Deli Rouge

Why we love it?

This lovely little family deli, named Rouge after the famous red hair of owner Jane, lies quietly in the sleepy, leafy back streets of Roath. It's in its eighth year of service and has built up a seriously loyal local following in that time, with everybody from hungry students to thirsty Sunday congregations squeezed around the polka-dot table tops.

Alongside serving delicious Deli products and cheeses, breakfast, lunch and dinner are all on the menu (and all are equally revered in their own right).

For breakfast, classics such as Eggs Benedict and the Deli Breakfast are praised highly, while their Welsh cakes are the stuff of legend. Meanwhile, for lunch, a glorious selection of fillings and breads make for the ultimate deli sub, reclaiming what it really means to Eat Fresh. We loved the Mighty Mustard (Blacky ham, mustard, Y-Fenni mustard seed cheese) and the Welsh Way (a sandwich brimming with organic Perl Las blue cheese, slices of pear and a date and walnut chutney).

For dinner, the Tapas reigns supreme, with a plethora of dairy-based Mediterranean delights to choose from (on account of Jane's gorgeous cheese selection) and live acoustic music accompanying evening events. The comfortable seating, comforting service and comfort-sharing food make Deli Rouge a unique evening stop and - although very different to the city's more "traditional" tapas restaurants - more than worthy of a visit when you're next in Roath.