Whether you’re a Cardiffian or simply doing a whistle stop tour of one of Wales’ greatest cities, odds are, if you’ve asked for a recommendation of where to go for a bite to eat on your day or week long trip, you’ve been told Cardiff Bay. And quite rightly so.
While the city centre has some incredible foodie spots you, Cardiff Bay is a haven of stunning views and delicious grub. Thanks to its waterside location - which is just a short walk from both the city centre and the glorious Victorian seaside town of Penarth - beautiful architecture and bustling bars and restaurants, the bay area, which isn’t limited to Mermaid Quay, is a simply must-visit place, especially for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Here we’ve rounded some of our favourite places where you can get a great meal, great service and have a wonderful time.
Read more: The 50 best restaurants in Wales in 2022
Hub Box
This much-loved burger joint, which has restaurants up and down the country, only joined the glistening quay during the pandemic, but that didn’t hinder its success. Since then, it has grown in popularity as the rules have eased, feeding the masses award-winning burgers, barbeque and beer.
There's a choice of grass-fed, outdoor reared beef patties, alongside free-range chicken burgers, fish and hot dogs - as well as many veggie and vegan choices. It also has a dedicated fries section - with choices of chilli cheese fries and mother clucker fries, for example.
Gluten free? Don’t worry. You’re covered - there are plenty of options available, meaning you won’t miss out. If you’re a burger boss, this is the place for you. What’s more - if you have a dog, you’re more than welcome to bring your pet along.
Price Range: £7.50- £14.50
Menu examples: BBQ CHICK burger or, for a vegan option, try their PB Dirty Disco, which consists of a plant-based ‘chicken’ patty, bacon, ‘cheese’, guacamole, hot sauce, mayo, pickled red onion, lettuce. See here for their full menu
Accessibility: Wheelchair access
Where: Unit 23/23a Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Las Iguanas
For a taste of Latin America, make your way to this eatery in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Prepare for an atmosphere that is always a-buzz with lively two-for-one cocktail drinkers and fajita eaters. With restaurants in the city centre and the bay, it’s a popular stop for many people who pass through Cardiff.
Having gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan symbols to indicate which dishes are safe for those dietary needs, it can cater for all. And with various different mains options hailing from different South American countries - Mexico and Argentina, for example - a burst of flavour is what you can expect. Take a seat in their booths, window seats or out on their piazza if the weather is especially nice.
Price Range: £6.95 to £21.25
Menu examples: Bean and beetroot burger, the ‘blazing bird’ - perfect for chicken lovers - and fajita stacks. See here for their full menu
Accessibility: It's a wheelchair accessible restaurant, being entirely on the ground floor. They also have a ramp should it be needed. It is also recommended that, when booking, to make a note of this so they can accommodate the party with enough space
Where: Bay, Mermaid Quay, Ground Floor, CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Cosy Club
This delightful restaurant is snug and casual and has an array of breakfast, lunch and dinner plates. They have tables both inside in their restaurant and outside on their stunning waterside terrace. It can usually accommodate walk-ins (although be mindful if there is a rugby match, show or other big event on in the city). You can book a table in advance as well. With dedicated gluten-free and vegan menus, there is something for everyone.
Price Range: £5 - £13
Menu examples: Try their breakfast Shakshuka for a spicy wake me up or their Cosy Club Sandwich. For a list of all menu items, see here
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Where: Unit 24, Mermaid Quay, CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Bayside Brasserie
If you want to book an extra special celebratory meal, Bayside Brasserie is a wonderful spot - and there's more to this delicious restaurant than meets the eye, according to its website. With three unique private dining rooms, guests can expect: "no interruptions, no hustle and certainly no bustle". The suites aren't just reserved for dining but for celebrations or special hospitality too.
With an overall four star rating, one TripAdvisor reviewer raved: "This is the best place to eat in Mermaid Quay by a country mile food is excellent and the Sunday lunch is something else. Staff are amazing along with the views from the outside eating area."
They also do a pre-show menu for £17.50.
Price Range: A La Carte menu ranges from £5.50 to £28.95
Menu examples: Dishes inclue the Bayside catch of the day, Boeuf bourguignon and Gruyere cheese soufflé. For their full a la carte menu, see here.
Accessibility: There is wheelchair access to the restaurants via the lifts in Mermaid Quay
Where: Mermaid Quay, Unit Upper 9, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Cadwaladers
Usually noted for its incredible ice cream that has fed the people of Wales for generations, this parlour also offers delicious brunch and lunch options. Enjoy the sound of the waves below as you munch on a freshly baked 10-inch pizza (which has vegan options too) or a breakfast waffle with oodles of honey and fruit.
