Cafe Citta is a cozy, family-run Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Cardiff. Known for its authentic homemade dishes, the menu features a variety of pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, fresh pasta, and traditional Italian specialties. The intimate setting, with an open-plan kitchen, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Due to its popularity and limited seating, it's advisable to book a table in advance. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, serving lunch and dinner, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 5.0 1,976
- Google 4.8 758
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic Italian Cuisine Cafe Citta offers a taste of Italy with freshly prepared dishes and flavorful ingredients, cooked in an open kitchen, offering pasta, pizza and daily specials.
- Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere The restaurant provides a charming and intimate dining experience, creating a relaxed and enjoyable setting for meals.
- Excellent Value Despite not being the cheapest option, many reviewers find the restaurant to be of good value given the central Cardiff location and the high quality of food.
- Friendly and Attentive Service The staff are welcoming, helpful and make diners feel valued, accommodating requests and creating a warm atmosphere.
- High-Quality Food Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's commitment to quality, home-cooked food, with generous portions and reasonable prices, making it a satisfying culinary experience.
Criticised
- Booking Required Due to its popularity and limited seating, booking ahead is essential, which may not suit spontaneous diners.
- Inconsistent Service While most find the service excellent, a few reviewers experienced issues such as mistakes with orders and lack of apologies.
- Inconvenient Toilet Facilities The toilets are located upstairs in an adjacent building, which can be inconvenient, especially for those with mobility issues.
- Limited Space and Seating The restaurant's small size can lead to a cramped and crowded environment, making it uncomfortable for some diners, especially during peak hours.
- Potentially Over-seasoned Food Some reviewers have noted that certain dishes can be overly seasoned, particularly with chilli, which might not suit everyone's palate.
The longer read
Cafe Citta is a small, family-run Italian restaurant located in central Cardiff, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, friendly atmosphere. Many reviewers consider it a hidden gem and recommend booking in advance due to its limited seating. The restaurant is often described as cozy, quaint, and intimate, with an open kitchen that adds to its charm. Several reviewers noted the restaurant's popularity, with many people being turned away without a reservation.The food is consistently praised for its quality, freshness, and generous portions. Many reviewers highlight the pasta dishes, especially those made with seafood, as exceptional. The specials board is also frequently mentioned, offering a variety of delicious and authentic options. Ingredients are high quality, flavorful, and cooked fresh in house. The pizza receives positive feedback, with some reviewers claiming it's the best they've had outside of Italy. Reviewers also appreciate the customizable food options and the willingness of the staff to accommodate dietary needs.The service is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and efficient. Many reviewers specifically mention the staff's welcoming nature and willingness to go the extra mile. The restaurant is noted for its excellent value, with reviewers praising the decent portions and reasonable prices. However, some reviewers mention that prices have increased recently.While the restaurant is generally praised, some reviewers mention the small size and limited space, which can make it feel cramped when busy. A few reviewers have noted that the restaurant can be quite warm on hot days due to limited air conditioning. A couple of reviewers mentioned the shared toilet facilities being subpar, but this did not detract from their overall positive experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overwhelming majority of reviewers highly recommend Cafe Citta for its authentic Italian food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2022 4040
- Website
- facebook.com/Cafe-Citta-148498355190243
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.9 against a median of 4.5 across the 59 places to eat we hold for Cardiff, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- Does Cafe Citta accept reservations and what is the best way to book a table?
- What are the most recommended dishes at Cafe Citta, especially the wood‑fire pizza and fresh pasta options?
- Is the dining space at Cafe Citta suitable for families with young children and does it offer a kids’ menu?
- What is the typical price range for a main course at Cafe Citta, and are there affordable lunch specials?
- Where exactly is Cafe Citta located in Cardiff and what parking options are available nearby?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.