Calabrisella Canton, established in November 2014, is an Italian restaurant situated in Cardiff's Canton district. Founded by three childhood friends from Calabria, Italy, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including handmade pasta, authentic pizzas, and Sicilian specialties like arancini and cannoli. The interior features simple, rustic decor with traditional Calabrian artifacts, creating an authentic Italian atmosphere. The menu caters to diverse tastes, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and includes vegetarian and vegan choices. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its friendly service and generous portion sizes, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Italian cuisine in Cardiff.
What each source says
- Google 4.7 1,123
- Tripadvisor 4.5 929
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 Calabrisella serves authentic Southern Italian/Sicilian dishes, including pizza and pasta, with many customers saying the food tastes like they are in Italy. Expect a true taste of Italy in Cardiff.
- Excellent Value for Money The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices, making it an affordable option for families and individuals. Customers consistently praise the value, especially considering the quality of the ingredients and preparation.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff The staff is frequently described as warm, welcoming, and attentive, making diners feel at home. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional service as a key part of their positive experience.
- High-Quality Pizza The pizzas are a standout, with a thin, crispy base and flavorful toppings. The dough is well-made, and the pizzas are often compared favorably to those found in Naples and Italy.
- Versatile Menu with Catering Options Besides pizza and pasta, the menu offers a wide variety of choices, including homemade pasta and gluten-free options. They also offer catering services for events, including weddings, with bespoke menus tailored to dietary requirements.
Criticised
- Cold Plates Food cools down quickly because plates are sometimes served cold. This can detract from the overall dining experience, especially for dishes meant to be enjoyed hot.
- Hit or Miss Atmosphere While many praise the cozy atmosphere, some find the ambiance lacking. Depending on the location of your table, the atmosphere may not meet everyone's expectations.
- Inconsistent Topping Distribution Some customers have reported a lack of toppings on their pizzas, even when paying extra for additional ingredients. This can lead to disappointment, despite the good quality of the dough and sauce.
- Rosemary Overload Some customers have found the meatballs to be overwhelmed by too much rosemary. While this is a minor issue, it can impact the overall flavor profile for those sensitive to the herb.
- Small Venue The restaurant is small and can get crowded, potentially leading to a less comfortable dining experience, especially during peak hours. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
The longer read
Calabrisella Canton is a beloved Italian restaurant in Cardiff, celebrated for its authentic Calabrian cuisine, warm atmosphere, and exceptional value. Numerous reviewers consistently praise the quality and taste of the food, particularly highlighting the pizzas and homemade pasta dishes. Many customers feel the pizza closely resembles what they've tasted in Naples, Italy. A recurring theme is the generous portion sizes, especially the pizzas, which are often described as huge and easily shareable. The arancini, especially the Bolognese and seafood varieties, are frequently mentioned as a must-try starter. Several reviewers specifically praise the fresh ingredients and homemade quality of the dishes. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, including options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices readily available. The availability of calzones as a pizza option is also a unique highlight. Many reviewers appreciate the reasonable prices, considering the high quality and generous portions. Several customers explicitly mention the excellent value for money, noting that the restaurant offers a fine dining experience without the associated high costs. The staff at Calabrisella Canton are consistently lauded for their friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Many reviewers highlight the warm welcome and personalized service they received, creating a homey vibe. The staff are often described as going above and beyond to accommodate customer needs, including dietary restrictions and special requests. The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy, welcoming, and family-friendly. Many reviewers note that the restaurant is often busy, indicating its popularity among locals. Booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure a table. While some reviewers mention the decor as being outdated, the majority focus on the positive aspects of the dining experience, such as the authentic Italian ambiance and lively atmosphere. A few reviewers mention that the restaurant is small, which contributes to its intimate feel. Its location just outside the city center is seen as advantageous by many, offering good parking options and a less crowded environment. Several reviewers have been repeat customers for years, demonstrating the restaurant's consistent quality and appeal. Calabrisella Canton also offers catering services for weddings and other events. Customers who have used their catering services rave about the exceptional quality of the food, the meticulous attention to detail, and the seamless coordination with venues. Many wedding guests were reportedly blown away by the food and service. Some reviewers also appreciate the availability of takeaway and delivery options, particularly during lockdown periods. The restaurant's ability to maintain its high standards even with takeaway service is a testament to its commitment to quality.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2022 5839
- Website
- calabrisellacardiff.com
| Mon | 10:00 - 21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:00 - 21:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 21:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 21:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 21:30 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 21:30 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 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?
- What are the most acclaimed dishes at Calabrisella Canton, such as their handmade pasta or Sicilian specialties?
- Does Calabrisella Canton provide a welcoming atmosphere and menu options suitable for families with children in the Canton area?
- Is it necessary to book a table in advance at Calabrisella Canton, and what are their typical wait times during peak dinner hours?
- What is the general price range for main courses and sharing plates at Calabrisella Canton, and does it offer good value for authentic Italian cuisine?
- What parking facilities are available near Calabrisella Canton in Cardiff’s Canton district, and are there any public transport alternatives for diners?
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.