City break: Cardiff

From its signature beef pies to vegan dishes and Spanish specialities, the Welsh capital is a dynamic dining destination that never stands still

Where to go and what to eat in the capital

Once one of the world’s busiest port towns, Cardiff has transformed itself into a vibrant, cultural hub — a young capital with a youthful energy, palpable on the

streets and in bars and restaurants. During its industrial heyday, it attracted people from across the world, who brought with them an array of international culinary traditions. The result is a diverse dining scene; walk down busy City

Road and you’ll find Syrian, Moroccan, Lebanese, Polish and Chinese restaurants standing shoulder to shoulder. Over the past 20 years, the city has seen plenty of changes, not least around its docks, which have been transformed into Cardiff Bay — a good starting point for food-lovers. And while larger chain restaurants once dominated the centre, more and more independents are popping up, offering everything from homemade pizza and custard tarts to stand-out coffee and stellar vegan options, changing the face of the city’s dining

scene and making Cardiff a true gourmet hotspot.