allow ’s be honest : Cardiff is n’t exactly known as a foodie mecca ( although the near - constant rain does offer some excellent ground for growing green groceries ) . That said , some local restaurants have start to up their biz over the last few years , finding a spot among the cafes and mum - and - pop shops to feed the British people looking for an escape . From an impossibly cheese - filled delicatessen to a crowdsourced brunch cafe , these are the greatest spots to eat in the Welsh capital .
< h2 > respectable guilt trip - detached meal : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / anna - loka" ; target="_blank”>Anna - Loka
< em > PlassnewyddThe Indian - cheer menu here is full of flavorful options even die - punishing carnivores will love , from the Cali breakfast with homemade vegan sausage , smoky tempeh rashers , and avocado , to the key signature beefburger made from an ancient japanese seitan recipe . Most of the food can get along gluten - free as well , so you may mark that boxwood while you stuff your face with one of the surprisingly perfect dessert .
Owen Mathias/The Potted Pig
< h2 > comfortably authentic Italian : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / casanova" ; target="_blank”>Casanova
< em > Castle QuarterStarted by three friends back in 2005 , this bi - level spot goes for expectant flavors good manners of its homemade pasta and risottos , as well as heart and fish sourced from the nearby Cardiff Market . Yes , the interior decoration ’s been continue round-eyed , but that ’s not really why you ’re here – no , you ’re here for the Welsh dear ragu and fond , Tuscan - style knock pork .
< h2 > Best casual brunch : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / the - early - bird - cf24 - 4eb" ; target="_blank”>The Early Bird
The Early Bird
< em > CathaysChef Ceri Johnston develop at a local bakehouse before release to the proficient will of friends , mob , and even the populace at declamatory to give Cardiff ’s first crowdfunded coffeehouse , which now serve home - bake bread & amp ; pastry , house - roasted java , and a brunch well deserving getting out of layer for . The French goner choice alone is worth the head trip , with other to - die - for option admit the Army of the Righteous ’s Get Ready to decay : poached apple , plum & amp ; ginger compote with a crunchy crumble topping .
< h2 > Best afternoon tea selection: <a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locale / waterloo - gardens - teahouse - cf23 - 5aa" ; target="_blank”>Waterloo Gardens Teahouse
< em > PenylanIn metropolis where it rains more than half the time , it ’s important to find little air pocket of warmheartedness along the means to keep you going . This coffee shop is the kind of piazza where you ’ll discontinue in for a cuppa and bump yourself with a full pot of a novel dearie , plus lunch , pastries , and believably a distich novel friends a few hour later . The selection of tea is truly staggering , so take the time to read through the whole list , and require fortune of questions from the first-rate - informative staff .
Courtesy of Waterloo Tea
< h2 > Best deli : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / madame - fromage - cf10 - 1" ; target="_blank”>Madame Fromage
< em > Castle QuarterLocated in the Cardiff Arcades , this temple of dairy done right offer over 150 different cheeses in various forms , whether it ’s the goat cheese and pesto tart , Caerphilly high mallow with bread as a side to soup , or just straight Pant Mawr on a plate . The slightly disorderly atmosphere , coupled with the fact that it only seats 45 , means it ’s a routine of an experience – just be patient , and recollect the scrumptiously cheesy reason you come .
< h2 > dependable posh Indian : < a href=“https://www.thrillist.com / locus / violet - poppadom - cf11 - 9aj" ; target="_blank”>Purple Poppadom
Purple Poppadom
< em > RiversideThis elevated Indian spot was designed by chef Anand George , who took home the Tiffin Cup from the House of Commons for UK ’s Best Indian , serve deconstructed dish aerial with hatful of drizzles and smears . Try the Nawabi Gallus gallus terminate in a tandoor , marinated with creamy cheese , cardamom , and mace , and do with a makhani sauce and a surprising mint sorbet .
< h2 > Best pizza : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / locus / coffee bar - citta - cf10 - 1bg" ; target="_blank”>Cafe Citta
< em > Castle QuarterThis micro - restaurant pucker in the shadow of the castling is one of those delimitation - mythic smudge that sits in a touristed area yet still manages to produce great homestyle food . While the menu is filled with Italian treats , it ’s the freshly made pizzas that keep the crew coming in , with dough made day-to-day and flash - cooked in the wood - fired oven to order , creating a thin crust that ’s a perfect fomite for inspire all those toothsome toppings . The Citta , with Parma ham , rocket , and Parmesan , is light enough to leave way for some indulgent afters , like the traditional tiramisu . & nbsp ;
Owen Mathias/The Potted Pig
< h2 > Best Chinese : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / cn - cf2 - 4 - 3" ; target="_blank”>.cn
< em > RoathThis modern , northern - trend eating place has become a destination for those in need of a dumpling fix , but there ’s more than those little parcels of joy hide out on the bill of fare here . The hot pot is a no - brainer for those who like to get hand - on with their food , and there ’s also an array of less predictable dishes like pig ’s gob , trotter , and lungs for when you want to go off the exhaust path .
< h2 > Best cheap curry : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / dorothys - Pisces the Fishes - taproom - cf10 - 1ff" ; target="_blank”>Dorothy’s
Bar 44
< em > City CenterEvery now and then ( and especially when you ’re several pints in ) , the only affair that ’ll fulfill is a proper curry served over check . Located on Caroline St , Dorothy ’s has a devout following that visits regularly for the cheap price point and monumental portions – you ’ve got to try the wimp curry at least once .
< h2 > near British menu : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / the - potted - pig - cf10 - 1" ; target="_blank”>The Potted Pig
< em > Castle QuarterHoused in reconditioned cant vaults , this wizardly , meat - centric eatery serves up classic British comfort solid food , with all the expected dishes like Devonshire crab with mayonnaise and pork belly served with pig ’s drumhead croquette , carrot & amp ; swede mash , savoy cabbage , and a mustard cream .
< h2 > estimable tapas : < a href=“http://www.thrillist.com / venues / bar-44 - cf10 - 1dd" ; target="_blank”>Bar 44
< em > Castle QuarterArched brick roof , an undetermined kitchen , and red leather banquettes make this billet experience more like it should be under the streets of some old Spanish town instead of in this Welsh metropolis . The menu is huge , with everything from made - to - order tortilla to hand - carved jamon , mackerel escabeche , and croquetas ( and much more ) . The drinks follow courting with an exclusively Spanish vino list , plus over 30 gins for a whole G&T card served in classic electric light glasses with specialized garnishes.<a class=“vortex - undecided " data - campaign=“5708 " href=“https://signup.thrillist.com/" ; target="_blank”>Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email , and get your fix of the good in food / boozing / fun.
