Looking for the best restaurants in Whitchurch, Cardiff? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re craving a cosy pub lunch, a high-protein brunch, or fancy something a bit more special for date night, this charming village in North Cardiff has something for everyone. From independent gems to family favourites, I’ve rounded up the top spots to eat in Whitchurch – because life’s too short for boring meals, right?
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Updated March 2025
For such a small village, there are many quality places to eat in Whitchurch Cardiff. Some of the very best Cardiff restaurants can be found here, serving succulent food and different cuisines. Whitchurch is just a 10-15 minute drive from the city centre. It is easy to get to by bus, train, or cycle.
Whitchurch just so happens to be my neighbourhood. I’ve moved out of the village, but I’m still nearby, so I often come here for a bottomless brunch, quiz night or romantic dining experience. It’s where I meet friends and family for coffee and even do a pub crawl on the weekend or bank holiday.
Table of Contents
Get 50% off food in Cardiff
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Top Restaurants in Whitchurch
The majority of pubs and restaurants are on Merthyr Road Whitchurch, which leads into Penlline Road. Here are all of the restaurants in Whitchurch.
El Camino Cardiff
Previously called Santiago’s, El Camino Whitchurch is the only place you can get authentic Spanish and food in Whitchurch. Think sizzling gambas, crispy patatas bravas, and an excellent selection of wines to wash it all down – perfect for a laid-back evening with friends or date night vibes!
📍 77a Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DD
///logic.face.flames
Brook Bistro Whitchurch Cardiff
A relatively small but cosy restaurant, Brook Bistro serves British food. It is a beautiful little gem in the heart of Whitchurch. Their Sunday Lunch, especially, gets rave reviews with a varied choice of vegetables, local ingredients and quality meat.
In addition to lunch and dinner, they also serve a Bottomless Prosecco Brunch. The service is always exceptional, as staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome, whether it’s your first visit or you’re a regular.
📍 76A Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1DJ
///festivity.funny.bolt
Italian Restaurants in Whitchurch Cardiff
I often end up here, usually on a whim, because I love the food. Throughout lockdown, I would say this is one of the first places I wanted to eat out when allowed. It’s five stars. I know the menu by heart and still struggle to decide which delicious dish I want to eat.
The Pizzeria Villaggio is family-owned and serves simple Italian food of pizzas, calzones and pasta. Supplemented with a daily specials board of meat and fish options. Need a table outside? No problem! They have a cute dining area at the front and a patio at the back. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
📍 73 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DD
///themes.mouth.kicks
Glass of Bandal
Love cheese and wine? Well, you’re in luck! Glass of Bandal serves fine cheeses, wines, breads and charcuterie. The quirk of the restaurant is that there’s also self-service. Yes, you can serve yourself with dispensers, tasters, and small to large measures.
🐾 Dog friendly
📍 69 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DD
///narrow.composers.blog
Indian Express
Indian Express opened in Whitchurch Village after the pandemic. The restaurant has been furnished to a very high standard, and the food and presentation is first-class. Tandoori mixed grills arrive on sizzling skillets, and I highly recommend the prawn madras with mushroom rice and garlic naan. Takeaway is also available.
📍 65 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DD
///bunch.payer.eggs
Mango Tree
Mango Tree in Whitchurch is a vibrant, family-friendly restaurant offering a delicious mix of authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy rich curries, tasty tandoori dishes, and flavour-packed sides, whether you’re dining in or ordering takeaway.
📍 65 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DD
///motion.online.flops
Fino Lounge
By day, Fino Lounge is a great café or lunch spot, and by night, it livens up. Cocktails anyone? It is deceptively big and spread over two floors. Plus, the front windows open up in the summer. Open in the morning for breakfast and brunch, then sandwiches, salads and burgers for lunch. In the evening you can expect main meals and tapas. There is a dedicated vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu, too.
🐾 Downstairs is dog-friendly
📍 49 Merthyr Rd, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DB
///pass.asset.other
La Cucina Da MARA
In what was previously Deli a GoGo the site is now home to La Cucina Da Mara. The independent cafe restaurant serves stone-baked pizzas cooked in a traditional log-burning oven, traditional Italian sharing boards and delicious homemade cakes.
