SACO Cardiff Cathedral Road

Enter via the glass door between the shop fronts and head up to this bright, sleek Indian restaurant where flashes of purple ensure it lives up to its name. Abstract murals, exposed brick walls and blonde wood chairs complete the look. The interesting menu showcases recognisable dishes like lamb rogan josh, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for the chef's signature tiffin sea bass too. Throughout, the subtle spicing and quality produce ensure layer after layer of wonderful flavour comes through in each bite. Warm, welcoming service is the chutney on the poppadom, so to speak.

Run by the same team as The Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, this large neighbourhood pub is the kind of place that quickly becomes your favourite haunt. Simple and rustic in décor, the focus is on the eminently satisfying cooking, which has a strong nose-to-tail ethos resulting in dishes like confit pork belly with homemade black pudding and crispy ham hock. The menu of great value small plates changes daily, while pre-ordering the tasting option will ensure you sample the full range of the kitchen’s talents.

Hidden away in the leafy suburbs of Cardiff, this is a true neighbourhood restaurant which continues to develop and evolve. Begin with a cocktail in the spacious, formal bar, before taking a seat in the cosy downstairs or moody first-floor dining room. Proud Welshman Tom Simmons is at the helm, bringing his love of local produce to bear in technically impressive, full-flavoured dishes built on the likes of Pembrokeshire oysters and saddle of Welsh lamb. Whatever you order, be sure to start with some superb sourdough from their own bakery, Ground.

There’s a welcome brightness to this neighbourhood restaurant in one of Cardiff’s foodie suburbs. The simple décor includes light-wood furnishings and a white-topped counter, ensuring a clean, uncluttered feel. The cooking has a similarly straightforward ethos, looking fairly pared-back on the plate, but packing a punch in its flavours. Seasonal British ingredients and a notable Italian influence guide the menu, leading to daily made focaccia and a choice of pasta dishes – such as spaghetti topped with lovely red mullet.

Arrive early for a cocktail in the bar of well-known Chef Tommy Heaney’s stylishly laid-back suburban restaurant. Dishes are seasonal and modern, with some sophisticated contrasts; the set lunch menu delivers good value while, at dinner, the tasting menu takes centre stage. Next door is Uisce – his no-reservations, small plates restaurant – which showcases herbs and vegetables from the pretty kitchen garden.

Within the Pontcanna Laundry development in one of the city’s most food-loving suburbs, this fun and friendly restaurant could easily become a neighbourhood go-to. Faux-industrial touches decorate the room along with fridges bursting with ageing prime meats. You can therefore expect to find steaks and homemade sausages on the regularly changing menu, alongside other ingredient-led dishes such as giant Atlantic king prawns with a smooth shellfish bisque. Be sure to order the profiteroles with a Cointreau-laced chocolate and caramel sauce to finish.

Inside Parador 44, a boutique hotel offering a taste of Iberia in the Welsh capital, sits this dark and moody restaurant. It's divided into multiple wood-clad areas, with the best spots overlooking the asador grill or the glass-fronted wine cave. The menu has a focus on cooking over fire, with the likes of squid, celeriac and rump steak getting the charcoal treatment – whichever you choose, ensure you start with the boquerones with yuzu dressing. The wine list is almost exclusively Spanish, with fascinating choices from some little-known producers.