I am often around and about near Pontcanna as Dick the dog likes a walk on Llandaff Fields
and so does our latest addition (when not terrorising Dick).
One (existing) place in Pontcanna (this time actually in Pontcanna rather than part of Greater Pontpangea) I haven’t visited (for a while at least) is Canna Deli.
The problem I have had with visiting this place is it is quite popular such that bagging a seat inside is quite tricky and the vagaries of the Welsh weather means use of the ample outside sitting is often not that much of an amenable option.
This dilemma has been, however, solved by a covered (on all sides) outdoor area (in effect a shed)
and as a result, despite the few inside tables being fully occupied and it being a touch parkie outside, how is it this chilly in May, I was able to bag a table where I could eat in relative comfort.
The lunch menu centres on sarnies and salads (I hear tell they also a mean scrambled egg for breakie, but I was there for lunch),
with various add on options in terms of pimping up your salad.
After contemplating the lobscouse due to the unseasonally cold weather, a hearty stew that didn’t seem such a mad option despite it being May (which I associate with Liverpool rather than Cardiff),
I decided on the salad selection (£10), with the addition of a slice of frittata (£3.50).
The frittata was a fine example of its kind, with a lightly browned crust and a set custardy (rather than spongy) interior. It also had a good ratio of egg to veggies. Touch more seasoning would be my only slight criticism (but I am a bit of a salt fiend).
The salads were also excellent, with a creamy (but not cloying) coleslaw (good crunch to the veggies), green pesto coated rigatoni (pasta not overcooked), carrot ribbons, with a nut (walnut, I think) centred dressing, and a green salad (later sadly undressed – the only real misstep).
The star of the show, however, was the Asian cucumber salad. This had a nice mix of sweet and salt, a pleasing umami hit and a good refreshing crunch from the cucumber.
Drinks wise they have all the usual coffee suspects, but I wanted something cold and wet.
Initially I picked up a Bon Homie, but saw a can in the fridge of Drop Bear beer
which is a low (0.5°) alcohol number. As I was driving, but quite fancied a beer, this seemed a good option.
Quite refreshing, with a touch of hoppiness that stopped it being too bland, which was exactly what I wanted to wash down my lunch.
For a low alcoholic beers (some can be absolutely vile and make 24 hour dishwater seem appealing, I am looking at you Moretti), I found this quite agreeable. Would be happy to drink this if I was the designated driver (I generally am as Mrs. SF refuses to drive the Jalopy).
Before I left, I was tempted to pick up a sweet treat to take home,
but resisted (actually by the time I got around to thinking about it the brownies and millionare shortbreads I fancied had all gone).
The verdict
A rather good lunch, which was bountiful on both the quantity and flavour front, can be had at Canna Deli and I can understand why it is so popular.
I can’t call it a hidden gem, firstly because it is very popular so is hardly hidden and secondly because I am not a dick (well not for that reason), but it is a rather discreetly positioned place for a decent spot of lunch.
With its appealing food offering and the summer months hooving into view, still bloody brass monkey at the mo mind, I can see many a salad day at Canna Deli.
The details
Address: 2 Pontcanna Mews, 200 Kings Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9DF
Soliciting Flavours 