Llandaff is known as a City within a City. Historic Llandaff is in the north of Cardiff and is home to Llandaff Cathedral, picturesque village greens and a bustling High Street. On top of this, there are plenty of places to eat in Llandaff. From cosy cafes to traditional pubs and high-end restaurants.
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Restaurants in Llandaff
Summer Palace
The first of the places to eat in Llandaff is Summer Place, located on Llandaff High Street, just metres from the cathedral. It is one of the longest-serving family-run restaurants and takeaways in Cardiff. It opened in 1988. The Hong Kong-style menu includes set menus or individual dishes. Favourites include crispy shredded beef, chicken in black bean sauce, sweet and sour pork, and Yung chow fried rice. Open Wednesday to Sunday in the evenings only.
Chinese restaurants in Cardiff
Porro
Also found on High Street Llandaff is Porro. The Porro Llandaff menu changes regularly. It has a sleek, contemporary look which is more than enticing to those who like a stylish place to dine. There are exposed brick walls, parquet flooring and the wall is lined with green leather bench-style. The Italian restaurant dishes change regularly, but options include arancini, calamari, ox cheek tagliatelle, pizza, lamb shoulder, pork belly or affogato.
Bay Leaf
Another High Street restaurant is Bay Leaf, an authentic Indian dining experience. Offering both dine-in and takeaway options. For those who like it spicy, the lamb jalfrezi is a perfect choice, as it is slow-cooked with fresh ground spices or the chicken kolapuri – sliced chicken tikka in a hot sauce. Or a tandoor mixed grill?
Siciliarte
The Sicilian restaurant offers a different style of Italian cooking from other Cardiff restaurants. At Siciliarte you can eat the same food as you would in Italy. Traditional Sicilian dishes on the menu include arancini, panelle, a popular street food dish, lasagne made with egg, pork and peas and other pasta dishes. Find it on Waungron Road, going towards Fairwater.
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Cafes in Llandaff
Jaspers Tea Room
Another of the places to eat in Llandaff is Jaspers. It has a traditional feel and surroundings. Start the day with breakfast, or come for lunch or an afternoon tea. Which includes sandwiches, a scone with jam and cream, a homemade Victoria sponge, a cupcake, macaron, Welsh cake, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Served on a tiered stand and a pot of tea for £16 per person.
Everywhere you can get afternoon tea in Cardiff
Garlands
Is it a florist, gift shop or café? Garlands is all three! The small café is found at the rear, with some outdoor seating. It serves fantastic fry ups, good coffee, sandwiches, paninis, salads and cakes. Alongside excellent service.
Coffi Lab
Labelled as the neighbourhood coffee shop, which is also your dog’s best friend. Coffi Lab is open seven days a week on High Street, serving your caffeine fix and cold drinks. Light bites and tasty treats are also available, including complimentary homemade biscuits for your dog.
🐾 Dog friendly
K2
Not the nightclub I used frequent in the early noughties! The K2 coffee shop has been on the High Street for over 25 years. They are well known for their warm and friendly welcome. If you want a top-notch eggs benedict, come here for breakfast! The range of homemade cakes are also incredible. And, it’s excellent value for money.
The Potting Shed
The gardens at Insole Court in Llandaff are a peaceful quiet walk. The Grade II listed mansion house was saved with lottery funding, and the outbuilding has undergone extensive refurbishments. Visit the Potting Shed Café for a light lunch or bake. They make everything on-site in their tiny kitchen, and it tastes incredible. Make sure you check out 9 things you didn’t know you could do at Insole Court.
🐾 Dog friendly
Llandaff Pubs
Butcher’s Arms
The Butchers Arms Llandaff has all the atmosphere and feel of a country pub, despite being in the heart of a city. There’s a huge heated garden area, which is lovely for evening drinks. The traditional pub food is also paired with themed nights, such as pizza on Thursdays and Caribbean on Saturdays.
🐾 Dog friendly
Caribbean restaurants in Cardiff
The Black Lion
You can expect honest pub grub and a great range of drinks at The Black Lion. This includes ales, beers and traditional ciders. From sausage and mash to cod and chips or show-stopping burgers. Plus, lighter bites, delicious grills and dessert.
