Food lovers in Cardiff never have too long to wait for a new restaurant to set up shop in the city and the last six months or so have been no different. Despite tough pressures facing the industry with the cost of living crisis, a number of exciting new bars, restaurants and cafes arrived in the capital in 2022, offering a range of different cuisines and packed menus ready to be explored.
While some of these places seemed to open up almost overnight, others had plenty of hype around them before their grand opening. Popular chains such as Ivy Asia, Flight Club and Franco Manca are just some of the new arrivals in the city that had built up a cult following thanks to their other venues around the UK.
The big question, is however, do these new restaurants live up to expectations? Get the latest Food and Drink news from across Cardiff sent straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter.
As we know, the customer is (nearly) always right, and there is no shortage of people who have voiced their opinion on the city's newest offerings online. Taken from TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, here's what Cardiff foodies have to say about the latest additions to the capital.
Read more: The Welsh restaurants that celebrities love to eat in
Franco Manca
Pizza chain Franco Manca opened on the corner of Church Street in October, replacing the former Cornish Bakehouse store. The pizzeria has locations across the UK but made its first foray into Wales in the autumn, with a menu boasting the best of Neopolitan cuisine, with a range of delicious pizzas on offer alongside salads, sharing platters and desserts as well as cocktails, wines and beers. You can read our review here.
Reviewers said:
"Absolutely love this chain of pizza restaurants and so happy they've finally arrived in Cardiff! Pizza is still the excellent quality we've had before in the London based restaurants. You can't book ahead but there are a lot of tables to choose from so usually it should be fine to get one. Has a small range of cocktails, beer and wine, I had an Aperol Spritz. Service was really friendly and in good time."
"Saw this place was really popular so we tried it, staff were so friendly and attentive. Food was unbelievable and very reasonably priced! We both said it's the best pizza we've ever had! Will be going back again lots of times for sure!"
"Talk about style over substance! I’ve eaten such a dreadful pizza. They claim they cook it in under one minute, yet that’s because it comes out as a soggy, stodgy, under cooked pizza without a hint of crispness. They claim great ingredients but then use them as sparingly as possible. It might not have been so bad if it hadn’t been sitting on the pass until it was cold. We won’t be returning (ever)."
Proud Mary
Cardiff got its own 'party pub' in October as Scandinavian chain Proud Mary opened its first UK venue on the former site of Brains-owned Yard Bar & Kitchen on St Mary Street. The venue, which stays open until 2am most nights, combines the noise and fun of a German bier hall with the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional British pub, offering live music and sporting action as well as a range of food and drink options including pizzas, burgers, cocktails and huge steins of beer. You can read more about it here.
Reviewers said:
"Lovely bar with a great atmosphere (choice of music is superb). Not been here during the later hours of the night but can imagine it'd be a great place for a night out. Very close to various transport links so makes the ideal spot for a last stop on a Cardiff trip too. All in all thoroughly recommendable place."
"This bar is amazing, stunning venue!! If I could give it more than five stars I would!! The staff are amazing and have a great vibe about them and all round nice people."
"Cardiff does not need another bar like this. There are so many other places that do the job of being loud and obnoxious so much better - had major issues with a pre bought table/drinks we had purchased, and looking at the issues with management in other reviews I can see why - will not be back."
Matsudai Ramen
It started as a pop-up and mail-order venture, but Matsudai Ramen has quickly become one of the hottest spots for foodies in Cardiff after opening its first permanent home in Grangetown in August.
Such is its popularity it can be difficult to find availability at the Clare Road restaurant, but if you are lucky enough to nab a seat, you can enjoy everything from signature ramen dishes to gyoza, salads and fried chicken. There's even a dish celebrating the flavours of Caroline Street!
You can read what we thought of Matsudai Ramen when we went to try it out here.
