Latest reviews for Cafes & Coffee Shops in Cardiff, United Kingdom

tea & cake - tea & cake by pipsmith

pipsmith — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:32:06 +0000

Review by pipsmith

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 02920 218815

perfect!! tea & coffee at its best, tea served in kitsch fine bone china, coffee in traditional sized cups not buckets!,
try the flat white (2 shots of coffee in single cap cup with flat milk)lots of loose leaf tea Â£1.80 for a very large pot!
the finest cakes known to man, carrot rum and pineapple
how can carrot taste this good! gluten options two,
great salads Â£3.50 for a big bowl, i had six types in mine, this place has to rate as the best in cardiff!!!!!
the cafe allso has a gift shop at the front and best of all (can it get any better) they have a traditional sweetshop as well lots of jars full of my favourites, truly just the best place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!perfect!! tea & coffee at its best, tea served in kitsch fine bone china, coffee in traditional sized cups not buckets!,
try the flat white (2 shots of coffee in single cap cup with flat milk)lots of loose leaf tea Â£1.80 for a very large pot!
the finest cakes known to man, carrot rum and pineapple
how can carrot taste this good! gluten options two,
great salads Â£3.50 for a big bowl, i had six types in mine, this place has to rate as the best in cardiff!!!!!
the cafe allso has a gift shop at the front and best of all (can it get any better) they have a traditional sweetshop as well lots of jars full of my favourites, truly just the best place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cafe Caribe - Good food served fast with a smile. Recommended by gregoxenham

gregoxenham — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:42:43 +0000

Review by gregoxenham

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 029 2039 9339

Tags: lively, crowded, average brew

I use this place nearly every day for lunch and on weekends when I am shopping in town. They can be really busy at times but this doesn't mean the service or the quality suffers. The two owners have drilled their staff well and food flies out of the kitchen faster than anywhere else in Cardiff. Best of all, the staff are always friendly and mistakes are rare.

I recommend Cafe Caribe to anyone wanting a fast snack before or after the game or when the shopping gets too much. Prices reasonable.I use this place nearly every day for lunch and on weekends when I am shopping in town. They can be really busy at times but this doesn't mean the service or the quality suffers. The two owners have drilled their staff well and food flies out of the kitchen faster than anywhere else in Cardiff. Best of all, the staff are always friendly and mistakes are rare.

I recommend Cafe Caribe to anyone wanting a fast snack before or after the game or when the shopping gets too much. Prices reasonable.

Trade Street Cafe - Gerry W by gerryw

gerryw — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:32:55 +0000

Review by gerryw

Rating: 3.00

Tags: good brew, top food

We were very diappointed when we visited here at lunch time today.

We had been regulars last year, we found there had been a change of management and many of the staff had changed. Not the Chef though.

There were 3 of us and we arrived just ahead of a large party. We sat and waited for our order tobe taken. It took them at least 15 mins, not long I know, however not as it was, ans that was after the large party had given theirs.

We did get our drinks in good time, however it took a further 25 mins to get our food. It was sat ready for at least 5 mins and when it came we had to check who's food was who's and the waitress who bought the food did not seem to know what she was serving. We then had to ask for cutlery and when she brought this she had not brought serviettes.

The food however was a differen story. This was as I remembered. It was perfect and just as I liked it. My one friend did feel her potatoes were not right somw hot and some cold.

We have to admit that the service made a big difference to the experience and we will probly not venture back there for a while.We were very diappointed when we visited here at lunch time today.

We had been regulars last year, we found there had been a change of management and many of the staff had changed. Not the Chef though.

There were 3 of us and we arrived just ahead of a large party. We sat and waited for our order tobe taken. It took them at least 15 mins, not long I know, however not as it was, ans that was after the large party had given theirs.

We did get our drinks in good time, however it took a further 25 mins to get our food. It was sat ready for at least 5 mins and when it came we had to check who's food was who's and the waitress who bought the food did not seem to know what she was serving. We then had to ask for cutlery and when she brought this she had not brought serviettes.

