Buba Cafe is a warm, neighbourhood cafe and pizzeria located on Bay Road in Kilbirnie, Wellington. Established in 2023, the cafe traces its origins back to Plaza Pizzeria, originally founded in 2009 by Nicolas Haidamous to bring traditional Mediterranean pizza and Lebanese culinary flavours to Wellington's eastern suburbs.
Today, Buba Cafe stands as a heartfelt tribute to Nicolas's legacy, taking its name from 'Buba'—short for habuba, meaning 'darling' in Arabic—his affectionate nickname for his partner Anita. Centred around authentic woodfire pizzas and community-focused dining, Buba Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, dinner, and classic woodfired pizzas crafted with passion and traditional hospitality.
In the heart of Kilbirnie, Wellington, Buba Cafe brings a heartfelt Mediterranean culinary tradition to the local neighbourhood. While the cafe was formally established under its current name in 2023, its roots reach back to 2009 with the founding of Plaza Pizzeria by Nicolas Haidamous.
Nicolas was driven by a deep love of Mediterranean pizza and a clear dream: to introduce the warmth, generous hospitality, and rich flavours of the Lebanese culinary experience to the suburbs of Wellington. Remembered for his cheeky smile, wit, and genuine eagerness to connect with anyone who walked through the door, Nicolas made his pizzeria a true community hub.
Today, Buba Cafe—pronounced 'Boo-Bah'—serves as a tribute to Nicolas’s life and enduring passion. The name comes from his affectionate nickname for his partner Anita, 'Buba,' derived from *habuba*, meaning 'darling' in Arabic. Continuing under this name honours his memory while preserving the culinary recipes and traditions he established.
Every pizza served at Buba Cafe is prepared in accordance with Nicolas's exacting standards and made with care. The centrepiece of the kitchen is the traditional woodfire oven, producing crisp crusts, bubbly cheese, and distinct Mediterranean topping combinations that originally made Plaza Pizzeria a staple.
Beyond evening pizza and dinner service, Buba Cafe operates as a full daytime destination for the Kilbirnie community. Starting from early morning Tuesday through Sunday, the kitchen serves comprehensive breakfast and brunch menus alongside barista coffee.
Whether stopping by for a morning catch-up, settling in for a weekend family brunch, or booking a table for woodfired pizza on dinner nights, guests experience an atmosphere grounded in community connection and genuine hospitality.