El Cafetal Colombian Restaurant — Restaurant in Nampa

Owners Adriana Scarpetta and Triny Silva and their Colombian restaurant were some of the unfortunate victims of the Sept. 5, 2015, arson fire that destroyed the Boise International Market at Curtis and Franklin.

Like a Phoenix, El Cafetal has risen from the ashes 15 miles away on Garrity Boulevard, near the Nampa airport.

The restaurant specializes in many dishes that may be unfamiliar to locals whose only exposure to Latin American food is American-style Mexican. Arepas (filled masa pillows), empanadas, Colombian tamales and beef, chicken and fish entrees are all on the menu.

My friend Drew recommended El Cafetal and I drove over from Boise as soon as I could. What a treat.

I ordered a fish dish that wasn't on the menu but which I had found pictured on El Cafetal's Facebook page. Whole fish paired with yuca and coconut milk in a rich sauce and served with smashed plantains and avocado slices.

I also ordered a guava drink.

Everything was delicious and the service by the owners and another employee was friendly and efficient.

I'm really glad I discovered this gem of a restaurant and will...

I happened to be in Nampa for a Dr. appointment and decided to give Colombian food a try. I ordered their empanadas and deep fried plantain. The plantain was okay but tasted like the oil it was fried in was old or overused which made it greasy tasting. I didn't care for the overpowering flavor of cumin in the empanadas either. Overall the food was bland and uninspired. They didn't offer any iced tea or sodas to drink on their menu, only fruit drinks blended with a choice of water or milk at $8.99 and $9.99 respectively which I thought was too expensive, so I got plain ice water that was just awful, tasted like it came out of a toilet tank. The waitress was quite young, pleasant and attentive. The atmosphere was meh; very open and absent decor with a large screen TV mounted on the wall with the volume too loud on a Latin sports channel that didn't make a pleasant dining experience. I doubt I'll go back again. BEWARE: I got violently ill hours after eating here from food poisoning and reported this restaurant to the...

I (Finally) dropped in to check this cafe out. I had a Combo #1 and a Fresh Mango (Jugo) with water. Both were excellent for a filling and nutritious lunch. I was greeted when I walked in, and taken care of very quickly. The food was served piping hot and straight from the kitchen to my table. I even had to cut the empanada’s in half for them to cool enough to eat. The empanada sauce (on the side in a ramekin) was a tasty green sauce with cilantro, diced onions, and citrus (lime). Probably more ingredients but these were the flavors I picked up immediately. The server Sonia was gracious and pleasant. It was a great experience and I will be returning to try more items. Yes, I would recommend it to my friends and family. Total cost with tip was about $26 (Juice $8, Meal $13). The venue is small but adequate. They have been open for many years. As other people/posters have stated, this is COLOMBIAN fare…not Mexican or similar. Please support them if you are able...