Cafe Citta in Cardiff

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Cafe Citta. Usual brilliant experience. Home cooked Italian food at its best

....we thought...to charge £9 for two small after dinner shots of limoncello. We actually thought they were"on the house"... our misunderstanding so our fault. Didn't take away from a great first visit - excellent food, great service and a lovely vibe. Very glad we chose this authentic family restaurant and we highly recommend it.

The best Italian in Cardiff. Don't want to say too much because I don't want everyone else taking up the limited bookings!!!

Mon restaurant préféré à Cardiff ! Je viens chaque fois que je suis en ville. Il y a peu de tables et c’est souvent complet : pensez à réserver. Le choix est très varié avec une belle carte permanente et plusieurs plats différents chaque jour. Je recommande le tiramisu en dessert, il est succulent.

Great authentic Italian food. Highly recommended. Cosy venue, attentive staff, well organised. Superb hot chocolate and coffee. Multo bene

First visit today so lucky to get a table.So Cafe Citta is small and the tables are close together but the food is to die for cooked fresh and piping hot.We will be back

Another visit to Cafe Citta, this time with a friend who had not been before. As usual it was a lovely experience, with delicious food and great service. It is wonderful to go somewhere that is so consistently good and my friend was equally impressed. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Went with friends recently for tea and, quite frankly, it was one of the best meals I've had in Cardiff. Been a few times and thoroughly enjoyed them good, but the seafood linguine was amazing. I've never had one so tasty and with such a large amount of seafood. Fantastic place and staff.

Went with friends recently for tea and, quite frankly, it was one of the best meals I've had in Cardiff. Been a few times and thoroughly enjoyed them good, but the seafood linguine was amazing. I've never had one so tasty and with such a large amount of seafood. Fantastic place and staff.

As usual a delicious meal in a family run restaurant with great service. It’s our go to if we are in Cardiff, and never disappoints 10/10

Best Italian in Cardiff? If its not no.1 it's certainly close! Never had a bad meal here, amazing food & brilliant service

Nice coffee, nice place and nice atmosphere

In my opinion the best Italian food in Cardiff (at least)!

Another fantastic meal at Cafe Citta! Can’t fault this place - authentic, tasty, lovely service. Never let’s us down!!

Fantastic place..lovely staff and incredible food..my dad and I come every year for a our annual Christmas trip and meal and absolutely love this little gem..very big thank you to the all the staff who work extremely hard too

This was our second visit here. I wasn’t bowled over the first time a year or so prior, but this time it was even worse. Over priced, average food. But I can live with that. It was edible and wasn’t bad enough to write a negative review about. What has led me here, some months after I will add, is the appalling level of service. I don’t think I have ever left a negative review for anything before now. Arrogant and rude waiters, who made us feel like we were a hindrance to them. We’ll never go back.

Delicious food! We ordered several specials from their daily board. Everything is clearly homemade on the spot. Very lively atmosphere. The place is incredibly small and narrow so reservations are a must. Much of that alley is full of chain restaurants so it was nice to support a family-run small business.

Stunning food. Lots of options in Cardiff for food but we liked the look of this place. Quaint establishment. Great quality food and friendly service. Food came quickly aswell. Perfect.

Absolutely loved the food and the charming lady who took our order! Heartily made italian food made with love for food and their customers

What a treasure this cosy little restaurant is. We will be back next time we go to Cardiff. Excellent value. The fish is amazing.....as are the portions they serve So, it's a thumbs up from all 4 of us !! 👍

Best meal I've had in years! The slow cooked beef in tomato sauce with penne pasta was outstanding. Soaked up every last bit with the garlic bread. Perfect with a glass of house red. Delicious. Super friendly service too. 10/10

Fabulous little Italian restaurant amongst other eateries on the street. Menu has good selection of Italian favourites and wholesome healthy dishes. Staff were very friendly. Good buzz. There's an outside area too. My only complaint is that the shared toilet area needs a refurb. I would visit again.

