KAYA Lounge — Restaurant in Great Britain

Having been a loyal customer to Kaya Lounge for nearly a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Maith, Hanir & their amazing team evolve it over the years. From its initial cosy charm to its refined, instagrammable splendour now, Kaya has never disappointed.

The brunches are an exceptional, halal friendly, always delicious and presented beautifully — especially the French toast, which is hands down one of the best around. I literally dream about it almost daily😍 everything they execute is to perfection from the mocktails to the curly fries.

The shisha, never disappoints. You can tell they have worked hard to source and use quality flavours. The staff are wonderfully attentive, always ready to change the flavour if it doesn’t quite hit the spot or replace the coals without being asked. Their knowledge of flavour recommendations is impressive; they’re always eager to help find the perfect choice based on what you’re in the mood for, adding such a personal touch to the experience.

The staff at Kaya truly makes the place what it is. They’re not just knowledgeable; they’re incredibly polite, cheerful, and genuinely joyful to be around. They radiate positivity, creating a welcoming and happy vibe every time. They make every experience unique and enjoyable, from watching a boxing match to the love island final! And they always go the extra mile when it comes to special occasions. We have celebrated many birthdays here with friends and it always feels so heartfelt and special making it a memorable celebration.

I always feel comfortable and welcomed here, and as a woman, I especially appreciate the effort they’ve put into creating a safe, respectful environment. It’s clear that Kaya attracts a respectful clientele, and I’ve never once felt anything other than completely comfortable walking in.

The music selection is another highlight; the DJ knows exactly how to keep the energy up while keeping it low-key enough for easy conversation. The music creates a great atmosphere without ever overpowering it, so you can enjoy catching up with friends or enjoy a board game without needing to shout across the table.

Kaya Lounge has become my go-to spot for every occasion, from a relaxed brunch to an evening out with friends, and every visit reminds me why I’ve kept coming back for nearly 10 years. It’s a place that has managed to grow and improve without losing its heart, and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough to anyone looking for a fun, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable...

2019: City Road has a number of shisha spots. This is one I have been going to since it opened. Over a year. Operates as a noodle bar in the day. Yes they change the coals regular, have a very good range of flavours and use established tobacco brands. Inside, it has two areas for seating. A quiet and a main space. Music and wall hung tv's in the main. Sofas booths against walls and cafe stools in centre. Good service. Gets busy Saturday night even though it can house 100+. Snack food is halal. Serve mint tea and various cakes. Tv's hard to see from all angles. Can be cold in winter and it can be loud meaning that you have to talk loud to have a conversation. Otherwise it's a nice enough place to keep coming back to.

Dec 2022 update. So after many many shisha sessions here, travelling to Abu Dhabi and experiencing shisha up and down the country and world, I miss this place. I've had all manner of exotic shisha from upscale and fusion joints in different parts of the world but the benchmark for me and a Swiss residing friend is Kaya. The bar is set. I've been coming to the owners shisha place when it was on the other side of the road through a narrow corridor. I'm on OG customer. This is quite easily the best shisha joint in Cardiff and Wales. My review isn't after coming here 1 or 2 times although that also counts. I got over 100 visits to this place over many years. All seasons. Quality shisha, decent service, good rapport with staff, no bulls**t, coals changed, nice decor, reasonably priced and now they got a decadent breakfast menu serving food which is a new angle. What not to like? Well, the music on weekends is still too loud. Come on guys, just enough so we can hear ourselves talk...

Two weeks ago I went back to Cardiff for a family wedding, and needed a spot for my daily intake of vitamin S. I was recommend to try out KAYA lounge, which is based in City road. This is a prefect location for food and late night munching!

I tried a mix or Cherry (Tangiers) and Mango (Duft), this was the first time I was given a special mix by the owner and he absolutely smashed it. The Shisha came promptly in a Moze Shisha pipe (German) along with a Khaloud heat management set. It was obvious that the the owner had invested heavily in the Shisha pipes!

The ascetics was beautiful, I found out that the same interior designers who designed Shisha Gardens (London) also designed the lounge which was amazing to see!

Coal change was frequent and the attention to detail by staff was amazing, coincidently, we went on a Friday which was DJ night and it was absolutely popping with old school vibes, if you do find it a bit too noisy head to the side section which is much more quiet.

Over the course of my 7 days in Cardiff, I visited the lounge at least 7 times as I loved everything about it, the pricing was reasonable, Premium flavours £18-22 and dark side flavours from £24 which in well priced considering the Shisha pipe and the quality of heat management set.

I would 100% recommend this lounge, and emotion aside this has to be the best lounge I’ve ever been to considering their price point, service, and attention to detail. They also offer drinks and dessert!

You will not meet a harder working owner, who is literally in the shop waiting to greet customers than Maythum. His passion and knowledge of his graft is...