📍 3 Penlline Rd, Cardiff CF14 2AA
///today.saying.scans
Mowgli’s
I absolutely love this Indian restaurant. Always have excellent quality food which is authentic and naturally cooked. Mowgli’s serves old favourites such as madras, vindaloo and a rogan josh. I love their chicken tikka and paneer biryani. There are also chef specials ducksheri, garlic chilli chicken and murgh palong – where you can choose medium, hot or very hot. Also, Mowgli’s have the BEST onion bhajees – they’re huge!
📍 13 Penlline Rd, Cardiff CF14 2AA
///taken.reap.eager
India Gate
Another popular Indian, India Gate, is next door to Mowgli’s. It has been in the village for over 30 years and has amassed a loyal customer base. The traditional dishes always arrive piping hot and deliver on every flavour level. Great staff, fantastic food, at a reasonable price.
📍 17 Penlline Rd, Cardiff CF14 2AA
///gossip.moon.groups
Toby Carvery Whitchurch
You can’t go wrong with a carvery if you’re not fussed and want some fast food. Everyday hand-carved meats, including beef, pork, turkey and gammon- plus lamb on Sundays – served with all the trimmings. Plus, vegetarian and vegan dishes, too.
📍 21 Ty’n-Y-Parc Rd, Cardiff CF14 6BH
///smug.sunset.hang
Sushi Life Cardiff
If you’re searching for the best sushi in Cardiff, look no further! This delightful Japanese restaurant in Cardiff offers a diverse menu brimming with delectable dishes from sushi to ramen and katsu curries to sashimi.
📍 16 Park Road, Whitchurch Cardiff CF14 7BQ
///demand.wiping.jabs
Village Pub & Grill
Based at The Village Hotel is their sports bar and restaurant, Pub & Grill. You’ll find visitors to Cardiff here, along with locals and many gym members. They serve burgers, wings and lighter bites such as noodles or salads. Sports are shown on the big screens, so if there’s a match, you can expect a lively atmosphere.
📍 29 Pendwyallt Rd, Cardiff CF14 7EF
///thank.washed.mental
Pubs in Whitchurch Cardiff
Whitchurch is home to a great mix of traditional and modern pubs, perfect for everything from a relaxed pint to a lively evening with friends.
The Three Elms
The Elms is a Hungry Horse pub. The comfy pub is ideal for a casual drink or family favourite off the menu. There’s a different deal every day as well as big plate specials. The staff are always friendly, polite and helpful.
🐾 Dog friendly on the hardwood floors
📍 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1JE
///choice.sends.bars
The Maltsters Whitchurch
The SA Brains pub, The Maltsters, is a traditional community pub serving drinks all day. No food is done here. Your favourite sport is bound to be on the TV, and there’s even skittles and a dartboard. There are two beer gardens. The one at the front of the pub also has heaters and is the perfect spot for watching the world go by.
🐾 Dog friendly
📍 75 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DD
///aura.ruler.ankle
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak in Whitchurch is a traditional pub. Showing sport on the screens every day and live music on the weekends. Again, no food is served here. It’s a bit of a Tardis; it initially looks like a small bar, but there is additional space at the back and a beer garden.
🐾 Dog friendly
📍17 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DA
///belly.thigh.fancy
The Plough
The Plough has a more sophisticated vibe and even has a nook where you can cwtch up and read. You can expect a sociable drink, and there are always wine, Prosecco or gin offers. The food menu has more of a bistro vibe, serving modern British cuisine.
🐾 Dog friendly
📍1 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DA
///rescue.gears.misty
Earl Haig Club
The Earl Haig Memorial Club is a Royal British Legion. Members and guests are welcome. It is a live music venue and has popular Monday Jam sessions.
