Hidden Gem Bars and Restaurants in Cardiff

Cardiff is full of surprises, especially when it comes to its food and drink scene. Beyond the popular spots, there's a whole world of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From quirky speakeasies to cozy little eateries, let's dive into the lesser-known places that make Cardiff's dining and nightlife so special. Get ready to find your new favourite hangout!

Curado Bar, Guildhall Place

Just a stones throw away from the Principality Stadium, this Basque-style bar is a dream for tapas lovers! Curado gets its produce straight from Spain, so everything tastes super authentic. Whether you're into pintxos, charcuterie, or a glass of Spanish wine, Curado brings a true taste of the Basque Country to Cardiff.

Vermut, Guildhall Place

Next door to Curado you’ll find Vermut, Wales’ first ever Andalusian style bar. Vermut is the perfect hideaway to grab a quick drink and tapas before you head out for dinner or to finish off your night. With 4 wines on tap, 20 Spanish vermouths by the glass, and over 20 sherries and Montilla-Moriles, they’ve got something for everyone. When it comes to food, they keep it simple with cured fish, meats & cheeses which pair brilliantly with the drinks.

The Underdog - Kongs, Guildhall Place

Tucked away on Guildhall Place, the Underdog offers an escape from the city. Picture yourself here sipping cocktails under neon lights and enjoying some 80s nostalgia tracks. The Underdog has this cool, underground feel, and the atmosphere here makes it feel like you're in on a well-kept secret.

the Bootlegger, Womanby Street

Take a stroll down Womanby Street and you'll stumble upon the Bootlegger, a speakeasy with a classy Prohibition-era theme. The Bootlegger is split into two levels: upstairs, you've got a late-night cocktail lounge boasting a killer menu of over 60 cocktails and a wide array of other drinks. And downstairs is where the magic happens, with live music performances throughout the week.

The Daffodil, Windsor Place

This gorgeous pub just off Queen Street will provide you with a true taste of Wales. The Daffodil champions local Welsh suppliers sourcing all their produce as locally as they can through small artisan suppliers, many of whom can be found in Cardiff Market. The Daffodil also has a long wine list of 31 wines, and the team can recommend pairing with any of their dishes.

Dead Canary, Barrack Lane

You can find the Dead Canary hidden behind a secret entrance on Barrack Lane. Ring the doorbell to enter a weird and wonderful world with a unique, storybook style cocktail menu. We won’t give anymore away, experience it for yourself!

Lab 22, Caroline Street

If you’re out in Cardiff it’s a rite of passage to end your night on Caroline Street, aka Chippy Alley, but why not start your night here too! Head to Lab 22 for award winning cocktails. Their current drinks list is inspired by the concept of the unexplored, with cocktails based around Time Travel, AI and Space Exploration.

Nighthawks, Castle Arcade

This one’s for all you wine lovers. Nighthawks is a relaxed bar where you can enjoy great wines, cocktails, and delicious food without the intimidating wine lists! Head to Castle Arcade, opposite the entrance to Cardiff Castle, to kick back and let the drinks flow.

Chance and Counters, High Street

If craft beer, tasty food, and board games (over 650 of them, to be exact) sound like your thing, then Chance and Counters is your paradise. The entrance is a sneaky little yellow gate on the High Street, directly opposite the High Street Arcade, tucked between Pennyroyal and Prego Wine Bar. It's easy to miss if you're not looking, but once you find it, you'll be glad you did.

So, have you found your new go-to spot? We hope you enjoy exploring the city and trying out these great hidden gems.