Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in South Wales

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Pizzeria Villaggio

4.8

4.8 (950)

£25 and under

Pizzeria

Cardiff

About the restaurant

The spirit of Pizzeria Villaggio can be traced back to our traditional roots in Campobasso. A humble town filled with beautiful people in Southern Italy. Pizzeria Villaggio has been run by the Palladino family for the past 35 years. Borrowing our grandparent's recipes and adopting their love of good simple food combined with the Italian/Welsh values of creating a great family atmosphere, for all age groups has attributed to our success and longevity. In our pizzeria, there is a great range of carefully selected pizza and pasta dishes. We also run a daily specials menu that uses the finest, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Top review

Denise

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Excellent service from staff. The food was very tasty. There was a Kids menu for our grandchildren which was good value. Will definitely visit again.

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Popular dish

Lasagne

Silures

4.7

4.7 (443)

£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

Ian

Dined 2 days ago

Silures never fails to please, from entering, to enjoying a Silures cocktail, to being seated, to leaving with a cheery farewell from 'mine host', in our case from Freddie.

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4.7

4.7 (914)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Cardiff

About the restaurant

The Legacy Menu | 31 years | 3 courses | £31

You asked, we listened. We’re overjoyed to welcome back the unmissable Legacy Menu for the entirety of July. To pay homage to our rich history, we will be relaunching a special nostalgic menu featuring iconic dishes that have defined Gaucho’s journey. The menu includes highly requested plates from across our history, all in celebration of our 31st anniversary.

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

alina

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Food was amazing, restaurant beautiful and our server Juan was attentive and knowledgeable

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Côte Brasserie - Cardiff Bay

4.5

4.5 (88)

£25 and under

French

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Join us for modern French food in Cardiff Bay, right across from the iconic Millennium Centre. Our charming brick restaurant offers stunning views of Cardiff Bay's landmarks, including the Senedd and Pierhead. Whether you're in the Bay for drinks, a show, or exploring the area, stop by our chic, cosy space for exquisite French cuisine. Perfect for special occasions, family outings, or evenings with friends. With Cardiff Bay station just a ten-minute walk away, we're easily accessible for breakfast, lunch, or a leisurely dinner.

Top review

Joanne

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Relaxed atmosphere and tasty food especially the steak frites.

The Ivy Cardiff

4.5

4.5 (14103)

£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

Helen

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely experience celebrating my daughters 21st birthday. Thank you

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The Ivy Asia, Cardiff

4.5

4.5 (3422)

£25 and under

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

Krystle

Dined 3 days ago

An absolutey beautiful restaurant. Amazing food, friendly staff, good music. Loved the whole atmosphere! Fantastic! Thank you!

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Popular dish

Crispy Duck Spring Rolls

Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Cardiff Central

4.4

4.4 (1858)

£25 and under

British

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Start your day with a cheerful 'bore da' at breakfast, and wind down with a cosy 'nos da' after evening cocktails at Bill's restaurant in Cardiff. Dive into our diverse menu, where you'll find a range of options for brunch, lunch and dinner, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. Finding us is a breeze - we're just a 5-minute walk from Cardiff Central station in the Wyndham Arcade. Whether you're after a table for 10 on our outdoor terrace or a quiet booth for 2, we've got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Head to Bill's and let us treat you to an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

Nia

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Most enjoyable! Faultless service. Tasty food. Would return 100%.

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Experience

Small Group Dining Menu

Experience

Group Dining Menu

Experience

Set Menu for Celebrations

Wahaca Cardiff

4.4

4.4 (45)

£25 and under

Mexican

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Vibrant, Mexican small plates, made with over 200 ingredients, everyday by talented chefs. Cocktails freshly shaken to order, from iconic margaritas, made with 100% blue agave tequila, to mezcalitas and beautifully crafted non-alc cocktails. A taste of authentic Mexican flavours from Oaxaca to Wahaca. With a relaxed, laid-back vibe, where everyone’s welcome, any time of day.

Cooking with fresh, local, ingredients, with a wide variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, Wahaca has been consistently recognised as a leading sustainable restaurant.

Located right in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre in The Hayes, Wahaca Cardiff is a great spot for a bite while shopping, before a gig, or heading to events at St. David’s Hall. Buzzing on rugby days, Wahaca Cardiff is an up-beat casual spot shaking zesty margaritas. With three floors there's plenty of space for big groups looking for tacos and margaritas with friends.

Top review

Carrie

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent choices for gluten free with secondary descriptors if coeliac or sensitive. Service was great, location and seating good.

Aura

4.4

4.4 (75)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Cardiff

About the restaurant

AURA
A sanctuary for your senses, nestled within the historic Coal Exchange, we present a contemporary bar and brasserie. Engage in intimate and elaborate exchanges against a backdrop of heritage luxe. A lively all-day dining experience awaits, with fresh ingredients taking center stage. Discover your Aura

Top review

Terina

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

We had such a lovely Sunday roast here - the place was packed with groups but it never got too loud, the staff were friendly and there was an excellent live musician too. The food was delicious too - I’m going to be dreaming about that berry and pecan crumble for weeks!

The Ship Inn

4.3

4.3 (71)

£25 and under

Grill

Newport

About the restaurant

Hi everyone and welcome to The Ship Inn Caerleon. From intimate dinners for two, too large family parties, we have you covered. Our beer garden is having a 30K investment and will have all our little shipmates swinging and sliding to their hearts content! Dog friendly inside and out (must be on a lead at all times)....Loads of fun and great food available....7 days a week

Top review

brian

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

We had the roast meat selection on the 2 main courses for £18. The food was value for money and the rest of the menu is not overly expensive. We will go again soon.

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