Cardiff’s buzzing food scene is getting the national spotlight it deserves, with four local favourites making the shortlist for Wales’ Best Takeaway in Deliveroo’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate and recognise the very best and most-loved restaurants across the country – from local independent burger joints to neighbourhood sushi restaurants and all the dishes, cuisines, and flavours in between.
From pizza to pakoras, these much-loved Cardiff spots are now in with a shot of winning big – and it’s down to the public to help them bring it home. Voting is open from now until 9 May, and everyone who takes part is automatically entered into a draw to win £150 in Deliveroo credit. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Here are the shortlisted restaurants:
Chai Street
Chai Street is in the running for Best Indian & Nepalese – and it’s no surprise. Known for bold, punchy flavours and vibrant street food, this Cardiff favourite brings the buzz of India and Nepal to the Welsh capital.
It’s the brainchild of doctors Ajit Kandoran and Latheesh Kottilil, the award-winning duo behind Mint and Mustard – and nails the vibe of a colourful Keralan street café right down to the decor.
On the menu? Crispy samosas, tangy chaats, juicy grilled meats and those legendary paratha rolls.
And if you’re after a proper feast, their thalis, loaded with curries, rice, dal and sundries, are the way to go. Fresh, fiery and full of flavour.
(Image: Deliveroo)
Calabrisella
Calabrisella is flying the flag for Cardiff in the Best Pizza category – and with good reason. This much-loved pizzeria has been serving up proper Italian flavours since it opened.
Run by Salvo, Angelo and Domenico – three Italian schoolmates who moved to Cardiff back in 2005 – Calabrisella is all about authentic eats and that warm, Italian welcome.
From giant, thin-crust pizzas and handmade pasta to Sicilian arancini and cannoli, it’s a full-on flavour trip to southern Italy.
With branches in Canton and Cathays, it’s a go-to spot from morning espresso to late-night vino.
Don’t miss the Pizza Calabrisella – topped with gooey buffalo mozzarella, spicy ‘nduja and sweet sundried tomatoes. Bellissimo.
Lyalena Lounge
A firm favourite for Middle Eastern eats and top-tier shisha, Shisha Lounge on City Road has bagged a nomination for Best Middle Eastern – and it’s easy to see why.
This laid-back, budget-friendly spot is known for its sizzling halal grills, Arabic-inspired burgers and flavour-packed mezze.
Expect juicy lamb kofte, chicken shish, vine leaves, and creamy houmous – all served with relaxed vibes.
Shisha fans are in for a treat, too, with over 40 flavours of Al Fakher and Shisha Premium on offer, widely regarded as the best shisha in Cardiff.
(Image: Deliveroo)
Albany Fish Bar
A true Roath institution, Albany Fish Bar is flying the flag for Cardiff in the Best Fish & Chips category – and it’s no stranger to a trophy or two. It took home Best Chippy in Wales and the South of England at the 2024 Deliveroo Awards.
This beloved takeaway has served the community since 1967 and has dished thousands of classic fish and chip suppers over the years.
But it’s not all about tradition – Albany keeps things fresh with tasty twists like masala cod and homemade curries alongside the old-school favourites.
The 2025 Deliveroo Awards
(Image: Nic Serpell-Rand)
This year’s awards are shaping up to be the biggest yet, with 65 categories up for grabs – including 50 regional titles and the prestigious Independent Restaurant of the Year.
Deliveroo has brought in a new judge with serious culinary credentials for that top honour.
Tilly Ramsay, Celebrity MasterChef finalist, culinary school grad, and daughter of Gordon Ramsay – joins the judging panel alongside Deliveroo founder Will Shu and food critic Jimi Famurewa.
Tilly will also help decide a new award for 2025: Rising Star, aimed at celebrating the next generation of restaurant talent.
“I can’t wait to take my taste buds on a tour as I rate some of the most loved local eats from around the UK and Ireland as part of the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards,” said Ramsay.
“It’s also a huge honour to be supporting the next generation of restaurateur talent as part of the Rising Star award – as a recent culinary school graduate and someone still early in my career, it feels very special to celebrate new and exceptional talent in the food industry!”
Deliveroo boss Will Shu said the awards are all about spotlighting the restaurants that keep our towns and cities buzzing.
“These restaurants are the beating heart of our communities,” he said. “They obsess over making sure every food delivery is a special moment for our customers – that’s something worth celebrating.”
Voting is open now until 11:59pm on 9 May at deliveroorestaurantawards.com.
Winners will be announced on 28 May 2025 via Deliveroo’s social media channels.
