Best Michelin-starred restaurants in Cardiff: A complete guide

Cardiff has long been devoid of restaurants with Michelin stars. In fact, it wasn’t until the guide released its updated line-up of restaurants with Michelin stars in 2022 that the Welsh capital finally gained a Michelin-starred restaurant: Home by James Sommerin. It’s just the one restaurant, with just the one star, but it’s an awesome achievement for the city and, of course, the restaurant.

The thing is, Wales’ largest city is jam-packed with note-worthy places to eat – you can use this list of Cardiff’s best restaurants as a solid starting point. In addition to Sommerin’s Home, there are more than a handful of restaurants in the city that have banked themselves a mention from the almighty institution, an accolade that’s also known as a Michelin plate. It might not have the same ring as a star does, but in a way, we find these underdogs (if you can call them that) just as exciting. These are the places that are really very good, but perhaps just a little less formal, a characteristic we see as a positive mostly. These restaurants are up-and-coming and, perhaps one day, might earn themselves a promotion from perfectly-good plates to something-to-talk-about stars.

There isn't a definitive rule that links the restaurants with Michelin plates mentioned in the guide below, just in case you thought they all had to don white tablecloths and plates laden with foams and gels. A very good restaurant is a very good restaurant, after all. The Sorting Room, for example, is a stylish hotel establishment that focuses on hearty British, brasserie-style classics. Asador 44, on the other hand, takes its diners to Spain via a selection of tapas sharing dishes and delicious wines by the glass. There’s a reason the Michelin Guide has singled these restaurants out, which we explain in a little more detail below. Have a look for yourself.

Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Cardiff?

There is one restaurant in Cardiff with a Michelin star: Home by James Sommerin. The restaurant is located in Penarth, specifically, which is actually four miles south of Cardiff city centre. Close enough.  

Home, Cardiff

What: Home is a restaurant that strives to stay true to its name, with a small family-driven team and a relaxed feel as soon as you walk through the door. Chef James Sommerin sits at the helm, while his wife ‘does the admin’ and his daughters form the kitchen team and front of house. Meanwhile, its tasting ‘Surprise Menu’ is so seasonal that it changes every day - but you can expect eight courses of intrigue. 
Where: 1 Royal Buildings, Cardiff, CF64 3EB
Book now: Home

Are there any Michelin starred restaurants in Wales? 

There are a total of six restaurants in Wales that have Michelin stars. The restaurants in Wales with Michelin stars are as follows: 

1. Walnut Tree, Abergavenny (one Michelin star)
2. Ynyshir, Powys (two Michelin stars)
3. Sosban & The Old Butchers, Anglesey (one Michelin star)
4. Beach House, Swansea (one Michelin star)
5. The Whitebrook, Monmouth (one Michelin star)
6. SY23, Aberystwyth (one Michelin star)

There are also two restaurants in Wales with a green Michelin star, which recognises restaurants who are leading in the industry for their sustainable practices. The first is Pale Hall Hotel in North Wales, which uses a hydro system to power the entire hotel with carbon-neutral energy. Its fine dining restaurant, meanwhile, only sources from suppliers that are sustainable, seasonal and local. 

The second is Chapters in Hay-on-Wye. This fantastic restaurant works with local suppliers only, is filled with reclaimed furniture, only offers a set menu to reduce waste, and boasts a kitchen garden to help the team keep food miles to a minimum.

Restaurants in Cardiff with a Michelin plate

Okay, so while we can't offer you any more than one Michelin-starred restaurant, we can offer you something nearly as good - restaurants recommended in the guide. Here are all the places with a coveted 'Plate' in Wales' capital city. 

