An area that should need no introduction by now, Pontcanna is carving out a niche for itself as one of the capital's trendiest neighbourhoods. This leafy enclave to the west of the city is home to some very impressive eateries, from Michelin-acclaimed dining rooms to Danish delis and sustainable hotspots. Read on to find out our pick of the best Pontcanna restaurants.
The Pontcanna Inn
The Pontcanna Inn is all about great food and an even better atmosphere. Located on Cathedral Road, the pub, restaurant and boutique hotel offers warm, contemporary interiors alongside a tantalising suntrap of a garden out the back. But it’s the menu here that pulls the masses in, bringing a modern take on British classics, from extravagant burgers to baked camembert.
The Pontcanna Inn's menu features all kinds of delicious delights.
Brewhouse & Kitchen
As the name suggests, Brewhouse & Kitchen not only has an excellent lineup of award-winning craft beers, but also a load of fabulous food to pair. On the menu? Beer can chicken, juicy burgers plus IPA-battered fish and chips. Or, if you head along on a Sunday, you can sink your teeth into one of the sumptuous roasts - think topside of beef and cumin-spiced cauliflower.
Craft beers and comfort food reign supreme at Brewhouse & Kitchen.
Thomas by Tom Simmons
On the hunt for the best restaurants in Pontcanna? Thomas by Tom Simmons should be high up on your list. Having nabbed a Michelin nod, the British and French-inspired dining destination is dedicated to using the very finest Welsh ingredients. Book in for citrus-cured salmon with ponzu and smoked caviar or the indulgent-sounding truffle and mushroom mac 'n' cheese.
Thomas Pontcanna's menu has earned this joint a Michelin shout-out.
Uisce by Heaneys
Serving up some of the most inspiring food in the city, Uisce is a restaurant with a unique energy and an enticing menu. The younger sibling of neighbouring Heaneys, it's doing rustic eats with an upmarket spin. Get ready for an array of spectacular small plates, like buttermilk chicken with fermented chilli or deep sea mussels in ginger dashi.
Tommy Heaney's cafe-bar Uisce is slinging out inventive small plates in slick surrounds.
Brød
A best-loved Pontcanna cafe, Brød rustles up droolworthy Danish treats. From mouthwatering pastries and crusty loaves to freshly made sandwiches and strong coffee, there's something for every craving. As it's a favourite among locals looking for their breakfast fix, you'll have to get those elbows out if you want to snag a table, but if you do miss out? There's always the option of takeaway.
Brød brings you freshly baked pastries and some serious sandwich action too.
Kindle
Sustainability is at the heart of Kindle, a husband-and-wife-owned restaurant nestled in Sophia Gardens. Built using a regenerative design framework, this joint offers outdoor dining year-round, with the winter cabin and foliage-adorned pergola available for when the weather takes a turn. As for the regularly changing menu, everything is cooked over fire, including jerk duck leg, hanger steak and grilled courgettes.
For atmospheric, alfresco dining, Kindle should be your first port of call.
Kin + Ilk
The stuff that Insta-dreams are made of, Kin + Ilk has locations across the city, including one of the best restaurants on Cathedral Road, Cardiff. As possibly the most chilled-out of the brand's flock, this daytime cafe and brunch spot is a must-visit if you’re in the market for health-focused and totally delicious dishes, not to mention honey-processed Salvadoran coffee.
Kin + Ilk should be your go-to for great coffee and brunch plates.
The Cricketers
Set in a charming Victorian townhouse, flaunting traditional interiors with a contemporary twist, The Cricketers isn't just one of the best Pontcanna pubs - it also dishes up some seriously scrumptious fare. While the Sunday roasts are certainly worth shouting about, it's the elevated menu of gastro grub for us. Think Pembrokeshire sirloin, pan-fried seabream and truffled garlic mushrooms.
Chow down on elevated pub classics in The Cricketers' pretty garden.
Milkwood
A charming neighbourhood hangout, the much-lauded Milkwood Pontcanna crafts some of the most unique dishes in town. While the menu changes regularly, the quality and thought that goes into them does not, and guests can expect to tuck into delights such as fish tacos, cuttlefish ragu rigatoni and a celeriac schnitzel veggie burger.
Stylish small plates and filled flatbreads are all the rage at Milkwood.
West Pizza
You'll be hard-pressed to find better New York-style 'za than at West Pizza. You can either opt for an 18 incher or just have a slice, with toppings such as fennel sausage, pepperoni and hoisin sauce. Even better, this spot regularly launches new specials that are sure to blow your socks off. And if you have a sweet tooth? It also has freshly made desserts.
Get a pizza the action at this Pontcanna babe.
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