Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in South Wales

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in South Wales? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Butterflies Bar & Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (1520)

£25 and under

Steakhouse

Pontypool

About the restaurant

Multi-award winning restaurant situated in the heart of the World Heritage Town of Blaenavon.
Originally built in 1832 as the Cross Keys Hotel we have been serving the locals of Blaenavon and beyond for almost 200 years.

We are well known across South Wales for our award winning steaks and hearty portions

Voice awards - Best chef 2018
Voice awards - Best Sunday lunch 2019
Voice awards - Best steaks 2019
Welsh hospitality awards - Best Welsh restaurant 2021
Welsh restaurant awards - Best in South Wales 2023
Best commercial garden - 9 consecutive years
Best Restaurant in Wales 2024
Current Finalist Best Restaurant in Wales 2025

Top review

Jon

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding, thank you too all the staff for a excellent evening.

The Crispy Duck

4.8

4.8 (374)

£26 to £40

Chinese

Cardiff

About the restaurant

The Crispy Duck is an award winning pan-asian restaurant offering an upmarket dining experience combining flavours from across Asia. Set in the heart of the city, The Crispy Duck has been a local favourite since its launch in 2011. Inspired by the melting pot of cultures across Asia, The Crispy Duck draws from comforting Malaysian family classics like Beef Rendang to beautifully handcrafted Japanese Sushi.

Sourcing our ingredients as close to home as possible and using authentic wok-fired and charcoal roasting techniques helps our dishes capture the flavours and aromas of authentic Asian cooking. Vibrant colours, crisp and fresh flavours underpin the philosophy of our cooking. Set in an elegant but simple dining room equipped with a fully stocked bar, we invite you to sample our range of Asian beers and extensive wine selection. An independent family-run business since our inception, The Crispy Duck offers a welcoming and inventive new take on pan-asian cuisine.

Top review

tony

Dined 4 days ago

Lovely meal for a family birthday. Food was excellent. Service was very good and they treated us to a lovely chocolate cake.

IL FIORE

4.7

4.7 (127)

£26 to £40

Italian

Chepstow

About the restaurant

We are a small independent family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Chepstow, with indoor and alfresco dining areas. We here at il Fiore believe that a good meal has to be cooked from scratch by using only the finest and freshest ingredients, enjoy a classic carbonara cooked with locally sourced eggs or even a pizza made with our homemade pizza dough. You can find us opposite st Mary’s church in Chepstow where there is also a public parking. Everyone of all ages are welcome at il Fiore you can even bring along your furry little friends

Top review

Andrew

Dined 1 day ago

Food, service and welcome always great. Keep up the good work!

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Experience

May 25% off lunch

Janet's

4.8

4.8 (827)

£26 to £40

Chinese

Pontypridd

About the restaurant

Janet's Pontypridd is a premier and authentic Restaurant that has been proudly serving the Pontypridd area since 2019. Since then, our mission has been to provide high-quality food for all those that wish to combine fun and enjoyable ambiance with skilful cooking into one extraordinary dining experience. We are committed to putting Pontypridd on the map as a food destination.

Top review

Jordan

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

A fabulous and incredibly authentic and tasty meal every time. Cannot fault the quality of food.

Terra Mare

4.5

4.5 (92)

£26 to £40

Contemporary Italian

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Terra Mare is a contemporary Italian restaurant & bar, inspired by Puglia. Located on High Street and brought to you by the team behind Silures Restaurant, Terra Mare is an authentic Italian dining experience, bringing the heart and soul of Italy right to your table.

Inspired by the vibrant flavours and time-honoured traditions of Puglia, our menu is a true journey through the classic Italian way of dining. From cicchetti (small snacks) to antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti, and finally dolce (desserts), Terra Mare invites you to savour each moment, every bite, and every sip. Whether you’re indulging in a few plates or a full seven-course feast, our flexible menu is designed to cater to your unique dining desires.

Top review

Sally

Dined 7 days ago

Had the most wonderful evening. Originally booked for 1845 but we wanted to eat earlier, the staff could not have been more accommodating. Had the 5 course taster menu, food absolutely to die for, especially the lamb course but in truth the whole menu was amazing. The staff were attentive, helpful and very friendly. Could not have asked for a better evening, worth every penny. Would highly recommend and will be back next time we visit Cardiff 10/10, fabulous

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Experience

Five Course Taster Menu

Experience

Set Lunch & Pre-Theatre Menu

Experience

Seven Course Taster Menu

Silures

4.8

4.8 (430)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Whilst Silures is firmly rooted in Wales, benefiting from the abundance of local produce available, the all-day dining menu is inspired by the broadness and endless possibilities of Modern European cuisine.

The all-day dining menu is available from day to night, with Sunday Roast showcasing on the weekends. The bar is a bustling and non-stop space, open to all and featuring a range of crafted cocktails, draught beer and bespoke bar snacks.

Born in Roath, Cardiff, Silures is an integral part of the community not only by creating an accessible but premium offering, but by championing environmental sustainability, local supply lines and ethical practices.

Top review

Simon

Dined on May 9, 2025

Great atmosphere and really excellent service. Not inexpensive but reasonable cost.

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The Ivy Asia, Cardiff

4.6

4.6 (3364)

£26 to £40

Asian

Cardiff

About the restaurant

The Ivy Asia brings beautiful fusion flavours, exotic cocktails and late night entertainment to the heart of Cardiff, every night of the week. Located in St David's Shopping Centre, just a short walk from the city's historic castle and Cardiff Market, The Ivy Asia Cardiff is perfectly placed to provide a stunning sanctuary for shoppers, tourists and locals alike.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 1 day ago

Fantastic. Great food and amazing service. Lovely decor .

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Popular dish

Crispy Duck Spring Rolls

Popular dish

Sesame Prawn Toast

Popular dish

Popcorn Rock Shrimp Tempura

Gaucho - Cardiff

4.6

4.6 (904)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Cardiff

About the restaurant

At Gaucho Cardiff, every detail is crafted to enchant. The venue effortlessly blends sleek industrial design with cultural sophistication, creating an atmosphere of sultry glamour that’s both inviting and unforgettable. Whether you’re here for a business lunch, an afternoon cocktail, or an indulgent dinner, the setting elevates every moment.

Top review

Jayde

Dined on May 5, 2025

Amazing restaurant staff was incredible so friendly, our waitress guillia was very helpful and food was absolutely delicious. Would definitely recommend 100%

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4.5

4.5 (14043)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Cardiff

About the restaurant

The restaurant is situated across two floors with a large bar prominent on both floors, and beautiful private dining room on the first floor.

Top review

Malcolm

Dined 5 days ago

Awesome service with lots of smiling staff Food excellent

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Experience

British Icons Set Menu

Experience

Father's Day Set Menu

Experience

Class of 2025 Graduation Menu

Yakitori1

4.8

4.8 (1034)

£25 and under

Japanese

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Yakitori1 is a fresh take on traditional Japanese food. Inspired by Japan’s fast-paced restaurants and communal nature, we set out to bring the fresh, vibrant flavours of Japan to all.

Simple goodness
We create simple, delicious food in a place where all are welcome.

Proud to be local
We hero local ingredients and fresh produce.

Made for sharing
We believe in the power of food to bring people together.

Top review

Scarlet

Dined on May 4, 2025

The food was fresh and delicious, everyone was pleased with their meals. The staff helpfully accommodated a peanut allergy.

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