Turtle Bay Cardiff offers an authentic Caribbean dining experience in the heart of Cardiff. The menu features a variety of dishes such as jerk chicken, curry goat, and vegan options, all crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a cocktail bar serving tropical-inspired drinks, including rum punches and signature cocktails. The restaurant also hosts regular events and happy hours with live music and entertainment, making it a lively spot for both casual lunches and celebratory dinners.
What each source says
- Google 4.8 10,672
- Tripadvisor 4.5 2,319
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
- Delicious and Flavorful Food The Caribbean cuisine receives high marks for its taste and quality, particularly dishes like the jerk chicken and curry goat, often described as flavorful and well-cooked.
- Excellent Bottomless Brunch Value Reviewers consistently praise the bottomless brunch for its generous cocktail supply, varied drink selection, and tasty food options, deeming it worth the money and highly recommending it.
- Friendly and Attentive Service Many reviewers highlight the exceptional service provided by staff members, noting their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a positive dining experience.
- Good Cocktail Selection and Deals Customers appreciate the wide range of cocktails available, especially during happy hour with 2-for-1 deals, making it an attractive option for drinks.
- Great Atmosphere The restaurant is frequently described as having a vibrant and chilled atmosphere, enhanced by the Caribbean-themed decor and music, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place to dine.
Criticised
- Cleanliness Issues A few reviewers have mentioned issues with cleanliness, such as sticky floors, suggesting that the restaurant's hygiene standards could be improved.
- Inconsistent Drink Strength Some reviewers have found the cocktails to be weak or watered down, particularly outside of happy hour, which can be disappointing for those primarily visiting for the drinks.
- Loud Music The music volume can be too loud for some, making it difficult to have conversations during the meal.
- Potential Wait Times The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, potentially leading to wait times even with a booking.
- Slow Service at Times Although many reviewers praise the service, some have experienced slow service, particularly with delays in taking orders and receiving drinks, even when the restaurant isn't overly busy.
The longer read
Turtle Bay Cardiff is highly praised for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious Caribbean food, and exceptional service, particularly for bottomless brunch. Numerous reviewers highlight the restaurant's lively ambiance and colorful decor, creating a fun and enjoyable dining experience. The food receives consistent positive feedback, with specific dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and various vegan options frequently mentioned as standouts. The menu is described as offering great value, especially the One Love Menu and bottomless brunch, which includes a wide selection of cocktails. Many reviewers recommend downloading the Turtle Bay app for exclusive deals. The quality and variety of cocktails are generally well-received, especially during happy hour (2-4-1 offers), although some mention that the drinks can sometimes be light on alcohol. Servers are consistently commended for their friendliness, attentiveness, and knowledge of the menu. Several names appear repeatedly, including Nikki, Augusta, Rhiannon, Jake J, Maddy, Aleeza, Big H, Miraya, Jorja, Clev, Katie, Jake, Josh, Megan, Jerin, Hasara, Sami, Charlie, AB, Cat, Sam, Charlene, Patrik, Luke, Archie, Kat, Harri, Keyin, Asmita, Joe, Alice, Lauren, Dom, Neve, Kuba, Caseyjade, Leah, Tyler, Alicia, Beth, Scott, and Will who are specifically mentioned for providing excellent service and enhancing the dining experience. The bottomless brunch is a major draw, with reviewers emphasizing the prompt and efficient service, the constant flow of drinks, and the generous food portions. Vegan options are well-regarded, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention occasional slow service or excessive noise levels (loud music) and sticky floors. However, these issues appear to be infrequent and do not significantly detract from the overall positive experience. The restaurant is noted for accommodating special occasions like birthdays and providing attentive service even when busy. The location is convenient for those attending events in Cardiff, such as concerts at Cardiff Castle or shows at nearby venues. Overall, Turtle Bay Cardiff is highly recommended for its combination of delicious food, creative cocktails, lively atmosphere, and outstanding customer service, making it a popular choice for both casual dining and special celebrations.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2034 2006
- Website
- turtlebay.co.uk/restaurants/cardiff
| Mon | 10:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 22:30 |
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 are the must‑try Caribbean dishes at Turtle Bay Cardiff for a first‑time visitor?
- Does Turtle Bay Cardiff offer satisfying vegan Caribbean dishes and how extensive is the vegan menu?
- When does Turtle Bay Cardiff host live music or entertainment events and are they included with dinner?
- What are the happy hour timings and drink specials at Turtle Bay Cardiff’s cocktail bar?
- Is Turtle Bay Cardiff suitable for families with children and what amenities does it provide for them?
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.