It’s no secret that Wales’s capital has a lot to offer, and we’re not just talking about the rugby (although that’s an experience in itself!).
Aside from its vibrant streets, buzzing nightlife, and wonderous mountain range, Cardiff and Cardiff Bay are bursting with adorable little coffee shops. These little gems pride themselves on providing their customers with wholesome, delicious cups of coffee.
Whether you’re new to the area and are looking for a new local to pop into each morning, or are just curious about what’s around you, I’ve used my experience as a Cardiff local to compile a list of some of the best coffee in Cardiff!
Best Coffee Shops in Cardiff
1. Uncommon Ground
Uncommon Ground has been my go-to independent coffee shop in Cardiff since 2019. I even went as far as ordering their coffee every couple of weeks during the pandemic when they had to close down.
With 2 giant desks, it almost gives the vibe of having an office within a coffee shop which is definitely a plus for me as I typically work out of cafes but the lack of wifi might be a deterrent for those who can’t hotspot their laptop.
The coffee is magnificent. I still remember my first cup at 7.30 am (their opening time is now 9 am) on a cold winter morning and thinking that that might’ve been the best coffee I’ve ever tried – even beating out the luwak coffee I was lucky enough to try at a coffee plantation in Indonesia.
The vibe is cool and typically encapsulates a lot of different types. Think mother meetings, old couples, students, and freelance workers all mingling to create an atmosphere that is fairly unique.
I also like that their loyalty cards are fairly achievable in that you only need to buy 6 coffees to receive 1 free (works out as about £2.60 for a flat white) and as a regular, I’ve been lucky enough to get a cheeky discount on some coffees.
To top things off, the cafe is owned by local brothers Paul and Ian Hayman so really gives a personal touch compared to your typical high street chain stores.
Location: 10-12 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AE
Update (17th October 2023) – Uncommon Ground opened a new cafe this week in Pontcanna on Cathedral Road. I’ve not checked it out yet, but when I do, I’ll compare the 2 cafes!
2. 200 Degrees
Right at the top of Queen Street, you’ll find the lovely 200 Degrees. They’re an establishment that is ‘unashamedly proud to be coffee geeks.’
To create the most delicious cup of coffee, they ship the best green beans from Rainforest Alliance farms to the UK. Here, artisans use traditional forms of roasting, where they roast at 200 degrees Centigrade (hence their name!). This is done to create a smooth, phenomenal taste.
With 18 independent coffee shops dotted around the UK, this establishment is really making a name for itself. When entering this gorgeous café, you’ll be greeted with the cosy smell of coffee beans brewing and an inviting ambiance that’ll make you want to reach for your favourite book and cuddle up with a blanket!
Location: 115 Queen St, Cardiff CF10 2BH
3. The Plan
The Plan is an iconic staple in Cardiff’s coffee scene. It sits cosily in the Morgan Arcade and offers the perfect setting if you’re a fan of people-watching!
Aside from its delicious coffee, this adorable establishment is known for providing its customers with organic, local food that’s been put together with tender loving care! You have an array of options from toasties to jacket potatoes, and even some mouth-watering homemade burgers!
Everything here is sourced locally, so you can expect the freshest-tasting ingredients when visiting this wonderful little place!
Location: 28-29 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF
4. KIN + ILK
With several stores across the South of Wales, KIN + ILK are one of the most popular coffee providers in Cardiff. They source their coffee from Finca El Corozo in El Salvador which is honey processed and leaves notes of red apple, pecan, and milk chocolate!
Their interior is modern with a rustic hint, making it very Instagrammable. They also serve delicious food that is all fresh and sourced locally! If you’re a visitor to Cardiff, visiting a KIN + ILK store is a must!
Location: Cathedral House, 31 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HB
5. Big Moose Coffee Co
What sounds better than having delicious coffee, scrumptious food, and a place where you can chat about your problems and get some support? All these things are exactly what Big Moose Coffee Co offers you.
Walking into this coffee shop is like coming home and being greeted by a loving family. This establishment trains and mentors those who have had issues with mental health and homelessness and supports them as they make the important steps towards creating a better life for themselves.
Location: 4-5 Frederick St, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 2DB
6. Sibling
I’m sure we can all agree that both coffee and wine are some of the most delightful things on the planet. This gem is both a coffee shop and wine bar, and it’s run by a brother and sister (cute!).
There’s a wonderful Spanish influence behind this little spot, as Georgie, one of the owners, lived in Barcelona before opening Sibling. You can nibble on some fantastic tapas dishes and try some wonderfully roasted coffee in this adorable café!
Location: 39 Lochaber St, Cardiff CF24 3LS
7. Milk & Sugar
The lovely gem that is Milk & Sugar has several locations across Cardiff, and once you visit, you’ll understand why. Milk & Sugar and several other establishments form part of an organization named ‘Collection’.
This a group of cafes, kitchens, and private lounges that pride themselves in using local and fresh produce to suit the needs of their consumers. As well as being able to visit their fabulous locations, they also offer catering for private events!
Location: 79 Pontcanna St, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HS
8. Rhostio
You simply can’t take a stroll through Crwys Road without popping into Rhostio. This is some of the freshest coffee you can find in Cardiff, as they sell their coffee within two weeks of its roast date!
They also concentrate solely on coffee that has been roasted in small batches. This is so everyone gets the chance to try a unique flavour!
Their interior is wonderful, comfy, and has a beautiful outdoor seating area where you can enjoy an iced coffee on a gloriously hot day!
Location: 16C Crwys Rd, Cardiff CF24 4NJ
9. Coffee Co
Coffee Co is one of the most popular coffee spots in Cardiff.
They’ve got several locations, but the most beautiful one must be the one in Cardiff Bay. It is literally above the water on a set of stilts, and you can enjoy the sunshine on its outer deck or sit inside where you can see all that Cardiff Bay has to offer from the large windows that surround the venue.
Their menu is just as delightful as their atmosphere, and you can choose from a large selection of coffee and drinks, both hot and cold! Their food is also delicious, and a huge benefit is that pets are allowed inside too!
Location: 31 Mermaid Quay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ
10. The Bike Lock
The Bike Lock must be one of the most unique coffee spots in Cardiff. With the aim of encouraging people to be more active, this venue operates as Cardiff’s first secure-cycle storage facility.
As well as offering storage for bikes, they also offer charging points for electric bikes, shower and changing room facilities, and they also operate as a co-working space.
To top it all off, they serve delicious coffee that has been roasted locally. This new venue is really gaining popularity, and after seeing all that they have to offer, it isn’t hard to understand why!
Location: 10 Windsor Pl, Cardiff CF10 3BX
Final Thoughts
As you can see from this article, Cardiff has some fantastic coffee spots, and this article has only included a small percentage of them. Whether it’s a cosy feel, ambient lighting, or a variety of different coffees to try, there’s something to suit the needs of everyone when it comes to coffee in Cardiff.