Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Vale Of Glamorgan.
Restaurants
The Olive Tree
Highly regarded French restaurant that’s ideal for a romantic tête-à-tête. The three-course table d’hote menu is particularly good value.
21 Glebe Street, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1EE
(+44 (0)29 2070 7077)
Mediterraneo
Sea-fronting restaurant that takes locally sourced ingredients and works them into Mediterranean classics. On a sunny day, a table on the terrace is the place to be (www.mediterraneopenarth.com).
The Boat House, 10 The Esplanade, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3AU
(+44 (0)29 2070 3428)
Celebrity Restaurant
At the St David’s Hall, Welsh and Modern European dishes dominate a menu that’s best for good-value, pre-concert deals. For something hearty, head to the carvery counter.
St David’s Hall,
The Hayes,
Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF10 1SH
(+44 (0)29 2087 8463)
Tides Grill
Smart hotel restaurant overlooking the water with a great terrace in summer; stop off after touring Cardiff Bay for some salt marsh lamb.
St David’s Hotel, Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay, South Glamorgan CF10 5SD
(+44 (0)29 2031 3018)
Farthings Restaurant
Much-loved local restaurant and deli inside a 17th-century coach house that offers a Welsh take on traditional brasseries dishes. Run by a former London caterer, it does a mean breakfast, offers a ‘light bites’ menu at lunchtime, and goes gourmet in the evenings; the wild mushroom risotto with truffles gets the thumbs up from Mr & Mrs Smith (www.farthingsofcowbridge.co.uk).
54 High Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7AH
(+44 (0)1446 772990)
The Old Custom House
This harbourside landmark has been split into two, to house two Continental restaurants. In El Puerto, on the ground floor, diners select a fresh fish or cut of meat from the display, and choose how to have it cooked. La Marina, the relaxed upper dining room, offers a French menu and views over Cardiff Bay (www.theoldcustomhouse.co.uk).
Penarth Marina,
Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1TT
(+44 (0)29 2070 5544)
The Bear Pit
Subterranean restaurant with a vaulted stone ceiling at the ancient Bear inn, where there's also a lounge bar and pub – excellent Sunday roasts and a gastropub-type menu.
63 High Street, Cowbridge, South Glamorgan CF71 7JF
(+44 (0)1446 774814)
Cafés
Foxy’s Deli and Café
The best pick ’n’ mix of Welsh jams, cakes and cheeses in Penarth; forage in here for your picnic ingredients.
7 Victoria Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3ED
(+44 (0)29 2025 1666)
The Blue Pelican
Pop in for breakfast, snack up with a light lunch, or linger over a champagne tea – whatever you have here, it’s a great spot to sample Welsh cakes, or a fruit-packed slice of bara brith.
10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1EA
(+44 (0)29 2070 5391)
North Meets South
Young, vibey cafe with fresh, organic and Fairtrade food served against a backdrop of African-inspired decor.
7 Windsor Arcade, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1JA
(+44 (0)29 2070 8157)
Brazz
The light-lunch menus change daily but the cappuccino machine at this tourist-flooded Cardiff café-bistro in the Millennium Centre never stops pumping. Great Niçoise risotto and chargrilled sardines (www.brazz.co.uk).
The Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, South Glamorgan CF10 5AL
(+44 (0)29 2045 9000)
Bars and clubs
Bar 44
A bay-windowed landmark in Cowbridge with chameleonic tendencies: by day, it’s all barista-brewed Segafredo espressos, herbal teas and decent tapas; by night, mixologist-shaken cocktails.
44c High Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7AG
(+44 (0)1446 776630)
Oscars Bar and Grill
Fuel up on bistro-style food (burgers, nachos, Cajun-spiced monkfish), or chill out on a leather sofa with a well-mixed cocktail (www.oscarscowbridge.com).
65 High Street,
Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AF
(+44 (0)1446 771984)
Ba Orient
This dim sum bar evolves into a late-night drinking den, serving arguably the most creative drinks in Cardiff. Kickstart a journey through the long list of Oriental cocktails and tea slings with a Sweet Buddha Martini, flavoured with rose petals and lychee liqueur (www.baorient.com).
Unit 27, Ground Floor, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, South Glamorgan CF10 5BZ
(+44 (0)29 2046 3939)
Terra Nova Bar
With multi-level harbour views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, comfy sofas and a lively clientele, this is the perfect spot to set settle down with a perfect pint or chilled glass of wine. Dimly lit and sophisticated inside, its stylish balconies were made for a spot of posing on a splendid summer evening.
Stuart Street, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, South Glamorgan CF10 5BZ
(+44 (0) 29 2045 0947)
Pubs
Hare and Hounds
Real ale, roaring log fires and loyal regulars are the main features of this welcoming traditional pub, which occasionally has live music in the adjoining function room.
Pen-y-lan Road, Aberthin, nr Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7HB
(+44 (0)1446 774892)