The hospitality industry has had quite the rollercoaster of a year with much-loved restaurants being forced to close due to the cost of living crisis, energy bills soaring, staffing issues and more. However, with that sadness, comes a brand new wave of restaurants that have opened in the centre and surrounding areas who have thrived despite the obstacles in place.
While new restaurants have popped up and enticed foodies from all over, some much-loved staples in the Cardiff food scene have remained, continued to flourish and grow on their already established patch.
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 board with new places to try.
Read more: The 50 best restaurants in Wales in 2023
In the last year, we've seen restaurants from the capital city celebrate entries in the Observer Food Monthly Awards and Good Food Guide as well as the Michelin Guide. So now, when it comes to eating out in the city, we are simply spoilt for choice - too much delicious choice! Check out our guide to the city centre's eateries here.
So, to make your next meal out in Cardiff that little bit easier, in no particular order, we've rounded up 50 of best restaurants in Cardiff in 2023 that you must try.
1. 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.
If you're fancying some small plates, too, that are of the same standard as Pasture, book in to Parallel by Pasture just next door after it's opening date on March 7.
Sample dish: The sharing Tomahawk steak, grilled on the bone for maximum flavour
Where: 8-10 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1BB
2. 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.
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, Cardiff CF24 3PE
3. Heaney’s
Chef-owner Tommy Heaney has become known around the UK since appearing on Great British Menu and the cooking at his Pontcanna restaurant is some of the finest in the city.
Focusing on precisely cooked fish and barbecued meat, its laid back atmosphere and big selection of wine by the glass and cocktails make it a fun destination for any occasion.
Sample dish: Barbecued lamb with asparagus, seaweed puree and yoghurt
Where: 6-10 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9NR
Just next door lies Tommy's wine and oyster bar, Uisce. A dinky destination that is bolted onto the side of his headline restaurant - but don’t let that deceive you, there’s a huge amount of effort which goes into their menu of small plates from spiced lamb skewers with green sauce to crispy cod with brown butter hollandaise.
Sample dish: Ox crumpet with sauce gribiche and brown shrimp salad
Where: 4 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9NR
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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.
While his first headline restaurant Cora has relocated to Duke Street Arcade - and will be opening in the next few weeks or so to continue serving up modern flavour-packed cooking, free from gimmicks - his second venture, a seafood and wine bar named Jackson's - after his son - has just opened and is already proving a hit.
Sample dish: Freshly shucked oysters from Pembrokeshire or Colchester served with citrus and condiments
Where: 83 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HS
9. 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
10. 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.
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
11. 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
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. Milkwood
Having recently been added to the Good Food Guide for 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, small plates on Fridays and Saturday nights - perfectly paired with one of their wines, cocktails or beers.
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
18. 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
19. Kindle
With an emphasis on sustainability and seasonal small plates, Kindle is located in the grounds of a former park warden's house in Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.
Everything is cooked over fire, whether it’s grilled or smoked, and they serve an interesting range of natural wines by the glass too.
Sample dish: Bream and squid tempura with squid ink mayonnaise and a pickled egg
Where: Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9SZ
20. Bully's
Bully’s originally opened in Llandaff over 20 years ago before moving to Pontcanna in 2009, making it one of the most long-standing and well-respected restaurants in Cardiff.
This 2014-15 AA Wales Restaurant of the Year, and 2022 British Restaurant Awards nominee, continues to steadfastly go about its business of serving refined French food accompanied by a good selection of wines.
Sample dish: Risotto Milanese with Lamb rump, babaganoush and pickled pink onion
Where: 5 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9NP
21. Sen BBQ
It may look like a late-night kebab shop takeaway, but there's so much more to this Turkish restaurant, which has a strong following in west Cardiff.
There’s a snug seating area in the back behind the takeaway where you can enjoy a broad range of kebabs from shawarma and shish to lamb chops and BBQ quail. Or if you want the lot, you can just get a platter to share. It’s BYOB too so don’t forget to bring your favourite bottle of beer or wine.
Sample dish: Mixed shish with salad, rice and homemade bread
Where: 146 Cowbridge Rd East, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9ND
22. 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
23. Scaramantica
Headed up by pizza guru Tony Frawley, Roath’s Scaramantica serves excellent Neapolitan pizzas. Their wood-fired oven belches out beautifully blistered pizzas with both classic and more creative flavour combinations.
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
24. The Happy Gathering
This Chinese restaurant opened over 30 years ago and it’s still just as popular as ever.
On a Sunday afternoon there’s nowhere quite like it, with its bustling dining room full of families and friends enjoying bamboo baskets of steamed dumplings, platters of roast meats and pots of fragrant tea.
