Last updated on March 14th, 2020 at 04:00 pm
When Deli Rocks first opened its doors in 2011 there was no big fanfare, it seemed this cool looking eatery just suddenly appeared from nowhere, bringing a whole new vibe to Southbourne Grove (the main high street in Southbourne).
Rustic tables and deli counter
We were immediately drawn to the location due to the Mediterranean look and feel of the place, with rustic tables and décor, and a deli counter filled to overflowing with delicious-looking cheeses, meats, sandwiches and more. It was time to investigate!
What gourmet delights were in store for us? Could this possibly be our new weekend Brunch spot or afternoon Coffee hangout? We were more than pleasantly surprised with our first of many visits.
Deli Rocks community spirit
Deli Rocks is an Italian style delicatessen that doubles as a deli-style bistro/espresso bar. The owner, Giovanni Dora of Italian ancestry by way of London, is also the chef and has developed the eatery to be a combination of modern Deli meets community café. It does have a hint of old meeting new.
- What's so great about a weekend break in Southbourne
- A delicious beef bourguignon at Brasserie Gerard
Who visits here?
Depending on the time of day, and day of the week, you’ll find everyone from singles and couples in for a quiet coffee, to families out for a communal weekend brunch (though note they are closed on Sunday’s so Saturday’s the day for an indulgent tasty and fulfilling brunch).
The atmosphere is always friendly and with the communal tables, one can get to know some of the locals who regularly frequent this laid-back spot. It has the feel of Le Pain Quotidian – same great quality but far less expensive, and a more personal touch from Giovanni and his staff!
Espresso guaranteed to supercharge your day
With Espresso coffee on the go all day long, you’re sure of a fantastic caffeine fix 9-4! With delicious freshly baked bread, and yummy pastries they’ve everything you need to start your day; or drop in for lunch and order one of the platters, filled with cured meats, tasty cheeses and delicious dips and chutneys – a flavorful treat for the taste-buds!
Heavy metal with that flat white, sir?
It would be remiss of me if I didn't tell you that Giovanni is a fan of hard rock. We ordered our coffee and suddenly out comes the air guitar and Led Zeppelin's Kashmir is booming out over the Deli Rocks speakers with Giovani strumming along. This is soon followed by David Bowie's Moonage Daydream – yes, the man has got taste! After a couple of his espressos, you can see why!
Standing room in Deli Rocks only
We can’t recommend this place enough, our only complaint would be seating – and no clear order of seating whereas it should be a first-come, first-serve basis, we observed a couple of times persons pushing first to grab a seat. However, it all worked out, eventually.
Our suggestion is to drop by Deli Rocks next time you’re visiting the Southbourne area. You won’t be disappointed and you’ll get to enjoy a whole range of great little boutique stores away from the congestion of the large shopping malls and parking lots in Bournemouth town centre.
Deli Rocks
23 Southbourne Grove,
Southbourne,
Dorset
BH6 3QS.
Dei Rocks opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm, and Saturday from 9am-5pm.
Sadly, they are closed on Sundays.
