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 updated on 15th February 2023
One spot that's always a winner when it comes to affordable dishes is YO! Cardiff St David's. Bringing us a colourful conveyer 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.
Ideal for relaxed date nights and catch-ups with mates, Grand Bar and Kitchen's menu of small plates is enough to make any mouth water. Order three for £13 and tantalise your taste buds with Atlantic scallops, truffle and parmesan fries, plus homemade Scotch eggs.
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 roasts for £9.95, full-blown breakfasts at £5.45 and special £10 dinner and a drink deals.
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.
For those of you seeking out cheap places to eat in Cardiff city 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.
In search of 2 for 1 restaurants in Cardiff city centre? 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.
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.
A warm, cosy boozer, Church Inn Llanishen is a fantastic pub for not just wetting the whistle, but enjoying some top-notch affordable food. Chow down on lasagne, pies or fish and chips accompanied by all kinds of tasty tipples, from ale to wine.
A cosy and casual pub, Henry's is a lovely location to get stuck into the best cheap eats in Cardiff city centre. Fill your boots with homely comfort foods, like a rich, saucy lasagne, a mouthwatering pie of the day and a powerful chicken tikka masala.
Dive into Indian comfort food at one of the best restaurants in Cardiff city centre. Mowgli is adorned with glowing lights, indoor trees and hanging birdcages, making it a stunning space for chomping on fiery curries and unique cocktails.
Taking you all the way from brunch through to dinner, this buzzing hangout is a haven of affordable fare. Whipping up elevated pub classics, like goat's cheese lasagne and grilled seabass, as well as burgers, salads and sharing plates, there's a reason why Slug and Lettuce is so popular.
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.
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 affordable Sunday roasts always pull in the crowds, there's also risotto, sticky ribs and a moreish Moroccan lamb stew.
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.
The Woodville is one of the most affordable places to eat in Cardiff, with an electric menu that's got something for everyone. Karaage-coated chicken tacos? Halloumi skewers? Fish and chips? Whatever you fancy, this joint has got the goods to keep you well and truly stuffed.
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 £5.75 and pizzas from £7.25, plus hearty British classics too.
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.
Combining good ol' Australian hospitality with lots of tasty tucker, this city centre bar is blowing it out of the water. No dish at Walkabout tops the £10 mark, with crowd-pleasers like Thai red curry, spicy nduja nachos and build-your-own burgers ripe for the picking.