🐾 Dog friendly
The Maltsters
The Maltsters is an excellent pub with a contemporary modern style. Real ales, continental beers and fine wines complement the dining favourites. The Maltsters Llandaff menu is traditional pub fare with burgers, loaded nachos, curry and rice, faggots and peas, sausage and mash and steaks.
🐾 Dog friendly
The Heathcock
The Heathcock has been a watering hole for over 100 years. You can expect decent homemade food using the best ingredients from Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Thursday to Sunday evenings, the Champagne and Oyster Bar is open here too. Sharing dishes are a big part of the joy of eating here, with slow-cooked lamb or Welsh seabass.
🐾 Dog friendly
Takeaway in Llandaff
Dominos
Domino’s is the UK’s leading pizza brand. It opened its first store in the UK in Luton in 1985. Now there are over 1,200 across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Individual pizzas and meal deals can be delivered or pop in for a takeaway.
Llandaff North Restaurants
Salkaara
Another of the places to eat in Llandaff is also one of the top-rated Indian restaurants in Cardiff can be found in Llandaff North, on Station Road. At Salkaara, all the dishes are freshly prepared, using the best British produce where possible. Choose from a selection of traditional dishes and the Chef’s incredible creations. Dine-in or order a takeaway.
Cafes in Llandaff North
Coffee Rex
The independent coffee shop in Llandaff North offers excellent Italian coffee, cakes and light lunches. All the food is homemade on the premises by the owner – no pre-cooked food heated up in a microwave here. Totally unpretentious, simple good food, in pleasant surroundings.
Beppy’s Café
The small café offers great value for money and fabulous service. Don’t be put off by the unassuming exterior and interior, which looks like it hasn’t changed since it opened. The old fashioned greasy spoon café serves a full breakfast and a warm welcome.
Mr Brightsides
On Station Road is Mr Brightsides. The breakfast and brunch menu is super popular, with a full English breakfast or avocado on toast. There’s also an excellent selection of coffee and cakes. Occasionally there are food and wine tasting evenings.
Pubs in Llandaff North
Pineapple Inn
The Pineapple is a thriving locals pub. They sit in the front bar and are always chatty, and there is a comfortable, cosy lounge. Unfortunately, Lidl was built next door, which meant that the pub lost its beer garden and skittle alley. However, it’s still full of character.
The Railway
Food is served daily, Tuesday to Sunday, at The Railway. Starters include lemon and pepper squid, black pudding, leek croquettes, and pea and mint arancini. Chicken supreme, fish and chips, purple gnocchi, linguini and rump steak are on the main menu. Plus, burgers, salads and sides. You have to try the apple and salted caramel tart! (Insert chef kiss)
Royal Exchange
The Royal Exchange is tucked away behind the train station near the Taff Trail. The community pub serves excellent drinks and hosts great events. There’s often live music, charity horse racing nights and Sunday pub quiz. Since the pandemic rules have lifted, the kitchen hasn’t reopened. However, there are often BBQs on weekends and when there’s live sport on TV.
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
You don’t have to take the car to complete many of the free things to do in Cardiff. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. Getting around Cardiff has never been easier.
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money to spend on places to eat in Llandaff?
Takeaway in Llandaff North
China Garden
This is my favourite Chinese takeaway in Cardiff. I’ve been eating from here for more than thirty years. The young lad who takes the orders clearly doesn’t want to be there. (I believe he works for his mum and dad) The food is always of great quality. Our standard order is Singapore fried rice, crispy chilli beef, sweet and sour chicken Hong Kong style, a large spring roll and prawn crackers. Occasionally we add beansprouts and noodles too.
Five Star
Another fantastic takeaway is Five Star Fish Bar. Here you can get everything you’d expect of a chip shop, including pies, sausages in batter, fish, fritters, rissoles and curry sauce. The generous portions are fresh, hot and tasty.
Golden Lotus
The small shop on Station Road has an extensive menu. Golden Lotus serves Chinese food. Phone to place your order or walk-in. Both takeaway and delivery are options from chicken dishes to roast duck, sweet and sour, curry, chow mein and satay. Set meals are also an option.
New India House
The Indian takeaway offers a world of flavours and spices. Bestsellers include chicken korma, tikka masala, beef madras and a tandoori mixed grill. The New India House website lets you order and pay for your takeaway online. You can then have delivery or pop in for collection.
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