Tips

Cardiff is packed with fantastic independent cafés serving excellent coffee. Whether you’re visiting for work, leisure, or just exploring the city, these local coffee shops are well worth your time. From roasters to market pop-ups, Cardiff’s coffee scene continues to thrive with quality, passion, and personality.

Quantum Coffee Roasters

Cardiff Bay & City Centre (Duke Street Arcade)
Quantum are one of Cardiff’s most respected names in coffee roasting, with venues in both the Bay and City Centre. They roast in small batches, offering both classic espresso blends and seasonal single-origins. Both locations provide welcoming spaces and expertly prepared brews.

What to try: Tiger Bay Espresso or a seasonal filter coffee.

Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery

Royal Arcade, City Centre & Pontcanna
Situated in the historic Royal Arcade, Uncommon Ground roast their own beans and serve fantastic coffee in a stylish, relaxed setting. This is a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike, blending tradition with quality.

What to try: Flat white, espresso, or filter brew.

Stronghold Coffee (at Farmers’ Markets)

Roath, Riverside & Rhiwbina Farmers’ Markets
Stronghold serve up specialty coffee at Cardiff’s best farmers’ markets. Known for their friendly service and quality-focused approach, they offer expertly crafted espresso and filters, often working with highly regarded guest roasters.

What to try: Espresso or hand-brewed filter.

Hard Lines Coffee

Canton & Cardiff Central Market
Hard Lines is known for its distinctive, bold style and high-quality roasting. Their Canton café offers a great sit-in experience, while their Central Market stall is ideal for a quick coffee on the go. Expect playful branding, seasonal menus, and expertly brewed coffee.

What to try: Batch brew, espresso, or iced drinks.

Kin & Ilk

 Pontcanna, Capital Quarter, Cathedral Road
Kin & Ilk is a small Cardiff-based chain with strong independent roots, offering bright, welcoming cafés perfect for brunch, meetings, or relaxed coffee breaks. Their venues combine good coffee with excellent food options.

What to try: Flat white, batch brew, or seasonal special.

Brodies Coffee Co.

Opposite the National Museum Cardiff
Brodies is a brilliant independent coffee shop, ideally located for visitors heading to the National Museum or City Hall. Known for consistently excellent coffee and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

What to try: Espresso-based drinks, batch brew, or pastries.

At Steam & Grind, we help Cardiff’s best independent coffee shops keep their espresso machines running at peak performance. We provide expert servicing, boiler inspections, and repairs across South Wales.

If you run a coffee business and want to keep your equipment in top condition, get in touch today.