Has been the best restaurant in Cardiff city centre for years. Always fabulous food and atmosphere. Only trouble is more people know about it so it's often hard to get a table.

Überragende italienische Küche in einem unscheinbaren kleinen "Café" - sehr sympathisch!

Lovely atmosphere and amazing food ! Staff were great and informative. A wonderful authentic experience x

My favourite restaurant in Cardiff. Unpretentious and great food

Real italian home made food, it's a small place but in quality and flavors they are big. Nice found.

If your are in cardiff and you didn't try this family run boutique Italian restaurant, you are really missing out. Specially try the linguine citta and the bruschetta, just out of this world. Must try in cardiff, wales.

This tiny gem is consistently among the highest rated restaurants in the city. And with good reason. This isn't just a pizzeria, everything they cook (pasta, risotto, fish dishes etc...)is beautiful and extraordinary. But it should be noted that it is small and in high demand! You'll almost certainly need to book a table. And there isn't room for a massive party for your extended family. In short, Cafe Citta is lovely and we'll keep coming back for more.

Had a wonderful tasty dinner, lasagna and garlic bread were perfect, staff was attentive. Thanks for the lovely meal!

The best Italian food I've ever had. Hands down. You have to try this place, simply amazing.

Had a fantastic meal at Cafe Citta before going to a concert at Cardiff Castle, the food was delicious! Me and my friend loved it

Good food and atmosphere. Authentic Italian cuisine.

Il nous avait été conseillé par un couple gallois lors d'une précédente soirée. Notre déjeuner en terrasse était excellent, du coup nous avons aussi dîné le soir. Tout était excellent: les plats vraiment cuisinés, et l'accueil très chaleureux. Si nous repassons à Cardiff pour nous ce sera un must do... It had been recommended to us by a Welsh couple on a previous evening. Our lunch on the terrace was excellent, so we also had dinner in the evening. Everything was excellent: the dishes really cooked, and the very warm welcome. If we go back to Cardiff, for us, it will be a must do...

Absolutely incredible food and service throughout the whole visit. We ordered three completely different dishes, a diavolo pizza, a salmon pasta and swordfish which were all lovely. Friendly service throughout from all staff, hope to visit again soon.

A very nice family run operation in the middle of Cardiff City. Meals were delicious, service was outstanding and prices were very reasonable

You should book before going there by call or Facebook. Great taste of food. Employees are so helpful, kind and friendly. Atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Location is accurate on google maps. Prices are reasonable.

Came in for dinner with my wife as we were staying in Cardiff for a couple of nights. Very cosy and small which was nice, quality over quantity with this place as the food was fantastic, compliments to the chef and the team.

This is our first, post-lockdown, visit to this hidden glory of Cardiff. Partitions between the tables exist, for socially distancing, but that aside, everything’s back to normal.Sublime food, great service, reasonable price and if you like Italian food and don’t eat here, then quite quite frankly you’re bonkers.

A local friend brought us here last night. The service was friendly…and the specials were terrific. The stuffed chilli peppers were divine, with only a hint of heat. The pizza with sliced pancetta was perfection in its simplicity - topped off with a single glass of lush red wine.

Having weathered the storm of being closed during Covid, Cafe Citta is open for business and as good as ever.Family run, traditional Italian fayre at its best. The bacon and broad bean bruschetta is outstanding. Never had a bad experience here. Glad it’s back and as good as before. Not many tables so booking essential.

Friends mini break read reviews before booking food was great service great and staff very friendly very nice ambiance would definitely recommend

Absolutely fantastic meal with really amazing service provided by Martina. The chefs impressed me so much working in such a tight space, and managing to produce really high quality food for a reasonable price. Really was top drawer. Cheers Martina and Co!

I’ve been to Cafe Citta a number of times. Both my friend and I always choose here for a celebration or birthday as we love it. Staff are so friendly, food is amazing. It is a small place and very popular so definitely book in advance. I’ve never not enjoyed the food here and I just love the atmosphere too. Would highly recommend and constantly telling others about this place.