The food however was a differen story. This was as I remembered. It was perfect and just as I liked it. My one friend did feel her potatoes were not right somw hot and some cold.

We have to admit that the service made a big difference to the experience and we will probly not venture back there for a while.

Cafe Floyd - Cosy nook of a bar by markturner

markturner — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 11:24:24 +0000

Review by markturner

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 029 2022 2181

Tags: cosy

Much more enjoyable than most of the larger bars in Cardiff, this is a nice atmosphere to have an intimate drink, and something of a quiet haven on the bustling vomit-fest that is St Mary Street of a Friday evening!Much more enjoyable than most of the larger bars in Cardiff, this is a nice atmosphere to have an intimate drink, and something of a quiet haven on the bustling vomit-fest that is St Mary Street of a Friday evening!

Cafe Sereno - My favourite Cafe by angiec

angiec — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:50:52 +0000

Review by angiec

Rating: 5.00

Tags: amazing brew, top food, cosy

Cafe sereno has everything im looking for in a cafe, its comfortable, does great food, lovely coffee and has really friendly staff. Sometimes when i go i feel like its an extention of my living room! Added bonuses include a lovely little garden out the back which was great for the summer and free WI FI!! To top it all off its one of the cheapest places to go in the area.
Its ideal as a meeting place for me and my friends to grab a bite to eat with a glass of wine on our way into town.Cafe sereno has everything im looking for in a cafe, its comfortable, does great food, lovely coffee and has really friendly staff. Sometimes when i go i feel like its an extention of my living room! Added bonuses include a lovely little garden out the back which was great for the summer and free WI FI!! To top it all off its one of the cheapest places to go in the area.
Its ideal as a meeting place for me and my friends to grab a bite to eat with a glass of wine on our way into town.

Crumbs Salad Bar - Crumbs Salad cafe by fabmickey

fabmickey — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:02:10 +0000

Review by fabmickey

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 029 2039 5007

Tags: proper food, cosy, lively

A nice change and healthy too thats crumbs for you!
Old and young enjoy this cafe. They serve lots of different salads, soup, delicious curry and chilli, baked potatoes and more. Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy visiting crumbs, lots of dishes to choose and meat eaters will not be deprived missing meat once in a while. They are very popular for takeaways , seeming to have many regulars in the city.
Their food is filling and nutricious and tastes and looks good too. The cafe is a little hidden, but once found is a little treasure.A nice change and healthy too thats crumbs for you!
Old and young enjoy this cafe. They serve lots of different salads, soup, delicious curry and chilli, baked potatoes and more. Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy visiting crumbs, lots of dishes to choose and meat eaters will not be deprived missing meat once in a while. They are very popular for takeaways , seeming to have many regulars in the city.
Their food is filling and nutricious and tastes and looks good too. The cafe is a little hidden, but once found is a little treasure.

Ramon's Café - Big breakfasts by kaardiff_boy

kaardiff_boy — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:55:58 +0000

Review by kaardiff_boy

Rating: 3.00

Tags: quick bite, crowded, good brew

Following on from NRKâ¬"s review, I donâ¬"t know how long itâ¬"s been going, but Iâ¬"ve been going there for over 30 years, adn I agree it's an institution. Thereâ¬"s been a change in management during that time, and the seating areaâ¬"s been extended to cater for the considerable demand. Every permutation of cooked breakfast (and other meals) is available, including a Veggie breakfast and a Super Veggie. Thereâ¬"s more upmarket competitioncross the road, but you get what you pay for, and you wonâ¬"t pay a lot in Ramons. A â¬Sbeer gardenâ¬ at the rear is advertised, but I canâ¬"t say that Iâ¬"ve tried it. I once saw Angharad Rees (Demelza from Poldark) in there. What happened to Ramon?Following on from NRKâ¬"s review, I donâ¬"t know how long itâ¬"s been going, but Iâ¬"ve been going there for over 30 years, adn I agree it's an institution. Thereâ¬"s been a change in management during that time, and the seating areaâ¬"s been extended to cater for the considerable demand. Every permutation of cooked breakfast (and other meals) is available, including a Veggie breakfast and a Super Veggie. Thereâ¬"s more upmarket competition across the road, but you get what you pay for, and you wonâ¬"t pay a lot in Ramons. A â¬Sbeer gardenâ¬ at the rear is advertised, but I canâ¬"t say that Iâ¬"ve tried it. I once saw Angharad Rees (Demelza from Poldark) in there. What happened to Ramon?

