Cool restaurants in Cardiff

Where East Meets West, Vivo Amigo has deservedly worked its way to the top of the ranks when it comes to Indian Mexican cuisine in Cardiff. Bringing together two very distinctive and beloved cuisines, Vivo Amigo manages to harmoniously make both cultures shine through in each meal. You’ll find all your favourites on the menu – in fact, it may prove too tough when it comes to ordering, with global favourites filling up the menu. Curry Club is one of our favourite sections, as well as the DIY Nachos and Tacos which put you in the Chef’s seat. Alongside the vibrant menu is the equally vibrant decor Vivo Amigo provides. It’s impossible to walk out without a smile on your dial!

Good food and stylish decor, does it get any cooler than this? Bar 44 has been a Cardiff staple for the last couple of years, situated in an old canal warehouse. Stunning decor with muraled walls and tiled surfaces mean it’s one of the trendiest spots in the city. And the foods isn’t too bad either, with a plethora of tapas dishes filling the menu. Most are designed to be shared so be sure to grab a few. Our favourites include the kikos; toasted crunchy Spanish corn, and Atún; seared spiced tuna. All the dishes go well with their extensive cava menu, and for the beer drinkers, there’s loads of great Spanish beers to choose from.

Nothing is hotter right now than pizza, and that’s particularly true of this Cardiff gem. Swiss co-owner, Ben, is obsessive about making the best possible pizza, spending an inordinate amount of time perfecting the perfect dough. Serving up a huge menu of pizzas from a standard caprese, to a Brooklyn Pie topped with prosciutto and pickled onion, they also do a mean menu of sides and starters to really finish off your meal. The whole place has a pretty relaxed vibe and it’s a great spot to while away a couple of hours with amazing pizza and an Aperol Spritz. So, what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for cool restaurants in Cardiff, you’re on to a winner at Dough Thrower.

Is it a restaurant? Is it a pub? Or, is it a cool hang out spot? Who knows, all we know is that Cosy Club is great. Hang out in a bright venue, filled with quirky furniture and interesting decor and treat yourself to a feast. There’s sharing tapas if you’re hanging out in a group, a fine line in sandwiches including an amazing ploughman’s toastie, and a large selection of mains. If you’re heading in earlier in the day, they also do a mean brunch with everything from a full breakfast to a ham hock hash. Trust us, if you’re looking for cool restaurants in Cardiff, Cosy Club is up there with the greats.

When it’s sunny, Pier 64 is one of the best places in the city to spend your day. Even when it’s not, it’s still a pretty cool place to hang outt. Sitting right on the harbour-side, the modern, wooden building offers great views out over the water, perfectly complemented by huge glass windows. The menu is pretty seafood-heavy, as you’d expect, with local seafood like mussels and scallops taking centre stage. Don’t worry, if you have a non-seafood lover with you, there’s also Welsh lamb, chicken, and a few veggie options. Sit back after your meal and have a cocktail by the water to finish off a perfect evening.

An absolute staple of the Cardiff dining scene, Bully’s is where many of the city’s locals think of when they plan a great night out. This French cuisine-themed restaurant is decked in interesting pictures, fun clocks, and curiosities and can certainly be called “a bit out there.” The food is French, but also brings in a bit of modern British influences, meaning there’s something to suit all tastes. The steaks are to die for, the wines are delicious, and it will surprise no one that this venue is on our list of cool restaurants in Cardiff.