Situated in the beating heart of the Welsh capital, this buzzing area is home to quite the culinary scene. From critically acclaimed steak spots by the Castle Quarter to laid-back burger joints right in the thick of it all, there's plenty to get your smackers around. Stuck for choice? Well, we've only just gone and rounded up the very best restaurants in Cardiff city centre right here.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 20th October 2025
You'll struggle to find Cardiff restaurants in the city centre half as pretty as The Botanist. When you're not admiring the trendy interiors and luscious foliage, head to the rooftop for alfresco dining under the sunset, with options including Sunday roasts and the famous hanging kebabs.
Get your mitts around juicy burgers, wings and sides (including plenty of vegan options) over at BrewDog Cardiff. And, of course, if you're feeling thirsty, you can complement your eats with a tipple chosen from the hangout's selection of draught and bottled beers.
YO! Cardiff St David's is an affordable pitstop for delicious Japanese dishes. What's up for grabs? Everything from sushi rolls plucked right off the colourful conveyer belt to slurp-worthy ramen and refreshing bowls of poké topped with dynamite salmon.
Housed in a building that was once the iconic David Morgan department store, The Cardiff Townhouse is a sophisticated cafe, bar and restaurant that spans across two stylish floors. Expect colourful seating, quirky artwork and even a gorgeous skylight upstairs, with touches of gold and pretty plants all over the venue. There's an extensive menu to take advantage of here, from king prawn linguine to sweet potato with baked feta or fillet of beef tataki.
Cosy Club Cardiff is where bold personality meets all-day dining, perched above the city with sweeping views and interiors that mix vintage glamour with playful eccentricity. From indulgent brunches and hearty lunches to comforting evening mains, the menus celebrate variety - think British classics, global flavours, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Add in creative cocktails, bottomless brunch upgrades for £25 per person, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that works for everything from family outings to date nights, and you've got a destination that turns any occasion into something special.
Just a stone's throw from Cardiff Central train station, Viva Brazil offers a relaxed yet engaging dining experience in the heart of the city centre.
This Brazilian steakhouse is known for its unlimited meat selection, carved at the table, and its extensive salad bar featuring authentic Brazilian dishes. Whether you're dining with family, a group of friends, or flying solo, Viva Brazil's central location and welcoming vibe make it a strong option for a memorable meal in the city.
Home to some of the most magical interiors around and a mouthwatering menu of curries and tiffin boxes, Mowgli is one of the best restaurants in Cardiff city centre for dinner dates. The best part? It's pretty darn affordable too.
A popular Thai restaurant that's great for groups of all sizes, Giggling Squid's Cardiff outpost can be found within the St David's Shopping Centre. This is a stylish space filled with floral decor and plush booth seating, with a friendly atmosphere guaranteed.
Tuck into a range of classic and modern dishes, from vegetable pad Thai to slow-cooked beef curries or chilli and basil stir-fry with chicken or prawns. Plus, there are all sorts of delicious cocktails on offer too.
Craving pizza? Pizza Pilgrims in Cardiff brings authentic Neapolitan vibes right to the city centre, serving up crispy margheritas, unique toppings like hot honey pepperoni, and creamy truffle mushrooms.
Pair it with an Aperol spritz and finish with classic tiramisu - and if you can't finish all your crusts? Order the crust dippers and dunk them in pots of pesto, truffle, and garlic and herb.
Pizza and pints are the name of the game at The Cardiff Stable. So, if you're seeking out cheap places to eat in Cardiff city centre, venture over for sourdough slices topped with local ingredients, washed down with ciders and craft beers (which you can also nab at their bottomless brunch).
Though you may know Zerodegrees better for its epic array of own-brewed beer, it's also home to a menu of Italian-with-a-twist dishes. Pop by the Westgate Street wonder and dive into classic creations alongside quirky takes, like the Jamaican chicken pizza or tequila tagliatelle.
If you're on the hunt for posh restaurants in Cardiff city centre, we know just the place. Decked out with botanical patterns and vibrant hues, The Ivy really is an Intsagrammable haven. Tuck into a Brasserie-inspired menu, featuring truffle chicken milanese and roasted scallops.
Swing by Spice Quarter, one of the best Indian restaurants in town, for a fragrant feast that you won't forget in a hurry. Surrounded by ornate lanterns and uniquely carved screens, delve into Punjabi butter chicken, prawn jhalfrezi and murg biryani.
Bar 44 offers fun Spanish vibes right in the middle of the city. Expect a menu packed with regional tapas, including seafood, cheese and hand-carved jamon, as well as a European twist on the classic Sunday roast. Just make sure to grab a sangria while you're at it.
Seeking out independent restaurants in Cardiff city centre? Fronting stripped-back walls adorned with quirky, vintage artwork and a menu of elevated British classics, Pitch is the perfect place for a post-shopping pitstop. It even has cute streetside seating for when the weather's warm.
When it comes to romantic restaurants in Cardiff city centre, Pasture should be at the top of your list. Not only has it garnered critical acclaim for its succulent steaks (from rump to Chateaubriand), but it's also keeping things intimate with low lighting and leather sofas.
One of the best restaurants in Cardiff city centre for lunch, The Grazing Shed boasts a wonderful roster of tasty burgers packed with delights like honey-glazed goats cheese, double-smoked bacon, and a number of mouthwatering sauces.
After the best steak restaurants in Cardiff city centre? Then it's about time you checked out Gaucho. This gorgeous spot is ideal for group dining and private hire, alongside a menu spanning ceviche, empanadas and Argentinian cuts of prime beef.
