Serving up fresh & vibrant Mexican street food, inspired by the delicious small plates found in Oaxacan markets, with tasty cocktails & lively soundtracks. Mexican restaurant founded by MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers. Located right in the heart of Cardiff City Centre, in The Hayes, St David's Dewi Sant. We were certified as carbon neutral restaurant back in 2016 & we continue to put sustainability at the core of what we do. From tacos to enchiladas, we bring you delicious Mexican street food that's perfect for sharing.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 2,119
- Tripadvisor 4.5 2,019
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 Dietary Needs Wahaca is well-equipped to handle allergies and dietary restrictions, particularly gluten-free and vegan options. Customers appreciate the detailed allergy information and the staff's willingness to customize dishes to meet specific needs.
- Delicious and Flavorful Food Wahaca offers a diverse menu of Mexican street food with bold flavors. Many reviewers rave about the tacos, sweet potato bravas, and guacamole, highlighting the fresh ingredients and authentic taste.
- Excellent and Attentive Service Numerous customers have praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Servers like Miguel, Sian, Catherine, Ben, Majo, Giullia and Jenna are frequently mentioned for their exceptional service and recommendations.
- Good Value for Money Wahaca is considered to be reasonably priced, especially compared to other city center restaurants. The portion sizes are generally good, and the quality of the food justifies the cost, making it an accessible option for many.
- Great Atmosphere and Decor The restaurant boasts a lively and vibrant atmosphere with unique decor. Many reviewers appreciate the building's design, sustainability efforts, and the overall ambiance, making it a fun dining experience.
Criticised
- Automatic Service Charge The automatic addition of a service charge to the bill is disliked by some customers. While they may have intended to leave a tip, they prefer to have the discretion to decide the amount themselves.
- Inconsistent Portion Sizes Some customers have experienced inconsistent portion sizes, especially when ordering delivery. This can lead to disappointment when the amount of food received doesn't match expectations or previous experiences.
- Limited Draught Beer Selection Wahaca does not offer beer on tap, only canned or bottled options. This may be disappointing for customers who prefer draught beer with their meal.
- Noise Levels Can Be High The lively atmosphere can sometimes translate to high noise levels, making conversation difficult. This can be a drawback for those seeking a more relaxed or intimate dining setting.
- Service Can Be Slow at Times While many reviewers praise the service, some have noted that it can be slow, especially during busy periods. Long wait times for food and drinks can detract from the overall dining experience.
The longer read
Wahaca Cardiff receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for its delicious Mexican food, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service. Many reviewers specifically praise the quality and flavor of the food, noting that it tastes fresh and authentic, and isn't the usual Tex-Mex fare. Popular dishes include the Wahaca Platter, sweet potato bravas, guacamole, churros, and various tacos (especially the beef gringo and buttermilk chicken). Vegan and gluten-free options are also well-regarded. The restaurant is frequently described as having a lively and fun atmosphere, making it suitable for groups, celebrations, or a casual meal. The decor is also often mentioned, with some reviewers highlighting the building's sustainability efforts and unique design, especially in the restrooms. The service is consistently praised, with numerous reviewers calling out specific staff members (such as Miguel, Sarai, Catherine, Sian, Ben, Giullia, Majo, Alice, Josh, Jenna, Courtney, Taylor, Has and Luca) for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness in explaining the menu and accommodating dietary needs. Many reviewers mention that the staff went above and beyond to ensure a positive dining experience, especially for those with allergies or intolerances. The restaurant is described as being accommodating to large groups, including hen parties and work events. While some reviewers mention that the portion sizes can be small, most find the food to be well-priced for the city center location. The cocktails are also frequently mentioned as being delicious. The restaurant is conveniently located, with easy access to parking. Some reviewers have noted inconsistencies in portion sizes when ordering via Deliveroo. A few reviewers mentioned the automatic service charge, with some preferring the option to decide the amount themselves. Overall, Wahaca Cardiff is highly recommended for its tasty food, excellent service, and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a great choice for those looking for a Mexican dining experience in Cardiff.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2166 1314
- Website
- wahaca.co.uk/locations/cardiff?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=Yext&y_source=1_MTkxNDIwMzAtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
| Mon | 12:00 - 21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 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 signature Mexican street‑food dishes and cocktail highlights at Wahaca Cardiff?
- How does Wahaca Cardiff maintain its carbon‑neutral status and what sustainable practices do they use?
- What times of day or days of the week does Wahaca Cardiff tend to be most crowded, and is booking recommended?
- Does Wahaca Cardiff offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten‑free options on its menu?
- What is the typical price range for main dishes and drinks at Wahaca Cardiff for a casual dining experience?
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.