The Sorting Room

What: Set inside the stylish Parkgate Hotel, The Sorting Room offers British brasserie-style dishes in an elegant, vintage-feel dining room. Examples include things like a chorizo Scotch egg with vodka Bloody Mary sauce, beef Wellington with dauphinoise potatoes and pork belly and crackling. You can't go wrong! Michelin recommends trying the apple and cider tarte tatin - and we don't need to be told twice. 
Where: The Parkgate Hotel, Westgate Street, CF10 1DA
Book now: The Sorting Room

Asador 44

What: This Spanish grill and wine bar is a rustic chic space found on Quay Street. With a wide selection of wines by the glass, plus more premium bottles made to be enjoyed over a couple of hours, guests can take a tour of Spain’s many wine regions during an evening spent here. The menu, meanwhile, is made for sharing. Choose from a selection of Spanish-inspired small and large plates, from red prawn bisque croquetas with charcoal mayonnaise, to rump steak with onion ketchup, Roscoff onion and beef fat powder. 
Where: 14-15 Quay Street, Cardiff, CF10 1EA 
Book now: Asador 44 

Purple Poppadom 

What: Not one to be missed, Purple Poppadom is a step and a half above your standard curry house and has earned a rep amongst locals and critics alike for its imaginative and colourful food. The main menu is a la carte-style, or there’s an eight-course tasting menu if you’re struggling to decide. Start off with Nandu, which is crispy soft-shelled crab dusted with curry leaves and garlic and served with a spiced crab cake. From there you’re on your own, but let’s be honest, it’s all going to be good.  
Where: 185a Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF11 9AJ 
Book now: Purple Poppadom 

Thomas 

What: French-inspired dishes cooked with Welsh ingredients is the name of the game at Thomas. This elegant restaurant is the brainchild of Pembrokeshire-born Tom Simmons, who’s love for Welsh-grown produce is evident in the dishes he’s curated. Chicken liver with beetroot, blackberry and sourdough is just one from a list of fine creations, alongside Cornish brill with leek fondue, smoked butter sauce and caviar, plus Tom’s famous fish and chips.  
Where: 3 & 5 Pontcanna Street, Cardiff, CF11 9HQ 
Book now: Thomas

Heaneys 

What: The whole vibe at Heaneys is focused around an ‘everyone’s welcome’ mantra. Low-level lighting, a vibey playlist, guest DJs and friendly service all form the basis of this neighbourhood spot, and that’s before you’ve even addressed the food. Dishes include sourdough with marmite butter, raw and cured trout with salted tomato ponzu, horseradish and turnip, and venison with smoked beetroot and salsify, fig and verjus.
Where: 6-10 Romilly Crescent, Cardiff, CF11 9NR 
Book now: Heaneys

Heathcock 

What: This pub with rooms offers two dining and drinking experiences. Take a seat at the bar to sample a selection of ales, wines, seasonal cocktails and bar snacks, or head to the dining room for a superb meal where sourcing and seasonality take the lead. Sharing is encouraged, so lots of the dishes can be enjoyed by the whole table. Look out for braised venison with red wine, smoked bacon cavolo nero and confit potato.  
Where: 58-60 Bridge Street, Cardiff, CF5 2EN 
Book now: Heathcock

Hare & Hounds

What: Specialising in unfussy dishes that are bursting with flavour, Hare & Hounds is the proud holder of a Bib Gourmand. The menu changes every day, sometimes twice, while produce is sourced from its kitchen garden, a small holding up the road, and local producers from around the Vale. Enjoy its seasonal menus in the cosy dining room, or out on the terrace during summer. 
Where: Maendy Road, Cowbridge, CF71 7LG
Book now: Hare & Hounds

Hiraeth

What: This independent gastropub serves an exquisite ever-changing tasting menu and a la carte within humble surroundings, complete with inglenook fireplaces and wooden beamed ceilings. It's run by duo Andy Aston and Lewis Dwyer, who launched the restaurant following a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2022. Expect hyper-seasonal dishes made with the finest British ingredients, from Brixham scallops with smoked mackerel veloute, celeriac and apple to a classic treacle tart with clotted cream. 
Where: Llysworney, Vale Of Glamorgan, CF71 7NQ
Book now: Hiraeth

Touring Club

What: Founders Dylan Griffith, Rowan Hobbs, Grant Maunder and Bryn Williams have brought together their hospitality experience to launch The Touring Club, a bar and restaurant inspired by a watering hole in Patagonia, serving a curated drinks list and modern small plates. There's an open kitchen and wood burner, while dishes span things like crab on toast and braised beef cheek with celeriac and horseradish. 
Where: 4 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD
Book now: The Touring Club

After something a little more chilled? Take a look at Cardiff’s very best bottomless brunches.