If you haven’t heard, Canton is one of the trendiest, most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city. Not only is it home to independent cinema and unique shops, but also a range of exciting dining destinations and places to wet your whistle. Not sure where to go? We’ve got the lowdown right here – simply check out our guide to the best bars and restaurants in Canton, Cardiff.
Mowgli
Mowgli is an absolute stunner that was made for date nights; sporting glowing pendant lights, golden trees and dangling birdcages. This fabulous hangout rustles up scrumptious Indian fare, so get your mitts around gunpowder chicken, rhubarb dahl and Goan fish curry. You also have to try the cocktails, especially the smoked cardamom old fashioned and chai rum sling.
If you can believe it, the plates here are nearly as pretty as the interiors.
Victoria Park Pub
An iconic watering hole that’s a hit with the locals is Victoria Park Pub. There’s a lot to love about this cosy little corner of Canton, including its crowd-pleasing selection of boozy bevs, which covers cocktails, wines and pints. Getting hungry? The menu promises hearty comfort food done just right. And if the weather’s looking warm, there’s a spacious beer garden with your name on it.
Fancy a night of karaoke? Victoria Park Pub has got you covered.
The Cricketers
Set in a stunning Victorian townhouse, The Cricketers is a highly sought-after Cathedral road restaurant and pub. Settle into the bustling haunt, which fronts cushy sofas and open fireplaces, then get ready for a hearty feast like no other. Tuck into classics such as steak pie and juicy burgers, as well as Caribbean pork tenderloin. To wash it down? Pints of the golden nectar and a load of delish wines.
Top up your tan while you munch in the sprawling alfresco area.
Heaneys
If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Pontcanna, Heaneys is most certainly at the top of the list. It’s stylishly decorated, with a gorgeous grey colour scheme, indoor trees and beautiful murals. Renowned among locals for rustling up some of the best grub around, this joint showcases a regularly changing menu of elevated British cuisine amplified using international flavours.
Heaneys slings out upmarket fare at reasonable prices.
Chapter's Café Bar
Chapter Arts Centre boasts its very own Café Bar, which offers a fun, creative atmosphere in which to enjoy a bite to eat or a tasty tipple. Whether you’re catching a movie or simply just fancy visiting somewhere cool, you can expect hearty munch galore. Dive into homemade hot pots, burgers and paninis, all made using fresh, local ingredients. As for your tipple? Options vary from lip-smacking craft beers and real ales to wicked wines.
This cultural centre is always buzzing, no matter what day of the week.
Nook
This list would not be complete without the Canton haven that is Nook. You can’t argue that it has style; fronting living walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and orb-like lighting, it’s a cosy cavern to indulge in a lovely meal out. While the drinks menu is heavily focused on organic, biodynamic wines, the food offers tasty grazing plates, with things like globe artichoke accompanied by brown butter mayo, plus lemon and nettle sorbet.
Wining and dining is the name of the game over at Nook, one of the best Canton restaurants around.
Purple Poppadom
Purple Poppadom is a total hotspot for scrumptious Indian cuisine. As one of the very best Cowbridge Road East restaurants, its pretty interiors transport you to sunnier climes. Think botanical designs mixed with bare-brick walls and glowing lantern lights. Mosey on over to wolf down authentic fare with a modern twist, including sea bass tiffin boxes, nawabi chicken and paneer lababdar.
Purple Poppadom is a popular date night hangout.
Bully's
Bully’s is one of those places you just have to visit. It’s adorned with vibrant colours and unique trinkets, alongside plush velvet booths for those extra special nights. When it comes to the food, you can expect seasonal tasting menus and a la carte fare, all with a touch of French flair. And if you fancy kicking back on a Sunday, the roasts promise a great finish to the week. To complement your meal, choose from bubbles, cocktails, beers and European vino.
Quirky interiors and pretty plates make up the bones of Bully's.
Pontcanna Inn
Pontcanna Inn is a local staple, boasting a traditional pub aesthetic and a sprawling beer garden. Pop along with your mates and dates for sunny spritzes in the summer, as well as warming glasses of red by the fireplace in winter. As for food, it dishes up elevated grub, including Korean chicken burgers, sumptuous Sunday roasts and a pie of the day. Plus if you're keen to stay the night, it holds 10 boutique rooms just upstairs.
It even serves up a hearty brunch from 10am on weekends.
The Lansdowne
One of the very best pubs in Canton, Cardiff, The Landsdowne is a stunning red-brick boozer toting wooden booth seating, vintage artwork and a vibrant green bar. And not only does it have a mighty selection of lagers and ales, but also craft bottles and cracking cocktails. When your stomach starts to rumble, know that this hangout cooks up a mouthwatering selection of British bites.
If it's a classic pub you're after, The Lansdowne is a great choice.
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