Cocktails and bagels anyone? An unlikely combination perhaps, but that's what Swansea's top-rated restaurant is offering over in Mumbles. Fika - named after a Swedish word which roughly translates to having a good natter over coffee and a small bite to eat - opened in Newton Road in September, 2022, and has since earned some stellar online reviews. So, naturally, we had to visit ourselves to see what all the fuss was about.
Before I continue, I do have a tiny confession to make. Fika replaced one of my favourite cafes in Swansea - a Japanese business called Cha-ty which served speciality tea, cakes and authentic Japanese food. It had the most dreamy decor inside and felt like one of Swansea's best-kept secrets. Perhaps my loyalty to Cha-ty is the reason behind me being so late to try this Swedish-named newcomer. But if the reviews were anything to go by, I was clearly missing out on something.
On first impressions, Fika knows exactly what it is. Their offering is simple: bagels, coffee and cocktails. They do one thing and do it well. I would call it more of a cafe than a restaurant and it has a relaxed feel with a cool, contemporary interior. You can get more food and drink news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter here.
The staff were super friendly and attentive and much like Cha-ty which came before it, it feels like a little oasis of calm tucked away in the terrace shops of Newton Road. There were lots of options on the menu - when it came to bagel fillings at least. From the classic Rueben or salmon bagels, to a Philly steak bagel and a vegan jackfruit option - there was loads to choose from and they were all £10 each. When I think of bagels, I think of salmon and cream cheese so that's the option I went for.
Sometimes too much hype around a place can create unrealistic expectations and maybe that's why it was an ever-so-slightly anti-climatic experience when my food arrived. It was, of course, just a cream cheese and salmon bagel. It was done pretty well but they're not re-inventing the wheel here. Probably my fault for not ordering something a bit more adventurous from the menu.
That said, the bagel was generously-filled with good quality smoked salmon and the cream cheese was super creamy and fluffy. It was a great, simple brunch or lunch option and the oat milk flat white I had with it was a really good coffee - I later found out their coffee is supplied by Round Hill roastery in Somerset.
It was a bit early in the day for me, but the cocktail menu was also very intriguing. From a Cereal Milk Espresso Martini made with coco-pops infused milk, to a Biscoff Old Fashioned, the cocktails sounded like a proper treat. For those who prefer a beer or glass of wine, there were lots of options and on a Saturday between 4-6pm they even offer a bottomless "brunch" for £35 per person which includes unlimited cocktails, prosecco and any bagel.
Fika has indoor and outdoor seating and serves food until 5pm and is open until late (between 9pm and 11pm depending on the day of the week). It is dog-friendly so it's a perfect pit stop after a walk along the prom. Overall, I think Fika is a great addition to Mumbles- but don't just take my word for it.
The cafe has been described on Tripadvisor as offering "outstanding" and "incredible food" and "class cocktails". The staff and atmosphere seem to steal the show though, with loads of people commenting on how nice the vibes are inside and this was definitely my experience.
You can find Fika on Facebook here.
Address:44 Newton Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BQ