Cities are often affectionately given nicknames. Paris is the City Of Love, Los Angeles the City Of Angels, and London the Big Smoke. With the highest concentration of Victorian, Edwardian and contemporary shopping arcades in the UK, Cardiff is the City Of Arcades, and Portia Jones has provided a list of the best places to grab a bite to eat within them.

FRESH

This seriously good, family-run sandwich shop in Royal Arcade offers up a huge selection of sandwiches, paninis and salads along with creative specials that promise intriguing yet flavourful combinations. A small venue nestled in a busting arcade, it’s a popular spot for lunch so expect queues at lunchtime, completely worth the wait though.

Fresh, 32 Royal Arcade. Info: 029 2022 3158

SCIENCE CREAM

Science Cream is a visually engaging liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour in the Castle Arcade, and a favourite at pop-up foodie events. There’s nothing like watching your ice cream order be created before your very eyes in what appears to be a science experiment. Great flavours of smooth and creamy ice cream that are accompanied by tasty toppings.

Science Cream, 28 Castle Arcade. Info: 029 2037 2391 / www.sciencecream.co.uk

THE NEW YORK DELI

A massively popular sandwich shop with equally massive sandwiches, bagels and hoagies to boot. Enjoy a good selection of ‘American sized’ portions of fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and more in this buzzing deli. Lunchtimes are very busy here but it’s worth the queue for a taste of Americana.

The New York Deli, 20 High Street Arcade. Info: 029 2038 8388 / facebook.com/new-york-deli-cardiff

SEASONS CAFÉ BAR

Quaint and independent boutique bar and cafe serving Welsh food, cocktails, cream teas and coffees. There’s a unique vibe here and friendly staff are on hand to talk through scrumptious menu options, which has a strong Welsh theme featuring classic favourites cawl, rarebit and crempog.

Seasons Café Bar, 47-49 Castle Arcade, Castle Street. Info: 07731 489728 / www.seasonscardiff.co.uk

WALLY’S DELICATESSEN AND KAFFEEHAUS

One of Cardiff’s best delis also has an upstairs cafe serving up deli food that delights. Downstairs you can peruse some of the finest meats, cheeses and nibbles, while upstairs you can order European-style lunches of sourdough open sandwiches and cheese and meat platters. A speciality coffee accompaniment is also highly recommended.

Wally’s Delicatessen, 38-46 Royal Arcade. Info: 029 2022 9265 / www.wallysdeli.co.uk