Marimbas Guatemalan Bakery & Restaurant - Review - North Lamar - Austin - The Infatuation

"The dining room at Marimbas Guatemalan Restaurant announces itself with bright streamers hanging from the ceiling, a wall of framed photos featuring smiling faces, and a big shelf of woven baskets stacked with packaged pastries. This is clearly a family-run spot, and that warmth comes through in both the friendly service and the home-style cooking. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Everything arrives on paper plates, whether it’s a strip of grilled steak topped with salsa and charred onions, or a cozy bowl of pepián brimming with chicken, chayote, and carrots. The food has that deeply comforting, made-with-love quality, like something you’d be served in someone’s kitchen rather than a restaurant. That said, the prices feel a little high given the casual presentation and modest portion sizes, and the pastries, while charmingly old-school, lean a bit dry. Still, if you’re in the North Lamar area and want something warm, filling, and from the heart, Marimbas delivers a quiet comfort that’s hard to fake. Food Rundown Pan De Pueblo There’s usually a variety of housemade Guatemalan breads sitting in a big basket along one side of the restaurant. They’re drier than what you’d find at an average bakery in town, but it’s still worth picking a couple up on your way out. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Tamales Our favorite thing to order at Marimbas, the tamales are thick and filled with a generous amount of pork or chicken. They come topped with salsa, cheese, and fresh herbs that add some brightness to each bite. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Pepian This classic Guatemalan stew is warm and comforting, with a rich tomato broth and plenty of root vegetables. There are also a few big pieces of chicken in here, but they’ve been 90% bone in our few experiences. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Churrasquitos The steak is thin but grilled well, and the charred onions add a savory sweetness. This is a tasty plate, and the warm tortillas on the side are a great vehicle for the rice and black beans. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary" - Nicolai McCrary