shop - as well as quaint and cosy coffee shops that are just cool, we are quite simply spoilt for delicious choice. See our lists of the best places to eat in the city centre or even our guides to Cathays, the Bay and even some festive numbers. But if our word isn't enough, just listen to those who have tried and tested these very places - the much respected TripAdvisors.
Read more: The only Welsh restaurant in the UK top 100 and it's a chain
These folk have tasted the wide range of cuisines Cardiff has to offer and, after diving head first into the flavour of these eateries, have offered up their honest opinions, leaving a three, four and five star review with exactly why they are raving about it.
The criteria, it seems, for restaurants to make it into the top lists are the number of reviews being left, how favourable the reviews are and how old/recent they are - according to this forum.
With that in mind, here we have rounded up the strong Top 20 restaurants in Cardiff as listed on TripAdvisor, and boy are you in for a treat. In running order (at the time of writing), read on to find out which restaurants you simply NEED to have on your foodie bucket list.
1. Fresh the Baguette Bar
Ah Fresh. The much-loved lunchtime staple of city dwellers and office workers. It has once again topped Cardiff's TripAdvisor Top 20 list and there's a reason: it has the most scrumptious sandwiches - sandwiches which have been rated 'excellent' on the reviewing platform by 156 reviews. Many have dubbed it as "my favourite place to eat in Cardiff" and the "Best baguette I’ve had".
Are you sold? If that doesn't sway you, maybe the fact that it has queues out the door each lunch-time will? Or maybe this review will:
"The best baguette shop you’ll ever find!! The most amazing combinations and flavours. Very friendly staff too. The 20 minute queue and no seating is absolutely worth it."
Tucked away in the Royal Arcade, the family-owned business provides a varied menu with paninis and baguettes and a good selection for vegetarians.
Where: 32 Royal Arcade
2. Vivo Amigo
This Indi-Mex cafe is a "unique amalgamation of Indian & Mexican cuisines where bold complementary flavours are seamlessly combined with quality ingredients carefully selected and sourced from reputed suppliers and using classic cooking techniques".
Serving up incredible fusion dishes such as smoked pulled beef madras burritos, paneer bhurji empanadas and kerala beef pepper fry quesadillas, Vivo Amigo’s menu also features a small selection of curries - for those who don’t want to fuse their cuisines. However, you’d be missing out on some deliciously fun flavour combinations.
With a whopping 307 excellent ratings, 18 very good ones and measly six average ones, I think it just goes to show how much of a gem we have here.
One reviewer, who gave it five stars said: "Wow, I was not expecting the food to be so good. It was such an odd mix of Indian and Mexican but the flavours worked really well together. Staff were lovely too and I would highly recommend!"
Check out our review of it here.
Where : 138 Whitchurch Road
3. Corner Coffee
This coffee shop, which celebrates Welsh coffee in all its glory, may be small, cosy and intimate, but goodness it is mighty - down to its great coffee, brunch options and cakes. It has been commended for its "well thought out Artisan coffee" choices and "friendly staff" - and rightly so as every time you enter Corner Coffee's front (or side) doors, you are met with a beaming smile and interesting conversation.
One reviewer went so far as to say it was the "best coffee and brunch" in the city.
They wrote - alongside their five stars: "Corner Coffee is the not-so hidden gem of Cardiff's High Street. Their knowledge of coffee is second to none and it's made clear by the quality of every coffee produced by their baristas.
"Their Corner Breakfast is divine - whoever thought to add halloumi to breakfast deserves a raise!"
Where : 13 High Street
4. Thackeray Pub and Kitchen
If pub grub with flair is your forte, then you need to try out this gorgeous country-style pub on the edge of the city. Opening in 2018, the Thackeray Pub survived the pandemic and, not only that, but are thriving and expanded in the form of a community café at Llanrumney Hall Community Trust - Thackeray At The Hall.
Known for its lush homemade pies and lovely Sunday lunches, its owners, James and Karen Rees, told us when we spoke to them earlier this year that they have worked hard to get the pub’s TripAdvisor rating up over the four years since they took over ownership. And it shows. With over 500 reviews, the majority of which are 'excellent', they have been described as a "Cosy little Pub with style" which serves up "A pie to die for".
One reviewer said: "We found the Thackeray by accident, but we were very happy that we did, the meal was great, the staff were really friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Lovely atmosphere and dog friendly too, what more can you want!!"
Where : 635 Newport Road
5. Jashaan
If you're looking for Indian cuisine that will have you wanting to return time and again, you NEED to pay Jashaan a visit. The authentic Indian restaurant and takeaway on Crwys Road was this year awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice for 2022 - as have the aforementioned restaurants above - and has gained over 300 reviews. Its head chef Mr. Abdul Hye's aim to give customers an unforgettable culinary experience, it seems, is constantly served.
