I love finding hidden places but this next resto I’ll be reviewing is not too hidden anymore. A lot of people–Marikenos and non-Marikenos alike–have been raving about Cafe Lidia. It took me quite a few months before finally getting to visit the place and all it took was a hungry family and an offer to pay for half the bill. Haha ;)
Cafe Lidia is located along Calderon Street in Calumpang, Marikina, which is not really a well-lit and often-visited place, but it would definitely be easy to spot as the place has a very noticeable signage and interiors that look very posh–a standout in the neighborhood.
The inside of the restaurant reminds me of a more minimalist Cafe Juanita and is actually very apt for dates and family get-togethers. It’s also very well-ventilated and has a designated smokers’ area if you are cautious when it comes to secondhand smoke.
The menu is of a wide array of selections as there are appetizers, rice meals and pasta dishes and there is also pizza, coffee and dessert. We chose to order just a few items only to get a taste of how the food is.
The Tuna Salpicao came with garlic rice and a pretty huge serving of garden salad with vinaigrette. According to my sister, the salpicao itself tasted a little too much of the sour side. It might be because we are used to having sweeter/spicier salpicao in other restaurants but the serving is generous and is enough to fill one hungry person. I, on the other hand, LOVED the salad. The veggies served were very fresh and the vinaigrette tasted good!
The Carbonara was also good enough for one person and we even got to take turns on getting a taste of it. There was a generous serving of sauce and meat and the pasta was cooked al dente! What I like about the dish though is that it’s not too oily. That way, it doesn’t feel to sinful to devour an entire plate of it.
The Cordon Bleu was definitely my FAVORITE dish. The cordon bleu itself was pretty huge and was very much filled with cheese and ham, and the chicken itself was tasty! The sauce that came with it also matched really well! The mashed potato was perfectly mashed with no visible lumps and it was not too creamy and not too bland. As before, the veggies that came with the meal were very fresh and tasty!
Everyone knows how much of a pizza fan I am. This pizza did not disappoint me at all! The crust was perfect as it was not too thin but was rather tasty. There was enough barbecue sauce to make it tasty and there was a load of cheese on top with lots of chicken, mushroom and bell peppers for toppings! If I was hungry during the time that I ate this, I would probably end up eating the entire thing. It was THAT delicious! And, can you guess the price? It’s just 220 pesos (if I remember it correctly, but the price plays along that range)!
I remember restaurants based on two main things: (1) the restroom, and (2) the dessert. To top of our meal, I ordered a slice of Classic Sansrival and Grandma’s Classic Chocolate Cake. Both did not disappoint! The slices were generous and were definitely fulfilling. The sansrival was not too buttery nor too hard to slice through. It had the right amount of everything! And, the chocolate cake. I don’t even know how to describe the richness of its flavor. It oozed with chocolatey goodness–add to that the delicious suprise of caramel and nuts in between chocolate layers. It was moist and very heavenly.
All in all, our bill was a little over 1000 pesos (as we got drinks as well) for 4 adults and 3 kids. I think the main reason why people keep coming back to Cafe Lidia is that it’s very affordable for the taste and the servings. I myself would definitely come back! It’s a perfect date place if you’re feeling a little thrifty and is also a perfect place for the family as there is surely a meal for everyone.
Cafe Lidia is located at 64 Calderon St., Calumpang, Marikina. Pasig-Marikina jeepneys that are on the way to Marikina would pass by the restaurant. It’s open from 10:30 am to 11 pm from Mondays to Sundays and from 3 pm to 11 pm on Sundays. You can reserve tables and inquire through 6477606.
Make Melodies 
Do you have any number so that we can call you for the reservation on september 1? I called your cafe but it is not accessible.
Cant wait to try the pizza!!!! :)
hi how do you get there from makati?:)
From Makati, ride the MRT to Cubao. The, ride the LRT to Santolan. Ride a Marikina-bound Pasig-Marikina jeep there. It should pass by Cafe Lidia :)
Is there a commute friendly route? :D
commuter*
You can ride a Pasig-Marikina jeep in Rosario. There should be a Marikina-bound jeepney there :) It will be pass by Cafe Lidia mismo :)