Cafe Guarani

Cafe · Pacific Grove

Cafe Guarani

Cafe · Pacific Grove

1

111 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
Cafe Guarani by null
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Cafe Guarani by null
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Highlights

Paraguayan cafe with authentic empanadas, pastries, and yerba mate  

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111 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Get directions

cafeguarani.com
@cafeguarani

$10–20 · Menu

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111 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Get directions

+1 831 747 1551
cafeguarani.com
@cafeguarani

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 23, 2025

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The Best Restaurants in Monterey and Carmel | Eater SF

"Liliana Rodas de Araujo grew up making and selling empanadas in Paraguay, and after a long career in the pastry arts, she opened Cafe Guaraní during her retirement, hoping to introduce the Monterey Peninsula to traditional Paraguayan foods. This cute cafe, full of cheerful folk art, offers a welcoming atmosphere, and serves a wide selection of empanadas including typical versions, like chicken and ham-and-cheese, but also specials, like a pulled pork variety. They all come with house chimichurri sauce, which alone is worth the trip. Sandwiches are served on homemade brioche along with mandioca fries, and the pastry case is full of fancy-looking cakes, guava-filled croissants, and dulce de leche alfajores. Everything tastes great with any of the yerba mate drinks." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-monterey-carmel
View Postcard for Cafe Guarani

Christopher Mckinty

Google
Empanada’s - 10/10 - brisket is my fave! Apple crème roll 4/10 - was bland and not sweet enough, Yerba mate drinks are yummy, staff is friendly and quick, the cafe itself is cute and has plenty of seating. We come here every time we are in Monterey. I wish this spot was closer to home. Pro tip: grab a half dozen frozen empanadas and bake them at home.

Leftover Treasures

Google
Very unique and lovely cafe. Great selection of empanadas that are made fresh and smell delicious. The selection of coffee's and herbal teas was convenient. All of our selections were delicious. The wait to order and receive our items was longer than a trip to Starbucks and but everything was delicious and worth the wait. Also, we got to enjoy the atmosphere and decor. It is a very comfortable place to really and enjoy some good coffee.

Lisa Antonakakis

Google
This place was great, we got some light fare for breakfast with breakfast empanadas, coffee and pastries. Everything was delectable and the chimichurri sauce they provide for the empanadas was excellent. The atmosphere had nice decor and a calm mood. The service was very nice and helpful. Such a unique and lively experience.

Aleksei Bak

Google
We came to the Monterey Aquarium and were looking for a good coffee spot. Starbucks was a bit far, so we found this small cozy café nearby. Super nice atmosphere, great coffee, and the barista was a real pro. Highly recommend!

Carla Montemayor

Google
Un pedacito de mi querido Paraguay en Pacific Grove, California. I was lucky enough to discover a beautiful and charming gastronomic cafe while I was traveling in California. From the moment I was greeted “mba'éichapa” and entered to the cafe, the atmosphere conveyed warmth and authenticity, with details that evoked Paraguayan culture and attention that made me feel at home. Just remembering gives me chills. Cafe Guarani is certainly one of those places that cannot be missed when visiting Monterey. Located in the heart of Pacific Grove, California. Cafe Guarani offers a charming oasis of peace thanks to the indoor and outdoor seats. Beautiful place with an incredible garden-patio, full of plants, flowers, trees, they even have a Paraguayan hamaca, very relaxing atmosphere! The decor has a nostalgic vibe, with ñandúti and memorabilia from my country. I felt home, immediately! Liliana the owner and her son Sebastian, were so friendly and welcoming! When we get there the restaurant was closed and after I told them that I’m Paraguayan as well, immediately open the doors for my family and me. The cafe serves delicious Paraguayan dishes and snacks. We ordered the beef milanesa sandwich that comes with fried yuca and alioli sauce, also we had baked beef and vegan empanadas that comes with chimichurri and a gluten free mbejú (Tapioca flour cheese flat bread) with Cocido (smoked Yerba mate) Sooo good!! Everything was very tasty and absolutely delicious! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to feel the real taste of Paraguay in an extremely friendly environment. A place not to be missed! Aguyje Liliana and Sebastian!