Described as having "second to none" service, its food is praised to TripAdvisor reviewers far and wide.
One, from Newbury in England, called it: "The BEST Indian Restaurant Experience Ever." He added: "WOW, what a find. My friend & I live 100 miles from Cardiff, he comes from Chipping Norton Oxfordshire, where as I come from Newbury Berkshire. We have known each other for over 30 years and meet up at least once a year at various locations around the UK. This year it was decided we would visit Cardiff. I looked at many Indian Restaurants listed on the web and chose Jashann's for our Friday evening meal. I do not believe I could have chosen a better restaurant; this was a golden moment starting from entering the restaurant."
Where : 129A Crwys Road
6. The Empire Restaurant
According to the owners, this Indian restaurant is the longest running one in the city and has constantly been recognised as one of the best in Cardiff on TripAdvisor month in, month out - earlier in the year it was rated number one. Over the years, the curry house - which specialises in north Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine and provides a fine dining experience - has been regularly recognised in many awards. This includes the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards for Wales Regional Chef of the Year, which it won in 2018, and the Bangladesh Caterers Association's Restaurant of the Year awards, which it won in 2016.
And it's no surprise as to why when most reviews present Empire with a five star review, such as this one: "Banging curry. Great curry, love staff, fast service. Chutney tray is to die for - the coconut dust will blow your socks off. We had a couple of the chefs specials and they were lovely. Food came out quickly and the atmosphere keeps us coming back."
Where : 157-159 Albany Road
7. Giardini di Sorrento Italian Restaurant
This delicious Italian restaurant on City Road promises the taste of Sorrento with recipes that have been handed down for "generations in our families" and are so good that it was named as Wales' Best Italian Restaurant at the Welsh Italian Awards 2018.
Inspired by the flavours of the Sorrento peninsula, its team of chefs, headed by Massimo and Gianni, create fresh homemade Italian pasta, sauces, and desserts that have its customers saying: "Semplicemente fantastico!"
One reviewer wrote: "How a family run Italian should be. What I look for in family run neighbourhood Italian is big portions, big flavours and moderate prices and this restaurant definitely ticks all three of these. What you have is a no frills setting and the expected organised chaos up front with a view into the open kitchen downstairs." They added: "As others have said the star of the show is definitely the homemade pasta and the very welcoming service but everything we ate was really tasty."
Where : 12 City Road
8. Mina Restaurant
This gorgeous local Lebanese restaurant was once described as the " Taste of Sunshine " and details its good food as the "cuisine of the nature".
According to Mina's website, the colourful concoctions on your plate reflect the "richness of [the] sunny landscape and its diversity reflects the goodness and the hospitality of the Lebanese people".
Serving up Mediterranean and Lebanese dishes such as Kastaletta Ghanam (marinated pieces of tender lamb cutlets), Mashwi Mwshakal (a combination of Shish Tawk, Lamb Mashwi and Mina Kofta) and stunningly presented cous cous, this quaint eatery, which isn't just made up of students but people of all ages, is "a collective of amazing people striving to build delightful Lebanese Cuisine," says its website.
One happy customer left a glowing review which read: "Came here before the pandemic and it was good then - and it still is." Another said: "Fabulous family restaurant fully deserving of the reputation."
Where : 43 Crwys Road
9. 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.
Here's what TripAdvisor reviewers had to say: "Worthy of Its Reputation. Great Evening with the Family, Stunning food (3 course) amazing hosts and quality entertainment! Could not recommend Highly enough. Thank you for a Lovely evening."
Another said: "Really amazing fun night from start to finish the staff were really lovely and helpful. The food was absolutely divine they catered for my wheat gluten and dairy allergy with out no hesitation. I had the beef Bourgignion the beef was lovely and tender. Definitely go back again and highly recommend a visit of your looking for a good night and lovely food and wine."
Where : 28 Wellfield Road
10. De Courcey's Manor
This stunning venue isn't just that of weddings, but of culinary delights too - if you're into your roasts, you need to check this place out as that's its speciality. If you don't believe us, check out these glittering reviews.
"We got married here 25 years ago, and take the opportunity to revisit whenever we can to eat there. We went for Sunday lunch on 4th December and it was outstanding. The service is attentive and friendly, and the food was delicious with good portions. Scrupulously clean everywhere, and a beautiful, classy setting. Love it!"
Another said: "Best Sunday Lunch ever great taste of home cooked food."
Where : Tyla Morris Avenue, Pentyrch
11. Honeybee House Tearoom
Described by one TripAdvisor reviewer as "A Cove of Warmth and Happiness", this tearoom is a quirky family-run vintage tea room that can be found in the suburb of Llanishen. It was formerly known as the Selah Cafe & Tearooms but changed it's name to, as stated on its Facebook, "reflect our love of local produce and natural produce. Same family, same great food, new name."