They also do special kids' meals for £3.50. Want to try something extra special? Order their ice cream burger. One reviewer said of the incredible concoction: "We decided to try the new Lotus Ice Cream Burger - one with two spoons. To say that we were transported to taste heaven cannot do it justice - whoever dreamed up this exquisite treat has our undying love - forever - thank you."
Price Range: £2.50 - £10.50
Menu examples: An ice cream burger, jacket potatos with an assortment of fillings and plenty of sundaes. For a list of the food on offer, see here
Accessibility: No toilets in store, but there are plenty around the bay with lift access.
Where: Bay, Mermaid Quay, 30 CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Sooshi
After a sushi fix by the sea? Then this small sushi bar - previously known as Sushi Day - is the one for you. With a whole host of classic sushi dishes, such as California rolls, salmon rolls, maki, nigiri and more, it's perfect for a light dinner.
Want a mix? You can create your own sushi platter. Vegetarian or not feeling fishy? They have plenty of meat-free options. While it's a small spot where most are likely to take it and sit by the water, they have tables outside.
Price Range: £4.30 to £20.50
Menu examples: Top 4 platter: (8 Salmon Nigiri, 4 California Roll, 4 Salmon Avocado Roll, 8 Tempura Prawn Roll) and chicken Katsu curry.
Where: Unit 1A, Mermaid Quay, New George St CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Coffi Co
With locations in Penarth, Pontcanna and two in Cardiff Bay, this Welsh coffee shop-come-restaurant chain is growing fast thanks to its delicious offerings. With a selection of coffees, hot chocolates, gins and drinks as well as a great menu with burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and salads - as well as amazing brunch items - this is a restaurant that will fill your bellies morning til night.
Price Range: £7 - £16 for mains
Menu examples: For something summery and healthy, try their healthy ‘Superfood’ salad. For something hearty and delicious, try their wood-fired pizza
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Where: 31 Mermaid Quay, CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Yakitori 1
This delicious restaurant is a gem in Cardiff Bay and serves a "fresh take on traditional Japanese food". Inspired by Japan’s fast-paced food scene and communal nature, according to website, Yakitori 1 was created to "bring the fresh, vibrant flavours of Japan to all".
With an amazing selection of fresh food - from flamed nigiri to crispy prawn and chicken parcels to yaki soba - you will not be disappointed in your visit to this stunning restaurant. To read more on the story of the restaurant's owner, Meng Yap, see here
Price Range: £3.60 to £23.50
Menu examples: Rice paper rolls, Chicken karaage and Vegetable kare curry. For an extensive list of the dishes on offer, see here
Accessibility: Wheelchair access
Where: 10 Mermaid Quay, CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
Meat...ing Point
It may look like a humble food stall from the outside, but this small restaurant with outdoor seating cooks up some of the best authentic Greek street food in the city. Serving up "proper" gyros and souvlaki - to name a few dishes - from a converted shipping container, this family run business has received glowing praise from customers.
One such review stated: "The gyros was so good I wouldn't be able to do it justice with a description. it's simply stunning."
Price Range: £5.80 - £35
Menu examples: There are vegan and vegetarian options. Some dishes include souvlaki halloumi and plated kalamaki pork
Accessibility: Wheelchair access
Where: 5 Bute Crescent, CF10 5AN
For more information, visit the website
Duchess Of Dehli
Serving up Indian and south Asian cuisine, the Duchess of Dehli is an award-winning restaurant that has been dubbed as a 'real gem' by some of its customers and and has even provided food for the likes of Simon Cowell. Read our review of when it first opened here. It also won best south asian restaurant of the year at The Restaurant Awards in 2019.
Price Range: £5.75 to £19.50
Menu examples: The Duchess' signature samosas, Indonesian Nasi Goreng and paneer shashlick. For more dishes on offer, see here
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Where: Captain's House, 6 Bute Crescent, CF10 5AN
For more information, visit the website
Culleys Kitchen and Bar
If you're looking to treat yourself to a mixture of classic dining and modern classics then look no further than Culley's Kitchen & Bar.
Culley's, which has received 4.5 stars on Trip Advisor, is praised by reviewers for their "well presented" and "extraordinary" food, including Sunday lunches and bottomless brunches. It also notes on the menu which dishes are gluten free and vegetarian.
Situated in The Coal Exchange hotel, a Grade II listed building full of fascinating history, the restaurant and bar also features live music making it an extremely unique and quirky place for your dinner date. Read our review on it here
Price Range: £4.50- £30
Menu examples: Items from their summer menu include clam and prawn tagliatelle and honey and thyme chicken breast. For more dishes on offer, see here
Accessibility: Accessible to wheelchair users. Where there are any steps, a ramp can be put in place
Where: Coal Exchange Hotel, CF10 5FQ
For more information, visit the website
Giovanni’s in the bay
With three stunning locations in Cardiff and Cardiff Bay, there's a reason this Italian restaurant has been serving the people of Cardiff since 1983. Located opposite the iconic Wales Millenium centre, Giovanni's prides itself on its authenic Italian cuisine - a menu that boasts a number of different dishes.
