Cafe Citta in Cardiff

If you’re looking for delicious food and great service, this is the place! Every dish was prepared with care, and the staff was incredibly accommodating.

One of my new favorite spots! The meals were flavorful, beautifully plated, and the service was truly outstanding. I’ll be returning soon!

Lovely Italian restaurant, staff were very hospitable and gave some good options on specials. The food was delicious, authentic Italian, full of flavour and decent portions for the price. If you’re feeling Italian, definitely try this place!

Really nice food definetely recommend I will be here again.

1st visit, quirky and old fashioned but great food. Tiramisu was too die for

Lovely family run atmosphere with good food generous portions at fair prices.

Compact inside when busy. If you can get over (/avoid) that or sit at the tables outside, 101% worth it. Very busy days? Book ahead or consider being flexible with timings. Still reading? After three friends recommended Cafe Citta, a mere two years later (edit: just read recent other reviews and saw another person who waited too long!), we went as a family for a celebration. Teenagers' tastes were covered with resultant smiles, (1x Normal) Adult's choice was wide as well 👍 Eager to return. (1x) Picky father's narrow criteria led to three strong choices . (Two were recommended beforehand.) Portion, taste and texture spot on. Looking forward to the next time. (Carbonara?)

Best Italian food we've ever had Went with my girlfriend and two kids , managed to get seated due to a cancellation , the waiter was very attentive and such good manners. My girlfriend ordered the lasagna and it was the best she'd ever tasted. I ordered the special , meatballs with plumb tomato sauce , cooked perfectly and seasoned so well. The kids loved their pizza and both gave compliments and even wanted to go to the chef to thank them personally!. Will be back for sure , this little cafe is a gem and affordable given the central cardiff location. Thank you!

my favourite cafe! very tasty and cosy, like home. The waiters are always friendly and smiling

Tuvimos una comida encantadora aquí cuando nos alojamos en Cardiff por un par de noches. Es una necesidad para reservar, ya que el lugar es bijou, pero la comida y el servicio eran excelentes. Estábamos sentados justo al lado de la cocina, que a veces podría ser un poco ruidoso, pero se espera que con una cocina abierta y es acogedor, pero que nos sienta bien. La comida se prepara fresca, así que eso significa que son realmente adaptables con el menú también que apreciamos. Una excelente experiencia y cuando estamos de vuelta en Cardiff sin duda volveremos.

No se puede negar que la comida aquí es encantadora. Sin embargo, todavía es sobrevalorado por lo que es, también lo es el vino. Además, el *minuto* que habíamos excedido nuestra franja horaria asignada de una hora treinta minutos (que en realidad no es tan largo si tenemos más de dos platos y vino, etc.) , sin previo aviso, nos trajeron la factura y obviamente nos apuramos y salimos. El hecho de que había hecho esta reserva con más de cuatro meses de antelación, me fui sintiéndome muy decepcionado. Tristemente, probablemente no recomendaría ahora.

There's no denying that the food here is lovely. However, it's still overpriced for what it is, so too is the wine. Also, the *minute* we'd exceeded our one hour thirty minutes allocated time slot (which isn't actually that long if having two plus courses and wine etc), unprompted, we were brought the bill and very obviously hurried up and out. The fact that I'd made this booking more than four months in advance, I left feeling really quite disappointed. Sadly I probably wouldn't now recommended.

Good place to enjoy original Italian food cuisine ,i higher recommend!

Small and unassuming restaurant. The food is amazing! Our server was fantastic. Good suggestions and very accommodating. Would definitely eat here again and again. Don't wait, go!

Es domingo, así que engañé al querido Café Citta y fui a la competencia – un ristorante de perfil mucho más grande y alto que el encantador Café Citta. Déjame decirte: ¡mamma mía, delirante! La comida no era agradable. No puedo dejarles una mala crítica, pero como una strega lanzando una advertencia, te digo: ve al Café Citta y olvida el resto. Ahora, si es domingo o lunes y Café Citta es chiuso, puede tomar una pizza decente en Real Pizza en la esquina (niente di speciale, ma va bene così). Si tu cartera lo permite, Le Monde siempre es una buena opción – ma che prezzi! De martes a sábado, no hay discusión: es Café Citta o niente.

