Where to go on a romantic dinner: top places in Cardiff and Newport

10 Feb 2023

Cardiff and Newport sit side-by-side on the south coast of Wales. 

When it comes to a romantic date night, being within striking distance of another city is a big plus. At just a 20-minute drive apart, Cardiff residents can extend romantic nights to Newport and vice-versa. 

This post will take you through the top date night restaurants in Cardiff and Newport. Once you’ve seen the restaurants below, you’ll be plotting your next date night in no time! 

Maria’s Greek Taverna

Why you’ll love it: transport your date to the Mediterranean in a homey Greek taverna.

Want to experience an overseas meal without leaving the comfort of your hometown? At Maria’s Greek Taverna, you and your date will be transported to your favourite Greek island the moment you step through the door. 

With pastel blue and white walls, family photos, and authentic ornaments, you’ll feel like you’re in a quiet Greek back street. 

In true Greek fashion, the tastes are fresh, comforting, and just as big as the portions! With grilled platters, mezes, greek salad, and souvlaki on the menu, you’ll have trouble deciding what to go for. 

68 Crwys Rd, Cardiff, CF24 4NP

The Potted Pig

Why you’ll love it: an intimate affair beneath the city.

The Potted Pig has been gracing Cardiff with the finest British food since 2011. Located in a former bank vault below the city, the underground setting, complete with brick walls, barrel ceilings, and candlelight, offers an unforgettable romantic experience. 

The food served at The Potted Pig isn’t restricted by a single concept. Instead, the menu’s inspired by food that the chefs love to cook and eat, which is often British food with Welsh, French, and New York grill influences. 

Book well in advance as this is one of Cardiff’s few finer dining options. 

7 High St, Cardiff, CF10 1PU

Park House 

Why you’ll love it: an award-winning French-influenced restaurant and wine bar.

Park House is undoubtedly one of Cardiff’s finest restaurants. 

Located in the heart of Cardiff’s old district, the restaurant is housed in a gorgeous Gothic-style mansion house built in 1874 – perfect for a romantic evening with that special someone. 

Discover the best of Welsh and French cuisine through their elaborate a la carte menu or have the full experience with the special nine-course tasting menu.  

If you and your other half are wine lovers, this is the perfect place. Awarded one of the finest cellars in the UK, they will find you the perfect match for whatever dishes you choose. 

Open Tuesday to Saturday, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

20 Park Place Cardiff CF10 3DQ

Anna Loka

Why you’ll love it: a menu to change your perception of vegan food.

Anna Loka, which translates to ‘food’ and ‘planet’ in Sanskrit, is an exciting 100% vegan restaurant on Albany Road — a Cardiff street lined with independent restaurants. 

The food at Anna Loka has tempted the taste buds of even the most enthusiastic meat-eaters in the city. It has become a firm favourite for local vegetarians and vegans as much as it has carnivores. The exciting menu, which covers vegan junk food options such as hot dogs and burgers, also includes more refined options such as the Channa Masala and Spinach and Tofu. 

The restaurant is casual and welcoming, so much so that it allows pets! There’s no need to feel awkward about bringing your pooch to date night!

114 Albany Rd, Cardiff, CF24 3RU

Junction 28 

Why you’ll love it: stylish dining in a former railway station.

Junction 28 is a favourite for special occasions — and for good reason. To go with the fantastic food, enjoy the truly unique setting in a former railway station. The station has been tastefully renovated to marry quirky architecture with contemporary additions.

The modern British menu gives exciting contemporary twists on old favourites. The traditional and adventurous dishes are complete with stunning desserts, including the champagne crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e. 

If you’re lucky enough, you might see a cargo train pass by while you’re tucking into your dinner. 

Station Approach, Bassaleg, Newport, NP10 8LD

Los Reyes Tapas & Wine Bar

Why you’ll love it: an authentic Spanish experience in the rolling Welsh hills.

Just a ten-minute drive from Newport centre is the ancient village of Caerleon, home to Los Reyes Tapas & Wine Bar

Amongst the lush green fields is this unassuming tapas restaurant which ticks all the boxes for the ultimate Spanish experience. 

In the summertime, the dating experience here truly excels. The outdoor courtyard allows you to sip sangria beneath the stars while working through the extensive tapas menu. If that doesn’t sound romantic, we don’t know what does.  

Belmont Hill, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1JX

Arrive in style with Bolt 

Cardiff and Newport have no shortage of unique places to eat. When you next want to try the delicacies of your neighbouring city on date night, make things easy by travelling with Bolt

The multiple-stop feature lets you pick up your lucky date en route to dinner and get a ride whenever you want to call it a night. No parking fees to think about and no reason to push aside the cocktail menu! 

Download the Bolt app today to make your Cardiff and Newport date nights even more enjoyable.

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