10 Best Restaurants in Cardiff, Wales

Well, this is unusual: a trendy restaurant in which all the food is prepared by prisoners; the idea behind The Clink (British slang for jail) is that those serving time for minor crimes are given the chance to turn their lives around by gaining experience as gourmet chefs. The restaurant (just outside the prison grounds) is a bright, modern space, and the Modern British food, made with local, seasonal produce, is genuinely delicious. Note that they don't serve alcohol.

In a crenellated former park lodge a short walk west of the entrance to Cardiff Castle, this cozy tearoom is the place to go for superb cakes such as Victoria Sandwich or Lemon Drizzle. There's a good range of sandwiches and around 20 teas on the menu, but the splendid Afternoon Tea is the real draw here (reservations advised). The outdoor terrace overlooking Bute Park is a lovely spot when the weather is nice.

Although Cardiff doesn't boast any Michelin-starred restaurants, there is a slew of fine-dining eateries and this is one of the best. Inspired by the wonderful produce from his native western Wales, head chef Tom Simmons creates exquisite French-influenced dishes like lamb cannon with black garlic and beef tartare with truffle. The stylish restaurant, which resembles a gentleman's club crossed with a brasserie, is located in the fashionable suburb of Pontcanna, a 10-minute drive from the city center.

Housed in a redbrick building near the Principality Stadium, this rustic-chic restaurant specializes in Spanish grills and wine. Try a sirloin from a Spanish dairy cow and then round it off with a Catalan tart accompanied, of course, by some sherry. Sunday lunch follows the Spanish tradition of shared rice-based dishes. The group also owns a stylish boutique hotel, Parador 44, located above the restaurant as well as a tapas bar, Bar 44, around the corner on Westgate Street.

It might be in an uninspiring space in a city-center shopping mall, but this little restaurant, run by members of the Hare Krishna community, is the best place to go for good-value vegan food. From their traditional dishes of dahl and curry to falafel wraps and vegan burgers, there's something to please most tastes. Or you could just take a break from sightseeing with a chai or lassi accompanied by a delicious cake. The restaurant also hosts regular events including meditation sessions and spiritual talks. 

With its gorgeous view over Cardiff Bay, this undeniably romantic restaurant is a popular choice. The classic French bistro menu is jazzed up with international influences like tempura tiger prawns and classic mac-and-cheese, but it's the steaks, especially the Chateaubriand, that diners come here for. The extensive wine list has a decent selection of vino from around the globe.

In Cardiff's biggest shopping mall, this very popular Sicilian-Italian restaurant is renowned for its pizza. The pasta's pretty good too—try the crab spaghetti or "Cardiff Sauce," which is the chef's take on carbonara with added blue cheese. There's a good gluten-free menu, but a limited selection of wine and beer (all Italian). Leave room for a cannolo.

On the top floor of Cardiff and Vale College's City Centre Campus, this smart restaurant with panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows is run by catering and hospitality students. The menus, which change with the seasons, are overseen by some of the top Welsh chefs working in the United Kingdom. The beautifully presented dishes are made with local produce; even the bread is baked here. The restaurant also offers cooking master classes and short courses.

It's mostly oysters and mussels on the menu at this seafood and wine bar found in an Edwardian arcade opposite Cardiff Castle, but you'll also find lamb with seaweed in a bun and a handful of other inventive dishes for carnivores, all designed for sharing. Diners and drinkers sit almost elbow-to-elbow on reclaimed wooden tables, undoubtedly wondering which guest chef will be next to run a pop-up supper club at Cora's, a small restaurant upstairs. Alternatively, just pop in for one of their own-blend coffees and watch the world go by. 

Vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls provide a dramatic backdrop to this restaurant down the block from Cardiff Castle. Formerly a bank vault, today the Potted Pig turns out superb Welsh dishes. Starters like pork pâté with toast and pickles and a choice of delicious desserts keep diners happy. Servers are warm, attentive, and knowledgeable about the impressive wine list; you can also opt for one of the 30 gins.