Sample dish: Baked roast pork buns (only available on Sunday) and prawn rice noodle rolls
Where: 233 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AL
25. 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
26. 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
27. 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
28. 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
29. The Brass Beetle
Pizza and cocktails might be a common sight at many Cardiff restaurants, but The Brass Beetle well caters for gluten-free and vegan pizza lovers and has been doing so since they opened. Their pizza toppings are combinations that make you do a double-take. Think nduja, black pudding, hot honey and crispy chilli oil - what a combo.
Sample dish: Pizza topped with pepperoni, jalapenos, goats cheese, hot honey and mozzarella.
Where: 11-13 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3JN
30. 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: Lamb annd mint pesto cicheti
Where: 13 Church Street, Cardiff CF10 1BG
31. Vivo Amigo
With its Indo-Mexican fusion food, there’s nowhere else in Cardiff quite like Vivo Amigo.
However, it’s not as strange as it sounds. Deliciously fun flavour combinations on offer include smoked pulled beef madras burritos, paneer bhurji empanadas and kerala beef pepper fry quesadillas.
Sample dish: Amritsari fish tacos
Where: 138 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3LZ
32. 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
33. 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 has just received a mention in the Michelin Guide.
Sample dish: Beef Wellington with 21-day-aged Welsh reared beef fillet and perigourdine sauce
Where: Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1DA
34. 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
35. 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
36. The Dough Thrower
Cardiff’s pizza game is strong and the Dough Thrower opposite Victoria Park serves some fine examples.
There’s classic pizza toppings available as well as more experimental flavours such as the "Flaming Goat" that comes with tomato, mozzarella, roquito peppers, goats cheese and a drizzle of Welsh chilli honey.
Sample Dish: Los Pollos Americanos pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella, premium American pepperoni, smoked chicken and caramelised red onion
Where: 591 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff CF5 1BE
37. Don Don Yatai
Cardiff’s newest Japanese restaurant, Don Don Yatai is located on Cowbridge Road West, an area otherwise not known for its independent restaurants.
Rice bowls with Japanese fried chicken, braised shin of beef or katsu pork, ramen, and gyoza 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
38. 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
39. Sopra 73
Another recent addition to Cardiff’s dining scene, Sopra 73 serves classic French and Italian cooking prepared with Welsh and British ingredients.
Head chef Padrig Jones previously worked at and co-owned Le Gallois in Pontcanna, one of the most highly-regarded fine dining restaurants in Cardiff during the '90s and noughties. At Sopra 73 he’s rustling up recipes he’s honed throughout his career.
Sample dish: Welsh coast wild sea bass and puttanesca sauce
Where: 73b Merthyr Road, Whitchurch Village, Cardiff CF14 1DD
40. 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
Where: 115-117 Penarth Rd, Cardiff CF11 6JU
41. 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
42. 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
43. Curry Hut
Previously operating as a takeaway at the back of a Cathays convenience store, Curry Hut was recently refurbished into a fully fledged Sri Lankan restaurant.
If you're looking for cracking value and fiery Sri Lankan food in Cardiff then this is the place to come.
Sample dish: Devil paneer - golden crusted cubes of paneer with peppers and onions in a sweet and savoury sauce with a good punch of chilli.
Where: 96 Salisbury Road, Cardiff CF24 4AE
44. Mint and Mustard
When it opened on Whitchurch Road in 2007, Mint and Mustard pioneered the new wave of high end southern Indian cuisine in Cardiff. It now has a second restaurant in Penarth.
Their menu leans heavily on the fish, coconut and curry leaf packed cuisine of Kerala and the flavours most certainly don’t disappoint.
Sample dish: Alleppey swordfish curry with ginger and coconut
Where: 134 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3LZ
45. 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. Its cauliflower version is equally as delicious
Where: 99 Wyeverne Road, Cardiff CF24 3BZ
46. 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
47. Kimchi
Dinner at Kimchi, a Korean restaurant on Cowbridge Road East, is always a fun and interactive experience. One of their specialities is Korean BBQ, where you cook a selection of marinated meats and vegetables over a hot plate located in the middle of your table. Other big-flavoured Korean dishes include stone mixed rice (dolsot bibimbap) and Korean fried chicken.
Sample dish: BBQ beef bulgogi
Where: 72 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9DU
48. 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
49. Anna Loka
When it opened in 2015, Anna Loka billed itself as Cardiff’s first 100% vegan restaurant and despite a change in ownership since, they still receive excellent reviews. In 2022, it also was named as Vegan Restaurant of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards.
Anna-Loka serves vegan alternatives to classic dishes including their tofish and chips, ultimate burger and crispy tofu with Peking sauce and has options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It even does a special Monday menu.
Sample dish: Ultimate Burger - Beetroot, cashew and red lentil patty stacked in between two onion rings, jalapeños, tomato, lettuce, gherkins, garlic mayo & sweet chilli sauce, served with a choice of triple cooked chips or sweet potato fries
Where: 114 Albany Road, Cardiff CF24 3RU
50. 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
1Where: 25 Station Road, Llandaff North and 24 Wellfield Road, Roath
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