Visité con un grupo de amigos uno de los cuales tiene problemas reales de movilidad. El cuidado de nuestro amigo fue increíble. La comida era excepcional. Todos pensamos que era la comida italiana más auténtica que habíamos probado en este país. En resumen, si no lo has visitado realmente te lo estás perdiendo. Gracias a todos en Café Citta. Volveremos muy pronto.

It was so disappointing. I've been before and enjoyed it but last night was pretty awful. I've been looking for a restaurant that makes potato pizza, don't knock it till you try it! It was dreadful. The potatoes are meant to be cooked with the pizza not boiled and chopped roughly on top. My son had a spaghetti dish which was all onion, spice and no flavour. That was meant to be my Christmas meal out but I scraped the potato off and my son left his meal. Sadly, I won't be returning.

Incredibly nice food and staff, very small space and felt a little cramped

We had pre booked our table, it was very busy as there was a Big concert in town, the staff were lovely and professional, food was excellent would highly recommend and will be returning soon.

One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever visited, it should be since I've been planning on going for 15 years now, such a small place, but with an excellent, authentic atmosphere. Will definitely come again, although always remember to book in advance as there's only 13 tables.

One of my favorite Western restaurants I have eaten in Cardiff. It has given Amway to countless classmates and friends around me. Very authentic Italian pizza, the pizza page is delicious even if you close your eyes, no surprises. The lasagna is a must-try. I couldn’t finish it once and took it home. It was still super delicious after reheating it the next day. I most recommend the pasta at the bottom of the daily special menu. I don’t know how to translate the name, but it tastes full of mixed cheese aroma. My boyfriend and I opened our eyes after taking one bite. It’s so delicious. My family! The atmosphere in the store is very good, and the wine is also good. But be sure to call in advance to reserve a seat. The business is so good and popular that if you just walk in, there is a high chance that there will be no seats. If you don't like fish, chips, burgers, etc., then this restaurant is worth trying. It's delicious Italian food.

Me and my boyfriend went here just walked in had no booking, had to wait a few as it was quite busy but it was so worth it. The staff were absolutely lovely and made you feel very welcome. The food was genuinely the best Italian I have ever had. It makes me very sad I'm not from Cardiff and only visiting as I would come here literally every night. I would 10/10 recommend to absolutely anyone. And if I happen to find myself in Cardiff again I will be absolutely coming here again. Thanks so much for such a great time and amazing food!!! (I had the carbonara and my boyfriend has the lasagne)

Fabuloso almuerzo aquí hoy, muy acogedor, deliciosa comida a un precio muy razonable y un ambiente encantador. Una verdadera joya, muy recomendable.

First time trying Cafe Citta and it did not disappoint. Great atmosphere, food and service. Can't fault it. Would recommend booking a table.

Precioso restaurante italiano auténtico. Pequeño y acogedor, independiente con comida recién cocinada. Fue solo un gran almuerzo.

The food was beautiful, and the staff were so lovely. I enjoyed the open kitchen aspect of the restaurant, will definitely return

Reservamos Café Citta para un cumpleaños. Fuimos recibidos y sentados por el personal amable. Había reservado con antelación y se me proporcionó una mesa a las 5. 45 ya que estaban muy ocupados el sábado por la noche y vimos a cualquier persona se apartó debido a no tener una reserva, así que sin duda recomendaría reservar. La comida era genial y se podía adaptar fácilmente, ya que todo estaba recién hecho. Tuvimos un entrante y compartimos 3 platos de pasta. Como la comida era tan buena compartimos un postre que no habríamos hecho si la comida no fuera tan buena. El tiramisú también estaba delicioso. El servicio también fue genial. No era caro para la cantidad que comimos, acompañado de una botella de vino por menos de £ 85. Definitivamente trataré de volver.

We ordered the special of penne spezzatini, supposed to be fillet steak , it sadly was awful , pasta overcooked and was as if a pack of cheap mixed herbs and just been thrown on the top . So so disappointed and at I think £18 or £19.50 each . My husband had previously eaten there and had a nice meal which is why we treated ourselves . Lesson learnt we won’t go again

Tucked away in a side street is this small Italian restaurant with a very friendly owner and staff. Pasta dishes of prawn and mushrooms and carbonara were delicious, washed down with glasses of rose....what's not to like?

Love this place. Went for my girlfriend’s birthday and had a great time. Great food, great service and great atmosphere. Will always be back.

