My Favourite Restaurants in Cardiff Bay

I feel very lucky to live in the heart of my favourite city in the UK, no, my favourite city in the world – Cardiff! I’ve traveled extensively and even lived in a major metropolitan city in the USA, but there’s something about Cardiff that makes it special to me. Cardiff’s food scene changes quite frequently and there are some amazing new restaurants these days – it just keeps getting better and better. It has some great independent restaurants as well an established set of chain restaurants, both in the city centre and Cardiff Bay.

On the independent scene you have some amazing restaurants that have featured in the Michelin 2020 Guide such as Heathcock in the pretty suburb of Llandaff, Milkwood and La Cuina in trendy Pontcanna and Park House in the city centre. You can book a table at these online, along with many other options – but book early, because they’re highly in demand!

Eating out in Cardiff Bay

But by far my favourite part of Cardiff, is Cardiff Bay. This area has undergone an insane amount of regeneration since I was a child, moving from a rundown wasteland to a beautifully restored waterfront, complete with entertainment, bars, shopping, and restaurants.

My three favourite restaurants in Cardiff Bay

There are three restaurants that I return to quite frequently in Cardiff Bay and have never been disappointed. They are chain restaurants that I think are suitable for any occasion and can accommodate the whole family. I eat out a lot with my toddler as well!

Miller & Carter Steakhouse

I’ve visited Miller & Carter Steakhouse many times in quite a few different locations, but I’ve always had great service and food from the restaurant in Cardiff Bay. It’s set a bit back from the main area of Cardiff Bay, but is next to the Red Dragon Centre, a massive entertainment complex which houses a casino, Odeon IMAX cinemas, bowling alley, arcades and more. This is why Miller & Carter in Cardiff Bay is often our first choice for a celebration!

I’ve even taken my toddler there. He came there with us when he was 8 months old, and again when he was two years old. The children’s menu is geared towards much older children though and I’d definitely recommend having a family dinner for lunch or very early in the evening. For a special occasion at Miller & Carter (like my mum’s birthday in a few weeks!) I’ll leave him at home.

Bill’s Restaurant

Bill’s Cardiff Bay has such character, and also has some great vegetarian and vegan options, which is very helpful to me as although I eat meat, we have quite a few family and friends who don’t. I recently reviewed their new set menu, which offers excellent value. I’ve also been to Bill’s quite a few times for breakfast and I’d give it my “best Breakfast in Cardiff” badge which is a pretty high accolade. It’s reasonably family friendly and William has been coming with us since he was a baby. He’s a toddler who absolutely loves different flavours, strong tastes and spices so he loves trying out food – but there is a good kids menu as well.

Bill’s has the advantage of a lovely outside seating area if you’re lucky enough to be visiting when the weather is co-operative.

Las Iguanas

Las Iguanas is becoming a firm favourite of mine, serving up South American dishes such as my all time favourite lunch item – the Cuban Sandwich. Roasted pork belly, pulled pork, Emmental cheese & ham, slathered with sweet mustard and green pickle relish in a toasted bun. Yes, yes, yes! It makes for a great informal lunch venue, can suit the whole family (has a great kids menu) or serves yummy buy one get one free cocktails if you’re eating in the evening. I’ve got a reservation there with friends at the end of the month and can’t wait to try out their new seasonal menu.

It has a fun and informal style of decor which works perfectly whether you’re having a family meal or a party night out – and it’s just 30 seconds walk from the sea front, in the very heart of Cardiff Bay.

If none of these restaurants strike your fancy, or if you’re looking for a different area of Cardiff or in fact anywhere in the UK, you can search for restaurants near you and book a table online. With Christmas coming up it’s a great reason to get together with friends and have a catch up – but you shouldn’t need a reason to treat yourself. Let me know in the comments what type of restaurants you enjoy!

This is a collaborative post.