Travel website TripAdvisor turned 14 last month and, since 2000, it has become the largest travel community in the world, with more than 32 million members and more than 100 million reviews of hotels, attractions, bars and restaurants.
It may not be one of the biggest or indeed most well-known eateries in Cardiff but Shaam Nights in Plasnewydd is currently the top restaurant in our city, according to TripAdvisor.
The hidden gem joins a number of other lesser known restaurants making the top spots as a result of happy customers willing to share their experiences online.
So here are the top 10 restaurants in Cardiff – according to independent reviews.
1. Shaam Nights, City Road, Plasnewydd, Cardiff
This photo of Shaam Nights is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Cuisine: Mediterranean
There are 435 reviews for this restaurant.
Micheleslater posted: “We had an aubergine dish with lamb kofti which was deeeelicious, and a chicken dish which was delicately and fragrantly spiced. The rice was extremely tasty. We both had a Polo – lemon and mint over crushed ice – and that definitely made our taste buds tingle.”
Shaam Nights was recently reviewed by The Cardiffian
2. Cafe Citta, Church Street, Cardiff
This photo of Cafe Citta is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Cuisine: Italian
There are 488 reviews posted on this restaurant.
Sjh1984 shared: “The atmosphere was great with the friendly staff bustling around making sure everyone was happy which it was apparent they were.
“The food certainly didn’t disappoint. We shared some antipasti which were excellent, especially the aubergine dish. I had the Linguine Citta for main and it was superb. The sauce of Ricotta, pine nuts and chilli was perfectly balanced. For dessert I had a delicious Tiramisu and then a really tasty espresso.”
3. The Clink, Knox Road, Cardiff
This photo of The Clink is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Cuisine: Contemporary, British
There are 177 reviews for this establishment.
Elaine M posted: “What can I say about this place… it was amazing. From the moment we went in we were made feel welcome and the staff were very attentive. We were served by weasley who was brilliant throughout the whole night. We had the gourmet valentines day special and I have never had food like it..it was delicious. I would highly recommend it for a nice relaxed meal with a partner or friends.”
4. Oz Urfa, City Road, Roath, Cardiff
This photo of Oz Urfa is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Cuisine: Turkish
There are 123 reviews for this restaurant.
IanCaerphilly wrote: “This place is fantastic – it is simply one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. The food is lovingly prepared from scratch each day in the restaurant, and has that quality of expertise and authenticity which we all search for when dining out.
“The staff are warm, charming and friendly, and clearly take pride in their work. It is absolutely no surprise to see so many excellent reviews for this restaurant, and I wholeheartedly add my recommendation to all the others.”
5. Canteen on Clifton Street, Clifton Street, Adamsdown, Cardiff
This photo of Canteen on Clifton Street is courtesy of TripAdvisor
There are 160 reviews for this restaurant.
Cuisine: Vegetarian
TellSyd wrote: “No pretensions of grandeur and all the better for it. An absolutely lovely evening meal. Casual but friendly service, with the place packed to the rafters. The food was consistently good through all 3 courses … flavoursome and hearty, nicely presented, and very fresh.
“It’s food you could cook for a dinner party and all the better for it. We loved the fact that the menu is limited and rotates regularly, and that there was just one choice of each wine – red white or rose. The Welsh whisky to top it off was a real treat. A super experience, with the vegan sticky toffee pudding being a standout! We will *definitely* go back when in Cardiff.”
6. Yakitori#, Cardiff Bay
This photo of Yakitori#1 is courtesy of TripAdvisor
There are 79 reviews for this restaurant.
Cuisine: Japenese
Richard G posted: “From the point of entering the service was spot on. Very attentive staff and the food to back it up. Highly recommended.”
7. Mina Restaurant, Crwys Road, Cathays, Cardiff
This photo of Mina Restaurant is courtesy of TripAdvisor
There are 386 reviews for this restaurant.
Cuisine: Lebanese
Sumaya m said: “I’ve always thought hat business’s lose their touch after it takes off, but this place.. they are still the same. Staff as always friendly, used to go there all the time. Since I’ve been in London I’ve not yet found a place that can compete with their steak au pouvre. Looks like it’s a trip to Cardiff each time I crave a good saucy steak!
“The atmosphere is very homely, warm and intimate. Perfect for dates, dinner to talk business and for that perfect get together catch up.
Honestly everything in that place tastes amazing, so long the chef always keeps cooking like he’s cooking for the family, it’ll never change.”
8. Moksh, Cardiff Bay
This photo of Moksh is courtesy of TripAdvisor
There are 514 reviews for this restaurant.
Cuisine: Indian
Jaimi B wrote: “It’s really a cut above most Indian restaurants yet for a regular price. The food is exceptional, presented like it would be in a Michelin starred restaurant with inventiveness and beauty. Delicious!
9. Troy, City Road, Roath
This photo of Troy is courtesy of TripAdvisor
There are 111 reviews for this restaurant.
Cuisine: Turkish
Matt 240975 wrote: “Been to troy’s on a several times. Every time I have been there you are always welcomed by the friendly staff. The quality of food is fantastic. Fantastic value for money. The platter is definitely one to try.”
10. Istanbul Restaurant, City Road, Roath, Cardiff
This photo of Istanbul Restaurant is courtesy of TripAdvisor
There are 55 reviews for this restaurant.
Cuisine: Turkish
aggcardiff said: “You cannot beat the extremely friendly, attentive service, the quality of the food and the very reasonable prices. The food is so delicious.”
View A map to show where the top ten Cardiff restaurant in a full screen map