A Shot In The Dark - Nice atmosphere by kathfisch

kathfisch — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:23:10 +0000

Review by kathfisch

Rating: 3.00

Tags: cosy, cultured, lively

Shot in the Dark is a nice cafÃ© bar on City Road in Cardiff serving a wide range of drinks and snacks. The atmosphere is relaxed, it is a perfect place to take your time over a cup of tea and a cake whilst chatting with friends or reading a book. The prices are quite high but the food and drink are of a high quality and very enjoyable. There is an upstairs seating area as well so there is plenty of space and it doesnâ¬"t feel too crowded even when its busy. The whole place is available to hire as well apparently, it would be good as a party venue.Shot in the Dark is a nice cafÃ© bar on City Road in Cardiff serving a wide range of drinks and snacks. The atmosphere is relaxed, it is a perfect place to take your time over a cup of tea and a cake whilst chatting with friends or reading a book. The prices are quite high but the food and drink are of a high quality and very enjoyable. There is an upstairs seating area as well so there is plenty of space and it doesnâ¬"t feel too crowded even when its busy. The whole place is available to hire as well apparently, it would be good as a party venue.

New York Deli - A bite of the big apple! by NRK

NRK — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:16:11 +0000

Review by NRK

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 029 2038 8388

Tags: cosy, american, lively

Another Cardiff institution that has been here as long as I have, albeit that itâ¬"s now moved a little further along the arcade and to the other side. Always popular with locals, office workers and students the NYD really knows how to make a sandwich. I was baptised into the NYD with the Meatball Grinder â¬ a whopping subway roll covered in meatballs in a tomato sauce and your choice of cheese and dressing â¬ fantastic. Also to be recommended is the Sausage sub, using a Gornoâ¬"s Toulouse sausage â¬ very tasty. Thereâ¬"s always a good, friendly atmosphere in here. The ownerâ¬"s a big ice hockey fan and the walls are adorned with Cardiff Devils and other hockey memorabilia.Another Cardiff institution that has been here as long as I have, albeit that itâ¬"s now moved a little further along the arcade and to the other side. Always popular with locals, office workers and students the NYD really knows how to make a sandwich. I was baptised into the NYD with the Meatball Grinder â¬ a whopping subway roll covered in meatballs in a tomato sauce and your choice of cheese and dressing â¬ fantastic. Also to be recommended is the Sausage sub, using a Gornoâ¬"s Toulouse sausage â¬ very tasty. Thereâ¬"s always a good, friendly atmosphere in here. The ownerâ¬"s a big ice hockey fan and the walls are adorned with Cardiff Devils and other hockey memorabilia.

A J's - AJs by kathfisch

kathfisch — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:41:54 +0000

Review by kathfisch

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cosy, cultured, quick bite

AJs is a great cafe, it has a really nice atmosphere and the staff are always very friendly. The prices are impressive for the high quality of the food and drinks, my personal favourite is the hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows for Â£2!

I have eaten at AJs on a few ocassions and plan to do so more now that I am moving to live on city road! The bagel sandwiches are good - I like the brie, cranberry and salad one. The food is freshly prepared and I'm sure they'd do any combination of fillings you asked for! I have also had their all day breakfast recommended to me so I will have to give that a try.