Visited for the first time last night with my daughter. Both of us loved the food and the service was very friendly. It’s small and you really need to book but the menu is very good. We’ve already booked our next visit!

Compact and gioiello. Excellent food and service 👌

Just perfect pasta! Cozy place and absolutely friendly staff. Wasn’t surprised when it was fully booked

Lovely small family run restaurant food is excellent service is top class highly recommend

Really surprised by the simplicity of the cuisine and the quality of the products. Also the sympathy of the staff... don't hesitate, I recommend it.

Another return to probably the most genuine Italian restaurant I have ever eaten in. This is a small, unfussy restaurant with a cosy atmosphere, fantastic food from a good menu. All served up by wonderful friendly staff.

It’s Not Perfect- But Nowhere is . It’s absolutely the best place in Cardiff, when it comes to ratio of price to quality. Every-time, I visit somewhere else apart from the much more expensive Le Monde I regret not going here . Just had a terrible meal around the corner, because Cafe Citta is on summer holiday . Needs a longer wine list .

A little gem with authentic Italian cuisine. Lovely atmosphere. Check out the chefs specials board in addition to the menu. Good choice of wines. There's nothing to dislike. We will definitely be back.

Absolutely delicious Italian food

Fabulous restaurant recommended by my daughter. Great friendly, welcoming service. Wonderful, authentic, freshly cooked Italian food. Great ambience. Highly recommend.

Went to this small restaurant with son and gf on a Thursday evening. Definitely needed to book as very busy. Staff were extremely friendly. Food was prepared to order. Took about 45 minutes to come but was worth it. Pizzas were amazing as was bolognese and pasta. About average prices but good for city centre. Would thoroughly recommend.

Was visiting Cardiff to see Billy Joel and this little gem came up on trip advisor as a good place to eat. I managed to get a table as someone else had cancelled. Food was fab, service was great and staff were so pleasant and helpful. We both had starters and our mains were pasta dishes from the specials board. Everything we had was lovely. Highly recommend trying this restaurant if you’re in Cardiff.

1st time here for us and what a treat we had! Lovely warm welcome from a lovely young man. Took us to our table and gave us the menu and took our drinks order lovely polite service. Wonderful food. Very impressed. Highly recommended thanks ☺️

Lovely atmosphere, very friendly hosts, and tasty, good value for money food. Cannot wait to go back!

A lovely Italian with a great buzz. You can see everything being cooked fresh at the back of the restaurant, which is great. Portions were great, and food was all delicious. I'd recommend phoning in advance to book a table as it is a small restaurant.

Best authentic Italian food in all of Cardiff and amazing service!

Cute little restaurant/Café vibe. The most authentic Italian food I've had in Cardiff, diavola pizza was so good, only thing I'd recommend is cut the peppers up a little bit smaller but other then that it was amazing, carbonara was also incredible, I think one of the best I've ever had.

Ive been coming to this lovely familys restaurants with my family since I was very young. The food is outstanding and the atmosphere is beautiful - right in the centre if Cardiff, close to the train and shopping. I cant reccommended Cafe Cita enough. The best Italian in Cardiff ❤️ see you soon x

Nice and friendly staffing with wonderful coffee and pasta! Staffs show mercy under the rainy weather and super pet friendly here! All rated at 5 stars ^.^

The dining experience was delightful, with generous portions and a welcoming ambiance.

Great atmosphere in small restaurant with proper Italian food. I had gluten-free pasta with prawn and mushrooms which was perfect size and plenty of prawns. Apparently lasagne (not gf) wonderful too. Friendly staff and good to see same staff there as on our previous visits.

Lovely little find, definitely recommend this restaurant if you are in the city centre looking for restaurants. Food is great and atmosphere is great. Staff are lovely too. Great service too.

Everything about the restaurant was great. The home cooked food, the friendly service, the portion size and the ambience. I can’t wait to come back and try some more of the menu. It’s in the city centre and is a hidden gem. I would recommend to all.

Cosy italian with excellent authentic italian food. Very small and intimate with a view of the small kitchen where just a could of chefs cook up a fresh meal. Decent panna cotta.

Excellent meal. Fantastic service!! I highly recommend Cafe Citta.

Nice vibe of restaurant but very slow service and food overpriced for what it was. Pizza nice but bit over cooked and caprese salad small for the cost.

Wow, good was excellent! Can't believe I haven't been here sooner. Service, food, portion size all were excellent.

