My Favourite Restaurant Chains In Cardiff

We live about 20 miles from Cardiff and visit on a frequent basis, and when we go shopping there we like to eat out. The centre of Cardiff has a number of decent restaurants and although independent restaurants can be hard to find, there are some fantastic chain restaurants in the city centre. If you are visiting Cardiff for the first time or just want to try somewhere different check out my favourite restaurant chains in Cardiff where you will always have a great meal.

Las Iguanas



Las Iguanas is situated on Mill Lane in Cardiff city centre. A Latin American restaurant serving South American and Mexican food, the decor inside is bright and vibrant. The food is authentic and to be honest some of the best Latin American and Mexican food I have had, even when I travelled around New Mexico earlier in the year. Menu choices include appetisers such as nachos and tacos and main course including burrito bowls, Gaucho steak and Dominican goat curry. 





The lamb empanada I chose when I went last was really delicious. A crispy pastry turnover hid a filling of lightly spiced lamb and onions in a rich tomato sauce. What I did like was that the pastry was light and non-greasy, and when served with a sweet salsa dipping sauce it really hit the spot



I also ordered a bowl of beef chilli. The beef chilli was one of the best chillis I had ever had. A really flavourful bowl of hearty chilli, hiding a layer of steamed rice and crunchy spring onions underneath.  The beef was tender and delicious, the chilli not too spicy but still had a kick of heat. It felt like a homemade dish based on traditional recipes. They ask what flavour butter you want for the top, and this can vary in heat. Served with a good size chunk of warm cornbread, this is a dish to have if you are hungry.

Book a table here with Las Iguanas. In summary, Las Iguanas is a good solid choice in Cardiff, and worth a visit if you like authentic South American food. They also have a happy hour with 2 for 1 cocktails which is worth checking out. 

Bistrot Pierre


Bistrot Pierre again is in the centre of Cardiff in Caroline Street. It's a restaurant I go back to time and time again as their menu is well priced for the quality of the food. I love the fact that it is consistently good time and time again. I'm also a member of their reward scheme 'Mon Pierre Rewards' which give you points every time you dine and rewards you with free food. The decor inside this branch is unstated and chic and the staff are always welcoming and well trained.


One of the dishes I really like is the poulet printanier. This dish is made up of chicken breast pan-fried and served with a rich mushroom, asparagus, pea and tarragon sauce. Topped with a drizzle of truffle oil, it really is a satisfying dish. All the lunch dishes are accompanied with your choice of complimentary potatoes and seasonal vegetables, salad or pommes frites as well so you won't go hungry.


For dessert, I can highly recommend the frangipane. I've had this dish a number of times and it really is delicious. A light pear and almond sponge hides a layer of raspberry sauce. Decorated with almonds and pistachios adding some crunch and served with cream, this dish really is a delight.

Bistrot Pierre is an excellent choice if you like French bistro food, and they have 20 locations nationwide too, so it's worth checking out if there is one near you. 


The Stable


The Stable Pizza is a restaurant chain covering - you guessed it, pizza! Situated in Bridge Street, close to one of the entrances of St Davids 2 shopping centre, it's a casual restaurant serving simple food well made. They have an excellent priced lunch menu at £6.50 too, and they are also known for their speciality ciders.



When I last went the menu had a good selection of pizzas from classic margaritas to local specials like the 'Trealy Farm Streaker', This pizza was topped with Monmouthshire bacon, field mushrooms, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella and a free-range egg. They also serve a selection of tasty salads and scrumptious pies every day. My husband tried the 'Fiery Dragon' pizza above. A pizza topped with spicy chopped pork, naga chillies, garlic, red onion, basil leaves, field mushrooms, fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella. It was very good and yes it was very spicy too!

Puddings include an excellent chocolate brownie served with thick cream. My son enjoyed every mouthful of this, and I managed to nab a taste. It was served warm and it was gooey and moreish.

The Stable also serves a good selection of vegan food, so it's a great choice if you are following a vegan diet. If you are looking for a casual restaurant close to St Davids 2 shopping centre you can do no wrong in the centre of Cardiff. 

So as you can see Cardiff has some great restaurant chains. Have you been to any of these restaurant chains near you? Check out restaurants you can book near you with Bookatable.

*Collaborative post

11 comments

  1. Las Iguanas is a family favourite - I really want to try their alcoholic cocktails though as I always seem to be driving

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    1. The cocktails there are great especially when you can get them on 2 for 1 :D.

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  2. I love Cardiff, I'll have to remember these for the next time we visit.

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  3. We’ve never been to Cardiff but have a Las Iguanas in Basingstoke and love the food there! My mummy is particularly fond of the cocktails!

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    1. I think the food is really good. I've been to a number of restaurants similar in the US but none as good as this chain!

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  4. I am a big Las Iguanas fan and I've had some pretty tasty meals at Le Bistrot Pierre too!

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  5. Some lovely shares here and I will be bookmarking them for when we head to Cardiff. I love the idea of the Mon Pierre Rewards at Bistrot Pierre.

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    1. I've had free lunches before with their reward scheme.

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  6. Wow so many fab options to dine out here. Love the look of the pizza place for sure...right up my street xx

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  7. What a great round up! I love all of these but I think my favourite is Pierre, they have such good food there and it always feels like a lovely meal out.

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  8. Sounds like you have some fantastic chains available in Cardiff! The Stable definitely looks like my kind of place!

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