Monday is the trickiest day of the week to find a good restaurant that’s open in Cardiff. After a busy weekend, many hospitality professionals are taking a well-earned break.
However, as Mondays are so miserable it’s often nice to reward yourself with a meal out just for getting through the working day!
In no particular order, here are some of the best restaurants in Cardiff which are open on Mondays, whether it’s for a special occasion or a spontaneous treat.
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1. Pasture
When Pasture opened in 2020, Cardiff gained a brilliant steakhouse.
Pasture only serves grass-fed British beef which has been dry aged for at least 35 days, butchered in house and cooked over charcoal. If you want to splash out then their signature house sharing cuts include tomahawk steaks and chateaubriands.
Address - Pasture, 8 - 10 High Street, Cardiff CF10 1BB
Telephone - 07511 217422
2. Casanova
If you’re looking for garlic prawns and a spaghetti carbonara then Casanova isn’t the Italian restaurant for you.
Opened by three Italian friends in 2005, Casanova’s seasonal menus focus on local produce and Italian ingredients which they import directly. Dishes include goat ragu with filei pasta and roasted rump of Welsh lamb with caramelised cauliflower.
Address - Casanova, 13 Quay Street, Cardiff, CF10 1EA
Telephone - 029 2034 4044
3. Salkaara
This Llandaff North-based Southern Indian restaurant serves high-end curries which deliver bags of spice.
Their menu features dishes such as pan-seared seabass with a raw mango, ginger and coconut sauce as well as slow-cooked lamb shank with a cashew and coconut milk sauce.
Address - Salkaara, 125 Station Rd, Llandaff North, Cardiff CF14 2FE
Telephone - 02920 567 100
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4. Wingman
Owned by Hang Fire’s former head chef, this street food joint based in Boom Battle Bar serves some of the best wings in the city.
Flavours include teriyaki, garlic parmesan and lemon pepper and sides include impeccably fresh Kansas BBQ coleslaw and four cheese mac and cheese topped with panko breadcrumbs.
Address - Wingman, Boom Battle Bar, The Old Brewery Quarter, Cardiff CF10 1FG
Telephone - 029 2280 1555
5. Saray
One of City Road’s finest Middle Eastern grill houses, Saray’s sharing platters are a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
But, if you’re not a meat eater, their menu also features vegetarian dishes such as moussaka and imam bayaldi.
Address - Saray, 164-166 City Rd, Cardiff CF24 3JE
Telephone - 029 2025 2350
6. Yukiyan Sushi
Yukiyan Sushi's cartoon-decorated walls give this Cathays restaurant a fun and modern vibe.
Their comprehensive menu features a range of sushi, tempura, teriyaki, fried noodles, ramen and rice bowls.
Address - Yukiyan, 101 Woodville Rd, Cardiff CF24 4DY
Telephone - 029 2132 8992
7. Scaramantica
Run by pizza maestro Tony Frawley, Roath’s Scaramantica serves some of the best Neapolitan pizzas in the city.
Their wood-fired oven belches out beautifully blistered pizzas and their signature “Scaramantica” is topped with fennel-twanged salami, creamy goat curd, walnuts and a drizzle of funky truffle honey.
Address - Scaramantica, 2 Penylan Road, Penylan, Cardiff CF24 3PF
Telephone - 029 2047 1183
8. Cafe Milkwood
Whilst Cafe Milkwood’s menu focuses on brunch dishes, this Pontcanna daytime cafe serves some excellent lunch options including toasted focaccia sandwiches, Caesar salads and buttermilk fried chicken buns.
Address - Milkwood, 83 Pontcanna Street, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9HS
Telephone - 02920 232226
9. Zi’s Cafe
This Cathays Chinese restaurant serves a menu of Cantonese classics and more niche regional dishes.
It’s all very tasty but there are a clutch of standout dishes which take it to the next level including crispy squid with salt and pepper and sweet and spicy chicken with dried chilli and spring onion.
Address - Zi's Cafe, 94-96 Woodville Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4ED
Telephone - 029 2021 6294
10. Calabrisella
With branches in Canton and Cathays, these neighbourhood Italian restaurants serve excellent arancini and massive thin-crusted pizzas.
Toppings include creative combinations such as ‘nduja, gorgonzola and aubergine as well as leek and Welsh lamb.
Address - Calabrisella, 154 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9ND
Telephone - 029 2022 5839
11. 3B's Cafe
This city centre Indian restaurant serves a menu of big-flavoured Indian street food including paneer tikka, masala dosas, lamb dum biryani, mixed bhaji and generous set thalis.
Address - 3B's Cafe, 12 High St, Cardiff CF10 1AX
Telephone - 029 2037 2352
12. Smokin’ Griddle
Cardiff’s newest burger joint, Smokin’ Griddle also has branches in Swansea and Essex.
With a high-end fast food leaning, they serve smashed burgers, chicken strips, waffles and shakes.
Address - 86 Cowbridge Rd E, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9DX
Telephone - 029 2063 9251
13. Saraztro
This Roath-based Greek restaurant has a lovely balcony and garden to take advantage of when the sun is shining.
Their menu features taverna classics such as souvlaki, calamari, moussaka and stuffed vine leaves.
Address - 57 Wellfield Rd, Cardiff CF24 3PA
Telephone - 029 2049 0600
14. Ponnuswamy
Ponnuswamy serves some of the best Southern Indian food in Cardiff with standout dishes including cauliflower manchurian, masala paneer and lamb kothu parotta.
Another bonus is that they're bring your own booze. But, be warned that their service can be a little slow in case you're in a rush.
Address - 129 City Road, Cardiff, CF24 3BP
Telephone - 029 2009 4094
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