Machu Picchu Cafe — Restaurant in San Francisco

Very cute new Peruvian-owned cafe right next to Balboa Park station! The empanadas are made in-house by the owner (who also owns another restaurant) and are a good size for the price. I got the beef empanada, which tasted really hearty and rich. The outside texture was flaky and golden. The accompanying chimichurri sauce paired well with it.

The drink menu is solid. I got the bombom latte is delicious and rich, and just the right amount of sweetness, not too sweet. It was also huge for the price. They have non-dairy alternatives like oat milk and almond milk.

The people working here really care about good food and drinks, and are happy to explain what anything on the menu is (like the orange latte, which is orange juice with a shot of espresso - I'd never had it, though the guy working there said people love it). The pink tree, floral and glitter walls, local art, and whole atmosphere is such a nice vibe. There's free Wi-Fi as well in case you're looking to study or get some work done. There's plenty of good seating.

Note that you get a discount if you pay in cash. Also, parking in the area isn't great because of the proximity to Balboa Park BART. I came on a Sunday and I had to park and...

Accidentally visited on their grand opening day and was treated to Peruvian cookie and croissant.

The cookies were super flaky and delicious! The caramel inside had the perfect texture—so gooey!

Beef Empanadas: The outer crust was very crispy, and the filling had a unique spice flavor, kind of like cumin 🤔? It was mixed with onions and a bit of chili powder, making it not greasy at all. The beef was tender, and it was so addictive that I finished it before I even realized it!

The sauce had a strong chili and onion flavor—tangy and spicy, which perfectly balanced out the richness of the empanadas!

Latte: The coffee itself was great, but I felt the milk foam wasn’t thick enough. I hope next time I can get more velvety foam!

Overall, this is a nice spot to check out if you’re passing by. It’s a great way to experience Peruvian coffee and appreciate the owner’s unique taste in furniture and...

This place is so cute! This cafe just opened and I looooove how they decorated the space. It has a nice mix of cool and cute decor.

We got a couple of chicken and beef empanadas, which were both really good, and a few coffees. I tried their iced orange coffee to be adventurous (I never considered mixing orange juice and coffee), and I was a bit surprised about how well the flavors worked together!

The guy behind the counter was super nice with giving us recommendations, and he even let us try some Peruvian chocolate!

All in all, super happy this now in the neighborhood. It’s a bit slow at the moment, but I am sure it will pick up once folks know it’s here. (I also hear their menu may be expanding in...