Cafe Guarani — Restaurant in Pacific Grove

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...

The Empanadas are delicious and the amazing people that own this business have kept the awesome vibe of the vintage healthy restaurant that used to be here, many years back, in the old days of the Granary Market!

The perfect hand pies have a wonderful crust and are protein packed. There are so many delicious types and the accompanying chimichurri condiment is green gold!

They obviously take so much care in the baking and preparation of these delicious treats! The name of the establishment as well as the flavor or type of empanada is stamped into the crust of each individual pastry.

The restaurant has maintained so much of the original character, and seems somehow elevated even beyond what I remember growing up with back in the day. The restaurant is immaculate, but still has the brick and furnishings that made it so unique to me.

As an original granary market employee from many years back, it warms my heart to see something so handmade with such love and care in this space. The fact that the empanadas are incredibly delicious, makes me rejoice in this business and want to support it as often as possible.

For my nephew, who was in town celebrating his college graduation, there was a vegan empanada, as well as gluten-free baked goods. The vegan empanada is really tasty 😋

We definitely love this place and it’s a quick grab if you’re on the run and can’t sit and enjoy the atmosphere (and...

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...