Cardiff has a treasure trove of fantastic restaurants, thanks to its rich cultural diversity and some of the best produce in the UK right at its doorstep. The city's dining scene is also ever-growing, constantly bringing us hot new openings to check out. So if you're looking for up-and-coming places to eat? Have a gander at our guide below.
From venues led by famous, award-winning chefs to cool independent debuts and those with their eyes on a Michelin star, here are the best new restaurants in Cardiff for 2025 that you need to have on your radar.
Hot New Restaurants In Cardiff 2026
Thomas The Brasserie & Lofft
When: 12th January 2026
Address: Pontcanna
Tom Simmons is set to relaunch his Pontcanna restaurant as Thomas The Brasserie in January 2026, giving the former fine-dining spot a more relaxed, neighbourhood-friendly vibe. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the brasserie will focus on honest, seasonal Welsh cooking with daily specials alongside comforting staples like Friday fish and chips and a classic Sunday roast. The idea is to offer high-quality, locally sourced dishes without the formality or high prices of a traditional tasting-menu restaurant, making it the perfect spot for both casual midweek dinners and celebratory meals.
Upstairs, a new chef’s table concept called Lofft will launch on the 14th of February 2026, offering an intimate experience where diners can watch dishes being prepared and enjoy them straight from the kitchen.
Hot New Restaurants In Cardiff 2025
Terra Mare
When: Now open
Address: 28 High Street, CF10 1PU
Terra Mare is a new Italian restaurant in Cardiff that’s already making a name for itself in the city’s culinary world. From The A&M Hospitality Group, who are also behind highly acclaimed European restaurant Silures, this new venture aims to bring the flavours of Puglia to the Welsh capital, with Italian-born Head Chef Francesco Germinario leading the kitchen.
The venue is unarguably high-end, featuring shiny white marble tables illuminated by retro-style table lamps and low overhead lighting, not to mention scalloped booths and dark maroon chairs. It has space for up to 50 covers, although there’s also extra seating in both the bar and the pretty outdoor terrace.
On the menu, you’ll find a taste of Southern Italy, echoed through a variety of classic antipasti, as well as pastas such as spaghettioni alle vongole and secondi plates including crispy pork belly with a soy glaze, served alongside celeriac and apple.
Terra Mare is bringing a taste of opulence to its new restaurant in Cardiff city centre.
Pori
When: Now open
Address: 4 Trade Street, Cardiff, CF10 5DR
Pori, the independent spot, from Sam Hooper and Ross Holland (formerly of La Pantera), has been given a full refurb with a striking new look. It promises a menu of indulgent home bakes, toasted bloomer sandwiches, and brunch dishes with a creative twist, all served in a laid-back, welcoming space perfect for everything from lazy mornings to lively afternoons.
But Pori isn’t just for daytime dining. Plans are already underway for a staple cocktail list, bottomless brunches, and even Sunday roasts, aiming to turn the venue into a late-night brunch and social hotspot.
Pori is perfect for brunch.
Ember
When: Now open
Address: Pontcanna TBC
Two of Cardiff's hottest chefs, Heaney (founder of Uisce and Heaneys) and Killick (previously of Heathcock), have joined forces to bring a highly anticipated new restaurant to the trendy neighbourhood of Pontcanna - Ember.
There will be a strong focus on high-quality, local British produce with a nose-to-tail ethos, with a menu featuring freshly hand-rolled pasta, in-house butchery (including plenty of game) and charcuterie. To pair, you can expect an expertly curated wine list, not to mention a menu of signature cocktails.
Heaney will be bringing his highly acclaimed talent to the kitchen at Ember.
Base Camp Indian Kitchen
When: Now open
Address: 29 Park Place, CF10 3BA
Taking over the former music and food venue Twenty Nine Park Place, Base Camp Indian Kitchen is a very exciting venture from Ram Sapkota, previous general manager at Mint & Mustard. Bringing in staff and chefs from highly acclaimed restaurants such as Dishoom, The Ivy and Purple Poppadom, there's going to be some real talent at this new city centre opening.
Inspired by Sapkota's upbringing, who was born in Nepal, the restaurant's menu will showcase the culinary traditions of the Himalayas. Though the menu has yet to be confirmed, you can expect authentic, creative dishes packed with bold aromatic spices, not to mention coastal flavours.
For more dining out inspiration? Check out our guide to best restaurants in Cardiff here and sign up to our future newsletter.
