Where to eat near Utilita Arena Cardiff before or after a show

Utilita Arena Cardiff could hardly be better placed for a pre-show meal. It stands next to the St David's shopping centre, a few minutes from The Hayes, Mill Lane and St Mary Street, the heart of Cardiff's restaurant and bar scene. You can also eat inside the arena itself, at its L2 restaurant. The only real difficulty is finding a table when the whole audience is looking for one at the same time.

St David's and The Hayes

The St David's shopping centre, next to the arena, describes itself as home to more than 30 places to eat and drink, from cafés to restaurants. It is the most practical choice if you have parked in its car park or in the John Lewis car park.

Just beyond, on The Hayes, Wahaca serves Mexican small plates, tacos and margaritas over three floors, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Mill Lane, the "Café Quarter"

A few minutes' walk south, Mill Lane is known as Cardiff's "Café Quarter", with a good range of restaurants and cocktail bars. It is a good place for a relaxed dinner before the doors open, or for a drink after the show.

St Mary Street

Running north from Cardiff Central station, St Mary Street has the city's busiest pubs and bars, and closes to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights. It is handy if you are arriving or leaving by train, but expect crowds at the weekend.

Eating inside the arena

• L2 Restaurant & Bar, on the second floor, is the arena's own restaurant. It is sold as an upgrade that must be added to a show ticket, with table service, a seasonal menu and a dedicated entrance at the centre doors. For most evening shows, service runs before the show, and the restaurant can get busy, so arrive early. It is not an allergen-free kitchen: call ahead if you have allergies.
• In the ground-floor foyer, Re:Fuel sells food and drink, and there are bars inside the main arena space and on the upper floors. Free drinking water is available in the foyer.

The arena is cashless, and you cannot bring your own food or drink in. Re-entry is not permitted, so if you want to eat outside, do it before you go in.

Tips for a show night

• Book a table, especially for a group and on a Friday or Saturday: the restaurants around St David's and Mill Lane fill up quickly before big shows.
• Time your meal around door opening: doors usually open about an hour before the show, according to the arena.
• Travel light: only one small bag per person, no larger than A4, is allowed in the arena. Larger bags can be left with a bag storage service booked in advance.

To plan the rest of your evening, see our guides to getting to Utilita Arena Cardiff, parking nearby and the best seats. After the show, write a review.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat near Utilita Arena Cardiff?

The St David's shopping centre, next door, has more than 30 places to eat and drink. The Hayes, Mill Lane (the "Café Quarter") and St Mary Street are all within a few minutes' walk.

Is there a restaurant inside Utilita Arena Cardiff?

Yes. L2 Restaurant & Bar, on the second floor, is available as an upgrade added to a show ticket. Re:Fuel, in the ground-floor foyer, also sells food and drink.

Can I leave Utilita Arena Cardiff and come back in?

No. Re-entry is not permitted, so have your dinner before you go in.

Can I bring food into Utilita Arena Cardiff?

No. Outside food and drink cannot be brought in, and no bottles of any kind are allowed in the arena. Free drinking water is available in the foyer.