Cardiff’s culinary scene has experienced a significant transformation in 2025, welcoming numerous new dining spots that cater to a variety of tastes. From upscale bistros to intimate cafés, the city has become a food lover’s paradise with many options emerging throughout the year.
14 New Dining Spots Opened in Cardiff This Year
1. Sonder
Sonder, established on Llandaff Road in April, is a high-end bistro created by a former executive chef from Pasture. The menu features unique dishes such as pizza fritta with carbonara sauce and wild mushroom French toast. With a stellar 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor, it has quickly become a must-visit spot.
2. The Welsh Cheese Company
Located on Cowbridge Road East, The Welsh Cheese Company opened its first shop in Cardiff in early 2025. This delightful venue offers over 70 Welsh cheeses alongside various wines, making it an ideal destination for cheese enthusiasts.
3. Nomad
Opening in July on High Street, Nomad replaced Terra Mare with a menu featuring dynamic small plates. This restaurant prioritizes a flavorful dining experience, with selections like focaccia and homemade pasta dishes, all crafted with fresh ingredients.
4. Banana Tree
In June, Banana Tree debuted in The Hayes, captivating diners with its Southeast Asian street food. With a jungle-inspired décor, the menu includes curries, noodles, and grilled meats, offering a vibrant taste of Thai, Malaysian, and Japanese cuisine.
5. Ludo Sports and Live Lounge
On St Mary Street, Ludo can host over 700 guests and is the perfect venue for sports fans. Its diverse menu includes gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas, complemented by live music and interactive games.
6. Haystack
Haystack opened its first Cardiff location in September, known for its pancake stacks and breakfasts. This café, celebrated with national awards, is located in the space previously occupied by a Barclays bank.
7. Longa Café
Following the success of its Whitchurch Road location, Longa Café expanded to Park Place. This spot specializes in Turkish breakfasts and offers a dinner menu inspired by Turkish and Greek cuisine.
8. Burger Boyz
Making its Cardiff debut, Burger Boyz opened on Cowbridge Road East after gaining popularity in surrounding areas. Customers can enjoy a selection of seven gourmet burgers paired with loaded fries.
9. Fowl and Fury
After establishing a loyal following in Cathays, Fowl and Fury opened its second branch in June on Cowbridge Road East. Known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, this location attracted a large crowd during its opening day.
10. Spitfire Barbecue
Spitfire Barbecue offers coal-fired barbecue cuisine on St Mary Street, celebrating various grilling traditions. Their menu showcases high-quality meats prepared daily using charcoal.
11. Square + Fair
Situated in the Royal Arcade, Square + Fair provides a unique twist on traditional sandwiches with gourmet options made from chunky focaccia bread and a self-service crisp machine.
12. Ogof
Ogof, located on Kings Road, is a neighbourhood restaurant inspired by the French cave à manger concept. It focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients paired with natural wines.
13. Charley’s Fish and Chips
After a 12-year absence, Cardiff Bay welcomed Charley’s Fish and Chips, allowing residents to enjoy this classic meal by the waterfront.
14. Bosco Pizzeria
Bosco Pizzeria, opened on High Street, specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas using traditional Italian techniques. This eatery offers a selection of handmade pastas and Italian wines.
With these 14 new dining spots, Cardiff has solidified its status as a vibrant culinary destination in 2025. Food lovers in the city now have an exciting mix of cuisines and experiences to explore.