SJ

Google
We got the breakfast empanada, Dulce De Leche Medialuna, and apple custard pastry for a snack. My husband got a latte, and I got a chia latte. The flavor was amazing! Nothing disappointed. The presentation of the food and chia was beautiful. Loved the atmosphere, employees were very kind. Next visit to Monterey, we will be back! 11/10 recommend ❤️

Stefano Corno

Google
An excellent little café with a nice atmosphere. The food is generally quite good, and the empanadas in particular are amazing. It's a nice daily driver café.

Arryan Emamian

Google
Café Guaraní is an absolute gem in Pacific Grove! My wife and I stopped by and were blown away by the incredible flavors and cozy atmosphere. We tried their empanadas — each bite was packed with rich, authentic fillings, and the yuca dough added a unique touch. The lattes were smooth and bold, perfectly crafted with a nice balance of flavors. To top it all off, the cinnamon roll was soft, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent — a perfect pairing with our coffee. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the vibe of the café made it a great spot to relax and enjoy some delicious South American-inspired treats. If you’re in the area, this place is a must-visit! We’ll definitely be coming back for more.
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Berlyn D.

Yelp
I spot through Yelp, we checked it out before heading to the beach and got some food from there. The place is authentic and beautiful, the outside is good where you can sit and feel the fresh air. For our food we got Empanadas, I don't like empanadas as much but this one was great and delicious!! We got Brisket, Pull Pork, Chicken & Beef. Crunchy form the outside. Then we got Dulce De Leche cookies which is the BEST thing ever! Before hitting the road I got some Dulce De Leche latte and that was great coffee! The owner is really nice and we came back to get coffee even though it was closed, he was nice enough to let us use the bathroom and purchase a drink. I will come back whenever we pass by.
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Linda L.

Yelp
We were excited to check this case out bc the corn bread and empanadas looked delectable. However, we were disappointed by the price and taste. Each empanada is $10 and is the size of your palm. I got the beef brisket empanada and it was a little dry. The beef sope (corn bread) didn't have as much meat as we expected. And the beef croquettes didn't have as much meat or potato as I was expecting, it tasted like there was more bread inside. The highlights were the chimichurri sauce and the iced chai latte. The chimichurri sauce was fresh and paired really well with the foods, made them taste so much better. The chai latte with oat milk was delicious. Would definitely order it again for a morning pick me up. This cafe is super cute with fresh, real flowers at every table. The space was bright, quiet, and friendly when we arrived for breakfast.
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Kirsten L.

Yelp
Food: 4.5 out of 5 They have outdone themselves with the chicken and beef empanadas. The filling itself was well seasoned and tender and the chimichurri sauce was the cherry on top. The crust was made perfectly to hold the delicious filling. Would love to try the other empanadas next time I run into them! Service: 5 out of 5 Friendly lady who assisted me at the farmer's market. Environment: N/A Overall: 4.75 out of 5 Always yes to these empanadas! If you can at least get a couple so you have a flight to try.
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Tasha H.

Yelp
Stumbled upon this small coffee shop for a quick pick me up and we were pleasantly surprised! Food was good, matcha latte was good and service was great!
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Diana F.

Yelp
i was so happy to find a place that serves yerba mate! you just don't find that anywhere. Reminded me of being in Argentina. everything was delicious, especially the homemade chimichurri. we also ordered a vegan chili that we forgot to take a picture of but it was excellent! My only complaint was that it is a little pricey, but that's everything in this area of california. Miami is pricey too but $10 for an empanada is unheard of. That's no fault of theirs though and we knew food would be expensive in Cali. That being said i still highly recommend!
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Dominic N.

Yelp
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.
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J V.

