Little Man Coffee Co
Locations: Ivor House, Bridge Street (main site); 10 Tudor Lane (Little Man Garage)
About: Both outlets of Little Man Coffee Co serve great hot drinks, with a good range of teas to match the clout of their own roast of house coffee. The Bridge Street cafe is a large, bright and open space in a former bank (spot the quirky historic features), while the Garage is compact, kitted out with vintage furniture and has an open fire.
Top tip: Pair your coffee with a slice of cake, freshly made at the main site. If you like the house roast, buy a bag of beans to take home.
Waterloo Tea
Locations: 5 Waterloo Gardens, Penylan; Wyndham Arcade; 190-192 Whitchurch Road; 41 Wellfield Rd
About: Waterloo Tea started off as a specialist tea cafe in Penylan, with over 50 different teas on the menu at any time. Since then, it's grown into a small local chain of teahouses, all with consistently bright 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.
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.
Hard Lines
Locations: St Canna Court, Canton (cafe); Unit 25, Cardiff Market (kiosk)
About: Want an expertly prepared flat white, made from locally roasted, sustainably-sourced beans and served with a friendly smile? Hard Lines is calling your name! The diner-inspired coffee shop in Canton, and the kiosk in Cardiff Market, are the primary city centre spots to try the roaster's wares. The Canton cafe has an open kitchen that turns out pancake stacks, Mexican dishes, sandwiches that aren't boring, massive cookies and big smiles.
Top tip: Choose from one of the two roasts on offer each day, or order a coffee flight if you want to try them all.
Corner Coffee
Location: 13 High Street
About: Right on the corner of High Street Arcade, the aptly named Corner Coffee slings top quality espressos and filters from guest roasters. If you know your beans, you'll love it there. It's a small but light space, with huge windows looking out onto the arcade and High Street.
Top tip: Try a signature, super-sweet Deliver Dough donut with your coffee.
Bloc
Location: Victoria Park
About: Although you wouldn't know it by looking at it, Bloc - a small brick 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 Cardiff's green spaces is quite something. With a focus on community and supporting fellow independent businesses, its coffees, cakes and events do good for many (including the lucky people getting to enjoy them!)
Top tip: Get a takeaway flat white and a traybake slice to enjoy on one of the park benches.
Quantum Coffee Roasters
Location: 58 Bute Street
About: The family-run Quantum Coffee Roasters is arguably the best independent coffee shop in Cardiff Bay. Quantum sources coffee from Africa, America and Asia, offering it as single origins and blends. Its house blend, Tiger Bay, is strong, full bodied and beautiful with or without milk.
Top tip: If it's a warm day, try the Nitro Brew. It's a small batch cold brew coffee, served on tap.
