Cafe Guarani

111 Central Ave, Pacific Grove
(831) 747-1551

Recent Reviews

Kathryn Roberts

Delicious empanadas, good gluten free options (mbuja!), and traditional hot mate! Awesome back patio and traditional Paraguayan arts and handicrafts on the walls.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

j p

It was their Traditional Yerba Mate service that caught our attention and then coincidentally reading a little of their backstory brought us in. Once settled, we instantly felt at home and couldn't have enjoyed our visit(s) more. Clearly locals love the spot for its relaxed atmosphere and food...Ok I mean absolutely fantastic food. You simply have to try all their empanadas, the mind-blowing Sopa and Lemon Delight. Don't miss out on their gem offering... Yerba Mate!Mate: really is a way of life (relaxed). It takes a little time, make the time, it's so worth it. The staff were surprised/delighted by my order of a traditional (hot) Mate service, and the owner came out with an exuberant "You're drinking Mate!?!" We had a nice conversation about the ritual of drinking Mate, Paraguay and some of her experiences with the cafe. Our second visit though, led to a lengthy discussion with a knowledgeable staff member about more advanced techniques for Yerba Mate preparation, character of the various brands, etc...I've been casually enjoying Mate for twenty years and still came away with a better understanding. They're so kind and pleasant, you'll enjoy the experience whether you're a newbie needing to be walked through the process or a budding connoisseur.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lemon Delight, Breakfast Empanada, Pastry, Variety of Empanadas

Jazmin C.

Parking was a bit challenging to find, but do not pass up on coming by! The workers were nice and patient with us. Unfortunately they were out of the empanadas we originally wanted, but the worker gave us great recommendations. The entire cafe gave amazing vibes and theres tons of great natural sunlight. It was all very clean and well kept. I was recommended the Soy Empanada and it was so delicious!

Rita O.

I loved the vibe of this cafe!! It was welcoming and chill. The customer service was amazing and they were very kind. I had a beef empanada and it had a boiled egg in it, which I've never heard of, but wanted to try it anyway. The empanada did not disappoint because it was very tasty. I would have paired it with a different sauce, but that didn't take away from the empanada itself. So happy to have stopped by here.

Linda C L.

Good food, service very friendly' ambience vey warm. Fresh food made from scratch, pastries the best .

Alex D.

Do not PASS this place by!! OMG!! Where do I start..? The pulled pork empanada had the most AMAZING flavor, a delectable chimicurri sauce, and the crust, the crust, the PERFECT crunch! I had an iced latte that was just as amazing..I'm glad I ended up here after a nice walk and beautiful ocean views. The server was also so pleasant! Definitely will be back

Julie Christensen

Always hope we can find good coffee when we’re out of town and this place was delicious! Not often I finish my coffee and then debate taking another one to go! Enjoyed our breakfast empanada and scone. Wished it wasn’t raining so we could enjoy the secret garden but loved the indoor space too. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Breakfast Empanada

Dawn C

Cute and quaint cafe with delicious and unique foods you can’t find anywhere else in the area. Definitely try the smoked brisket or pulled pork empanada. Love to support small locally owned businesses like this. 10/10 recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Breakfast Empanada, Smoked Brisket, Pastry

Mrs. B.

Pricey food. The coffee is good, but did take a long time to make. No decaf lattes, which was a disappointment. Staff weren't rude but not friendly either. Looked like a good spot to relax and read a book.

Dominic N.

I liked: Iced Chai Great flavor on the iced chai but I wish they filtered out some of the grittiness. We stopped by after lunch otherwise I would have loved to try their empanadas. The place is very cute and cozy. There's a large area to sit and eat. Service was very standard. I did get asked if I've been served quickly and they put the drinks nearby for me to pick up.

c leonard

Delicious cuisine with a very tasty vegan option in each category of their menu! Two vegan empanadas, vegetable and soy meat, both very tasty. They also have very soft and chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies and alternative milk choices for their coffees. A very friendly staff and cozy cafe atmosphere!

Jennifer Curtiss

We went here based off reviews and it definitely didn't disappoint! This is definitely more of a cafe, with a cute, but smaller seating area and not full service. Even with that being said, their empanadas were incredible, especially the ham and cheese, and the smoked pulled pork with a BBQ mustard sauce. The cheesy cornbread was great too! We will definitely return on one of our Monterey trips!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Variety of Empanadas

Sabrina F.

Amazing food/coffee really really really recommend Dulce de leche latte hot or iced and the veggie empanadas. Always kind and helpful staff, and beautiful atmosphere.

Eunice Y.

stopped by in the morning before going into the aquarium. empanadas were delicious, slightly more on the expensive side at $10 each. the empanadas were stamped with their filling type - so cute

Scottie Junker

Great food and drinks. I really loved the pork empanada and pour over light

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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