Date Night Ideas In Cardiff

Whether it's for a nervy first date, anniversary celebration or just fancy a night out together, you're going to want to impress the pants off 'em. From quirky cocktail haunts to fine dining hotspots, the city is full of romantic bars, restaurants and activities that are perfect for enjoying some quality alone time. To help take some of the pressure away, here's our list of the best Cardiff date night ideas.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 26th March 2025



The Botanist, Cardiff Bay

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Happy Hour and 1 other offer

Get romantic by booking this waterfront spot in Cardiff Bay. Located on Church Street, The Botanist is a gorgeous restaurant that's visually striking thanks to hanging ropes, woven vines and rustic wooden furnishings. It's home to a pretty rooftop terrace that overlooks the city and sees live music take place on the regular. Head here to get your chops around its famous hanging kebabs, as well as a range of other international eats, like baked camembert, pan-fired sea bass, chicken katsu curry and cookie dough topped with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce for dessert. 

The Cardiff Townhouse - Coppa Club

Treat your other half to a sophisticated evening out at The Cardiff Townhouse, situated in the former David Morgan department store. Head upstairs to the stylish lounge bar and restaurant, which boasts golden decor, lots of greenery and a pretty skylight, creating an art deco feel. Sip creative cocktails like the ginger and lemon-infused Honeybee, while munching your way through a menu of smoked haddock and salmon fishcakes, slow-cooked beef ragu, oyster mushroom-topped sourdough pizzas and more.

Pizza Pilgrims Cardiff

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The Full Pilgrimage £32 per person and 2 other offers

Pizza lovers, rejoice. At Pizza Pilgrims in Cardiff, each slice is a journey to Naples. With Italian charm and top-notch toppings like hot honey pepperoni, fluffy margherita, and mushroom-truffle, you're in for a feast.

Plan your date night here and delight in Aperol spritzes and negronis for under a tenner, then finish with a tiramisu to complete your meal.

The Dead Canary

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Laughing in the face of all things mundane, The Dead Canary is a cocktail bar like no other. The team behind the venue pride themselves on always looking to push boundaries, with folklore-inspired tipple names like Bran the Blessed and Wild Merlin, plus have a reputation for incorporating some of the most intriguing ingredients into their stunning mixes.

Mowgli Cardiff

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Looking for cheap date night ideas in Cardiff? Mowgli is serving some of the best Indian bites in town that won't leave a hole in your bank account. It's a super pretty restaurant decorated with fairy lights in glass jars and hanging swings from the ceiling. The menu features some seriously droolworthy dishes like its house keema or lamb curry made with recipes passed down through the family, as well as innovative cocktails such as the Chai Rum Sling to enjoy.

Alcotraz Cardiff: Cell Block Nine-One

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cardiff on Various dates from Thursday 17th April 2025

Grab your partner in crime and head to Alcotraz: Cell Block Nine-One, the immersive prison experience with a covert speakeasy bar. Smuggle your liquor past the warden to the long-serving inmates who will be whipping up bespoke cocktails with your successfully snuck-in booze, while buttering up a few guards along the way.

The Alchemist Cardiff

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For those of you seeking out date night ideas in Cardiff city centre, The Alchemist is a slinky, low-lit drinking den that's renowned for its unique menu of cocktails. Its interiors are super intimate, with dark leather sofas, wooden floors and a ginormous bar spanning the back wall. Make your way through the extensive selection of bespoke tipples, trying those that bubble and smoke, plus chomp on internationally inspired plates such as tempura hake with curry sauce, and duck pancakes. 

Be At One Cardiff

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A bar that needs no introduction, Be At One is a bit of a legend in the country's nightlife circles. It's a fabulous choice for a date in the city, thanks to its pretty interiors like baby pink leather chairs and neon signage. It boasts a seemingly endless cocktail menu that will wet your whistle and a 2-4-1 happy hour that takes place every day. Expect to find tipples such as the White Mocha-tini made with Cazcabel coffee tequila and the June Bug featuring banana liqueur. 

NQ64 Cardiff

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NQ64 should be at the top of your list when it comes to date night ideas in Cardiff for couples. This neon-lit retro arcade playground is packed with all your favourite nostalgic games, like Dancing Stage and Pacman, as well as serving up inspired cocktails, like the Aku Aku Fruit Punch with a nod to Crash Bandicoot. 

Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist - Cardiff

@ I'm Puzzled on Various dates from Thursday 17th April 2025

With Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist, the city's vibrant streets become your playground, guided by a state-of-the-art mobile app. Explore essential landmarks, break through security defences, and work closely with your virtual team to orchestrate a flawless heist—bringing the excitement of a cinematic bank robbery to life.

One ticket covers both of you and all challenges will take place within a half-mile radius, allowing you to focus entirely on the excitement of this tech-driven outdoor adventure.

 

 

Purple Poppadom

Specialising in contemporary Indian dishes, Purple Poppadom is an award-winning restaurant that's become something of a favourite among the many young couples in the city. It prides itself in experimenting with old recipes and infusing dishes with new ingredients, like the delicate tiffin sea bass or the paneer makhani, flavoured with fenugreek leaves.