The decoration inside is colourful and fun, there are even those etch-a-sketch things mounted on the wall towards the back, a nice touch. There is a good mixture of tables and chairs to eat at as well as couches to hang out on and a patio out the back for smokers.

Definitely recommended :)AJs is a great cafe, it has a really nice atmosphere and the staff are always very friendly. The prices are impressive for the high quality of the food and drinks, my personal favourite is the hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows for Â£2!

I have eaten at AJs on a few ocassions and plan to do so more now that I am moving to live on city road! The bagel sandwiches are good - I like the brie, cranberry and salad one. The food is freshly prepared and I'm sure they'd do any combination of fillings you asked for! I have also had their all day breakfast recommended to me so I will have to give that a try.

The decoration inside is colourful and fun, there are even those etch-a-sketch things mounted on the wall towards the back, a nice touch. There is a good mixture of tables and chairs to eat at as well as couches to hang out on and a patio out the back for smokers.

Definitely recommended :)

Café Junior - Kids love it by NRK

NRK — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:40:03 +0000

Review by NRK

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 029 2034 5653

Website: http://www.cafejunior.com/

Tags: lively, quick bite, crowded

Not your run of the mill cafÃ©, this place is set up purely for children and parents. You have to buzz to get in off the street, but rather than admission to a secret members club, this is mainly to stop little ones escaping! There are lots of things to keep children amused including things to play on and ride, a train set, cars, dressing clothes and books to read. Food is the usual baguettes and panini with good coffees for adults and squash for children. It can get crowded at times and you do sometimes have to compete with groups of Mums intent on reserving the comfy sofas for friends who have yet to arrive. There are also classes that children can attend including Monkey Music and Baby Massage. Admission is Â£1.25 for Adults, Â£2.50 for 1 to 5 Year Olds and Under 1s are free.Not your run of the mill cafÃ©, this place is set up purely for children and parents. You have to buzz to get in off the street, but rather than admission to a secret members club, this is mainly to stop little ones escaping! There are lots of things to keep children amused including things to play on and ride, a train set, cars, dressing clothes and books to read. Food is the usual baguettes and panini with good coffees for adults and squash for children. It can get crowded at times and you do sometimes have to compete with groups of Mums intent on reserving the comfy sofas for friends who have yet to arrive. There are also classes that children can attend including Monkey Music and Baby Massage. Admission is Â£1.25 for Adults, Â£2.50 for 1 to 5 Year Olds and Under 1s are free.

Minuet - Truly wonderful little Italian cafe by thecyrusvirus

thecyrusvirus — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:01:44 +0000

Review by thecyrusvirus

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 029 2034 1794

Tags: cosy, proper food, lively

We were shopping in the the arcades, the kids (6 and 2) were fed up and hungry. We needed to find somewhere to sit down and eat where the kids wouldn't be scolded for making noise. So we popped our heads in and asked the waitress if they were happy to have kids in. We were made very welcome and the staff made a fuss of the children.

The place is small but not cramped, the menu consists of simple but tasty dishes (most of the dishes have the name of a composer in them). The prices are very reasonable for city centre dining and the kids portions were generous.

We were sat right in front of the kitchen so had the pleasure to hear the chef singing away whilst he cooked. He obviously loves to cook and loves music. The love for cooking showed in the freshly cooked to order dishes that we were served. They were as close to italian home cooking as you can get in a restaurant.

Don't let the decor and size put you off. This is really worth visiting for a lunch time break from the hectic shops.

Truly a hidden gem

We were shopping in the the arcades, the kids (6 and 2) were fed up and hungry. We needed to find somewhere to sit down and eat where the kids wouldn't be scolded for making noise. So we popped our heads in and asked the waitress if they were happy to have kids in. We were made very welcome and the staff made a fuss of the children.

