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 4th February 2025
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.
Brother Thai brings Cardiff street food royalty to Whitchurch Street, offering big, bold flavours at prices that won't break the bank. Created by Andrew Chongsathien, this vibrant spot serves up an exciting take on Thai comfort food, with a focus on fresh, satisfying dishes and fantastic vegan options.
The star of the show? Their unique Thai Rotis - a fusion-style dish that's like a giant taco, filled with flaky paratha, Thai-inspired fillings, and a sweet crisp ajat slaw. Each bite is a perfect balance of heat, herbs, and flavour, with popular options like the sticky spicy beef or equally tasty seitan and jackfruit alternatives.
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 mac 'n' cheese, chicken schnitzel and grass-fed steaks.
While you may know Coyote Ugly better for its no holds barred partying and cracking live sports screenings, 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.
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.
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 sandwiches and a load of other gastro grub that won't put a dent in your bank balance.
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.
When it comes to affordable Italian restaurants in Cardiff, ASK has to be a top consideration. Found in the Castle Quarter, just 10 minutes from the Cardiff Castle, Principality Stadium and Cardiff Blues rugby club, it's as convenient as it is tasty. Expect the likes of burrata pancetta carbonara, creamy mushroom and truffle calzones, and indulgent tiramisu.
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 hearty burgers for under £15, alongside stone-baked pizzas, small plates and tasty brunches.
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 delicious grilled meats, there's a lot to sink your teeth into.
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.
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 juicy burgers ripe for the picking.
Taking you from brunch through to dinner, this buzzing hangout is a haven of budget-friendly dishes. Tuck into the likes of cheesy nachos, Italian-style chicken burgers and Hawaiian rice bowls, washed down with their two-for-one cocktails.
Pizza Pilgrims offers a cosy, kitschy Italian escape with pies that'll make your mouth water. For a slice of Naples in Cardiff, try their perfected margherita for just over a tenner or go bold with smoky aubergine, hot honey, and truffle toppings.
Venture down with family, friends, or even for date night and add a negroni and tiramisu for the ultimate treat.
The Cardiff Stable is an absolute staple for stunning sourdough pizzas. Whether yours is a meat-heavy slab of chorizo and salami or a vegan number topped using roasted vegetables and pine nuts, you won't be bogged down with a hefty price tag.
Honest Burgers brings its hearty comfort food to the Welsh capital. Nestled in the Church Street development, this cool chain serves up mouthwatering burgers crafted from the finest local ingredients at an affordable price.
Whether you're craving a classic homemade beef patty, a juicy fried chicken burger, or a plant-based Beyond Meat option, Honest Burgers has something to satisfy every appetite. Don't forget the crispy, signature house fries that perfectly complement each bite, and for the ultimate experience, pair your meal with one of their handpicked craft brews.
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 burgers, pies or fish and chips accompanied by all kinds of tasty tipples, from ale to wine.
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 delicious breakfast menu or fancy a cheap lunch in Cardiff, this venue has a mouthwatering range of low-cost options to boot.
For those of you seeking out affordable restaurants in Cardiff town centre, Zerodegrees is the pizza palace that's heard the call of your rumbling tum. Get stuck into European-inspired starters and saliva-inducing slices, pastas and risottos, with a side of craft beer of course.
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 ciabatta.
