Dorothy's Cafe & Fish Bar

A genuine Cardiff institution, this no-frills chippy has been frying for more than half a century in the heart of the city centre, just a short stroll from the castle and the main shopping arcades. It has built its reputation as the place late-night crowds head to after an evening out, and the queues moving steadily out the door tell their own story. Reviewers consistently rate it 4.2/5 across hundreds of write-ups, praising the generous portions and that proper, freshly fried flavour you only get from a busy fryer.

The star of the menu is the much-loved Chicken Curry, ladled over chips and routinely named as the reason regulars keep coming back, but the traditional Fish and Chips is every bit as reliable. Homemade extras such as rissoles, fish cakes and scotch eggs round out a classic takeaway counter, all cooked to order and handed over hot. It is takeaway only, so you grab your parcel and eat on the move, which is very much part of the charm here.