Residents say the blaze broke out at Time To Eat on Glebe Street at around 12.40am, prompting a response from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews.
The fire also affected neighbouring businesses, including the Glebe Street Post Office, which suffered smoke damage.
Postmaster Sajaad Yasin, who operates the business next door, told the Penarth Times he was alerted to the fire by tenants living in the flat above the premises and arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
He said South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews were on the scene “within five minutes” and remained there until around 3.30am.
However, residents above his business alerted him again at around 8.30am after noticing the smell of smoke. Eyewitnesses reported that fire crews remained on Glebe Street throughout the rest of the morning.
Mr Yasin said his business had suffered significant smoke damage, as had other businesses in the terrace, while Time To Eat had “burnt out completely”.
The Glebe Street Post Office reopened as normal on Monday morning, but it remains unclear when other affected businesses will be able to resume trading.
In a social media post following the incident, Mr Yasin said: “We are very relieved to confirm all residents at the property are safe and well. While the Post Office sustained some smoke damage, the premises have been fully cleared and officially declared safe by the Fire and Rescue Service.
“We also wish to send our heartfelt best wishes to the owners and team at Time To Eat, who have suffered severe damage and significant disruption to their business as a result of this incident. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone for your kind messages, well wishes and concern. They mean a great deal. Moments like these truly show the strength of our community when we come together, and we are deeply thankful for your support.”
A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “SWFRS received a call at approximately 12.46am reporting a fire on Glebe Street, Penarth.
“Crews and appliances from Penarth and Cardiff Central attended the incident and extinguished a fire in a commercial kitchen using breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, a thermal imaging camera and small tools.
“A stop message was received at approximately 3.52am.”
The Penarth Times has contacted Time To Eat for comment.