Reviewers said:
"The food was amazing, with a couple of vegetarian/vegan options, and plenty of vegan sides available. All the food was delicious and came very quickly. The small plates (especially the karaage mushrooms) were all so good we had to order more. The service was excellent and we were well looked after, being checked on regularly and given recommendations despite how busy it was. Plenty of different options that we hadn't had before as well which was lovely. Will definitely be back!"
"I've been here twice, once during their soft-opening, and once since officially opening, and I can honestly say the food I've eaten here are the best meals I've ever had. They have plenty of vegetarian options, and the umami flavour of the vegetarian/vegan broths are unreal. I recommend Matsudai to anyone who will listen. It's a little bit off the beaten track if you're based in Cardiff centre, but the journey is absolutely worth it."
"[We had a] 40 minute wait for food. The people who came in after us [were] served before us. Mediocre ramen, staff are nice."
The Clubhouse
The nautical-themed Clubhouse has been a welcome addition to Cardiff Bay, with its eye-catching hanging kebabs a hit among diners. The relaxed venue replaced the former Salt bar in Mermaid Quay and offers views over the harbour, while the menu features pies, burgers, salads and steak as well as a range of punchy cocktails. You can read our review here.
Reviewers said:
"We had the absolute best night in the Club House. Cardiff Bay has been missing somewhere like this for years! Food was gorgeous, staff were fantastic, the atmosphere and surroundings were awesome. I’ve been there a few times and it’s always been a perfect evening. The live music element makes it the place to be, so much fun! We can’t wait to go back and already have our next table booked."
"Beautiful venue with just as good service and food. Menu suited all of our tastes. We weren’t waiting long for service even though it was very busy. Would highly recommend and will definitely return"
"Food was average and seemed to take a while to arrive. Crispy chicken burger looked reheated/refried and the buffalo gravy dip that comes with it was cold. They could do with someone permanently at the front door or a sign to tell people to wait to be seated. We watched lots of people arrive with no one to greet them."
Ivy Asia
Having opened next door to its sister restaurant The Ivy in September, Ivy Asia has wowed diners with its stunning decor and Asian-inspired menu, with an extensive sushi and sashimi selection on offer, as well as noodles, dumplings, aromatic duck and seafood dishes.
Late-night cocktails and theatrical drinks can also be found there, while DJ performances help keep diners entertained during their meals. You can read our review here.
Reviewers said:
"Wonderful restaurant with fantastic food. The service was superb, the staff were very friendly, welcoming and obliging. We were made very welcome by everyone. The food was delicious. The restaurant itself is clean and beautiful, lots of interesting decor to look at. I highly recommend this for a special occasion."
"Spectacular venue. The ambience is spot on, the service was exceptional and the food was absolutely perfect. Highlight would be the wagyu beef rolls and the duck and lobster fried rice."
"We were rushed, the mains were on the table before we finished our starters. We had to give up eating the starters to make room for the mains. Some of the food was very nice but some was no better than a backstreet Chinese takeaway and it was VERY expensive. I will not be going there again."
Eat The Bird
Chicken joint Eat the Bird opened its third ever restaurant on the former site of Grazing Shed in the autumn. After enjoying success in Exeter and Taunton, it brought its outrageously dirty fried chicken burgers to St Mary Street, with wings, chicken tenders, loaded fries and dirty mac'n'cheese all on the menu. You can read our review here.
Reviewers said:
"The staff were super friendly and gave us excellent service and recommendations. The food was excellent. The chicken was juicy and the fries were crispy and hot. Their draft beer was also very good. Highly recommend for any chicken/burger lovers!"
"Eaten here twice. Staff lovely and friendly. Very accommodating. The chicken is to die for! I had ‘the furlough’ and had it in a wrap instead which was lovely. Chicken so crispy, tasty and flavoursome. Chips are very nice, a little too salty for me but I ask for without salt now and they are perfect. Milkshakes are amazing, nice and thick and sweet. 10/10 recommend!"