The small business, run by mother-daughter team Sue and Laura, has not just great food but a great reputation.
Some its customers have said: "So much love is put into their homemade food, and unusually for this day and age, the service was on another level. Honeybee oozes sincerity from the decor, to the food and its staff."
"I can't rate this tea room highly enough. Everything was perfect, the sandwiches were freshly prepared and the cakes were delicious. I loved the tea cosies so much im currently crocheting one for myself. A must visit if you are in the area," said another.
They've even been given the title by some reviewers as having the 'best homemade scones you have ever tried'.
Where : 38 Station Road, Llanishen
12. Revolution
This may come as an unlikely addition to the best places to eat on TripAdvisor. Known for its late night dancefloors and cocktail hours, Revolution is renowned for being a hangout for students and those seeking a stellar night out - as well as some pretty awesome cocktail making masterclasses. But it also does some pretty tasty grub; dishes include brunch (and a bottomless one at that), burgers and pizza and a pretty festive afternoon tea.
While food has received high praise, its staff and the service they provide, too, has received a hearty mentioned. Reviewers on TripAdvisor wrote: "The food was excellent and the drinks were absolutely LOVELY. The staff are all very accommodating to your tastes and will try their absolute best to give you the best experience. Couldn't give the bottomless burnch enough credit, especially our server Ella! She really was the best part of our visit."
Another said: "Delicious cocktails, food was great and service was impeccable. I highly recommend the burger with mac. Seriously dirty. It's been nominated for awards apparently. Try it." - the National Burger Awards, to be precise.
Where : 9-11 Castle Street
13. Nant Restaurant
Fancy a dish made by the chefs of tomorrow? Nant is run by Coleg y Cymoedd which moulds budding chefs and those going into the culinary and hospitality industry by the organisation's professional team. And its mouthwatering menus seem to be quite the success amongst the punters - a testament to the talent it is nurturing.
One five-star reviewer said: " I would like to thank and compliment the staff and chefs at the Nant Restuarant for a really lovely lunch today . It was one of the best meals ever and soo delicious welldone to everyone involved . Really worth a visit if you can you won’t be disappointed."
Another added: "Actually was not my choice of venues to eat but so glad I did ! Well done to the mother in law ..splendid..the food is too die for and the level of service is second to none ..I would highly recommend such a welcoming atmosphere . We are already deciding when to return!"
Where : Heol y Coleg
14. Ciliegino Restaurant
Describing themselves as the 'best Italian restaurant in Cardiff', this eatery prides itself on serving the "finest blend of Italian and Sicilian cuisine in Cardiff" in the hope to give food lovers of Wales an authentic Itlaian experience. With five different outlets in Italy, they opened their first in Wales in 2017, bringing their famous pizza - whose dough takes 48 hours to prepare before being placed in a traditional pizza oven that it says has been "partially made from the lava of Mount Etna".
With simple recipes, it says: "Our cuisine is cooked the proper Italian way" - and it's so delicious, it has punters coming back time and again.
One wrote on the reviewing platform: "A massive 10/10 !!! Amazing food, fast service and the best staff. Always enjoy, best Italian around" while a second said: "It was so amazing the experience I had yesterday. The food was delicious and me and my brothers felt like we was back in Italy, and our friend Fabio was super nice. Can’t wait to go there again!! Well done guys!!"
Where : 90 Grand Arcade, St Davids Centre
15. Pasture Cardiff
Fancy a steak? Look no further than Pasture - a steakhouse and restaurant which is all set up to put on a show with its "open kitchen showcasing charcoal grills and dry ageing cabinets displaying whole cuts of beef ready to be cut into our signature steaks".
Celebrating fire-based cooking, Pasture - which opened in 2020 - cooks its meat over coal and cherry wood for added flavour and uses only the finest Welsh produce. Steak isn't the only thing on the menu as items such as the 45-day dry-aged burger, spring lamb, fire-roasted chicken and roasted aubergine are all up for grabs too alongside a great selection of cocktails and drinks. And while booking a table at the restaurant is next to impossible - unless you book months in advance - see here for how to get a table sooner.
Here's what some customers had to say: "Came here for the festive 4-course menu (£55pp). Everything was sublime & our server (Alex) was superb. Thanks for an amazing experience!"
"Great food and ambience at Pasture last night. Even on repeat visits, I can't fault this establishment. As usual, the service was impeccable, the staff were knowledgeable, friendly and happy and the food was to die for! 10/10 to Fede and her team for maintaining an extremely high standard for all aspects of service for this very busy restaurant.. ...... Well done and thank you!"