From pizza and pasta to numerous salads and fish plates and a stunning collection of desserts - tiramisu, cannoli and Classico Affogato Italiano and more - it's a treat you'll want to return to again and again.
Price Range: £4.55 - £27.30
Menu examples: Pizza Giovanni - a selection of spicy sausage, chicken, meatballs, ham, tomato and mozzarella cheese, Lasagna Emiliana Fatta in Casa - homebaked lasagna. For more dishes, see here
Accessibility: A lift is used for those needing disabled access
Where: 339 Lloyd George Avenue, CF10 4QH
For more information, visit the website
Academy@Platform
This adorable day-to-night cafe-bar is an extension of the Barry-based coffee-cocktail eatery Academy Espresso. Situated at the exit of the Bay's station - a perfect location for commuters - and in the grounds of the newly renovated Platform offices, it's a quirky establishment that offers brunch and lunch plates for those hungry home workers or early bird go-getters. They also run quiz nights completely with delectable cocktails.
Price Range: £2.50 - £5.95
Menu examples: There are sandwiches and panini options in the cafe's fridge but some lunch items include: buttermilk pancakes with nutella and strawberries, smashed avocado on toast and a vegan sausages. Intrigued? See here for more of their menu
Where: Bute Street, CF10 5LE
For more information, visit the website
The Dock Bar and Kitchen
A great restaurant isn't just about the food. It's about the atmosphere, the service as well as the meal. If you're after some pub grub with a great vibe, servers to match, some fabulous cocktails and stunning views across the water to Penarth then this Brains establishment, The Dock, is next on your list. With a kids' menu, Sunday lunch, breakfast and bottomless brunch, it's pub grub at its best.
Price Range: £6.45 - £17.50
Menu examples: Chorizo mac & cheese with crispy onion and flatbread, halloumi fries, pulled chilli beef tacos. See here for their main menu
Accessibility: Disabled access facilities
Where: The Dock, Mermaid Quay, Unit 1 & U1, CF10 5BZ
For more information, visit the website
The Classroom - Y Dosbarth
This isn't any old restaurant. This is a restaurnat which helps mould the chefs and cuisine experts of tomorrow - and you get to be the first to try it. You never know, you could be tasting the food of the next Gordon Ramsay. Described as 'modern European dining in the heart of Cardiff', the restaurant team is led by industry professionals - Michelin Star and multiple AA Rosette awarded chefs - who take charge of the restaurant and guide its staff, who are "honing their skills and experience to start their careers in the profession – all studying at Cardiff and Vale College".
Its menu changes seasonally with all dishes prepared from scratch. If that hasn't sold it, the views are pretty spectacular with a floor to ceiling glass dining room on the top floor of Cardiff and Vale College’s landmark £45m City Centre Campus.
Need more encouragement? This TripAdvisor reviewer said: " Love, love, love this place . I have been here twice now and both times has been amazing. The food is excellent and reasonable and staff are very friendly! I would highly recommend."
Price Range: £8-£21
Menu examples: They house dedicated dairy-free and gluten-free menus. One such dish is roast fillet of halibut, braised baby gem lettuce, fennel, brown shrimp and caper butter.
Accessibility: The restaurant has disabled facilities and there is a lift to take you from the ground floor to the restaurant.
Where: The Classroom, Dumballs Road, CF10 5FE
For more information visit the website
Double Zero
There are five delicious Double Zero sites across south Wales, but in the Bay, you can find one in the Wales Millenium Centre - perfect for that pre - or post- show meal.
They are open between 10am and 7pm daily.
Price Range: £11 and under
Menu examples: Freshly cooked pasta and paninis. For more of their menu, see their
Accessibility: The WMC has wheelchair access
Where: Wales Millenium Centre, Bute Place, CF10 5AL
For more information visit the website
Parking in Cardiff Bay
Be mindful that as these restaurants are within Mermaid Quay or just a short walk away, they will not have their own parking. But there are several pay and display car parks dotted around Cardiff Bay.
These include Mermaid Quay, Q-Park Cardiff Bay on Pierhead Street and Havannah Street Car Park. If you fancy a stroll before or after the festival, you can park your car at The Barrage Car Park and walk across from Penarth.
If you're wanting to use public transport, there are regular buses and trains - from Queen Street station to the Bay - that run to the area. For a taxi ride with a bit more pizazz, you can hop on a water taxi from Bute Park.
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