"The waiting staff were very friendly and accommodating but that's where the good news ends. When the food came out we quickly realised that the fries weren't hot and they had no seasoning. The waitress was great and got us some new ones which were hot but still had no seasoning. I then realised that the burger I had been served was not the one I had ordered. So that went back to the kitchen and the right one was brought out pretty quickly. Unfortunately, neither my or my partner's burger had a great deal of flavour and they were both dry."
Flight Club
'Social darts' bar Flight Club opened its first Welsh venue on St Mary Street in October. The bar's unique concept sees the classic pub game given a "supercharged" modern makeover, with a number of different games and challenges available to play in large groups.
For those not interested in darts, however, the cosy bar also has a range of tasty food and drink on offer, including paddleboard pizzas and show-stopping cocktails. You can read more about it here.
Reviewers said:
"Great service, delicious food, excellent décor and dart boards! .... Oh and very nice, cosy and warm! This is going to become my go to place to hang out during the winter! The portions are also great! My friend and I were stuffed!"
"Great first time at Flight Club! Booking online beforehand was so easy. Great atmosphere inside and lots of space. Service at the bar was speedy before going to the oche to play. So many fun games to play and can be played as many times as you want/ can within your time. We pre-ordered drinks & food, service was great. Such a good time!
"Awful service and bar staff. Slow and unresponsive. Cared more about themselves and their mates than anyone else. Music was fab."
Fowl and Fury
After starting life as a pop-up in Sticky Fingers Street Food in Roath, this Nashville fried chicken restaurant has been a huge hit since opening its first permanent home in neighbouring Cathays. With everything from burgers, wings, fries and loaded mac 'n' cheese on the menu, their chicken packs a punch, with six spice levels ranging from 'country' to 'fury', which can be a challenge even for hardcore spice lovers. You can read our review here.
Reviewers said:
"Best fried chicken I've ever had. So crispy and moist and so, so hot. I braved the medium despite the (correct) warning that it would slap, and it was seriously hot. If you're anything other than a chilli heat obsessive then don't even think about starting above mild. Crinkle fries, toast and pickles all impeccable. Can't wait to go back and try everything off the menu. Eat in if you can, it's fun to see people sweating and loving it."
"This place is simply amazing. You will not be disappointed by the food. I can guarantee it. Same consistent goodness every damn time. Great portion sizes and very much value for money. I love my spice and can confirm that the fury does the business. But if you're not into spice, the mild options are just as tasty! The staff here are so friendly and helpful too. Basically, the go to place in Cardiff for chicken. That simple really."
"Great service, lovely people serving and cooking. Feel the menu could of had a few more items would love to see spicy wings and maybe milkshakes, but overall great chicken and the spice level was insane."
Fido
Dog-friendly cafe Fido took over the long-standing Kemi's on Pontcanna's Kings Road after the business owner decided it was time to move on. Offering breakfast and lunch options, as well as coffee and cake, the cafe also sells dog toys, leads and other treats while its menu also features special coffees, cakes, donuts and biscuits for four-legged friends.
Reviewers said:
"I’ve visited Fido on several occasions with both friends and furry friends. The staff have always been attentive and ensure that our dog has lots of fuss and treats. The cake selection is gorgeous and the breakfasts are very tasty. We will definitely be returning."
"The service at Fido is always excellent and the staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They were obviously very short staffed today and so busy, but still absolutely smashing it with their friendly, attentive service (despite a few rude, entitled customers). Shout out to the always great vegan cakes. Want to eat that sticky date loaf every day for the rest of the year."
"We ordered their £8 Fido breakfast at the counter. Upon arrival, we found the quality fell extremely short of our expectation. It was disappointing to find the toast and floppy tomato burnt, the single poached egg overcooked together with lukewarm beans and bacon. In addition, cups and plates had an unpleasant smell. This is one of the poorest breakfast experiences we've had in the city. On the plus side, the cakes selection displayed looked good so may be worth trying and to avoid their cooked breakfast in future."
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