Where : 8-10 High Street
16. Las Iguanas
A classic Cardiff city centre quick lunch or dinner time stop off. You know you'll get great food and great cocktails here, so it's understandable why this delicious restaurant has made the top 20. Prepare for an atmosphere that is always a-buzz with lively two-for-one cocktail drinkers and fajita eaters.
With various different mains options hailing from different South American countries - Mexico and Argentina, for example - a burst of flavour is what you can expect. That, and a "wicked evening", as one reviewer put.
The review reads: "We had a wicked evening, the food was gorgeous and in particular the sticky toffee pudding with coconut ice cream was perfection! Thank you to our fabulous waitress Kamilla." If you've got an allergy, too, fear not as Las Iguanas caters fabulously for those who cannot eat gluten, dairy and are vegan - among others. One customer said: "Lovely food and service by Cat! I have an allergy and she made me feel comfortable and at ease with one of the new dishes."
Where : 8 Mill Lane
17. Lezzet Turkish Kitchen
If you're after authentic Turkish cuisine, you need to pay Lezzet a visit. A restaurant that has been going for 20 years, it was founded by Mr Hakan Sir and Bulent Eroglu in 2000 and has since gone on to become a well-established and much-loved food spot for visitors and locals thanks to its "outstanding" food, "great atmosphere" and incredible staff.
One Tripadvisor review said: "I would highly recommend this restaurant! The food, staff, cleanliness, and atmosphere was 10/10." Another chimed: "Visited here a few times & every time the food and service is amazing. Ali is such a character & makes you feel so welcome. He really is a credit. Food cooked fresh & was delicious, washed down with lovely wine. Will be back soon."
Where : 106 St Mary Street
18. The Clink Restaurant
We received the devastating news earlier this year that The Clink Restaurant, run by HMP, which has been well revered for years in the Cardiff community, was closing. The charity behind the fine-dining venue based at the prison said the restaurant will shuts its doors after more than 10 years of teaching prisoners skills in both kitchen and front of house roles - it is believed the lease was not renewed. With it appearing in this strong list, it's clear to see that it is still much-loved with many people doing their best to pay the amazing restaurant a visit before it shuts at Christmas on December 16.
"Blown away by the food!" said one TripAdvisor customer, "We had a lovely evening at The Clink. The food was outstanding and the service fab! My main course, which was the sea bass and lime pickle potatoes were 10/10. Thank you all involved in a great charity restaurant." Another added: "We visited The Clink Cardiff and what a brilliant experience. The food was delicious. The service was excellent. Its such a Shame its closing. Overall an amazing night!"
Where: HMP, Knox Road
19. Cafe Citta
If this cosy, independent, family-run Italian restaurant has been on your restaurant list for a while, this is your sign to go. Run by Adriano D'Arezzo and his wife Diana, Cafe Citta is referred to by many as 'the best Italian restaurant in town' - some say in Wales - and it serves up "good rustic honest homecooking" Diana said when Wales Online spoke to her previously. She added: "We don’t pretend to be something we aren’t – we're just casual. People come in and say what a lovely atmosphere we have in the restaurant but that’s the customers making that. Some say it’s like walking into your nonna’s kitchen. It’s tiny and it’s quite a squeeze, which isn’t for everyone. But we want to keep it small and cosy."
They also serve up some of the best wood-fired pizza in the city. Don't believe us? Feast your eyes on this review: "Never really felt the need to write a Tripadvisor review before, but this place impressed me so much I felt I needed to. Went for lunch there yesterday and the food was brilliant and all the staff were awesome. I went for the pizza and can honestly say it’s up there as one of the best pizzas I’ve had in Cardiff (coming from a guy who eats a lot of pizza) I don’t know how I’ve never been here or been recommended it before but for any true authentic pizza fans I would say this place is a must!"
Where : 4 Church Street
20. Mowlana Persian Restaurant
Just ten minutes outside of the city centre, Mowlana is an authentic Persian restaurant which one of our writers has described as "Impressive, understated and charismatic – Mowlana may be somewhat isolated from its City Road rivals but it certainly justifies the journey."
Offering a divine fusion of anciet Persian and modern cooking, its kitchen serves up drool-worthy plates which transport you to Iran. Try dishes such as mirza ghasemi (grilled aubergine with garlic, onions, eggs and tomatoes), momtaz - one skewer of minced and one skewer of grilled chicken, served with rice, grilled tomato and salad - and makhsoos, which, when we tried in some years ago, was described as "tender, dissolving slowly in the mouth into a subtle and minty juice."
One customer on TripAdvisor added: "Brilliant restaurant that is very family friendly. The dishes were beautifully cooked in generous portions. It tasted amazing. Would definitely recommend their rice with barberries. Their Persian tea tasted amazing and is perfect to end the meal with their baklava and cake!"
Where: Clifton House, 2-4 Four Elms Road
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