Excellent food from a tiny cosy place - someone said ‘it ain’t cheap’ - the prices ain’t a penny higher or probably less than a Pizza Hut - but the taste is on another planet . Hard to get a table - certainly best to book or trying going at unpopular times like 4 pm or something. You will like it .

At last an excellent restaurant discovered courtesy of my son. Not cheap but not too expensive and certainly well worth the money. Only a small place, family run (I think the chefs are father and son, they ceratinly look alike), excellent waitress (daughter) and fantastic food. I had the sausage and spinach starter which was very tasty and a Citta pizza which was perfect, nice dough base, plenty of topping cooked to perfection. We will be back. Restaurants like this are few and far between in 2021 and must be supported, don't go to the bland chain places.

I was fortunate to celebrate my 70 birthday in Cafe Citta recently. My wife booked the table and the staff we extremely helpful and accommodating. The restaurant is intimate with enough room to enjoy the ambience. On the night the staff were so hard working and professional and were more than happy to go the extra mile to ensure we felt comfortable and relaxed. The food was absolutely delicious, and the portions more than satisfied all of us on the table. It was a really enjoyable experience which I would certainly recommend, in fact I can’t wait to return!

I booked a table for my wife's 30th birthday recently, I made sure in the day that we had a nice table for the evening which was agreed, upon arrival in the evening we were made to wait even though we were booked in and then we were placed right next to the kitchen, where we were constantly getting bumped by the staff walking past. We asked the staff if we could be moved which was met by an abrupt no, the place feels dirty and was not a special feeling for a 30th birthday meal. It seems this place caters for 'regulars'. I will not be recommending Cafe Citta to anyone and it is by far overrated.

Best pizza around , amazing thin base and delicious toppings. We also had really lovely service! Thanks

Excellent food - all mode there but they charge the same as chains & it’s chalk & cheese quality wise . You probably need to book mind, it ain’t a big place & lots know it’s the best ..don’t think twice IF you can get a table & they haven’t pushed up the prices .

We are so glad that the restaurant is open again for business, we really missed this little gem.We had a great time the service is always excellent and the food is so tasty.If I have one thing to say less positively is why has the garlic prawn starter recipe changed?This has been my go to starter and I would really enjoy mopping up the garlic sauce and the end…..sadly the new recipe doesn’t how of a candle to the original.Never the less I still give 5 stars as this is still a lovely restaurant.Please bring back the original prawn starter

As usual fabulous service and food . A little gem! Was lucky enough to get a cancellation today . Excellent staff. Would recommend

First get together with friends in 10 months, couldn’t have chosen a better venue. Food delicious, wine excellent service as always brilliant. Can’t wait for our next visit. Keep it up folks.

We have been coming to Cafe Citta since they opened, which must be 10-11 years ago, and have loved every visit. We have been for birthdays, we went the night before my Dad's funeral, and last night we went for our 15th anniversary. The food is simple but perfect, the atmosphere is always energised but unstressed, and the staff are always friendly and professional. We had a delicious potato, pine nut and green olive caponata on bruscetta, and salsicche and spinach starters, then 2 pizzas from the specials board (one with Italian broccoli and spiced salami, and one with smoked cheese and prosciutto) and a tomato and onion salad. The food was delicious, and the service was spot on as always. We love this place so much, we were genuinely excited going there, and Diana the business owner (who we have missed on our previous few visits) was as cool as ever, it was lovely to see her. It's been too long.

I have been visiting Cafe Citta since my first visit to Wales in 2012 and have since always been excited to book a table and eat their delicious food. I have been fortunate enough to visit Cardiff for work this week and was delighted to see Cafe Citta offering a takeaway service (inc. delivery) as a result of having to close at 6pm due to the restrictions. A must eat!

