Date Night Ideas In Cardiff

Whether it's for a nervy first date, anniversary celebration or just fancy a night out together, you're going to want to impress the pants off 'em. From quirky cocktail haunts to fine dining hotspots, the city is full of romantic bars, restaurants and activities that are perfect for enjoying some quality alone time. To help take some of the pressure away, here's our list of the best Cardiff date night ideas.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 23rd June 2025




Mowgli Cardiff

Looking for cheap date night ideas in Cardiff? Mowgli is serving some of the best Indian bites in town that won't leave a hole in your bank account. It's a super pretty restaurant decorated with fairy lights in glass jars and hanging swings from the ceiling. The menu features some seriously droolworthy dishes like its house keema or lamb curry made with recipes passed down through the family, as well as innovative cocktails such as the Chai Rum Sling to enjoy.

The Botanist, Cardiff Bay

Happy Hour and 1 other offer

Get romantic by booking this waterfront spot in Cardiff Bay. Located on Church Street, The Botanist is a gorgeous restaurant that's visually striking thanks to hanging ropes, woven vines and rustic wooden furnishings. It's home to a pretty rooftop terrace that overlooks the city and sees live music take place on the regular. Head here to get your chops around its famous hanging kebabs, as well as a range of other international eats, like baked camembert, pan-fired sea bass, chicken katsu curry and cookie dough topped with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce for dessert. 

The Cardiff Townhouse - Coppa Club

Treat your other half to a sophisticated evening out at The Cardiff Townhouse, situated in the former David Morgan department store. Head upstairs to the stylish lounge bar and restaurant, which boasts golden decor, lots of greenery and a pretty skylight, creating an art deco feel. Sip creative cocktails like the ginger and lemon-infused Honeybee, while munching your way through a menu of smoked haddock and salmon fishcakes, slow-cooked beef ragu, oyster mushroom-topped sourdough pizzas and more.

Alcotraz Cardiff: Cell Block Nine-One

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cardiff on Various dates from Thursday 17th July 2025

Grab your partner in crime and head to Alcotraz: Cell Block Nine-One, the immersive prison experience with a covert speakeasy bar. Smuggle your liquor past the warden to the long-serving inmates who will be whipping up bespoke cocktails with your successfully snuck-in booze, while buttering up a few guards along the way.

The Piano Works Cardiff

Christmas Early Bird Offer! 2x Standard Drink Vouchers and 1 other offer

Impress your other half with a trip to The Piano Works, Cardiff's hottest new bar on St Mary Street. This is a great choice for live music throughout the week, and you can decide the playlist - thanks to their performers taking requests.

Begin the evening with professional pianists and their famous singing waiters, before the house band takes to the stage. There are also DJ sets on the weekends, alongside their Saturday bottomless brunches.

Be At One Cardiff

🎵 Midweek Mixtape 🍹 £5 Margs & Playlists on Repeat 🎵 and 1 other offer

A bar that needs no introduction, Be At One is a bit of a legend in the country's nightlife circles. It's a fabulous choice for a date in the city, thanks to its pretty interiors like baby pink leather chairs and neon signage. It boasts a seemingly endless cocktail menu that will wet your whistle and a 2-4-1 happy hour that takes place every day. Expect to find tipples such as the White Mocha-tini made with Cazcabel coffee tequila and the June Bug featuring banana liqueur. 

NQ64 Cardiff

NQ64 should be at the top of your list when it comes to date night ideas in Cardiff for couples. This neon-lit retro arcade playground is packed with all your favourite nostalgic games, like Dancing Stage and Pacman, as well as serving up inspired cocktails, like the Aku Aku Fruit Punch with a nod to Crash Bandicoot. 

The Bootlegger Cardiff

2 FOR £10 COCKTAILS 🎓 - STUDENT OFFER and 6 other offers

Located on Womanby Street in the city centre, The Bootlegger is a unique choice for date night. This Prohibition-inspired venue is decked out in vintage interiors, with a stage that regularly hosts live musicians and DJ sets.

Sip cocktails, while boogieing to all the best jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll tunes. They offer a number of fun events too, including cocktail masterclasses, bottomless drinks and bar games on Wednesday nights.

Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist - Cardiff

@ I'm Puzzled on Various dates from Thursday 17th July 2025

With Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist, the city's vibrant streets become your playground, guided by a state-of-the-art mobile app. Explore essential landmarks, break through security defences, and work closely with your virtual team to orchestrate a flawless heist—bringing the excitement of a cinematic bank robbery to life.

One ticket covers both of you and all challenges will take place within a half-mile radius, allowing you to focus entirely on the excitement of this tech-driven outdoor adventure.

 

 

Purple Poppadom

Specialising in contemporary Indian dishes, Purple Poppadom is an award-winning restaurant that's become something of a favourite among the many young couples in the city. It prides itself in experimenting with old recipes and infusing dishes with new ingredients, like the delicate tiffin sea bass or the paneer makhani, flavoured with fenugreek leaves.