Las Iguanas at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay offers a vibrant dining experience with a menu inspired by Latin American flavors. The restaurant features a variety of dishes, including sizzling fajitas, hearty Brazilian stews, and fresh ceviche, catering to diverse tastes with options for vegetarians and vegans. The bar boasts an extensive selection of cocktails, many inspired by traditional Latin American recipes, alongside wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by colorful decor and upbeat Latin music, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Located on the ground floor of Mermaid Quay, it provides picturesque views of Cardiff Bay, adding to the dining experience.
What each source says
- Google 4.4 2,008
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,685
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
- Amazing cocktails and drinks Customers consistently enjoyed the cocktails, especially during bottomless brunch. The bar staff is skilled and passionate, and the 2-for-1 offers provide excellent value. The mango Collins and horchata colada are highly recommended.
- Delicious food The menu offers a variety of tasty options, including tapas, tacos, and brunch dishes, with many reviewers praising the quality and flavors. Specific dishes like the Brazilian fried chicken, shredded chipotle beef tacos, and churros received high marks.
- Excellent bottomless brunch The bottomless brunch is a standout experience, providing unlimited cocktails, Prosecco, and tasty food. Reviewers praised the attentive service, ensuring drinks were constantly topped up, making it a great value for money and a fun experience.
- Exceptional service Numerous reviewers raved about specific staff members (Neha, Lyn, Sue, Kasia, Frankie, Lynette, Welsh, Lili, Olivia, Abbey, Owen, Ashley, Calum, Robertino, Shawn, Aine, Fraser, Libby, Jono, Tyler, Lucia, Mati, Francesco, Loreta) who were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure a great dining experience.
- Great atmosphere and location Located by the water in Mermaid Quay, the restaurant provides a pleasant ambiance. Reviewers appreciated the vibrant atmosphere, lively music, and beautiful views, making it suitable for various occasions from family meals to date nights.
Criticised
- Cocktail ice Some reviewers noted that cocktails contain a large amount of ice, potentially diluting the flavor and reducing the amount of actual drink.
- Inconsistencies with orders/charges At least one reviewer reported mistakes with their bill, including being charged for items they sent back. This points to potential issues with order accuracy and bill management.
- Inconsistent food quality A few reviewers reported issues with food quality, such as lukewarm fries, dried-out dishes, and smaller-than-expected portions. This suggests that the food quality may not always be consistent.
- PDQ machine issues At least one reviewer experienced issues with the PDQ machines crashing, causing delays when trying to pay the bill, adding frustration to the dining experience.
- Slow service at times Some reviewers experienced slow service, particularly with drinks orders and during busy periods. Staff sometimes seemed rushed, leading to delays and inattentiveness.
The longer read
Las Iguanas - Cardiff - Mermaid Quay receives consistently high praise for its service, atmosphere, and bottomless brunch. Numerous reviewers specifically commend individual staff members for their exceptional service, highlighting their attentiveness, friendliness, and proactive approach to ensuring a positive dining experience. Several names appear repeatedly, including Neha, Lyn, Sue, Kasia, Frankie, Lynette, Welsh, Lili, Abbey, Olivia, Ashley, Calum, Loreta, Riley, Owen, Sona and Libby, indicating a consistently high standard of service across the team. Customers appreciate the staff's willingness to go the extra mile, provide recommendations, and create a welcoming atmosphere. This is particularly evident during bottomless brunch experiences and birthday celebrations, where staff are noted for their attentiveness and ability to keep drinks flowing. The bottomless brunch is frequently mentioned as a highlight, with reviewers praising the variety of cocktails and the overall value for money. Many reviewers specifically mention the unlimited cocktails alongside Prosecco, with servers frequently checking in and refilling drinks promptly. Positive comments extend to the food quality, with specific dishes like the Brazilian fried chicken, shredded chipotle beef tacos, chicken skewers, and taco sharing board receiving favorable mentions. Several reviewers highlight the tasty food and the quality of the tapas menu. The restaurant's location by the water is also a plus, with reviewers appreciating the views and the overall ambiance. The restaurant is often described as having a good vibe and a lively atmosphere. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, there are a few isolated negative comments regarding slow service, particularly during busy periods, and occasional issues with food quality or drink consistency. One reviewer reported a significant wait time for drinks and lukewarm food, while another mentioned that some cocktails were not as great tasting as expected. However, these negative experiences appear to be the exception rather than the norm, with many reviewers explicitly recommending the restaurant and expressing their intention to return. A few reviewers also praised the restaurant's ability to handle dietary restrictions, particularly gluten-free options. Overall, Las Iguanas - Cardiff - Mermaid Quay is highly recommended for its excellent service, vibrant atmosphere, and enjoyable dining experience, particularly for bottomless brunch and group celebrations. The consistent praise for specific staff members suggests a strong emphasis on customer service, making it a reliable choice for a memorable meal.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2274 1567
- Website
- iguanas.co.uk/restaurants/cardiff-mermaid-quay/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_lpm_lasiguanas_cardiff_mermaidquay
| Mon | 11:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 11:30 - 21:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 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 popular Latin American dishes to order at Las Iguanas in Mermaid Quay?
- Which vegetarian and vegan menu items are available at Las Iguanas Cardiff Bay and how do they compare to the meat dishes?
- What signature Latin American‑inspired cocktails does the bar at Las Iguanas Mermaid Quay serve and are any recommended for first‑time visitors?
- Do I need to book a table at Las Iguanas Cardiff during peak hours and what typical wait times can I expect without a reservation?
- Is Las Iguanas at Mermaid Quay suitable for families with children, and are there any kid‑friendly menu choices or amenities?
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.