Cardiff Bay
is booming for entertainment, and especially eating and drinking. There is a mixture of new trendy restaurants and cafe bars on the waterfront in the new Mermaid Quay complex, and more traditional pubs and restaurants in the older Mount Stuart Square area. You are spoilt for choice with everything from Italian, Chinese, Japanese and tapas through to Turkish. As well as the specialities there are a few of the more conventional chain restaurants. At night the bars in Mermaid Quay are heavy with bouncers so you may want to stay away from these if you are easily intimidated. The restaurants, generally on the upper level, are more welcoming. At night, especially on Friday and Saturday nearby car-parking is limited and cars are parked far and wide. You may wish to park in the large car-park at the rear of the Millennium Centre and take the 5 minute walk from there.Anyway, here are a few of my favourites.
Signor Valentino's
15 Mermaid Quay, Cardiff tel.(029)-2048-2007 (map) An Italian restaurant on the upper level of Mermaid Quay. Perfectly situated with excellent views across the Bay. Ask for a table overlooking the bay when you arrive if they have one free. Excellent service from charming Italian staff. Pizza £8 - £10. Antipasta up to £6. Pasta main dishes £8 - £14. Meat dishes about £14. Their fresh fish is also excellent. 10% fixed service charge for parties of 10 or more. They also own Bellinis and the Bayside Brasserie next door.
Bellinis
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff tel. (029)-2048-7070 (map) Bellinis is an Italian restaurant set in a great position on the first floor in the Mermaid Quay restaurant and shopping complex. There is a wide choice of Italian dishes. The staff are attentive and courteous and you can see your food being cooked which I always like. The restaurant has great views across the Bay, though ask for a window table if you want the best view.Opening times are 12.00-2.30 everyday for lunch, 6.00-10.30 Sun-Thurs, 6.00-11.00 Fri and Sat for dinner. Expect to pay £13 to 20 per person excluding wine. They also do a lunchtime menu for £5.95
Buff's Winebar
8 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay tel. (029)-2046-4628 (map) An excellent winebar and restaurant in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Light meals downstairs and more substantial fare upstairs. Average price £7 downstairs and £20 upstairs. Open Monday to Friday only, 11am to 7:30pm
Coffee Mania
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff tel. (029)-2046-4546 ( map) A perfectly situated coffee bar overlooking the Bay. A great spot for a light lunch watching the world go by. A selection of sandwiches and hot panini and a huge selection of coffees and teas. They also have a selection of yummy cakes for dessert! You can find us here at least once a week for a panini and a caffe latte! About £10 for two at lunchtime.
Terra Nova
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff tel. (029)-2045-0947 ( map) A good sized bar and restaurant on two floors. Lots of comfy seating, heavy wood and stairs. An excellent place to sit and watch the Bay go by, especially on the outside seating when the weather is good enough. Salt across the road does similar food but cheaper. Both are owned by Brains brewery. Starters approx. £5. Main course £7 - £10. Desserts: approx. £4
Scallops - SHUT
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff tel. (029)-2049-7495 map) A upmarket fish restaurant with a good choice of fish courses as well as some meat dishes. Open 12:00 to 10:00pm, Monday to Thursdays, and until 10:30pm Friday and Saturday.If you're looking for something a little cheaper and more traditional then try Harry Ramsden's Fish and Chip Restaurant next door. Recommended to eat in, but you can take-away as well.
Pearl of the Orient
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff tel. (029)-2049-8080 (map) A very large modern Chinese restaurant on the upper level of Mermaid Quay. Poorly situated down a dark passageway but well worth the effort. Very popular so it's worth booking especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. It also has a large private room for parties seating up to 80 people. Open lunchtimes with a set menu for about £6. Expect to pay £15 to £20 in the evening.