📍22-23 Penlline Rd, Cardiff CF14 2AA
///darker.tooth.preoccupied
Fox and Hounds Whitchurch
The Fox and Hounds is one of the most family-friendly pubs, with a large beer garden and play area for the kids. It is also one of the bigger pubs in the area. Perfect for drinks or proper pub grub.
🐾 Dog friendly on the hard floor areas
📍Old Church Rd, Cardiff CF14 1AD
///spare.fell.swung
Kegbelly
Kegbelly is a laid-back, independent bar and kitchen in Whitchurch that’s all about craft beers, juicy burgers, and good vibes. Expect a rotating selection of local brews on tap, loaded fries, wings and proper comfort food – ideal for casual catch-ups or a chilled weekend treat!
🐾 Dog friendly
📍12 Park Rd, Cardiff CF14 7BQ
///catch.hike.laser
The Hollybush Cardiff
Part of the Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery chain, you know what to expect from this pub and restaurant. The Hollybush is perfect for relaxing and unwinding with a drink or two. Or, enjoy a roast, pub classic or stone-baked pizza.
🐾 Dog friendly in the bar area
📍Pendwyallt Rd, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 7EG
///shiny.swung.mutual
Cafes in Whitchurch Cardiff
Whitchurch has a lovely selection of cosy cafes, ideal for catching up over coffee, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or grabbing a sweet treat on the go.
Against the Grain
Against the Grain is a stylish gluten-free café and coffee shop in Whitchurch, known for its artisan coffee, freshly baked gluten-free pastries, and relaxed vibe. It’s the perfect spot to grab a flat white, enjoy a delicious gluten-free treat, or settle in with your laptop for a productive morning.
🐾 Dog friendly
📍 44 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DJ
///fields.dining.monkey
Coffee#1
In the heart of the village is Coffee#1. Over the two floors and the rear conservatory, there is plenty of space for groups or families. You can expect traditional coffee shop drinks and food, including paninis, toasties, pastries and cakes.
🐾 Dog friendly area
📍 22 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DH
///email.uses.preoccupied
Coffi Lab
Labelled as the neighbourhood coffee shop which is also your dog’s best friend. Coffi Lab is open seven days a week, serving your caffeine fix and cold drinks. Light bites and tasty treats are also available. It is opposite Whitchurch Library and Gardens in the old Cancer Research Wedding shop.
🐾 Dog friendly
📍 55 Penlline Rd, Cardiff CF14 2AB
///lately.sports.pulled
A-head of the Game Nutrition
Ahead of the Game in Whitchurch is a high-protein café that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re after a macro-friendly brunch, a post-gym protein shake, or nutritious meal prep to take home, it’s all about fuelling your body with flavour-packed, wholesome food!
🐾 Dog friendly in the outside area
📍 8 Park Rd, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 7BQ
///drops.jokes.intervals
Starbucks
Starbucks offers a familiar, cosy spot for your favourite coffee, with all the classic drinks you know and love. Whether you’re in the mood for a caramel macchiato, a flat white, or a seasonal treat, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick caffeine fix or enjoy a relaxing break with friends. Found at The Village Hotel in Whitchurch or near Asda Coryton.
Takeaway in Whitchurch Cardiff
Dominos Pizza
Domino’s Pizza in Whitchurch is the go-to spot for satisfying your pizza cravings, offering a wide range of classic and creative toppings and sides like garlic bread and chicken wings.
New Empire
New Empire has been in their spot in Whitchurch for as long as I can remember. The tasty Chinese takeaway is old school; they do not do delivery and are not on any websites such as Just Eat. However, this hasn’t diminished their popularity.
Fintans Fish & Chips
The owner, Spiro, has been cooking quality fish and chips in Whitchurch since 1988. Fintans now has several locations in Cardiff. You can get a fish supper: haddock, cod, hake, plaice or scampi with chips and mushy peas. Other accompaniments to the chips are pies, pasties, roast chicken, sausage in batter, burgers, sauces, pineapple fritters and different sides.
Parsons Bakery
The award-winning artisan bakery started in Bristol and has opened several Parsons Bakeries in South Wales. It is family-owned and has traded through two world wars and several world recessions. They bake bread, cakes and pastries.
