Restaurant Review: Cafe Lidia

I decided to visit this restaurant after a friend told me that such exists somewhere in Marikina and that the food is good and affordable. Located in a seemingly residential street, I must say that the location is not strategic plus the parking area is not enough to accommodate many vehicles (or maybe just on weekends). People say that it's a must-try restaurant when one visits Marikina or is living nearby.


According to its website, Cafe Lidia formally opened in September 8, 2009. After which, typhoon "Ondoy" struck and flooded establishments in Marikina City (September 26). Cafe Lidia re-opened on October 15 of the same year. The restaurant was called "Lidia," named after the woman behind the business.


Normally, Cafe Lidia does not accept table reservations unless you plan to celebrate a big event there and will be using one of its function rooms. When you arrive, you just tell the attendant how many are you and then they will look for a table. It didn't take them more than 5 minutes before we were led to our table, which was upstairs. The place is air-conditioned. I didn't like the smell of the place. It smelled like cheese. It has a homy feel to it. I bet it was a residential house before converted into a restaurant. The washrooms are clean and nice too. There are a lot of ornate decorations and paintings inside. You'll also notice countless surveillance cameras all over the place.

As for the menu, I didn't know they serve Italian food but it was fine with me. They actually have a lot of dishes in their menu, from starters to entrees to side dishes to desserts. Everything is priced just right and is definitely easy on the budget and wallet. Below are some of the food we tried. Some came in surprisingly big servings like the pizza. Some were "bitin" like the fish and chips.

Buffalo Wings and Caesar Salad

Beef Kebab

Home Style Pizza

Fish and Chips

Spaghetti Gamberi

As for the menu, click here.

Look ma, nothing's left!

The aftermath. No leftovers indeed.

RATING: 4 out of 5 STARS

If you happen to pass by Marcos Highway or you are in Marikina or Cainta or Pasig, try to drop by Cafe Lidia and you'll surely leave the place with a happy tummy.

Contact Details
Address: 64 Calderon St., Kalumpang, Marikina City, Philippines

Note: Cafe Lidia did not pay me for this review.

Til then...

xoxo Nash