### A Taste of Sicily Tucked Away in Cardiff City Centre
In the heart of Cardiff, hidden amid the bustle of Duke Street Arcade, lies an Italian gem offering not just a bite of food, but a slice of Mediterranean culture. Khione Sicilian Delicatessen, a relatively new arrival to the city centre, is quietly making waves among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its authentic fare and charming holiday atmosphere.
At first glance, Khione appears to be a boutique food shop brimming with carefully sourced Italian delights. Yet, step inside and it’s clear this is so much more. The vibrant décor, welcoming staff, and delicately arranged shelves evoke memories of southern Italian villages, capturing the joy and leisure often associated with Mediterranean living. It’s a far cry from the fast-paced experience of most mainstream UK supermarkets.
The story behind Khione is as rich as its menu. Owned and managed by Gloria Serena Arcerito, a Sicilian native, the delicatessen began its journey during the tumultuous days of lockdown. Gloria’s die-hard love for her homeland’s cuisine and culture inspired her to embark on a mission—to bring the genuine experience of Sicilian food to Cardiff. Starting out in Pontcanna’s markets and moving to Canton, Khione eventually found its home in the centre early last year.
What sets Khione apart is Gloria’s commitment to authenticity. Every item in the deli has its roots in Sicily, sourced directly from small producers and farming families who maintain age-old recipes passed down through generations. This devotion is evident not only in the products but also in the ambience that envelops the space—a warmth that makes guests feel like family rather than customers.
Delving into Gloria’s personal journey, it’s clear her path was not a straightforward one. She arrived in Wales seven years ago, seeking full immersion in the local language and culture. Living with a Welsh-English family, she fostered a cultural exchange—offering Italian lessons in return for English, and sowing the seeds of what would become her business. Gloria laughs as she recalls working a stint at Cardiff’s City Arms pub during the pandemic, eager to integrate further and understand the fabric of her new home.
Walking into Khione as closing time approaches, one is greeted with an inviting selection of olives, fresh bread, and homemade lemonade. The space feels removed from Cardiff’s urban rush; downstairs offers shelves lined with Italian staples, while seating upstairs and outside encourages guests to linger, relax, and savour their food. The environment fosters connection—be it for a solo lunch, a gathering of friends, or a family catch-up.
The menu offers far more than just deli classics. Customers can enjoy Italian favourites such as Pinsa Romana, Tiramisu’, honey and pecorino cheese, and authentic pizzas—each dish prepared with a respect for tradition and a passion for sharing Sicily’s culinary heritage. Even a simple order of olives or bread is delivered with the kind of care that reflects both Gloria’s upbringing and her love of community.
Gloria’s roots run deep; her family in Sicily has long been involved in the food business, producing preserves and emphasising the importance of sharing meals. The cultural tradition of coming together for food is something she’s keen to recreate in Cardiff, where she observes that fast-paced lifestyles too often undermine the pleasure of communal eating. She is hopeful that Khione’s welcoming environment encourages Cardiff diners to slow down and rediscover the simple joys of eating and connecting.
Indeed, Khione’s dual function as both deli and eatery sometimes catches customers by surprise. Many may come in expecting only to pick up ingredients, only to discover that they can enjoy a cosy meal upstairs or even al fresco in the arcade. Whether picking up fresh tomato sauce for a family supper or enjoying a leisurely lunch, guests are offered a little respite from daily hustle—a subtle invitation to adopt the slower rhythms of southern Italy, if only for an hour.
With its roots firmly planted in tradition yet thriving in Cardiff’s bustling centre, Khione is not simply a place to eat. It is a testament to cultural exchange, small business resilience, and the enduring power of food to foster community—even far from home. For Cardiff residents in search of a Mediterranean escape without leaving city limits, Khione is ready to serve.