The most delicious Italian meal we’ve ever had!! This restaurant is a little gem and the service is outstanding, we walked in with no booking but they were able to offer us a table for an hour which was plenty of time. Would absolutely go back if in Cardiff again.

Beautiful food and fitted us in at a busy time. Excellent service and a tasty meal. We enjoyed the food and the conversation

Amazing little find of a true Italian restaurant. Food service is incredible.

Beautiful lunch today with Friends. I have been to this restaurant before but for my three friends it was the first time. They have favoured Italian restaurant chains. They were blown away by the food quality and service and all vowed to return. Real Italian home cooked food and plenty of it. I haven’t been for a while and had forgotten just how good it is. Can’t wait to go again.

Best Italian meal we’ve had in ages outside of Italy. If you want good Italian home cooking with a great ambience this is the place to visit in Cardiff.

Cute, traditional Italian in the heart of Cardiff. Service is top class and the food is delicious, feels like it belongs in the heart of Italy. Recommend to all our visitors to Cardiff

Italian food is my favourite type of food. For me, it is hard to beat sitting down in a really authentic Italian restaurant with a nice glass of Trebbiano and a good penne Arrabbiata. Needless to say I’ve eaten quite a lot of of them. This was probably up there with very best. There were still chunks of tomato and onion in the sauce. Usually, it’s a very smooth sauce. Trebbiano always has to be the house wine in a good Italian. And we managed to sit outside on a very rare sunny day. I’m back in London now and still thinking about this pasta.

Great quality italian food from a family run restaurant in Cardiff 👌

What a gem of a place. A small little restaurant that feels too small until you get your food and then you know you want to come back. Delicious! Not cheap though but tastes like real Italian food. Loved it.

Had the best Italian meal I’ve had in years, really beautifully home cooked. Eclectic decor, fab music, great atmosphere. Will definitely be a regular. Thank you for such a lovely evening. Tanya, Paul & Olivia.

Beautiful restaurant and the food was really delicious. Another poster said this was the best Italian in Cardiff, certainly one of the nicest Italian restaurants I’ve ever been to. Can’t wait to return to Cardiff and I know exactly where I want to dine. The restaurant is quite small so probably I’ll try and book ahead, guess we were lucky this time.

Amazing swordfish with potato - loved it! Many thanks!

Turned up on of chance - they advised us they could accommodate us on a table for 2 in an hour - we went to a bar for a quick drink. The restaurant phoned us and said they could fit us in earlier than planned - meal was superb - couldn’t fault it - service excellent too. Lovely restaurant - lovely to support independent/ non chain establishments

It’s a cozy place, friendly staff, food was lovely but my friend and I both asked to have side orders as a starter which they said was fine. I had cheesy garlic bread which was delicious and my friend had olives and toast/bread. My friend was halfway through eating them when they brought the main meals! That was shocking and not something I have ever come across before. When I said that she hadn’t finished her starter, the waiter said it was because it was classed as a side dish! That is very bad service, they knew we had asked for them to be a starter. My friend ended up wasting half her Olives as she didn’t want the main meal to go cold. Also, nobody came across to check everything was in order with our main meals, again, bad service. Checking the food is ok is a standard practice at all restaurants.

Lovely lunch here. A tiny little restaurant, but very welcoming. We both had the tagliatelle salmone which was on the specials board and delicious. Excellent service and would definitely come again.

Tiny spot with about a dozen tables and an even smaller kitchen. Still, incredible food, service and ambiance. Felt very kind and warm. The pizza was delicious and so was the affogato. I'd love to return to try a pasta dish.

Turned up tonight without a booking and the restaurant accommodated us. The front of house ladies were so welcoming and took our coats. We both had pizza which was amazing. I'm vegetarian so I put mine together. We also ordered a side of rosemary potatoes, which were lovely. Good friendly service and lovely food. Would visit again and definitely recommend!!!

Food was excellent, service very good, the only downside was that prices on the on line menu were vastly different to the prices on the menu when we arrived. My dish was £12.50 on their internet menu but I paid £18.50, so I think that needs to be looked at.

Amazing restaurant with delicious food but they never answer the phone!! Disconnect it or get an online booking service. Called when they were open 5 times and they did not answer, me thinks your reply isn’t quite truthful. Also, Facebook - ew.