Had supper here with my family on Saturday 28th November. A really wonderful evening, food and wine was excellent in the unique atmosphere and setting that only Cafe Citta can provide! Covid friendly......... Andrew Clarke

El pequeño italiano más agradable en el que he estado fuera de Italia. Se siente tradicional y auténticamente italiano por dentro con su ambiente acogedor. El personal es amable y atento. Tienen una carta de vinos fantástica y la comida es exquisita. ¡Anhelo la bruschetta de hongos! Tengo muchas ganas de volver cuando vuelvan a abrir.

Debo recordar reservar para cuando tenga visitas: a todos los que he llevado allí les encanta. Comida espléndida en una cafetería sin pretensiones, pero con un servicio excelente y una buena selección de menú. A los amigos amantes de la comida les encanta (uno dice que le recuerda a un café Soho q 960 s). También tomé a un niño de 10 años que fue atendido con amabilidad y gracia, y quiere volver. Un tesoro absoluto.

Hay pocos restaurantes italianos familiares de verdadera calidad que existen en el corazón de muchas ciudades. Este es definitivamente uno de esos y no debe perderse. . . . un restaurante realmente acogedor de verdadera hospitalidad italiana con excelente comida casera. Se siente como si estuviera sentado en una de las grandes trattorias de Italia. Sí, es un poco estrecho, pero siempre se siente acogedor y agradable. El menú es variado y sabroso y se cocina en casa, y los especiales del día están escritos con tiza en una pizarra, siempre explicados por el personal muy educado. Consulte su sitio web de donaciones, ya que luchan por mantenerse a flote con este terrible virus. Dios bendiga

Just realised I’ve never reviewed this place- oops. Lovely little Italian restaurant with friendly service and a good menu. It is super popular so you need to book ahead to get a table.

Small restaurant but fantastic food Excellent service Really authentic food served freshly prepared. Can watch the cooking in the kitchen All prepared as you wait

Visited around 5 times and always impressed. Fantastic quality, portions and taste with excellent service. Not easy to get a table but always worth a visit. Delicious.

I have visited this restaurant a few times over a number of years and it never fails to deliver. Excellent food and service. A real gem

Lovely Italian restaurant in the heart of Cardiff. We enjoyed a late lunch here on a Friday afternoon and were very glad we'd booked. The restaurant was buzzing and every table full throughout the afternoon. It's easy to see why when all the dishes are freshly prepared and so delicious. All the staff were very friendly and ready to assist with any request. Do save room for the wonderful desserts and make sure you book to avoid disappointment!

Gorgeous intimate venue and spectacular food. The staff are friendly and genuinely care about their customers and their experiences. We both opted for pizza and will be back to sample the rest of the menu!

Absolutely amazing food here ,every visit is a gastronomic delight . Atmospheric,busy but friendly staff

The food here is divine and transports you all the way to Italy. The pizzas and tiramisu should not be missed!

Outstanding Italian food , went out for a valentines meal as always food was fantastic very tasty , great service and great value for money.

This is my fourth visit to this independant restaurant and the food and serve are exceptional.Visited with my sister on a shopping trip to Cardiff. I booked a table 2 weeks earlier. Booking is recommended especially over weekends.The restaurant is very cosy and the staff are friendly and helpful. We had garlic bread to start and then we both had the sea bass fron the specials board. The fish was cooked in a tin foil parcel with capers, tomatoes and olives. The fish was moist and delicious. It came with potatoes and a salad. What a winner!!My sister choose a red wine which complimented the food and was so resonabily priced. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Nothing particularly wrong but nothing particularly good. Average food, average wine selection and average service.

Had a gorgeous meal, in a lovely atmosphere...sat at a cosy spot near the front of the restaurant. Can't wait to go back!

My family and I were looking forward to trying Cafe Citta after hearing good reviews, unfortunately after asking for a table and then mentioning we had pram we were turned away.

Incredible staff, incredible food, but need a better extractor fan/some ventilation.