Our city is home to all kinds of affordable places to eat - and who doesn't love snapping up a bargain? So that you can get your bang for your buck, we've compiled a list of Cardiff's cheap restaurants. From relaxed pizza joints slinging out signature slices to bars with snazzy small plates and gorgeous Indian hideouts, here's where to dine out without coughing up an arm and a leg.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 29th December 2023
The Eli Jenkins is one of the most affordable Cardiff Bay restaurants going, showcasing a vibrant bar atmosphere and a sprawling outdoor area. As for the menu? Think steak and Guinness pie, katsu chicken curry and mixed grilled platters.
Dive into Indian comfort food at one of the best restaurants in Cardiff. Mowgli is adorned with glowing lights, indoor trees and hanging birdcages, making it a stunning space for chomping on fiery curries and unique cocktails.
Combining good ol' Australian hospitality with lots of tasty tucker, this city centre bar is blowing it out of the water. At Walkabout, you can find lots of dishes for under a tenner, with crowd-pleasers like hot wings and build-your-own burgers ripe for the picking.
As well as all sorts of gaming including roulette, blackjack and electronic slots, Grosvenor Casino in Cardiff is home to some great low-cost eats. Think chicken wings, Korean barbecue noodles, three bean chilli and plenty of juicy burgers, both meat and plant-based.
Classic pub grub is the name of the game over at Brewhouse & Kitchen, cooking up some of the best Cardiff cheap eats around. While the bargain Sunday roasts always pull in the crowds, there's also risotto, sticky ribs and a moreish Moroccan lamb stew.
A cosy and casual pub, Henry's is a lovely location to get stuck into the best lunch deals in Cardiff city centre. Fill your boots with homely comfort foods, like steak and venison pie, or for under a tenner, enjoy a hand-battered fish goujon sandwich in a soft, white bloomer.
For those of you seeking out affordable restaurants in Cardiff town centre, Zerodegrees is the pizza palace that's heard the call of your rumblin' tum. Get stuck into European-inspired starters and saliva-inducing slices, pastas and risottos, with a side of craft beer of course.
While you may know Coyote Ugly better for its no holds barred partying and cracking karaoke nights, it also rustles up a mighty menu of US-style bites. Chow down on towering burgers, perfectly prepared pizzas and fully loaded fries at some seriously cheap prices.
Stave off those cravings for the best pub food in Cardiff with a trip to Cathays fave, Old Market Tavern. There's more purse-friendly munch than you can shake a stick at, such as gourmet burgers for as little as £8.25 and cheap stone-baked pizzas, plus hearty British classics too.
Sporting slinky interiors and a gorgeous alfresco terrace, Peppermint is a popular plot to wet the whistle. But did you know that it's also one of the most affordable restaurants in Cardiff city centre? Whether you fancy burgers and pizzas or delish grilled meats, there's a lot to sink your teeth into.
Although known for its music nights, The Live Lounge also has a delicious range of eats that won't break the bank. Whether you're taking advantage of the two all-day breakfasts for £14 or fancy a cheap lunch in Cardiff, this venue has a mouthwatering range of low-cost options to boot.
In search of 2-for-1 meals in Cardiff? BrewDog slings out all manner of wallet-friendly meals, from burgers and wings to healthy salad bowls. But on Mondays, it also offers two for the price of one on all of its vegan and veggie mains - perfect for dinners with pals.
Taking you from brunch through to dinner, this buzzing hangout is a haven of budget-friendly dishes. Head down Monday 'til Friday between midday and 4pm to bag a sandwich and a burger with a soft drink for just £7. With deals like this, there's no wonder Slug and Lettuce is so popular.
A warm, cosy boozer, Church Inn Llanishen is a fantastic pub for not just wetting the whistle, but enjoying some top-notch affordable food too. Chow down on lasagne, pies or fish and chips accompanied by all kinds of tasty tipples, from ale to wine.
Beautifully decorated, with panelled walls, hanging plants and ambient lighting, The Pontcanna really is a lush watering hole. Even better, the menu brings together small plates, sourdough sarnies and a load of other gastro grub that won't put a dent in your bank balance.
There's no denying that The Philharmonic is one of the city's most-loved venues, with brilliant late-night parties and an extensive drinks list. The food menu is also an absolute game changer, offering a full Welsh brekkie for £9.95, a smoked bacon toasted muffin for £4.95 and a special £12 burger and drink deal on Mondays.
One spot that's always a winner when it comes to non-pricey dishes is YO! Cardiff St David's. Bringing us a colourful conveyor belt of sushi and a wholesome menu of Japanese delights, it's ideal for those who want to treat themselves without going over their budget.
The Cardiff Stable is an absolute staple for stunning sourdough pizzas. Whether yours is a meat-heavy slab of marinated rump steak and roast onions or a vegan number topped using plant-based chicken and edamame beans, you won't be bogged down with a hefty price tag.
