Aaron Wise - 51 Fitzhamon Apartments

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.

Set within an impressive, modish hotel, this elegant, brasserie-style spot boasts leather banquettes, attentive staff and a wide-ranging menu of British dishes. Smoked octopus would be a great way to start, while for main course Welsh beef is a real feature of the menu, whether it's steak and ale pie or Chateaubriand to share – and if you're celebrating a special occasion, consider the signature beef Wellington experience. If you've got a sweet tooth, finish with the tarte Tatin which is big enough to share... not that you'll want to.

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.

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.

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.

James Sommerin's restaurant is a small, intimate affair that provides an immersive yet warm and friendly experience. As the name implies, it’s staffed almost exclusively by family members, with James and his daughter Georgia working together in the open kitchen as well as delivering dishes with a palpable pride. The surprise menu changes regularly and is full of impeccable creations that make great use of produce provided by local suppliers. To finish, the tear-and-share cinnamon bun offers a personal touch, reminding James of his grandmother's house.

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.