Kongs Cardiff

Featured reviews

• B

  Bryn Wilkes

  ·4 months ago

  “I had a great night until I was kicked out for stopping a random guy starting on my mate. Very strangely overly officious security who don't seem to know right from wrong.”

• A

  Anthony Dortono

  ·6 months ago

  “From the very first moment I stepped into KONG in Wales, I knew I was experiencing something truly exceptional. As an American who has eaten at my fair share of celebrated restaurants across the United States and abroad, it’s rare that I encounter a place that manages to feel simultaneously cutting-edge, deeply comforting, and unpretentiously luxurious. KONG pulls this off with almost effortless grace. Over the course of several visits, I came to see the restaurant not merely as a place to eat, but as a destination — a communal living room where design, cuisine, hospitality, and atmosphere converge to create an experience that lingers long after the final course. Ambience and Design Walking into KONG is like entering a modern sanctuary of conviviality. The interior design deserves special mention: an inspired blend of contemporary minimalism and warm, tactile elements that nod to local Welsh character without resorting to cliché. High ceilings, thoughtful lighting, and a carefully curated mix of furniture create a sense of space that is at once intimate and dynamic. The lighting design is particularly noteworthy; it flatters the room and the food without being theatrical, creating a glow that is both romantic and relaxed. What really sets the ambience apart is the careful attention to texture and layering. Natural materials — wood, brushed metals, stone — are balanced against plush upholstery and small, artful details. There’s an unmistakable sense that every element was chosen with intention, which adds to the overall feeling of being hosted in a place that values care and craft. The background music selection is tasteful and perfectly calibrated to enhance conversation without intruding; it feels like the kind of playlist assembled by someone with impeccable taste. The layout of the space promotes a social, communal energy. There are cozy corners for quieter meals, long tables that encourage groups to linger, and a bar area that hums with excitement. During my visits, the flow of the room never felt rushed, even when full — a testament to thoughtful service and floor management. Whether you’re on a date, catching up with friends, or celebrating an occasion, KONG shapes itself around the mood you bring in. Service and Hospitality If the design sets the stage, the service at KONG is what truly brings the performance to life. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with warmth that feels sincere rather than performative. Staff are impeccably trained — knowledgeable about the menu, confident in their recommendations, and deeply attentive without hovering. The balance is rare: you feel cared for and anticipated, yet never rushed. What impressed me most is how the team seems genuinely proud of what they do. They speak about the dishes with palpable enthusiasm and are eager to explain ingredients, techniques, and pairings. This enthusiasm translates into small gestures that make a big difference: a server who remembers your drink preference from a previous visit, prompt attention to dietary requests, and thoughtful pacing between courses. Even during busy service, I never experienced the brusqueness that sometimes accompanies high-end dining; instead, the staff Maintained poise, patience, and a friendly demeanor. The sommelier and bartenders deserve special praise. Wine pairings are imaginative and well-priced; the sommelier demonstrates both technical knowledge and an intuitive sense for what will complement a given dish and a given guest’s palate. The cocktail program is an artful balance of creativity and classic technique. Cocktails arrive beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and often with a local or seasonal twist that makes them memorable rather than gimmicky.”

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• L

  Lorena Garcia Wright

  ·10 months ago

  “So disappointed. Used to go here all the time and went to today and was so upset with how it's changed. There is no longer a craft beer list, instead a terrible beer selection, including red stripes?!?! They've added carpet? Got rid of the ping pong tables and most of the arcade games and turned the music up SO loud. I will not be revisiting as it seems to have turned into a normally shitty club which is so disappointing as it used to be a great bar!!!”

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• M

  Manjana Rai

  ·1 year ago

  “Kongs is an absolute gem! It has everything you need for a fantastic time delicious food, great music, and top-quality drinks. What makes it even better are all the fun extras: photo booths, tennis, a pool table, and loads of games that keep the energy going all night. The staff are so friendly and helpful, which really adds to the welcoming vibe. I went with my friends and brothers, and we all had such a great time from start to finish. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of food, fun, and atmosphere, Kongs is the place to be❤️”

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• F

  Fara G

  ·2 years ago

  “A decent pub to enjoy a beer and play some table tennis. It costs £5 for half an hour of play and requires a £5 deposit (though I wish the playing time was an hour!).”

• C

  Chris Roper

  ·3 years ago

  “Great fun. Lots of arcade machines, good selection of pinball machines, ping pong, table football. Didn't try the food but enjoyed a couple of hours here.”

• S

  Sam

  ·3 years ago

  “Kongs is a pretty decent place to spend a few hours. There is a good selection of drinks, and some nice food options. The music here isn't very consistent, sometimes it's really great but other times not so good. The atmosphere of the place can sometimes be impacted by that. I wish there were more arcade games! I would recommend checking it out, it may be your kind of place!”

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• F

  Fernando Aguirre Ortega

  ·7 years ago

  “Nice arcade bar, it has a wide range of arcade games which is very nice. However we found the music a little bit boring, after a while we wanted to go home. Anyway, the place is good, the beer was frozen and delicious, there is many sofas and great atmosphere.”

• G

  Gethin J.W. Jones

  ·8 years ago

  “One of the best atmospheres for a drink in Cardiff. Great selection of lagers/beers. It is hard to beat a place like this in Cardiff for a casual pint. Good music, and arcade games to keep ypu entertained. Well worth a visit”

• T

  Tash Thomas

  ·8 years ago

  “Cool basement retro gaming place. Arcade games plus table tennis, foosball, that sort of thing. Had Monkey 47 G&T for a very reasonable price. Hope this place does well.”