Yelp
I started coming here in the later part of the pandemic and I've been obsessed ever since. From their empanadas and mandiocas, to pastries and lattes, everything is so good. Their blueberry scones are the absolute best although I have noticed a slight change to them; they no longer drizzle the scone with a frosting (you view older posts of the scones, you'll see they are much lighter in color and have a little frosting on them). They're still good & way better than other bakeries around here!
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Bianca P.

Yelp
I enjoyed the atmosphere of this cafe, and the food did not disappoint! The iced chai latte is awesome, one of the best I have tried. As a college student coming home from school, prices are little high, especially with any add ons. But it is worth it to go and try it out. The service has always been friendly the times I have gone. I recommend especially since this place provides great culture and good items to enjoy.
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Laura E.

Yelp
Stopped in for empanadas after a day at the aquarium. There is a cute little seating area inside as well as a very nice patio out back. We ordered a dozen empanadas and a drink each. The empanadas took about 20 minutes to bake but our drinks were brought out quickly. They have mate tea which my sister loved and my mom is now obsessed with their chai latte. The chai was good but in my opinion was not spicy enough (personal taste though). When the empanadas came out, we were also given extra trays for each person and chimichurri sauce. My favorite was the pork but they were honestly all delicious! A little pricy as far as empanadas go, but I was quite full after 1.5 of them.
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Rika M.

Yelp
People in Monterey are so lucky to have this cute cafe in their direct neighborhood. As we were looking for something quick to eat as a light snack and quench our thirst, this cafe seemed like the perfect spot for us to spend 30 minutes in the early sunny afternoon on a beautiful Tuesday. The young man behind the ordering counter was very accommodating and welcoming (he also had a very impressive mullet!!) We got us a beef empanada, alfajore, two iced drinks. He said there is/was a nice patio area in the back so we, of course, went there to secure our spot as he said he'd bring our food and drinks. The patios is nicely secluded with walls where the whole area has a quiet atmosphere. The furniture and decorations are all cute to match the store's image. The beef empanada that came with whatever the sauce was a good size and delicious. I can appreciate stores that have great empanadas. The sweetness of alfajore was just right and it was a good size for us to share. This is a great spot. It is away from the busy Cannery Row but can be easily accessed. If you want to stay away from the hustle bustle of touristy area but want to have some quality time, food and tea/coffee drinks with great atmosphere I suggest that you come here.
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Kate A.

Yelp
Small local coffee place turned out to be outstanding and so unique! Coffee is very good. Even though it's cappuccino I definitely felt coffee taste, and it was awesome having it's flavour that was very soft and rounded, very rich with a slightly sour and pleasant after-taste. The staff was friendly and smily. The interior is well-designed and organized. Every details is on its place and have been put there on purpose. I love it!
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Juliette L.

Yelp
Delicious! Came for the coffee, stayed for the empanadas. Ordered a chai latte and a pulled pork empanada both of which were delicious. The chai latte had great flavor to it and the foam was nice and frothy. The empanada came with a side of chimichurri sauce which complimented it perfectly, I wish they were a bit bigger for the price but otherwise no complaints. The space is really cute too with a secret garden in the back if you want to sit outside.
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Elise S.

Yelp
We tried the pulled pork and chicken empanadas. Very good and authentic. Highly recommend the pulled pork. Yucca fries and coffees were also great. Dulce de leche latte was very good.
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Rita O.

Yelp
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.
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Monica M.

Yelp
We loved Cafe Guarani!!!! Every restaurant should have a staff like this place! Beyond kinds and they service with a smile. We ordered empanadas and yucca friends. Super delicious!!!! And the vibe here is so beautiful I fell in love with decro and the tables have this glitter finish I'm so going to recreate my table at home.
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Eunice Y.

Yelp
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
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Jazmin C.

Yelp
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!

Alex D.

Yelp
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

Scott J.

Yelp
Great coffee and the empanadas were a favorite for adults and kids. Ham and cheese empanada is like a gourmet hot pocket (in a good way). Breakfast one was also very tasty!

Carolyn C.