Greggs
From sandwiches to pasties, sausage rolls, to sweet treats, you probably already know what you’re getting at Greggs. The small store in Whitchurch is next door to The Royal Oak.
Victoria Fish & Chip Bar
The chip shop also has fond memories for me. When in high school, if we had to go between upper and lower, the chippy was in the middle. A potato fritter in batter in a roll with sauce was 50p. Now, alongside fish, chips, jumbo sausages and fishcakes, they serve quality kebabs. Victoria Chip Shop even feed the homeless at Christmas.
Bombay Mix
The Indian and Bangladeshi takeaway is also available for delivery. Bombay Mix serves delicious starters, main dishes, rice, breads and sundries.
Ozzy’s Sandwich Bar
Ozzy’s should be your first port of call if you are looking for a decent sandwich. With hot roast rolls or a freshly made baguette with a vast range of fillings – all of which are homemade. When I lived at home with my parents, my dad often suggested popping to Ozzy’s for breakfast on the weekend.
Other food in Whitchurch Cardiff
Co-op
As Co-op’s go, this is one of the bigger ones. There’s even an Amazon locker and a John Lewis collection here. Perfect for your weekly shop or if you need to pick something up.
Iceland
There are only two aisles in this tiny Iceland. However, it is packed with frozen, fresh and store cupboard staples.
Farmer’s Pantry
The butcher is a partner with Rosedew Farm in nearby Llantwit Major. You can order online or visit the Farmer’s Pantry shop in Whitchurch. There are different cuts of meats, foods from the farm kitchen and even meat packs ideal for the week ahead or BBQ’s.
Bird’s
I love that, along with butchers, greengrocers are popular again. Bird’s Fruit and Veg has a brilliant array of fresh goods where you can just pick up what you need. They’ve even ditched the plastic.
Tesco Express
Tesco Express in Whitchurch is a handy stop for all your everyday essentials, offering a wide range of groceries, snacks, drinks, and household items. Perfect for a quick shop or grabbing something on the go.
Whitchurch Convenience Store
Whitchurch Convenience Store is a local gem, offering everything from every day groceries to snacks and household essentials whether you need a quick pick-me-up or stocking up for the week.
Trains to Whitchurch
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier. In fact, there are two train stations in Whitchurch – Whitchurch (Cardiff) and Coryton. If you are conscious of your climate impact or just want to enjoy a few drinks, get the train. I love Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And who doesn’t want to save money? For more information, click the image:
There are also regular bus services from the city centre. Look out for Cardiff Bus numbers 21 and 23. Or from Porth, the 132 Stagecoach bus. It passes through Pontypridd, Upper Boat, Taffs Well and Tongwynlais.
Hotels in Whitchurch Cardiff
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
The most obvious choice when staying in Whitchurch, Cardiff, is The Village Hotel. The stylish hotel rooms all have everything you need for a night away. With access to the state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. There’s also a Travelodge and a Holiday Inn in Whitchurch. Nearby you can also stay in the New House Country Hotel, Manor Parc Hotel or a whole host of hotels in the city centre.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff is a 10-minute walk from the theatre. It has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Radisson Cardiff
The Radisson Blue Hotel Cardiff is in the city centre. The 4-star hotel has smart TVs in the bedrooms, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, laptop-compatible safes, and limited onsite parking.
Dog friendly Hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? The dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
Restaurants Cardiff
Cardiff is a foodie’s delight. From the quality of the produce to the level of cooking, from cheap eats to something special like three-course menus, there’s something for every palate. Plus, some of the best places to eat are in Cardiff city centre. Cardiff is staking a serious claim to being one of the UK’s most exciting places to eat. Don’t forget to book ahead to guarantee a table.
Follow Me on Social Media
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Don’t Miss Out – Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter
Want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed reading about restaurants in Whitchurch, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Related Articles
- Things to do in Whitchurch
- Cicchetti Radyr: A Delightful Italian Experience
- Breakfast at The Sultan in Cardiff Bay
