Up Close: Honiton’s Yellow Deli

This week Nub News decided to try out the Yellow Deli, an interesting looking restaurant near the top end of Honiton High Street. 

The first thing that struck me when I entered Yellow Deli was the delicious smell emanating from the kitchen and the cosy fire in the entrance area. Although it is meant to be spring, I certainly appreciated the warmth! 

The inside of the restaurant is extremely impressive and is much larger than I expected. The wooden staircase, bars and handmade tables reminded me of an alpine lodge and made of a really attractive space. There are several rooms upstairs, including a beautiful conservatory-like room with a wonderful mural on the wall and views over the surrounding countryside. 

Carob Steamer (Nub News)

The deli specialises in unique steamed sandwiches, which melts cheeses and heats meat using vapour, rather than in an oven. 

All the bread for the sandwiches is made on site and you can also buy Yellow Deli bread that is made nearby. They also sell their own granola (which looked fantastic), honey from their own bees and homemade roasted pumpkin seeds, which were available to try when I popped in. 

The staff, who were very friendly and welcoming, were more than happy to talk through the menu options and tell me about some of the more unusual ingredients. The café tries to use healthy or natural alternatives to sugar and caffeine (but 'regular' coffees and tea is available too). For example, the cakes use honey instead of sugar and I am definitely tempted to return another day and give them a try. 

Entrance to the Yellow Deli (Nub News)

On offer is an enormous range of food and drinks including breakfast sandwiches, deli waffles, soups, special salads and their popular American deli-style sandwiches. You can choose your own fillings to make it suit your own tastes and there is a children's menu to keep the little ones happy.

The most popular item on the menu is the Deli Rose, which is a steamed sandwich filled with salt beef, roast beef, hot pepper, jack and provolone cheese and the deli's special sauce. It certainly sounds impressive! 

I opted for another speciality - the Carob Steamer. This is a hot chocolate-like drink made using carob instead of chocolate - and it was delicious. 

The Yellow Deli is the perfect spot if you're looking for somewhere unusual with great food but it's also lovely for a quick cuppa in a cosy and friendly atmosphere. They also host regular live music evenings so keep an eye out for these! 

The Yellow Deli is located at 43 High Street, Honiton.