Yelp
Great food, quick service, cute secret garden in the back. What more could you want? I would recommend the beef empanadas!
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Evan I.

Yelp
Delicious, Cute, Local. Cafe Guarani was a short stop on an otherwise long trip, and a welcome r respite to the overly touristy cafes dotting much of the California coast. As a tourist myself, I don't mind much, but this was an exception. the empanadas were to die for, the coffee was good, and the staff gave us a good recommendation for a cute spot for photos, my only gripe is I wanted another empanada, but they were pricy. can't win em all.
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Sandra J.

Yelp
Their (beef) empanadas are THE best I've ever had (out of 10 other similar eateries--I am of course trying to find more places that offer empanadas but they are few and far between) and don't forget the chimichurri.
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Ehren W.

Yelp
We got the brisket with boiled egg, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. All were delicious. Wifey said the brisket (I think, had a honey mustard sauce) was too sweet (says the Cinnabon lover) but I liked it. Staff was friendly, nice ambience and they had other pastries that looked delish but we just stopped by for a quick bite. A little pricey ($9-10 each) but with post Covid inflation and good quality it can be forgiven. I just won't be buying a box for my co-workers... maybe a box for myself :)
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Andrew B.

Yelp
First time here. Super good latte. I got my usual ice vanilla latte and my gf got the small vanilla latte (hot). Both are not bitter at all, have great smooth flavor, not sugary. We are planning to return to try their empanadas. They also have a really nice outdoor garden with seating. Overall a very hip and relaxing place to get a cup of coffee.
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Erik W.

Yelp
Delicious and surprising. Found when searching for good coffee shops. The latte was great, as were the empanadas (breakfast and brisket, we ordered a second breakfast), and yucca fries. Flavorful, delicious, and different. On a good day, sit in the secret garden in the back. We brought our dog.
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Stephanie N.

Yelp
every time I'm in Monterey, I have to stop by Cafe Guarani. stumbled upon this place a while back and I am so glad I did because the empanadas are to die for!! my favorites include the smoked brisket, which often sells out, beef, and pulled pork. each have a filling that is so tender and flavorful accompanied by the best chimichurri sauce on the side. they give you a fair amount and what I love is how the empanadas have an imprint on the crust indicating what flavor is what - just so thoughtful and smart! sometimes they sell out of empanadas but they may just tell you that the next batch will be out in 20 if you're willing to wait. i usually eat here and order one empanada while i wait for the next :) i've tried the guava tart in the past which is a bit dry for me and the arroz con leche but the rice was a little too al dente in my opinion summary: great empanadas and such a cute ambiance. they decorate for christmas and they have a beautiful outdoor patio when it isn't raining. definitely a must visit if you're in monterey!!
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Catrina P.

Yelp
Excellent coffees and a lovely gluten free cookie! I got the dulce de luca latte which was excellent and hubs had a decaf pour over. The barista was very nice. The food menu is very unique, looking forward to returning to try those empanadas!

Miguel G.

Yelp
Awesome shop and backyard patio seating. Staff are friendly and empanadas are delicious. No loud music, clanking dishes, or boisterous customers. It's quiet and relaxing enough to just sit peacefully and chill out.
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Adam C.

Yelp
Five stars because it nails what it's trying to be. It's a cute bakery with with South American influences. The empanadas, although expensive ($9 each) were delicious. I am not an empanada expert, but these did not feel traditional with the fillings and that's not a knock in them at all. This place feels like a fusion of cultures. The choices vary from smoked pulled pork or brisket in a bbq sauce, to ham in a béchamel sauce, along with a lot of vegetarian options. For me, smoked brisket can be a real hit or miss with no on between. I was skeptical on getting the smoked brisket but SO GLAD I did. It was insanely good. My wife also enjoyed her chicken, my dad approved of his diced ham and béchamel, and my two year old gobbled up her veggie empanada. This place is not just about the empanadas. They have a lot of choices of coffees and Yerba mate teas. My wife loved her mocha and I want to come back to try a traditional Yerba Mate. To finish it off, we took home a pastry that felt like a cross between a flan and a cheesecake. Also incredible. We will be back!
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Linda C L.

