Where to Eat in Cardiff When You’re Visiting E&W

Our Top 14 Spots to Wine, Dine, and Decompress After Dress Shopping

Booked an appointment at our studio? First of all, excellent choice. Second? You’re going to want to fuel up before or celebrate after. Whether you're visiting Cardiff for the day or making a weekend of it, here’s our ultimate guide to eating well (and vibing even better) while you’re here.

We’ve hand-picked 15 of our favourite independent food spots - from Michelin-starred tasting menus to low-key street food and everything in between. Vegan? Gluten-free? Want something quick or tasting-menu boujee? We’ve got you.

1. Bacareto – City Centre

££ | Walk: 3 mins
Venetian-inspired small plates, great wine and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. The menu changes regularly, and they cater well for most dietary needs. It’s dog-friendly too (yes, bring the pup). Book ahead for weekends - it gets busy.

Best for: relaxed dinner, veggie & vegan-friendly, wine lovers

2. Matsudai Ramen – Clare Rd, just outside the centre

££ | Walk: 18 mins | Taxi: 6 mins
This isn’t just “good for Cardiff” - it’s UK-famous ramen. Rich broths, proper noodles, slow-cooked toppings. The vegan options are equally mouth watering.

Best for: noodle fans, casual dinner, gluten-aware, vegan options

3. Hiraeth – Canton

£££ | Walk: 36 mins | Taxi: 7-10 mins
Small, seasonal and super special. This tasting menu-only spot is all about Welsh produce and natural wine. Let them know any dietary needs ahead of time and they’ll adapt.

Best for: date night, foodies, gluten-free friendly, tasting menu

4. Heaneys & Uisce – Pontcanna

£££ | Walk: 22 mins | Taxi: 7 mins
Heaneys does an A La Carte or full tasting menu - serious food with a cool atmosphere. Next door, Uisce brings oysters and cocktails. Do both if you can!

Best for: group dinner, cocktail nights, all night experience.

5. Asador 44 – City Centre

£££ | Walk: 3 mins
A Spanish grill with Welsh produce and Spanish interiors. Think chargrilled meats, fresh seafood, and a banging wine list.

Best for: romantic dinner, big eats, stylish interiors

6. Gorse – Pontcanna

£££ | Walk: 22 mins | Taxi: 8 mins
A Michelin-starred spot hidden in plain sight. Minimal space, maximum flavour. Their modern Welsh tasting menu is intimate and perfect for special occasions. Dietary needs? Just let them know.

Best for: food purists, special occasions, vegetarians with notice

7. Bar 44 – Westgate Street, City Centre

££ | Walk: 3 mins
Bustling Spanish tapas bar with natural wine, buzzing energy and loads of veggie options. Easy to share, fun for groups, great for picky eaters too.

Best for: groups, sharing plates, wine lovers

8. La Pantera – City Centre

££ | Walk: 3 mins | Taxi: not needed
Bold tacos, big flavours and neon lights. This is not your average taco joint - it’s maximalist, natural wine-fuelled fun. Plenty of veggie and GF-friendly options.

Best for: something casual, cocktails + tacos, gluten-free pals

9. Ember – Pontcanna

£££ | Walk: 22 mins | Taxi: 8 mins
Wood-fired small plates and a thoughtful wine list. Creative cooking in a laid-back setting - ideal if you want something chilled but refined.

Best for: low-key but elevated, pescatarian-friendly, date night

10. Sticky Fingers – Roath

£ | Walk: 27 mins | Taxi: 12 mins
A collection of rotating street food vendors, good cocktails and an indoor/outdoor space perfect for messy fingers and relaxed vibes. Great for groups and dietary options vary by vendor.

Best for: casual vibes, fast food with flavour, gluten-free & vegan options vary

11. Calabrisella – Canton

££ | Walk: 18 mins | Taxi: 6 mins
Proper Italian food cooked with passion. No frills, just pizza, pasta, and vibes. Vegan options are available, and they’ll cater for allergies if you ask.

Best for: carb loading, family-style meals, affordable eats

12. Café Cita – City Centre

£ | Walk: 3 mins | Taxi: not needed
Tucked away but well worth finding - this little café serves up wholesome family Italian dinners. We used to reside above here, so trust us when we say how good it is. Book if you can - there are limited tables.

Best for: family dinner, authentic vibes, supporting small

13. Vegetarian Food Studio (VFS) – Penarth Road

££ | Walk: 15 mins | Taxi: 6 mins
Legendary for a reason. South Indian thalis, street food, and Gujarati snacks - all vegetarian, many vegan and gluten-free. Family-run and full of soul.

Best for: authentic Indian food, vegan feasts, spice without the fuss

14. Brother Thai – Whitchurch Road

££ | Walk: 39 mins | Taxi: 10–12 mins
Known for their sticky beef roti, but honestly? Everything on the menu hits. They pop up at markets and festivals - check Instagram for locations and times. Vegan options available and delicious.

Best for: Thai cravings, takeaway or casual street food

Final Tips

Booking? Always book ahead for anything tasting menu or dinner-based, weekends in Cardiff get booked fast.
Dietary needs? Most of these places cater for vegan, veggie, and gluten-free diets but always check ahead if you have allergies or serious restrictions.
Coming with friends or your partner? Many of these are great for groups and yes, several are dog-friendly. (You know we love that.)

TL;DR – Our Top Picks by Mood:

Best for a fancy celebration: Gorse, Heaneys, Hiraeth
Best for wine and small plates: Bacareto, Ember, Bar 44
Best for veggies & vegans: VFS, Matsudai (vegan ramen is 🔥)
Best for something different: La Pantera, Brother Thai, Sticky Fingers