Fidel's Cafe

Fidels do it all really, and aside from the coffee, the decor, the menu food, they also have a pretty nifty afghan on deck, and if that isn't around, they'll have some other great oversized chocolate themed biscuit available.

Every Wellingtonian knows that Fidel’s is a go-to for any meal, at any time of day, on any day of the week – but in a city with a restaurant industry that comes alive before noon on Saturday and Sunday, it’s especially popular for brunch. This can work against it if you’re not in the mood for crowds – or long waiting times for food – but you can’t argue with the extensive menu, cabinet food and relaxed atmosphere.

A stalwart in Wellington’s cafe scene, Fidel’s is known for its cabinet fare and lunch menu, but its beer-and-pizza deal is also popular. The deal includes two beers and a large pizza for a reasonable price, and is on for a couple of hours every week night. A perfect choice for a low-key but satisfying date night.

One of the few Wellington institutions that lives up to the hype, the coffee is good, the decor is nice and sitting outside on a sunny day with flat white is a dream.

Cake.  That is all. :)

Fidels has a history of employing musically clued up staff. Rio from Trinity Roots, Dallas from Fat Freddy’s Drop, Don Luchito from The Dancehall Dons and DJ Flex have all spent time working there. As a result of their culture, their is always someone uploading a killer playlist into the system. All styles, all the tunes, this place pretty much always sounds good.

The haloumi and chicken salad (I order it sans-chicken) is excellent - a massive, vege-filled salad with squeaky cheese, dressing and garlic bread. YUM!

As of writing this I am 57 days without a cigarette and hard as it is the thing that makes me the saddest is that I now have fewer reasons to sit in Fidel’s wonderful out the back or out the side smoking areas. They’re charming, cosy, and welcoming. I was able to while away wonderful hours filling my lungs with hideous poison gas. What a wonderful place to be for such a terrible reason.

Named after Fidel Castro, a revolutionary communist and president of Cuba, this quirky Cafe is themed around this man. Nestled at the top of Cuba street it’s all a little bit ironic. The coffee and food however, are not it the slightest. Fidels is regularly packed from front to back as people keep returning to try their strong decadent coffee and delicious food. I recommend checking out their pizza menu and $25 deal for a pizza and two beers.

This Jafa has been patronising Fidels whenever I'm down for many years. Viva!