Where to go for a great coffee in Cardiff

Locations: 5 Waterloo Gardens, Penylan; Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff city centre; 190-192 Whitchurch Road, Heath

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 Cardiff. 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.

Location: 1-13 Castle Arcade, Cardiff city centre

Coffee Barker is all about big sofas, doorstep bread and New York inspired buckets of coffee. Slump into a leather couch and indulge in a seasonal coffee-based treat (previous options include mint mochas and crème brûlée cappuccinos). The décor is moody and eclectic, and its position in the arcade is perfect for people watching.

Top tip: There are always luxe hot drinks on the menu, so those with a sweet tooth will rejoice! The Nutella latte and luxury white hot chocolate are both extremely creamy and sugar-loaded.

Location: Tramshed Tech, Grangetown

Priding itself on being a place for coffee, community and collaboration, Da Coffee has two locations in Cardiff. One is in Tramshed Tech coworking space in Grangetown (it’s part of the Tramshed family), just a 10 minute walk from Central Station. It's ideal if you want to work while you dine on locally sourced food and drinks (the beans come from Ammanford’s Coaltown Coffee).

Top tip: You can put some fruity pep in your matcha latte here. Choose from a mango, strawberry or blueberry base for a colourful flavour fest.

Location: 58 Bute Street, 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.  

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 Cardiff-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 Cardiff’s green spaces, starting at 6:30pm on Thursdays from the café.

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 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 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.

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.

Location: 8-10 Wellfield Road, Roath; 21 High Street, Llandaff; 55 Penlline Road, Whitchurch; 10 Heol-Y-Deri, Rhiwbina; 32-34 Station Road, Llanishen

Since 2021, Coffi Lab has been building up a roster of dog friendly cafés across Cardiff’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 Cardiff-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 Cardiff; every site has many indulgent options, including vegan and gluten free treats.

Here are some other great independent coffee shops to check out in Cardiff:

• BRØD The Danish Bakery - 126 Wyndham Cres, Pontcanna; 18 James Street, Cardiff Bay; 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
• Kin+Ilk - 31 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna; 1a Hill Street, The Hayes; 1 Capital Quarter (Smart Way), Tyndall Street; Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road
  • Small chain of local cafés, each decked out in pared-back style
  • House coffee comes direct from El Salvador, roasted by Clifton Coffee
• 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, Canton
  • 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