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

Jose V.

Yelp
The empanadas came with some of the best Chimichurri that I have ever had. Coffee and mate were very good. Absolutely loved the garden in the back! We got to chill, work, and eat all in the same space. The staff is very friendly and made us feel very welcome! Next time we're in town, we'll definitely have to come back!
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Kabeer M.

Yelp
Stayed in Monterey for the first time, this place has yummy coffee !! Ordered a cappuccino here.

Sophia A.

Yelp
My family and I stopped here on our road trip around 2:30, and Cafe Guarani was the only place open with food. How lucky were we! We were greeted with friendly service and a small but authentic Paraguayan menu. The cafe itself is decorated very cozy and has a lovely patio in the back with beautiful plants. We tried the vegetarian chili, chicken milanesa sandwich, pulled pork and chicken empanadas, and the beef croquettes. Everything came out of the kitchen quickly with a delicious chimichurri sauce. The food was fantastic. Good portion sizes and super tasty! The empanadas even come with a cute stamp that has the cafe name and type of filling. The desserts look really tasty, but we didn't get a chance to try them. We are so glad we found this awesome cafe, would definitely recommend!
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Cristina B.

Yelp
Decided to stop by a local coffee shop before going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cafe Guaraní did not disappoint. I got the dulce de leche latte, perfect amount of sweetness! .. which is tough to do. I also got a guava pastry which was ok, perhaps it needed to be warmed up, the coffee stole the show!
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Amanda S.

Yelp
Cafe Guarani is an absolute gem of a restaurant that I stumbled upon during a recent trip to NorCal. As someone who loves coffee, I couldn't get over how amazing their iced mint yerba mate is - finally, a drink that won't give me the jitters or make me feel like I'm starring in an episode of Friends. But let's talk about the real star of the show: the smoked brisket empanadas. Holy cow, these things were incredible! I've had my fair share of empanadas in my lifetime, but these babies were in a league of their own. I may or may not have shed a tear of joy after taking my first bite. And the owner? Well, let's just say she's my new hero. Not only did she graciously let me take home a bulk order of 30 frozen empanadas (yes, you read that right), but she also loaded me up with enough chimichurri sauce to last me a lifetime. If you're looking for a restaurant that will knock your socks off (and possibly make you weep tears of joy), head on over to Cafe Guarani. You won't regret it! Five stars and a standing ovation from this very satisfied customer.
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Cherylynn N.

Yelp
Over tourist traps? Looking for a local place to chill? Or, in my case...to stuff your face with deliciousness? Look no further than Café Guaraní. Café Guaraní Is a Paraguay Café serving empanadas, pastries, cakes, cookies, coffee, and tea (yerba mate). For lunch, they have salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Gluten-free friendly. They offer takeout, delivery (DoorDash), indoor dining, and outdoor dining. There's one table in front and a back garden patio. Dog-friendly. I came in a little before 11 am on quiet Friday and it was slim pickings for the empanadas, and they weren't making anymore for the day. Def call ahead if you're coming just for the empanadas. FYI, there is currently no mask mandate in Monterey County. Masks are only "recommended" for public indoor spaces. Most staff wore masks. Order at the counter, grab a number placard, seat yourself, and clean up after yourself. There's a collection of over a dozen of Latin American hot sauces but some of the bottles were completely empty. There's a self-serve water station towards the back patio. F O O D https://bit.ly/39a5cLI * Deep Fried Beef Mandioca (GF) w/ stewed beef, green onions, hardboiled egg ($6) Gave this a shot since they were out of the baked beef empanadas; it's the same filling but with a yucca shell. The exterior is crispy with a good chew and filled with tender shredded stewed beef. The hardboiled egg was missing though. * Baked Texas Brisket w/ post oak+pecan smoked prime beef brisket, salt, pepper, texas pit bbq sauce ($6) Crisp, flaky shell generously filled with mildly smoky and tangy shredded beef brisket. * Baked Chicken w/ cooked onions, nutmeg ($4) Least fav of the three; filled with chunks of dry, underseasoned chicken breast. Def needs a generous dose of chimichurri and/or hot sauce for flavor. The empanadas are served with a side of chimichurri. It was herbaceous but could have used more acid. Just a preference. * Alfajor: Argentinian Cookie Sandwich w/ dulce de leche, shaved coconut ($4) A local raved about this and told me she buys them by the dozen. Maybe it was an off batch but I thought it was just ok (dry). I prefer a more buttery, melt-in-your mouth shortbread cookie like Rosi's. The dulce de leche is sweet on its own so the shaved coconut made it overly sweet. Those with a sweet tooth may disagree though. S E R V I C E Friendly and prompt. A M B I A N C E CHILL! Seems like locals come to laptop camp in the indoor area. The back patio has four socially distant tables with a hammock. TT made a doggy friend in the patio, and they were making googly eyes at each other. Sorry dude, you don't have the balls for that. P A R K I N G Easy street parking. No meters. Overall, I really liked the chill, laid-back vibe of Café Guaraní and enjoyed most of empanadas. Worth a stop if you're visiting and looking to escape the touristy areas.
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R A.

