Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in South Wales

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in South Wales? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Brothers Contemporary Indian Cuisine

4.9

4.9 (200)

£26 to £40

Contemporary Indian

Pontyclun

About the restaurant

An elevated journey through the flavours of India at Brother’s: we present a modern interpretation of India's rich culinary heritage refined, elegant, and rooted in authenticity. Our menu is a curated journey through the diverse regions of India, celebrating bold spices, traditional techniques, and carefully sourced ingredients.

Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with a contemporary touch, combining time-honoured recipes with innovative presentation and flavour combinations. From delicately spiced starters and charcoal-fired tandoori dishes to our signature mains and indulgent desserts, every element reflects our passion for excellence and the depth of India's gastronomic traditions.

We invite you to savour the layers of flavour, the balance of textures, and the artistry behind each plate. Whether you are rediscovering a classic or experiencing a dish for the first time, our team is here.

Top review

Sioned

Dined 5 days ago

Best restaurant in the area by a country mile. I visit regularly and have struggled in the past to find a restaurant that meets my needs and standards. Brothers has proved itself up to the task and I will be returning next week! Modern, well-executed food in a stylish yet relaxed setting. The vegetable biryani was the best I've ever had, and the broccoli starter was superb - amazing flavours. My dining partner was equally happy with his dishes of choice. In addition- the seating was comfortable. Tasteful interior design. Discreet, pleasant service. Pontyclun - how lucky you are that this business has chosen you as its location.

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Experience

Lunch Offer ✨

Hawthorn Inn

4.8

4.8 (21)

£25 and under

Pub

Pontypridd

About the restaurant

Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled at the heart of the village of Hawthorn, just on the edge of Pontypridd. We're the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy our delicious menu with your favourite drink in hand. We're proud to offer a menu packed with the most appetising dishes. Our passion for taking traditional pub classics and making them the best around by using the most decadent of ingredients, makes every meal served have you coming back time and time again!

Top review

ann

Dined 5 days ago

food was fabulous good value money friendly staff

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Experience

Festive Set Menu - £22.50pp (£5pp deposit)

Experience

4 Course Christmas Day (£10pp deposit)

Wahaca Cardiff

4.6

4.6 (262)

£25 and under

Mexican

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Vibrant, Mexican small plates, tacos, quesadillas and platitos, made with over 200 ingredients, everyday by talented chefs and founded by Thomasina Miers, MasterChef Champion. 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, and 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

Mark

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was excellent, my first visit to Wahaca, booked on a recommendation and would recommend to others.

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Experience

Festive Feasting Menu

Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Cardiff Central

4.5

4.5 (1927)

£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

Jayne

Dined on 30 Oct 2026

Waiter was lovely he made it a good experience we will be back

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Experience

Early Bird Christmas Set Menu

4.5

4.5 (1037)

£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

mike

Dined on 1 Nov 2026

Very nice experience Great ambience Great food

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The Ivy Asia, Cardiff

4.4

4.4 (4238)

£25 and under

Asian

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Bringing bold Asian-inspired flavours to The Hayes, The Ivy Asia Cardiff is a vibrant dining destination in the centre of the Welsh capital, close to St David’s, Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Market. Designed for lunch, dinner, cocktails and celebrations, this Cardiff restaurant combines dramatic interiors with a lively atmosphere and food made for sharing. The menu journeys across Asia with sushi and sashimi, colourful small plates, larger dishes and contemporary favourites, alongside vegetarian and plant-based options. Show-stopping cocktails and entertainment bring extra energy as day turns to night, while counter and bar dining offer different ways to experience the restaurant. Whether you’re shopping in Cardiff city centre, meeting friends for lunch, celebrating something special or planning dinner and cocktails, The Ivy Asia Cardiff offers a glamorous escape filled with flavour, colour and theatre.

Top review

Rae

Dined 6 days ago

Celebrated my birthday at The Ivy Asia Cardiff and had an amazing time! The venue is beautifully decorated and the staff were wonderful throughout. The crispy squid and chicken gyozas were phenomenal starters, and the Wagyu steak was cooked to perfection. Bringing out birthday mochi with a candle and chocolate plaque at the end was such a lovely touch. 5/5 stars—can't wait to return!

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Crispy Duck Spring Rolls

Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen

4.4

4.4 (899)

£26 to £40

British

Cowbridge

About the restaurant

Award-winning Welsh farm shop and restaurant on the Penllyn Estate in the Vale of Glamorgan. We serve seasonal, locally sourced food, including free-range eggs and meat from our own farm. Led by Chef Matt Eales, our menus showcase the best of Welsh produce with bold, honest flavours. We’re proud to be featured in the Good Food Guide’s Top 50 Best Sunday Lunches in the UK, thanks to our slow-roasted meats, crispy potatoes, and traditional trimmings. Visit our farm shop for estate-reared meats, Welsh cheeses, and hand picked artisan goods. A true field-to-fork experience in a relaxed countryside setting.

Top review

Ann

Dined 6 days ago

Second visit to this farm . staff where welcoming and accommodating food was warm fresh and warm tasty one of the best breakfasts ive had in a long time Green Breakfast will definitely be returning ♥️

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Experience

Traditional Afternoon Tea £29.95pp

Experience

Traditional Afternoon Tea (with bubbles) £34.95pp

Experience

Steak Night

The Ivy Cardiff

4.3

4.3 (15301)

£25 and under

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

AngelaGold

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic food never disapointing staff very friendly

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Popular dish

Chocolate Mousse

Popular dish

Ivy Signature Chocolate Bombe

Popular dish

Minute Steak

Giovanni's In The Bay

4.0

4 (21)

£25 and under

Italian

Cardiff

About the restaurant

While our roots trace back to 1983, Giovanni’s in the Bay brings a fresh and vibrant twist to our time-honoured tradition of serving authentic Italian cuisine. Situated in the heart of Cardiff’s bustling Cardiff Bay, our restaurant offers a contemporary Italian dining experience that’s as captivating as it is delicious.

Top review

Steve

Dined 2 days ago

Very good staff, excellent food, our third visit in as many months and we will be back.

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Experience

pizza making

Giovanni's on the Hayes

4.0

4 (38)

£25 and under

Italian

Cardiff

About the restaurant

Cardiff's most popular Italian restaurant, situated in the heart of the City, Established in 1984. The Menu offers an extensive choice of pizza & pasta and specialities of fish & meat. Whether it is our special £9.95, 2 course lunch or our traditional Italian 'A La Carte' Menu, enjoy a night filled with friendly staff, great atmosphere & excellent value for money and you never know, you could be sitting next to Sir Tom Jones, himself...

Top review

Sara

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious food as always. The staff were attentive and overall great service.

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