We are regular visitors to Cardiff Bay, whether that’s attending something at the Senedd or just enjoying the views, the bay or the food, it’s a haunt we particularly enjoy and last night, a return visit to one of our favourites, Cosy Club, made it even more special. Last night, we also added the thrill of a trip on the big wheel (cost £6 each) before dinner, taking in the scenic views, which gave us a magical start to the evening before enjoying a perfect romantic meal with sharing food, perfect service and a lovely setting.
A visit to Cosy Club Cardiff Bay delivers exactly what the name promises—comfort, character and a relaxed dining experience in one of the capital’s most scenic locations. Nestled in the heart of the bay, the setting alone makes it worth a visit, but it was the food and service that truly stood out for us last night.
We enjoyed a little time enjoying the spectacular setting before coming inside, and look forward to coming when it’s warm enough to sit outdoors to eat – but believe me. the setting indoors is lovely, striking the right balance between cosy, comfortable and elegant.
Rather than opting for a formal meal (given that my appetite is tiny!) we opted for a selection of small plates to share, which turned out to be a fantastic way to sample a range of flavours. The Mozzarella & Gran Levanto Cheese Arancini were crisp on the outside with a rich, indulgent centre, while the Pulled Beef & Smoked Bacon Croquettes delivered a satisfyingly deep, smoky flavour. The Sharing Monkey Bread was surprisingly light and fluffy thanks to the addition of clotted cream to the recipe – served with both high quality olive oil and perfectly soft butter.
We also indulged in comforting classics, including Macaroni Cheese and a generous portion of Sweet Potato Fries.
Of course, my ever-hungry husband Mark couldn’t resist ordering a main as well—and it proved to be an excellent choice. The Herb-Crusted Roast Salmon Fillet was cooked perfectly, light yet full of flavour, and beautifully presented on a bed of pea and mint purée. The accompanying primavera salad, finished with a fresh green herb dressing, added a vibrant and refreshing balance to the dish. It was perfectly accompanied by a side of Tenderstem Broccoli, perfectly cooked with just the right amount of crunch.
For dessert, we had initially set our sights on the Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake, but with it unavailable, we opted instead for the Miso Custard Caramel Tart and Sicilian Lemon and Raspberry Sorbet. Both were delightful in their own way—the tart offering a rich, slightly savoury depth from the miso, complemented perfectly by the smooth vanilla ice cream, while the sorbet was bright, zesty and refreshing (perfect for my husband after the summery salmon!).
While the food here is always excellent, the real star of Cosy Club is always the setting and the service. Positioned perfectly with views of the bay and an elevated position overlooking it, it’s the perfect setting to while away a summer’s evening watching the sun go down.
However, last night was a little to chilly so we sat in the warm, cosy indoor setting, enjoying perfect, friendly service from our waitress, Isabelle, who was attentive, friendly and genuinely warm, striking that perfect balance between professionalism and personality. She made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived and ensured everything ran smoothly throughout our visit.
It was not our first visit and it won’t be our last, in fact we may be bringing our dog along for breakfast one weekend soon, as they sound just as delicious as the mains, There really is something for everyone here.
Cosy Club Cardiff Bay delivers on all fronts—great food, a relaxed atmosphere and standout service. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger a little longer, and we’ll certainly be returning.