Cardiff is our patch, but our appetite doesn’t stop at the city limits. It’s a short hop up the A4232, on to the A48 and into the Vale of Glamorgan, and we make that trip often, whether it’s for a curry night in a village pub or a proper Indian worth the drive. Here’s a round-up of where we’ve been eating lately, starting in the city and venturing out into the Vale.
In the city: markets, mains and margaritas
City Life has been busy on the food front. Here’s where we’ve been finding the best of Cardiff.
Cardiff’s best markets
There’s something about a market that tells you everything about a city. We put together the ultimate guide to Cardiff’s best markets, covering everywhere from the Central Market to the Riverside Farmer’s Markets.
Wahaca, again and again
Wahaca Cardiff keeps finding new ways to tempt us back, from a chocolate menu landing this spring to a playful Margarita Month celebrating one of Mexico’s most iconic drinks.
Beaujolais and Christmas comfort
Côte Brasserie marked the season with their National Beaujolais celebrations, while over at Prezzo in St David’s Centre, we found that Christmas dining didn’t need to feel like theatre to deliver comfort and joy.
Smokehouse and bold brunches
Out at St Mellons, we found Hickory’s Smokehouse living up to its name, while on Queen Street, Bru served up bold flavours and an equally bold welcome.
Set menus and sandwiches
The Ivy Asia impressed with their exquisite set menus of bold Asian flavours, while Wahaca and Alex Gooch teamed up for Torta Time, taking the humble sandwich to a bold, marvellously Mexican new level.
Out into the Vale: a curry night and a return visit
Venture out of the city and the Vale of Glamorgan has plenty to offer too, including one restaurant we liked so much we went back for more.
Back for seconds at Junoon
We liked Junoon in Talbot Green so much the first time around that we went straight back. The verdict on the return: a confident 9 out of 10, with the Tiger Prawn Puri scoring a perfect 10 on its own. Read the full second helping review for the full rundown of both visits.
Steak night and curry night, Llancarfan
Further into the Vale, the Fox & Hounds in Llancarfan gave us two reasons to visit. There’s the steak night, done properly, and there’s curry night, a proper plate of curry on a cold Welsh evening with a warm welcome to match.
Why indie pubs matter, wherever you are
From Sunday lunches to quiz nights, we explored why the Vale’s independent pubs matter more than ever, and it’s a sentiment that holds just as true back in the city.
Fresh and local in Wick
Further out still, we paid a visit to The Village Shop in Wick, a proper village shop with that welcoming blend of fresh, local produce and genuine community spirit.
Where next?
From a margarita in the city centre to a curry night in Llancarfan, Cardiff and the Vale between them have plenty to keep us busy. If you’ve got a recommendation for somewhere we should try next, get in touch. There’s always room for one more good meal.
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