Just because it’s January it doesn’t mean you can’t eat well – and lucky for foodies, it’s at a discount, too
January. Often a long hell of a month where people’s attempts to eat better, drink less and go outdoors more don’t turn out like we’d hope. But why deny you’re the same person who enjoyed quaffing wine, hoarding cheese and cooking delicious dinners for most of the previous year?
If you are that person who knows they’re exactly the foodie they’re meant to be year round, there’s some news to brighten your new year after the party poppers and mini burgers have long gone. Some of Cardiff’s best and fanciest restaurants are dropping their menu prices for the debut month of 2026.
These big hitters of the capital’s food scene have featured in, amongst others, the Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, Harden’s Restaurant Guides and more top accolades. Let’s see what they have to offer for January 2026.
Hiraeth
Michelin Guide approved and double AA Rosette-holders, Hiraeth moved into their Victoria Park home replacing bistro, Nook. Serving up a foraged tasting menu as their regular fare, this January and February they’ll be adopting a Six Nations-themed menu. Six courses, themed with each rugby nation’s culinary sensibility, it will run for six weeks and cost £40.
Beginning on January 2, dishes like fermented leek, rarebit and laverbread and beef short rib bourguignon will appear. Hiraeth’s usual monthly taster menu costs £70+. Book here. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
Thomas
There’s huge changes afoot at Tom Simmons’ titular Pontcanna restaurant this year, with its regular offering changing to a brasserie-style, everyday menu. Tom spoke to us earlier in December to explain the move, which stems from a sensible need to survive and an honest realisation that people don’t have the spare cash to spend at ‘destination’ restaurants.
To celebrate the revamp at the AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year 2024/2025, this January there’s 50% off their daily specials menu between January 12 and January 31. It’s definitely worth a try as you’ll be able to get an eye-popping Chateaubriand for £17.50 alongside warming comfort dishes like sausage and mash, burger and chicken curry. Book here.
Heaneys
Coming back for a second year is Heaneys’ £35 menu and for that you’ll get a solid line-up of Tommy Heaney and crew’s dependably delicious five-course taster with their surprise treats too. The restaurant’s take on a cottage pie is immense and there’ll be duck curry and fish Kyiv with lobster butter in the mix.
It starts on Wednesday, January 7 and runs lunch and dinner times, Wednesday to Saturday. For more information and to book, click here.
Bar 44 & Asador 44
A staple of the Cardiff, and south Wales, dining scene the 44 Group are dropping their prices across their venues including Bar 44 and Asador 44, in the city centre.
Bar 44 on Westgate Street are taking the prices of their tapas favourites back to 2002. Tapas-lovers can pick up Bar 44’s croquetas filled with Iberico ham for £1.90 and their £7 cheese plates – including Manchego or Picos Blue – for £4.
Everyone’s favourite bar snack at Bar 44, panna con tomato, has been dropped to £2.50. Good news for Hispanofiles, or just those who love great food and drink, there’s also a 2-4-1 offer on sangria at the Bar 44 venues.
At nearby Asador 44 on Quay Street guests can enjoy 26% off the à la carte menu, a nod to the year 2026. This discount will be available across breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout January.
Other great deals to kick off 2026 with a stylish plate and full belly
- Bodega in Lakeside is running a £45 chef’s tasting dinner of five courses which includes dishes like seabass carpaccio, smoked mussels and chorizo and beef skewer.
- In the city centre,The Sorting Room – which is Michelin Guide mentioned and two AA Rosette awarded – at The Parkgate Hotel is offering 15% on a la carte menu bookings for Sundays through Thursdays between January 4 and 31.
- The Ivy on The Hayes is running a two-courses for £19.17 deal from January 5.