The place is small but not cramped, the menu consists of simple but tasty dishes (most of the dishes have the name of a composer in them). The prices are very reasonable for city centre dining and the kids portions were generous.

We were sat right in front of the kitchen so had the pleasure to hear the chef singing away whilst he cooked. He obviously loves to cook and loves music. The love for cooking showed in the freshly cooked to order dishes that we were served. They were as close to italian home cooking as you can get in a restaurant.

Don't let the decor and size put you off. This is really worth visiting for a lunch time break from the hectic shops.

Truly a hidden gem

Pillars - I like it by FiddleSticks

FiddleSticks — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:28:46 +0000

Review by FiddleSticks

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 029 2039 5074

Tags: quick bite, crowded, average brew

I like it but not to a huge extent. The decor is alright, not anything very special but it's nice. I always feel it is a little crowded though so if you like your space this won't be a place for you however it isn't extremely crowded. The food is delicious with a great variety of different dishes to try. There is even a buffet if you fancy it and the prices are not bad at all. The staff who work there are nice enough, never felt they were extremely helpful or friendly though. It is aimed more at the older generation where they meet for lunch.I like it but not to a huge extent. The decor is alright, not anything very special but it's nice. I always feel it is a little crowded though so if you like your space this won't be a place for you however it isn't extremely crowded. The food is delicious with a great variety of different dishes to try. There is even a buffet if you fancy it and the prices are not bad at all. The staff who work there are nice enough, never felt they were extremely helpful or friendly though. It is aimed more at the older generation where they meet for lunch.

The Plan - Coffee heaven by graceycakes

graceycakes — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:29:54 +0000

Review by graceycakes

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 029 2039 8764

Tags: cosy, cultured, quick bite

If you seriously love your real coffee then get to The Plan immediately! Not the sort of place that serves milky, over-sweetened, cream-smothered excuses for a caffeine hit; at The Plan you can choose between various Columbian, Arabica, Kenyan and many other coffees, that taste amazing and are served in a generous cafetiere and will wake anyone up. This is complemented by a good selection of food, much of it vegetarian I believe, and a lot of it sourced locally. There have been many times where a pot of coffee and a cheese toastie from here has revitalised me after a heavy night, or even just as a break in a days busy shopping. They also serve a wide variety of teas. The Plan is inside the arcade a little way, and has an upstairs seating area where you can watch the other people in the cafe through the square in the centre, or watch the arcade through the gently aged wooden framed windows. This place has atmosphere and character, and is a hidden secret of Cardiff's arcades.If you seriously love your real coffee then get to The Plan immediately! Not the sort of place that serves milky, over-sweetened, cream-smothered excuses for a caffeine hit; at The Plan you can choose between various Columbian, Arabica, Kenyan and many other coffees, that taste amazing and are served in a generous cafetiere and will wake anyone up. This is complemented by a good selection of food, much of it vegetarian I believe, and a lot of it sourced locally. There have been many times where a pot of coffee and a cheese toastie from here has revitalised me after a heavy night, or even just as a break in a days busy shopping. They also serve a wide variety of teas. The Plan is inside the arcade a little way, and has an upstairs seating area where you can watch the other people in the cafe through the square in the centre, or watch the arcade through the gently aged wooden framed windows. This place has atmosphere and character, and is a hidden secret of Cardiff's arcades.

Brazil Coffee Co. - Cosy environment to chill by dbuk44

dbuk44 — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:22:31 +0000

Review by dbuk44

Rating: 4.00

Website: http://www.shunice.com/brazil/

Tags: mediterranean, delicatessen, rare finds

Met some friends here a while back. It took me a while to find Church Street where Brazil was located because no one seemed to know where it was. Eventually I found it tucked away in this small cobbled street. They served me with an excellent double Macchiato and an impressive latte. I watched the chap make it. He heated the cup, back flushed the machine and heated the milk to perfection while spinning it. He obviously knew his stuff, because I threw in a couple of questions and he gave me the answers plus more! The place oozes style and is clean and inviting. The manageress was very professional and may I say happy and attractive.