One of the best Italian restaurants I've ever been to in the UK! Very warm service and the food was extraordinary. A must-visit!

Great food for fair price. One of the best Italian restaurants I have visited.

Great food, nice, cosy (and Italian!) atmosphere. It’s a relatively small spot, so book in advance.

Best Italian restaurant in Cardiff by a mile. We made the mistake of not booking but staff fitted us in thankfully. Great staff, lovely atmosphere and best pasta meal I’ve had whilst not being in Italy. My tip would be to make sure to book advance.

We have been visiting this fabulous little Gem of a restaurant in cardiff for many years and I can’t recommend it enough, the food the service and the ambiance is as excellent now as it was when it first opened. I love this place and don’t get to come here enough. The food is authentic and all freshly cooked for you when you order. The only problem was I wanted two of the specials three of the pasta dishes and three of the pizza, the portion size is so good I couldn’t fit in a dessert

we loved our meal here, its a cosy restaurant, with an open kitchen. The food is divine, piping hot, tasty and plenty of it. The service is good too and so friendly. I would definitely recommend a visit. Three of us chose off the specials menu on the recommendation of a couple next to us who frequent the restaurant often and all of us were really happy with what we chose.

Excellent food and service at this small but mighty Italian. Pasta, pizza and salad options were all outstanding. The service is so warm, attentive and genuine you feel as though you are in a family dining room. Run, don’t walk - you won’t be disappointed!

The best italian meal we have had in the uk so far

Not the largest restaurant in this part of Cardiff but don’t let that put you off. The food was superb, I had an aubergine based starter and Swordfish for my main. My main was beautiful, both the fish and the accompanying vegetables and salad were fresh and delicious. The staff were friendly and very efficient. I hope to return soon.

Delicious Italian pizza and pasta. Service fast and friendly. Tiramisu was nice but a little small for me. Restaurant is teeny so probably not ideal for a large person. We accidentally knocked a glass off a table making our way out. Book ahead to ensure a table. Will visit again :)

What a fantastic find. Food was amazing

I’d eat it all again and pay double! The most amazing pasta dish I’ve had in years! All beautiful fresh ingredients Amazing staff. Super friendly and helpful 10/10

I am not kidding, & I’m not American, probably the best genuine in the ‘Diff (Cardiff), everything’s fresh & a great team to serve it all

Amazing food, very friendly staff and a cozy little spot!!! Couldn’t recommend this place enough

Fantastic .... just everything !!!!

Really poor meal this evening. Both pastas tasted of bolognese sauce without the mince, but with an abundance of parsley. We ordered Amatriticiana and Arrabbiatta. Very bitty and nothing like a traditional tomato based sauce. We were sat near the front door and it was very chilly. This place is completely overrated and we won't be returning. Very overpriced for the quality delivered.

First time visiting cafe citta and I must say the food was amazing and the service was also amazing. Nothing was to much trouble for them and it just felt so warm and welcoming. Will definitely return again.

Edit 2024: Still Amazing. I had the pizza ricotta, partner had the vegetarian gnocchi. Both delighted. Service is excellent. Edit: Back again, still amazing. Patate pizza is highly recommended! Delicious food (inc for vegetarians), and my partner said the coffee is amazing. Friendly and helpful service. I'm excited to return to sample more of the menu!

First time visit to Cafe Citta and it won't be the last. Yes it's a bit small, but a lovely quaint and intimate venue with plenty of character and atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed our evening food was excellent. If you're looking for an Italian restaurant in Cardiff center you won't be disappointed here.

An amazing Italian restaurant in the centre of Cardiff. Small, family-run with really tasty, home cooked food. The service is excellent, and a great atmosphere. Book well ahead!

It’s a tight space, but the food and the staff are fantastic! We fight over the seats facing the kitchen so that we can watch the magic in the kitchen. Get a reservation, it is small and nooks up fast.

My granddaughter and I had a lovely meal here in November. Very attentative staff with a smile warm welcome the aubergine bake was lovely and our pizza Marguaritta was beautiful and authentic. Thank-you we had a lovely time warm and cosy ...you must book I. Advance as we did do xx

Lovely little place - the best lasagna I've tasted outside Italy!!!! All the food was full of fresh flavours - really delicious - would def recommend!

Went with my family 5 of us. We all Had a amazing meal. Great service aswell. Great ambience. Very small place nice.