Benedito's has to be my all time favourite shop in Cardiff. There are a few close contenders, but I think that Benedito's wins my affection by a fraction. It's things like the massive oven in the enclosed courtyard out the back, fuelled by gorgeous lumps of wood, used to smoke the hams and joints of meat until they are cured and delicious. And it's the fact that they have a micro arcade in the cellar, boasting a mini pool table, several slots and table football... the incongruity of it all appeals to my sense of quirkiness like a charm.... Remember this is a delicatessen!!! Brilliant! All of these things are typically Portuguese of course, and only appear to be mismatched due to the fact that they are in Cardiff. And that's another thing that I love! They have brought a little slice of Portugal to these Celtic shores, and have erected it like a beacon, unapologetically undiluted, celebrating all that it is, regardless of its locale. Joy! Then there's the food, the Segafredo coffee, and the tables out the back, accessed by a set of steps where you will find at least a couple of Portugese men in a state of repose, sitting silently drawing on cigarettes that deliver thick slices of smoke to their sturdy lungs... it's all entirely exquisite! I love nothing more to while away a peaceful hour with my latte in the yard, or under cover in the purpose built gazebo if it's raining, before returning my cup to the shop, and picking up my basket of goodies that I collected up whilst I was waiting for my coffee to be made. This place offers me a little slither of peace in a congested, fast-paced world. Thank you! In their own words... "We are suppliers of gourment food and fine wines and beers from around the world, with Portuguese produce being our speciality". read more