Yelp
Absolutely adorable cafe with delicious empanadas and yucca fries. They also have vegetarian and gluten free choices- a very nice surprise. The chai was the best i have had in a while- very flavorful & aromatic. We will definitely be back!
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Felinn A.

Yelp
This is a fun place to visit if you want a light snack/meal. We tried their pulled pork and beef empanadas. Both were very tasty and came with this addicting chimichurri sauce. I wanted to slather that in every bite. We also tried their sweetened açaí Yerba mate and mate latte. I wish the açaí drink was a little sweeter but the açaí flavor was strong, and the latte tasted like a nice warm milk tea. Definitely loved the atmosphere and I believe if we stayed later they were going to have live music!
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Luis P.

Yelp
I'm now addicted to Yerba maté thanks to this place. Have you ever been to Paraguay? I haven't, but this cafe really made me consider going on a trip down there. If you've never had Paraguayan pastries this is a good place to start. They offer a lot of different types of breaded pastries, from savory to sweet, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free. The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating. Alongside their empanadas they also offer croquettes, desserts, Yerba Mate, coffee, and hand crafted syrups. The staff was super helpful and super fast in crafting my sopa. Which is a corn cake w cheese onions and the option to add beef. I also ordered a guava empanada. The flavor of the bread reminded me of paneton with a thicker consistency. Really enjoyed this place and wish there was something closer to the Bay Area so I could drink Yerba Mate more often.
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Eric L.

Yelp
This casual coffee shop is famed for its Yerba mate, but I'm reviewing the empanadas - unique and intriguing flavors (brisket and pulled pork) that were great. But it's really overpriced. Two empanadas cost $20, which really is a bit too much. Vinoma (in the North Bay) is more affordable and just as good. Service is fine - it's a counter. And parking is easy (on a rainy weekday in Pacific Grove).
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M K.

Yelp
Great option if other breakfast places are crowded. Our family enjoyed the cinnamon roll (very decadent), banana bread and empanadas. Good coffee. Peaceful patio in the back.

Marcus C.

Yelp
Wow a relaxing , creative, peaceful place. With great service and awesome food. Definitely recommend and definitely coming back with friends
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Tiffany S.

Yelp
I came here because of a special they were running, which was supposed to include 2 free empanadas. We ordered 2 empanadas and a latte and a hot chocolate, came to $21- so obviously I was charged. I mentioned at the beginning I was there a special event experience and gave them my name. They checked me off, and charged me. I didn't say anything because I brought a friend and told her I was paying. The table where we sat was STICKY. My phone literally stuck to the table. There were flies flying around. We got our ham and cheese empanadas after about 20 minutes. They told us there would be a wait. They brought both in 1 to go container. I went up to the counter to ask about plates.... Stood there while they were engrossed in whatever orders they were working on. Finally got 2 plates. The empanada tasted exactly like a Hot Pocket. My latte was fine. I am glad I had the opportunity to try a new place. Honestly I can't imagine I would return.
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Kathryn Y.

