Ciliegino is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Cardiff's St Davids Centre. Established in 2017, it offers a menu featuring traditional Italian dishes, including pizzas, pastas, and salads. The restaurant is known for its 48-hour fermented pizza dough, baked in a traditional oven partially made from Mount Etna's lava, resulting in a light and flavorful crust. Ingredients are sourced directly from Italy to ensure authenticity. The ambiance is welcoming, with friendly staff providing attentive service. Ciliegino has received positive reviews for its food quality and atmosphere.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 1,031
- Tripadvisor 5.0 922
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
- Accommodating and Flexible Ciliegino is noted for its ability to accommodate various needs, including dietary restrictions and large groups, making it a convenient choice. The restaurant is happy to customize dishes and provide recommendations.
- Excellent Service The staff is consistently described as friendly, welcoming, and attentive, contributing to a positive dining experience. Many reviewers specifically praise the staff's willingness to accommodate requests and go the extra mile.
- Generous Portions and Good Value Diners frequently mention the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, making it a worthwhile dining option. This makes the restaurant an affordable choice for families and groups.
- High-Quality, Authentic Italian Food Ciliegino is known for serving delicious and authentic Italian cuisine, with fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. Many diners praise the pasta and pizza, noting the quality is superior to chain restaurants.
- Warm and Inviting Atmosphere The restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, creating a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience. The ambiance is often described as a welcome escape from the busy shopping center location.
Criticised
- Can Get Very Busy The restaurant can get very busy, especially on weekends, leading to potential delays in service or difficulty securing a table. Booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Inconsistent Customization While generally accommodating, some diners have experienced difficulty with custom orders during busy periods. This may be an issue for those with specific dietary needs or preferences.
- Location in a Shopping Center Food Court Being located in a shopping center food court can detract from the dining experience. The atmosphere might not be ideal for those seeking a more intimate or upscale setting.
- Noise Levels Due to its location and popularity, the restaurant can be noisy, which might not be suitable for those seeking a quiet meal. This can be a drawback for those with sensitivities to noise.
- Potential for Bland Dishes A small number of reviewers found some dishes, particularly pasta with Bolognese or Arrabiata sauce, to be bland. Taste preferences can vary, and experiences might differ.
The longer read
Ciliegino is an independent Italian restaurant located in the St David's Shopping Centre in Cardiff, offering a cozy and elegant dining experience. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's authentic Sicilian cuisine, high-quality ingredients, and generous portion sizes. Many highlight the pasta and pizza dishes, particularly the carbonara (especially when made the traditional way with egg yolks and truffle), seafood tagliatelle, and thin-crust pepperoni pizza. The quality of ingredients, such as fresh pasta, flavorful sauces, and well-cooked steaks (especially when ordered rare), receives frequent positive feedback. Several reviewers noted that the food tastes like real authentic italian food.
The restaurant is noted for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, with many reviewers commenting on the friendly, attentive, and professional service provided by the staff. Multiple reviewers specifically mention staff members by name, highlighting their kindness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. The staff are often described as going above and beyond to make diners feel comfortable and valued, accommodating special requests and dietary needs, and creating a memorable experience. Many reviewers celebrate special occasions at Ciliegino, noting the staff's willingness to make these events extra special.
Ciliegino is also recognized for providing excellent value for money, with reasonable prices for the quality and quantity of food offered. Several reviewers specifically mention the good value, especially considering its location in a shopping center food court, opposite chain restaurants. A Monday promotion of 50% off pasta and pizzas is noted. The restaurant is often described as a great spot for both casual lunches and pre-theatre meals, balancing prompt service with a relaxed dining atmosphere. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy periods, but the restaurant is also known for accommodating walk-ins when possible.
While the vast majority of reviews are positive, a few mention occasional inconsistencies in food quality, with some pasta dishes described as bland or garlic bread being overwhelmed with herbs. However, these criticisms are outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the food, service, and overall dining experience. Ciliegino is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic Italian meal with excellent service in a welcoming atmosphere.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2034 0547
- Website
- cilieginorestaurant.co.uk
| Mon | 11:30 - 21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 21:00 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 21:00 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 21:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 21:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 21:00 |
| Sun | 11:30 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 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 is the most recommended dish for first‑time diners at Ciliegio?
- How does the 48‑hour fermented dough and Mount Etna lava oven affect the pizza crust at Ciliegio?
- Do you need to book a table in advance for peak dining times at Ciliegio in Cardiff?
- What is the typical price range for main courses and pizzas at Ciliegio?
- Which Cardiff landmarks or activities are within walking distance of the St Davids Centre where Ciliegio is located?
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.