Brazil is a dying breed amongst the vast sprawl of big Coffee chains. They do which most other cafes canâ¬"t do â¬ Make good coffee the correct way with character and they look like they enjoy it and customers alike.Met some friends here a while back. It took me a while to find Church Street where Brazil was located because no one seemed to know where it was. Eventually I found it tucked away in this small cobbled street. They served me with an excellent double Macchiato and an impressive latte. I watched the chap make it. He heated the cup, back flushed the machine and heated the milk to perfection while spinning it. He obviously knew his stuff, because I threw in a couple of questions and he gave me the answers plus more! The place oozes style and is clean and inviting. The manageress was very professional and may I say happy and attractive.

Brazil is a dying breed amongst the vast sprawl of big Coffee chains. They do which most other cafes canâ¬"t do â¬ Make good coffee the correct way with character and they look like they enjoy it and customers alike.

Elgano Cookshop - Elgano by Mognsprog

Mognsprog — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:18:15 +0000

Review by Mognsprog

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 029 2039 9510

Tags: quick bite

Run by Elgan, this is a baguette style takeaway. Loved by students and used by businesses too they deliver.Run by Elgan, this is a baguette style takeaway. Loved by students and used by businesses too they deliver.

Atlantic Coffee - fantastic coffee by becca5520

becca5520 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:22:50 +0000

Review by becca5520

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, top food

This place serves the best coffee in Cardiff, it has many different types of coffee on offer as well as made to order fresh smoothies and frappes. The majority of the food is home made which is made to order and served with a tasty side salad and carrot salad. The staff are friendly and welcoming - even better still it's an independent family run coffee shop in the centre of Cardiff. I won't drink coffee anywhere else!This place serves the best coffee in Cardiff, it has many different types of coffee on offer as well as made to order fresh smoothies and frappes. The majority of the food is home made which is made to order and served with a tasty side salad and carrot salad. The staff are friendly and welcoming - even better still it's an independent family run coffee shop in the centre of Cardiff. I won't drink coffee anywhere else!

The Ozone - Ethical, organic and healthy by Tess1

Tess1 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:32:53 +0000

Review by Tess1

Rating: 4.00

Tags: organic cafe

I love going to Ozone. It's a great place to visit for lunch. They offer a selection of sandwiches and soups, which come with a choice of home-made bread (white, brown, sunflower, granary). Their salad is also fantastic. It comes in a big bowl and includes wholemeale pasta and rice salads, roasted vegetables, etc. It's very healthy and filling! Although it is not exactly cheap, the portions easily make up for the price. I love going to Ozone. It's a great place to visit for lunch. They offer a selection of sandwiches and soups, which come with a choice of home-made bread (white, brown, sunflower, granary). Their salad is also fantastic. It comes in a big bowl and includes wholemeale pasta and rice salads, roasted vegetables, etc. It's very healthy and filling! Although it is not exactly cheap, the portions easily make up for the price.

Coffee Mania! - great views on the Bay by Madafi

Madafi — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:20:14 +0000

Review by Madafi

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 029 2046 4546

Tags: quick bite, crowded, international

Coffee Mania enjoys a nice view of the Bay with indoor and outdoor seating areas. The outdoor seating is an affair of a few tables and chairs dotted around the front of the cafe. Make no mistake, however, that when the sun is shining this is where you want to be - sipping your coffee and watching people go by. But keep in mind that like any other prime location cafe, expect to wait long for a good table to become available.Coffee Mania enjoys a nice view of the Bay with indoor and outdoor seating areas. The outdoor seating is an affair of a few tables and chairs dotted around the front of the cafe. Make no mistake, however, that when the sun is shining this is where you want to be - sipping your coffee and watching people go by. But keep in mind that like any other prime location cafe, expect to wait long for a good table to become available.