New restaurant planned in leafy suburb that has been named one of Wales’ best

Plans have been submitted to turn a former clothes shop in Rhiwbina, Cardiff , into a new Italian deli and restaurantThe former Little People Store clothes shop in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, could soon be home to a restaurant(Image: Google Street View)

The site of a former baby and children’s clothing shop in Cardiff has been earmarked for plans to open a new Italian deli and restaurant. An application to transform the former Little People Store on Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, is yet to be decided by Cardiff Council and is currently in the consultation phase.

However, the applicant’s vision for the restaurant has been published on the council’s website.

David Thomas said the deli side of the business will offer prosciutto, salami , artisan cheeses , olives, olive oil and wine. Never miss a Cardiff story and sign up to our newsletter here.

Shedding light on the restaurant, Mr Thomas added: “I myself will be making use of my eight and half years of experience in Tuscany to cook real authentic Italian recipes using some produce imported directly from Italy and also using the fantastic local producers South Wales has to offer.

“My idea is to use the very same ingredients we use in the restaurant and actually make them available to buy from the on-site deli.

“For example if a customer really enjoyed the cheese or the wine they had that night, they can then also purchase the same produce at the deli to take away with them after their meal.”

Rhiwbina was recently named one of the best places in Wales to live(Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline)

Mr Davies also suggested that he would like to work collaboratively with the community and other businesses in the area.

In his application to the council, he said he “would love the opportunity” to work with the allotments adjacent the premises “to give a… ‘farm to table’ idea for some items/dishes on the restaurant menu”.

The application also hints at the possibility of future working relationships with Wine Republic and Pettigrew Bakery, who also have premises in the suburb that was recently named one of the best places in Wales to live.

Mr Thomas said: “While the business might not be the biggest restaurant in Cardiff I am certainly looking to make it one of the best and offer something that I think really represents real quality and passion.”

At the rear of the property, there is parking provision for six vehicles.

The proposal at the moment is for the business to open from Tuesday to Saturday.

However, the applicant said he would like to open up one Sunday every month for an all-Italian style roast dinner and aperitivo.