Best for tea: Waterloo Tea
Locations: 5 Waterloo Gardens, Penylan; Wyndham Arcade, Caerdydd city centre; 190-192 Whitchurch Road, Heath, also 1-3 Washington Buildings in nearby Penarth
With over 50 different teas on the menu at any time, Waterloo Tea started as a specialist tea café in Penylan, a district in the east of Caerdydd. Since then, it's grown into a small local chain of teahouses, all with airy decor and attention to detail when it comes to food and drink. Despite being a teahouse by name, the baristas make fantastic coffee-based drinks too. The house espresso comes from a World Barista Champion's roastery, which tells you it’s good.
Top tip: The chocolate and avocado cake may sound strange but it's delicious - trust us! Pair it with a pot of Meghalaya tea or a long black to enhance the depth of flavour.
Best hot chocolate and mocha: Quantum Coffee Roasters
Location: 58 Bute Street, Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay); 7 Duke Street
The family-run Quantum Coffee Roasters delivers locally roasted and expertly made coffee in every cup. Sourcing coffee from Africa, America and Asia for single origins and blends, there’s always something new and interesting to sample. Its house blend, Tiger Bay, is strong, full bodied and beautiful with or without milk. On a warm day, opt for the Nitro Brew (cold brew on tap).
Top tip: For a mocha that hits deep, opt for the 82% pure dark chocolate as a base.
Best brunch and coffee spot: Hard Lines
Location: Ground Floor, St Canna Court, Cowbridge Road East
In just a brief walk (or bus ride) from the city centre, you’ll stumble across Hard Lines Café in Canton. It’s a true local gem and the flagship location of this Caerdydd-based roastery that’s taking the world by storm. Along with an ever-changing host of interesting coffees, the standard option - Canton Blend - never fails. Alongside their coffee, you can dine on big breakfasts, diner-inspired pancakes and sweet treats galore. For a guaranteed table, place a reservation in advance online.
Top tip: Join the weekly Hard Lines Run Club for an easy-paced circular 5-8km run around Caerdydd’s green spaces, starting at 6:30pm on Thursdays from the café.
Best for coffee in the park: Bloc
Location: Victoria Park, Canton
Although you wouldn't know it by looking at it, Bloc - a small building at the front of Victoria Park - used to be a block of toilets. Don't let that put you off, though; the transformation into a characterful, inviting pit stop in one of Caerdydd's parks is quite something. With a focus on community and supporting fellow independent businesses, its coffees, cakes and events do good for many (including those getting to enjoy them!) Order a takeaway flat white and a slice of school dinner cake to enjoy on one of the park benches.
Top tip: Pick up a bag of beans by Wales’ own Big Dog Coffee while there to enjoy quality coffee at home.
Best day to night coffee spot: Sibling
Location: 39 Lochaber Street, Roath
Combining the ambience of a specialty coffee shop with the style of a small plates bar, Sibling is a calm corner of cool in Roath. Open Monday to Saturday from morning to early evening, the brother-and-sister-owned venture has light meals and stylish snacks covered. The coffee is always made with care and attention; choose from three different espressos and the daily filter. As for food options, make sure you try one of the freshly baked treats (the cakes, cookies and pies prioritise flavour over sweetness). The savoury small plates change seasonally, with sourdough, crackers, cheeses, pickles and anchovies usually featuring somewhere on the menu.
Top tip: The little patio out the back, dotted with pots of herbs and other plants, is a lovely seating option on a warm day.
Best dog friendly café: Coffi Lab
Location: 8-10 Wellfield Road, Roath; 21 High Street, Llandaff; 55 Penlline Road, Whitchurch; 10 Heol-Y-Deri, Rhiwbina; 32-34 Station Road, Llanishen; 243–245 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna.
Since 2021, Coffi Lab has been building up a roster of dog friendly cafés across Caerdydd's suburbs (and beyond). Light, airy and full of people and their pups post-walkies, each outlet caters for canines and humans alike. Treat your furry friend to a homemade dog biscuit while you enjoy the small chain’s Caerdydd-roasted house blend. On top of keeping tails wagging in store, Coffi Lab donates some of its takings to Guide Dogs, and each venue sponsors a specific Guide Dog.
Top tip: Don’t miss the house-baked cakes and pastries at the counter prepared at Coffi Lab's bakery in Caerdydd; every site has many indulgent options, including vegan and gluten free treats.
Been to all of these?
Here are some other great independent coffee shops to check out in Caerdydd:
- BRØD The Danish Bakery - 126 Wyndham Cres, Pontcanna; 18 James Street, Bae Caerdydd; Unit 15, Riverbridge Business Park, Newport Road
- Scandi-styled cafés baking quality bread and authentic Danish pastries
- The sweet treats pair perfectly with the house coffee (Clifton Coffee Roasters
- Blŵm - Fairoak Road, Cathays
- Bright little café and homeware shop with decent coffee and freshly baked goodies
- Join the friendly Monday Run Club for a relaxed lap around Roath
- Brodies - Gorsedd Gardens (cabin); Heath Park (cabin); West Lodge
- A local small chain fave that's couple-run and always greenery-adjacent
- Along with proper coffee, they serve up posi vibes and cute messaging
- Rhostio - 16c Crwys Road, Cathays
- Much-loved spot amongst laptop-tappers and students
- Dark, strong coffee roasted locally in small batches
- Ground - 15 Pontcanna Street; 5-6 The Laundry Quarter, plus The Old Ranger’s Hut, just inside the Romilly Road entrance to Thompson’s Park, Canto
- Small chain bakery bringing croissants and bread to the suburbs (sadly, no vegan pastries – they do things the traditional way)
- Ideal for a brunch and coffee combo
