If your idea of comfort is having a coffee in hand walking through Bute Park, then this guide is for you.
Whether you’re diving into your dissertation or just catching up with friends, Cardiff’s café scene offers something for everyone. From indie gems tucked away in arcades to bustling cafes like Scaredy Cat Cafe with decadent sweet treats, the city continues to brew up bold flavours and warm vibes. So next time you’re in the Welsh capital, skip the chains – Cardiff’s local coffee spots are calling.
In order to guide you through the various options around, we’ve created a list of popular spots with various atmospheres for you to enjoy.
Brodies Coffee Co
When you’re sick of going over your lecture notes sat in the SU, there is no better place to go for your daily pick-me-up than Brodies. It’s got excellent coffee, plus ice-cream and pastries that are easy on your wallet.
Furthermore, when the blessed UK weather decides to have mercy on us and brings a sunny day, Brodies has a great outside seating space where you can relax and enjoy a lovely iced latte.
The best part: All funds go towards homelessness support.
Hoffi Coffi
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Hoffi Coffi is a cherished Cardiff gem nestled near the Arts and Social Studies Library in Cathays.
It’s popular with students, staff and anyone in need of a great brew. This iconic café is also the perfect stop for early lectures, rainy‑day refuge, study breaks, or casual socialising. Whether you’re grabbing a panini before 1pm, settling in upstairs with a flat white, or hedging bets in its giveaway (yes – it runs a Golden Ticket lottery), this spot is sure to impress.
Bru Coffee
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With its solid menu variety and late hours, Bru is the perfect place for evening study sessions or unwinding after a long day of lectures.
It offers a varied menu including halal meat bagels, desserts like chocolate-pistachio knafeh brownies and of-course, great coffee.
But the biggest selling point about Bru isn’t just the coffee, it’s the prices. For a reasonable amount of money, you can indulge in a nice iced Spanish latte and heaps of your favourite flavour of ice cream from Bru.
Black Sheep Coffee
A study-friendly setup, varied drinks menu, comfortable seating are all things a good coffee shop must have. Black Sheep has it all and more.
With free Wi-Fi, plenty of power sockets and quite possibly the best pistachio lattes, you’re guaranteed to have the most productive study session here.
If that doesn’t convince you to try Black Sheep next, maybe discounted drinks every Monday will. That’s right, every Monday, you can get your daily caffeine fix for only £2 using UNiDAYS. Heads up: The Norwegian waffles may-be too delicious.
Corner Coffee
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A friendly, cosy space with a wide drink selection, especially lattes and flat whites, Corner Coffee should’ve made top of this list if it was a best to worst competition.
Located near the castle, many have passed this wonderful cafe and not gone in due to its lush look. But fear not, Corner Coffee offers students a discount so this should definitely be your next stop.
Uncommon Ground Coffee Roastery
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An independent, family-run cafe since 2015, Uncommon Ground is well-loved by students. Their neon sign decor and copper lighting, creates an ambience making you want to stay all day.
The coffee is phenomenal, made with quality beans making this hidden gem well worth the money. A chocolate orange muffin paired with their iced Americano? Now that’s a sweet treat.
200 Degrees Coffee
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With expert baristas, tasty pastries and reliable Wi-Fi, this cafe is the best for a comfortable working ambiance. Roasting its own beans at a uniquely lower 200 degrees results in a smooth, clean cup.
Its flagship espresso blend, Brazilian Love Affair, sits alongside rotating single-origin shots, decaf, and cold-brew (including nitro – the first in Wales). If you have to have a go-to coffee place, this is it.
These are just a few of the coffee shops located round the city centre. But there are definitely more you could find as you go around the Cardiff area.
