Best Specialty Coffee in Cardiff
Country: United Kingdom (9 cafés)
Updated February 2026
Cardiff offers a compact city centre filled with historic Victorian arcades that house many independent coffee shops. You can find excellent options like Blake & Brew, Sibling, Mec Coffee, Hard Lines Market, and Corner Coffee while exploring the area. Rhostio Speciality Coffee, 200 Degrees Coffee Shop, Secret Garden, and KIN+ILK Capital Quarter provide further variety for those walking between the castle and the docklands.
Many locals enjoy grabbing a coffee while wandering through the city arcades or visiting the central market. You will often find that cafes here focus on a relaxed atmosphere, with many shops offering comfortable seating for a slow afternoon break.
Cafés
Of 9 cafés, 2 serve filter coffee and 2 have Wi-Fi.
Top rated Mec Coffee
130 Crwys Road, CF24 4NR Cardiff, United Kingdom
Mec Coffee is a boutique shop located on Crwys Road in Cardiff. The cafe serves coffee from Round Hill Roastery alongside a rotating selection of guest beans. Visitors often mention the staff is knowledgeable and friendly when discussing brewing methods or roast profiles. The space includes a coffee bar downstairs and a quiet seating area upstairs. You can also find a selection of wine and gifts available for purchase.
Sibling
39 Lochaber Street, CF24 3LS Cardiff, United Kingdom
Sibling is a small, family-run coffee shop located in Cathays. Visitors frequently praise the friendly staff and the quality of the speciality coffee on offer. The menu features a selection of house-baked goods, with regulars often recommending the brownies and banana bread. The space includes outdoor seating and provides a calm atmosphere for a break.
Corner Coffee
13 High Street, CF10 1AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
Corner Coffee is located on the corner of High Street and the High Street Arcade in Cardiff city centre. The cafe serves house beans from The Missing Bean alongside a rotating selection of guest roasts. Visitors frequently praise the friendly staff and the quality of their espresso-based drinks. The menu includes brunch options on weekends, sandwiches, and signature brownies. The space is popular for both work and socialising, though it can fill up quickly.
Hard Lines Market
Cardiff Central Market, Unit 25, Cardiff, CF10 1AU Cardiff, United Kingdom
Hard Lines Market is a coffee roastery operating from a counter inside Cardiff Market. Visitors frequently praise the friendly staff and the quality of their espresso and flat whites. The menu includes vegan options like brownies alongside their house-roasted coffee. It is a compact space with limited seating, making it a practical stop while shopping in the market.
Rhostio Speciality Coffee
16C Crwys Road, CF24 4NJ Cardiff, United Kingdom
Rhostio Speciality Coffee is located on Crwys Road in the Cathays area of Cardiff. The space features exposed brick walls and greenery, with additional seating available on a roof terrace during warmer months. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the variety of food options, including vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch dishes. The menu also includes cocktails for evening visits, and the venue hosts events such as live music and comedy nights.
200 Degrees Coffee Shop
115 Queen Street, CF10 2BH Cardiff, United Kingdom
200 Degrees is a coffee shop located on Queen Street in Cardiff. The space features wooden floors, brick walls, and a seating area at the back with armchairs and a fireplace. Regulars often visit to work, noting the availability of charging points and free WiFi. The menu includes house espresso, cold brew, and nitro coffee alongside a selection of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Visitors frequently mention that the staff is friendly and helpful.
Secret Garden
North Road, CF10 3ER Cardiff, United Kingdom
The Secret Garden is a cafe located in the heart of Bute Park. It serves Has Bean coffee and a variety of cakes, including vegan and gluten free options. Visitors often mention the dog friendly policy and the outdoor seating area. The space fills up quickly at weekends, but service remains efficient. You can receive a discount on hot drinks if you bring your own cup.
KIN+ILK Capital Quarter
No 1 Capital Quarter (Smart Way), Tyndall Street, CF10 4BZ Cardiff, United Kingdom
KIN+ILK is located in the Capital Quarter of Cardiff. Regulars often mention that the staff are friendly and helpful when explaining menu items. The cafe offers a quiet atmosphere that is suitable for a relaxing break. While some visitors find the prices to be on the higher side, they generally appreciate the quality of the coffee and tea.
Blake & Brew
Ground Floor, 142 Whitchurch Road, CF14 3NA Cardiff, United Kingdom
Blake and Brew is a coffee shop located just off Whitchurch Road in Cardiff. The barista, Phil, is known for his friendly service and knowledge of coffee. Visitors often mention the quality of the coffee and the selection of beans available for purchase. On Thursdays and Fridays, the shop serves French pastries from Astrid's Petite Cuisine. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating for customers.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I go for a quick coffee in the city centre?
The Victorian arcades are home to several spots like Corner Coffee and Hard Lines Market. These locations are convenient if you are already exploring the main shopping streets.
Are there cafes suitable for working on a laptop?
Many cafes in Cardiff offer a welcoming environment for visitors. Places like KIN+ILK Capital Quarter or 200 Degrees Coffee Shop provide ample space to sit and settle in for a while.
Do cafes in Cardiff serve food alongside their coffee?
Yes, most shops offer a selection of snacks, pastries, or light lunch options. You can find varied menus at spots like 200 Degrees Coffee Shop and Hard Lines Market.
Are there coffee shops located outside the city centre?
Yes, you can find specialty coffee in residential areas like Pontcanna. It is worth checking the local directory for shops like Lufkin Coffee if you are heading toward the western side of the city.
What is the best way to find a good cup of coffee in Cardiff?
Look for independent shops tucked into the Victorian arcades or the central market. Our directory includes many options like Sibling, Mec Coffee, and Secret Garden that are well regarded by locals.