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 Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 9th February 2024




Dirty Martini Cardiff

Happy Hour (excluding major event days): and 1 other offer

Sleek, elegant and serving a variety of carefully crafted cocktails, this romantic bar provides an easy-going charm. Head over to Dirty Martini and get to know each other over a couple of drinks (at half price if you head down in time for happy hour), and if all goes well? Stay late into the night with live saxophonists and DJs.

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. 

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.

Be At One Cardiff

Fancy Extra Long Happy Hour? (Requires an app Download) 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. 

Alcotraz Cardiff: Cell Block Nine-One

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cardiff on Various dates from Friday 29th March 2024

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 Alchemist Cardiff

For those of you seeking out date night ideas in Cardiff city centre, The Alchemist is a slinky, low-lit drinking den that's renowned for its unique menu of cocktails. Its interiors are super intimate, with dark leather sofas, wooden floors and a ginormous bar spanning the back wall. Make your way through the extensive selection of bespoke tipples, trying those that bubble and smoke, plus chomp on internationally inspired plates such as tempura hake with curry sauce, and duck pancakes. 

Ciliegino

Romance that special someone by treating them to a sumptuous Italian feast at Ciliegino. Stylish and innovative, it ticks the box when it comes to date night ideas in South Wales. Expect to have yourselves a feast, as this authentic joint is slinging out beautifully prepared pasta plates, including carbonara topped with truffle. Plus, there's also pizza, calzone and indulgent desserts.

Roxy Lanes Cardiff

This trendy spot is perfect for a low-key, no-stress date that'll bring out your fun sides. Roxy Lanes Cardiff is a luminous bowling alley with multiple lanes, games, and shuffleboard. It also shakes up a fabulous cocktail or two, from the likes of the rum-based Twistin' My Melon to the cherry-flavoured Walk The Line.

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.