Cardiff Restaurant Guide

Opened in 2005 by three Italian amici, this “very friendly” outfit features a seasonal, purposefully not extensive menu that “uses a lot of authentic Italian produce” (though arguably “it’s actually more Sicilian” in result); while “not cheap”, the victuals are “really good” by all accounts.

“Very popular (but consequently sometimes very noisy)” city-centre Spaniard, part of a local chain (which now extends to Bristol), that wins praise for its “top tapas” and wide selection of wines and sherries. On the downside, some reporters “prefer the Cowbridge original”.

Chef Tommy Heaney, from Great British Menu, moved from the Great House hotel in Bridgend in October 2018 to open his own project in Pontcanna, on a well-known site that’s hosted Arbennig and Le Gallois in their day (both now RIP). Serving a variety of small plates, plus various other menus (including vegan and vegetarian options) , fans have immediately hailed it as “Cardiff’s best” – it would have scored even higher were it not for the odd ‘off’ report.

2018 Review: Away from the main Cardiff Bay sprawl, this charismatic indie café and bakery is worth seeking out for its “great hearty food in a really friendly atmosphere”; cooked breakfasts and moreish cakes are a particular forte.

2017 Review: “Still a lovely place to go to”, a jovial countryside pub-restaurant and farm shop where “the à la carte is a bit on the expensive side, but the specials are worth it”; “service is extremely good and you get the feeling that diners are regulars”.

“South Indian heaven” awaits in the unlikely setting of Cardiff at this, the original of a regional mini-chain – “full of a lively crowd reflecting the academic community around the nearby university”; its “interesting and unusual menu” focuses on seafood, and “pleases the entire family – rare!”

2018 Review: John & Ceri Cook’s buzzy contemporary bistro in Pontcanna garners praise for its “excellent food and service” and “lovely atmosphere” too; however, perhaps owing to the site’s pedigree – it was for many years Le Gallois (RIP) – the odd reporter was “expecting a more interesting menu”.

2019 Review: Royal Arcade icon with a bursting deli on the ground floor and a first-floor Viennese café turning out an “amazing selection of coffees, open sandwiches and cakes”.