Roma Caffè and Deli

Bury New Road, Whitefield

If I had £1 for every time I’ve set foot through the door of Roma in Whitefield, I’d have more than enough money to fund all the eating out I do. Yes, I’ve eaten there an awful lot. It’s a charming little Italian eatery with a big heart. The hub of the local community, it provides authentic Italian home cooking, serving delicious, fresh produce, all prepared on the premises daily.

The cafe and delicatessen, situated on Bury New Road, is a family business through and through. Founded in 1987, what started off as a small shop and deli soon expanded into a cafe, specialising in Italian coffee, pizzas and sandwiches. Despite growing and relocating, to this day, it’s still run by three generations of two families and it’s remained true to its roots.

Roma makes for delightful daytime dining. Over the years, I’ve sampled just about everything on the menu. Their hot and cold sandwiches make for the perfect lunchtime bite, all freshly prepared on their homemade muffins. The veggie toastie is a particular favourite of mine: tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and peppers, served with mayonnaise on a toasted brown barm.

Rustic, homemade pizzas feature all the Italian favourites, everything from a simple margarita to Roma specialities, whilst the salads are simple but beautifully presented, accompanied by a range of Italian dressings. 

They open late on a Friday night, so from time to time we pop in for our tea, giving me the chance to step away from the hot and cold sandwiches and instead indulge in their delicious pasta dishes.

Lasagne has long been a favourite of mine. The Italian classic isn’t something I’d normally order in a restaurant, as I feel it’s a bit of a cop out, but Roma specialises in the art of home cooking, and you’ll struggle to find a tastier version of this famous al forno dish anywhere else. This time, though, I had Tortelli: tortelloni with porcini mushroom in a tomato and mascarpone sauce. It was full of flavour, rich and creamy, exactly as I like pasta to be. When you order tortelloni in a restaurant, you’re typically presented with a handful of pieces that look lost in the middle of an empty dish. Thankfully, this is not the case in Roma, where I received a magnificently huge bowlful, so there was no chance of me leaving feeling peckish. 

Tortelloni with porcini mushroom, tomato and mascarpone

I had no idea that tortelloni and tortellini are actually two different things. Granted, there’s little difference – the former is apparently a larger version of the latter. Eating at Roma never stops being educational.

For me, the highlight of a trip to Roma is in the cakes. All baked on site daily, their delicate pastries, choux buns and gateaux are unique and delectable. I can guarantee that you will not find a nicer vanilla slice anywhere in the world. They’re made using Italian custard and laden with Stega liqueur; perhaps that’s the secret. Other personal favourites are the sensationally zingy limoncello eclairs and the Italian style cheesecake, made with Ricotta and a hint of lemon. 

Roma's unbeatable vanilla slices - try one!

Dessert on Friday night was Amacialata: a Roma original, made with amaretto biscuits, Nutella and meringue. Served warm with ice cream, this ingenious creation was heated to the point of turning soft and gooey, the meringue and amaretto melting away in your mouth. Whilst the three key ingredients may sound like an unusual combination, they are a match made in heaven. 

Amacialata

Normally, Tiramisu is something I can’t abide, thanks to my severe distaste for all things coffee. My mum, who was dining with me, on the other hand, is a fan. The world temporarily stopped spinning on its axes, as I actually managed to stomach this version. It was made with amaretto liqueur, which helped to sweeten the bitterness of the coffee. The added creaminess of the heavy mascarpone topping also helped. For my mum, however, it was too much cream and not enough substance. Funny, eh?

Tiramisu

A huge bowl of pasta and a scrumptious slab of cake on a Friday night for less than £15 is something not to be sniffed at. The portion sizes are more than generous; it’s Italian home cooking at its finest. Presentation is not one of their strong points, but they’re not trying to be in the least bit arty, their aim is simple: to serve good food. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes it feels like you’ve popped round to your friends for a hearty meal. Whether you’re in the mood for carb-induced blow out, a light lunchtime bite or a coffee and cake catch-up, if you’re in and around Whitefield, Roma is the place to go. 

Website: http://www.roma.ltd.uk/