Yelp
Thank you Phia S. For the YEE!! I have driven / walked past this spot many times. Now I know it's here and I'll be back. I came for the empanadas so that's what I'll talk about. Not greasy at all! Brisket and pulled pork in one. I arrived Jaír as some freshies were coming out of the oven. I had to wait a few minutes, no biggie. The place is adorable and also serves as a coffee spot with delectable looking desserts in the case. I was good and got my empanadas and left. They came with a lovely green sauce, not sure exactly what is was but it was welcomed as the crust was a bit dry. The filling hot and fresh. I would and will be back here for the cake. And an empanada. Free WiFi too, my phone logged right on., super comfy spot. Out back is their secret garden. Cheers you'all!!
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Desiree N.

Yelp
I visited Cafe Guarani on a Monday afternoon. It's a cute cafe located on a busy street so it's not easy to find parking, but you might get lucky! I ordered a box of vegan soy empanadas, a vanilla chai with oat milk, and a matcha latte with oat milk. I was the only person in the cafe at the time that I went; the drinks were ready in five minutes but the empanadas took about thirty minutes. I am very sad to say that I did not enjoy anything that I ordered. Honestly, I have not been this disappointed by a restaurant in a while. For starters, both the chai and matcha lattes were EXTREMELY bland. I am a chai enthusiast, I love all things chai, but i COULD NOT get behind it. I felt as though I was drinking vanilla-infused frothy water. I switched my chai for my moms matcha latte, thinking that maybe they were just lacking in the chai department, but no, the matcha was no different. Lacking. If you enjoy bitter lattes, you'll be happy. As for the empanadas, the pastry itself was good, flaky yet smooth and pretty tasty, however, the vegan soy filling was a big miss. The taste of the filling didn't match the taste of the pastry. It was more of a sweet-savory than a true savory, which was odd. Furthermore, the stuffing was watery so the pastry turned to mush in about ten minute, and I ordered an entire box. Tragic. Overall, I wouldn't come here again nor would I recommend this place to anyone.
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Adam T.

Yelp
Great spot for an afternoon snack. We ordered 4-5 different empanadas and baked treats, and enjoyed the friendly service and homey back patio.
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Celeste F.

Yelp
Staff was friendly but the empanadas were bland and overpriced - $9.50 each! The most expensive and plain empanadas I've ever had . I was craving empanadas so much and it was a let down. It's a tourist trap - not worth it. The yucca fries were delicious but also expensive.
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Jaclyn M.

Yelp
S E R V I C E: My boyfriend and I were waiting for a table at the restaurant next door, and decided to get a drink. We were happy to see that this cafe had beer! We were greeted by the only worker at the store at the time (it was close to 7pm) and he was very sweet. He held a conversation well, gave great recommendations, and was all around a nice guy. We enjoyed our beer and light snack before dinner! F O O D: I had to try out their alfajor because of Yelpers raving about it! It had two soft cookies with a chewy caramel inside and shredded coconut on the outside - it was delicious! But my favorite thing from this cafe are their empanadas! I loved how you could tell which empanada was what because they had the name baked on the side of it! It was really cool! We brought home two chicken, one pork and and one beef. The chimichurri sauce was the perfect pairing to these empanadas! O V E R A L L: We had such a great experience here, we stopped by on our drive home. The energy is great at this cafe and I would love to come back and order more empanadas!

Dulce H.

Yelp
Great coffee with homemade syrups! We had their iced vanilla latte. Didn't try their food but it looks amazing, will definitely come back. Cute and welcoming:-)

Mrs. B.

Yelp
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.