Bigger than it looks from the outside! A huge range of new and nearly new books, plus a sale shelf. Lovely savoury and sweet food, and a wide variety of drinks. Clean, sophisticated and friendly.
Octavios is on Mount Stuart square just off Bute street. It is a funky small book cafe that also sells records and has old gaming stations. Food and drinks were well presented, I had a triple cheese toastie and an americano. Service was good and prices were reasonable.
My friend, who was with me, decried the turning of what had been a good pub into a gentrified bookshop. But I liked it. Good coffee and cake, a reasonable, but not exhaustive selection of books. And this afternoon, and on the first Sunday of every month, there's live music. This was good this afternoon.
Does bookshop and cafe very well. Lovely atmosphere, very polite helpful and friendly staff. The menu is good with nice vegan options. The soups and specials seem to change regularly which is good when you want to go back again. The cafe is arranged amongst the shelves of books which is a refreshingly analogue surrounding. My 3 year old daughter loves perusing the children's literature between tasty drinks and delicious food.
My first experience of this Book Cafe and Wine Bar was outstanding, the customer service was top notch!! I felt at home as soon as i walked through the door, very lovely staff and they actually care about their customers. The coffee is excellent and so is the food. The whole concept is unique and work surprisingly well, It has a very spacious and quiet room for when you want to work or have meetings etc. They also sell a range of alcohol - perfect for a cheeky glass of wine after work!
How is this place not more well known?! Some of the favourite things all in one place; books, gift shop, food, drink (G&T of course) and lovely atmosphere here. When I visited,someone was having a birthday party in the lower level - such a lovely place to meet up with everyone!
How had I never heard of this place before?! I came to collect a book I'd ordered online and decided straight away to stay for a coffee. Friendly and helpful staff help to make this a delightful space, equally conducive to quietly getting into a recently purchased book or to striking up a conversation with a new friend at the next table. I'll definitely be returning!
This is my new favourite place in Cardiff. I have long mourned the loss of Borders, where I used to spend a Sunday with a cuppa and a book browse. I can now do that again thanks to Octavo's. They have friendly staff, good food and a good variety of books.
Fantastic big bowls of hot soup on a winter's day. Live music by new young talents. Great company and a glass or two of wine. Just a normal Sunday afternoon in my local bookshop. Wonderful.
I visited looking for a book, and although the shop is fairly small there is a good selection. The cafe looked nice, but I didn't have time to stay. The staff were friendly and I will definitely visit again.
This place is absolutely amazing - as soon as I walked in I fell in love with it. I can have a great coffee, a yummy lunch and pick up a new book all at the same time 😁 The staff is friendly and inside the cafe is stunning
Octavos is a well known gem in the bay but if you're not familiar with the area then it's a must-do for any book lovers. However, you will find much more than books alone here. Besides a reasonably varied food and drink menu, which includes great coffee, they are a fully licensed venue and cater for parties and cultural events on a regular basis.
One of my favourite places to go. Has recently been taken over by new management but hasn't lost its spark. As always, great selection of books and treats.
Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful little shop/ cafe. Just there for books today but will be going back for the afternoon tea as it looked lovely.
I adore coming here, the staff are gorgeous people and so helpful that they alone would be enough of a reason to visit- full of great chit chat and book recommendations. The home made food is gorgeous and so fresh. Their traditional Welsh Cawl is stunning. Their variety of books is very large. It's definitely something to prioritise doing when in Cardiff Bay - going here is an experience you'll want to have over and over again. Also their Rosemary, garlic and salted sweet potato fries are to die for! Don't think you need to go here if you aren't a massive book reader, as it's wonderful just to sit and eat here, and vice versa - it's lovely just to have a look, even if you're not looking for anything/a book in particular because they do so many other things, at Christmas time I bought loads of thoughtful knick knacks for my family that they ended up loving!
Great afternoon having afternoon tea with Jodi Taylor. The hot food available also looked lovely, hot and cold drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), family friendly bookshop with seating and refreshments.
Relaxing, reasonably price. Good food and pleasant surroundings. The menu is small but a good place to have Breakfast or lunch.
The music is a little intrusive and cheesey.
I went with a friend for afternoon tea , I couldn't fault it, loads to eat (we had to bring some home) brilliant service. We had a cheeky glass off prosecco whilst we were there, well it is a wine bar !
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