Restaurant Cafe Valparaiso

Address:	1403 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA
Phone:	+1 510-841-3800
Site:	cafevalparaiso.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	Closed 11:30AM–3PM 11:30AM–3PM 11:30AM–3PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–9PM

Location

Photos 69

Reviews 28

obrapro

The only thing I like about this place are the empanadas. Traditional. Baked perfectly with the egg wash on top of the masa (dough), crunchy outside, moist inside. The Pino (meat/onion) ones are spot on!!! Perfect taste, just like moms. The cheese ones are really cheesy and fun to eat. I laugh seeing gringos use a knife and fork to eat empanadas here. You dont eat a hot dog with a knife and fork do you? Empanadas are chiles hot dog, use your hands! All that being said, it took 45 minutes to get 2 empanadas, 1 cheese, 1 pino. Way too long!!! Plus, no Pebre!!! Thats chilean salsa to you gringos and a MUST when eating empanadas chilenas! Come on now! Next time, Im bringing my own. Overall, the food is very homey but really nothing special flavor wise. That being said the entrees are over priced by $5 and anything with a $23 price tag is $8 to $10 over priced! The service is slow but the waiters are nice, just need some more pep in their step. The worst thing about this place is the horrible decor. Plastic and cheap. Faded old posters from Chile, old looking tables and chairs. Just bad. Clean but bad, bordering on lame. They need a professional designer for everything they do from their logo, website, menu to the interior design. Im just talking about my impressions and experiences eating at this spot from its LaPeña days to its new location in Albany. Ill never have anything but empanadas here. ¡Viva Chile Mierda!

Karen Nierlich

Enjoyed Cafe Valparaiso immensely last weekend in their new location on Solano Avenue in Berkeley. The new dining room is bright and fresh...much brighter than where they were before. Tried several dishes...ones we loved were the humitas from the appetizer menu. Thats fresh corn with green onion in the husk. I had Pescado Frito which is battered red snapper. It was so light and delicate. My husband had a super flavorful dish, Lomo Saltado. Which is tri-tip with spices like onions & jalepenos.

Randall Cook

I just ate at Valparaiso with my family. We loved it. The kids (who can be picky) raved about the food, as did my wife. The portions can be large, so we have plenty of leftovers to look forward to enjoying over the coming days. It all felt like comfort food: lots of meat, eggs, and potatoes. But it wasnt bland. Subtle flavors abound. Its so nice to have a great alternative to Picante for family dining out.

Mickell Lethco

Incredible authentic food from Chile. The owner is super nice and accommodating too! I had my birthday dinner here with a big party and we never felt like a burden. The owner came out and meet everyone and even offered me a birthday dessert! Super nice and again the food is to die for. I had the pastel de choclo and its even better than when I had it there!

Obaid Sahar

Love the place, I ordered the whole chicken that came with Rice and salad. As well it came with this delicious sauce that we had to ask for seconds. Well worth the price.

Skyler Tegland

I love this place. The empanadas are delicious, but my favorite is the Lomo Saltado. With Sangria, of course. Bring a big group so you can share across the whole menu.

Jefferson Saltos

Its a little expensive but its worth it. I always order my Carne mechada and pastel de choclo they are so delicious oh and of course the sangria wow the best .

Dan Shick

Foods mediocre, and it seems theyre always closed for some event connected with the neighboring La Pena (but its only closed Mon & Tue, to be fair).

Carlos Andrade

Pastel de Choclo and pastel de mil hojas are great options.

Ping Fahn

Had the lunch special Chicken salad and fries and watched the Italy vs Uruguay world cup game on their big screen. great food, friendly staff!

Richard Hay

This is where I will be at 1300 PDT on Saturday June 28, 2014 to watch Chile v Brazil Best churasco sandwiches and empanadas Chile gana!!!!

C G

Great authentic Chilean food. Great taste, top-notch ingredients and friendly service.Try the seafood empanadas or an authentic Chorrillana

Eric Forno

Great beef dishes, delightful Pastel de Choclo (with meat or vegetarian), friendly owner, used to be at La Pena. Glad theyre still around!