Cafes

Mad cafe and deli

4.6 334 reviews Closed 208 Shirley Rd, Southampton SO15 3FL, United Kingdom

Discover this place

Mad Cafe and Deli, nestled at 208 Shirley Rd in Southampton, offers a vibrant atmosphere that beautifully marries authentic Portuguese cuisine with a delightful coffee experience. Customers rave about the stunning presentation and delectable taste of their dishes. Duku Zyppa notes that the food is not only "beautiful" but "more than delicious," emphasizing the standout quality of their coffee, which is described as "nice and strong."

The cafe is celebrated for its warm, welcoming service, a point highlighted by Ella Davey, who praises the fast and friendly staff, alongside the enticing takeaway options. The Prego Special sandwich, recommended by Donna Gudowski, is hailed as "one of the best" in her 43 years of culinary exploration, showcasing the eatery’s commitment to freshness and flavor. Further enhancing the experience are a variety of Piri Piri hot sauce options and refreshing mini Coral beers.

For those longing for a taste of home, Ana expresses that Mad Cafe holds a "special place" in her heart, and its offerings are "exactly how it's meant to be done." With its rich Portuguese flavors, exceptional coffee, and friendly ambiance, Mad Cafe and Deli stands out as a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Sports

Popular for

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop

Dining options

Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Mad cafe and deli before visiting.

Reviews for Mad cafe and deli

4.6

334 reviews

100%

20%

Review highlights

Based on 334 reviews

Mad Cafe and Deli in Southampton is widely praised for its authentic Portuguese cuisine and high-quality coffee. Reviewers consistently highlight the freshness and deliciousness of the food, particularly the signature Prego Special sandwich and traditional custard tarts. The café’s warm, family-run atmosphere and friendly, efficient service contribute to a welcoming experience that resonates strongly with regulars and newcomers alike. Patrons also appreciate the availability of takeaway options and the unique addition of Portuguese beverages such as mini Coral beers. Overall, the deli is celebrated for delivering a genuine taste of Portugal, making it a cherished spot for those seeking both comfort and authenticity.

Duku Zyppa

Jun 25, 2025

Food looking every beautiful and taste more then delicious and coffee is amazing, nice and strong! I love this place Ps. I'm sorry I'm not leaving in Southampton..

Ella Davey

May 10, 2025

Absolutely delicious authentic Portuguese food and great coffee. The staff are really friendly and service is quick. They offer takeaway too! Can't wait to come back again

Donna Gudowski

May 02, 2025

Amazing family run business with old school charm. My partner and I had the Prego Special sandwich and it was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten in 43 years of eating :) So delicious. So fresh. I will definitely be back (many) times. Oh, and the ice cold mini Coral beers? Yes please! And loved all the Piri Piri hot sauce options. Please keep up what you’re doing. Just brilliant.

Cliff Tamplin

Apr 18, 2025

A delightful cafe serving real Portuguese custard tarts! A wonderfully warm welcome with tasty coffee too. Just a few doors to the launderette which is why we came to this neighborhood. Thank you.

Ana

Apr 18, 2025

lovely portuguese cafe!! I make sure I come here every time I'm missing home, pretty sure I've cried of joy every single time. It's got such a special place in my heart. Madeira will always be my home and I'm happy Southampton has a place that resembles where I've come from. Will definitly keep popping by! Also from what I've had so far food wise, it's been spot on every time. The prego especial is to die for, exactly how it's meant to be done.

Trudy Martin

Apr 14, 2025

Very nice cafe, for a me a nice lunch then back to work. The owner made a super fish sandwich! Love the coffee, the soups, and the cake treats are lush. Good prices. Parking 1 and 2 hours along the roadside somewhere. Seating outside, and it's towards the quiet end of shirley.

Andy Noyce

Apr 10, 2025

Excellent food and staff. The Mad Prego is lovely

Nathan Bryce

Mar 19, 2025

My partner and I come here on a regular basis - it’s my favourite place to eat in Southampton - the friendliest service and best authentic Portuguese food and drinks. Prices are exceptional also! Couldn’t recommend it enough.