Guava Tree Cafe
Guava Tree Cafe offers authentic Latin American and Caribbean cuisine in a cozy, house-like setting. Known for arepas, sandwiches, and unique drinks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Guava Tree Cafe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Guava Tree Cafe offers authentic Latin American and Caribbean cuisine in a cozy, house-like setting. Known for arepas, sandwiches, and unique drinks.
"Don't sleep on eating here! When I tell you the papelon changed my LIFE!"
Try Yucca Fries
Don't miss the yucca fries with their amazing aioli dipping sauce, a highly recommended side.
Don't Skip the Papelon
Reviewers rave about the papelon, calling it life-changing; a unique raw sugar lemonade.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Latin American, Caribbean
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Arepas and Sandwiches
Indulge in flavorful Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, featuring signature arepas and hearty sandwiches.
Unique Papelon Drink
Experience the life-changing papelon, a raw sugar lemonade steeped with cinnamon and clove.
Cozy Converted House Ambiance
Enjoy a charming and cozy dining experience in a beautifully converted house setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Yucca Fries
Don't miss the yucca fries with their amazing aioli dipping sauce, a highly recommended side.
Don't Skip the Papelon
Reviewers rave about the papelon, calling it life-changing; a unique raw sugar lemonade.
Visit Nob Hill Location
For a charming experience, opt for the Nob Hill location known for its cozy and intimate setting.
Lunchtime is Popular
Visit during lunch hours for popular menu items like yucca fries and pernil sandwiches.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Yucca Fries
Don't miss the yucca fries with their amazing aioli dipping sauce, a highly recommended side.
Don't Skip the Papelon
Reviewers rave about the papelon, calling it life-changing; a unique raw sugar lemonade.
Visit Nob Hill Location
For a charming experience, opt for the Nob Hill location known for its cozy and intimate setting.
Lunchtime is Popular
Visit during lunch hours for popular menu items like yucca fries and pernil sandwiches.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guava Tree Cafe receives praise for its authentic Latin American and Caribbean flavors, particularly its signature arepas, sandwiches, and yucca fries. The cozy ambiance of the converted house setting is also a highlight for many. However, some reviewers have noted issues with portion sizes relative to price and occasional greasiness.
"Been coming here since they opened and am so excited for them to be celebrating 15 years in 2025! Wonderful people, amazing food (everything is great but the pastries are so so good), and really enjoy the walled patio out front. First place I ever got to try cafe con leche 🥰. I hope I get to come back for many years to come."
Ru Stempien
"Food was great. Service was quick and courteous. The atmosphere was somewhat off since the restaurant is located in an old house, however someone could call it old fashioned, rustic, or quain. Had Cubano sandwich and pernil sandwich."
Tom Tomkat
"If you’re Latin and craving for some “vague Latin” food, this is the place. It’s super authentic but not very married to any specific ethnicity. They have the good coffee, not that gringo stuff y’all drink. Very nice Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican friendly things. Wouldn’t know more because I’m not super familiar, but they also seemed to have very Colombian friendly cuisine. Basically you’re Latin and in NM, do yourself a favor and chill there for a hot second - maybe get some brunch and enjoy the atmosphere."
Naomy Quiñones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include arepas (Arepa Pabellón, Arepa Machilla, Arepa del Perro), Cubano sandwiches, Pernil sandwiches, and yucca fries with aioli.
Yes, reviewers describe the Papelon (a raw sugar lemonade steeped with cinnamon and clove) as 'life-changing' and highly recommend it.
The restaurant is set in a cozy, converted house, offering a charming and intimate ambiance with various seating arrangements.
Yes, Guava Tree Cafe offers vegan options, such as the Arepa Machilla and La del Gata, which can be made vegan by omitting cheese.
The Nob Hill location is often recommended for its cozy and charming atmosphere.
Yes, the arepas are gluten-free and made fresh daily with various fillings.
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The Best Restaurants In Albuquerque, New Mexico
Opened in 2010 by Maricarmen Pijem and Diego Barbosa, Guava Tree Café is a cosy and intimate eatery featuring cuisine inspired by the flavours of Latin America and the Caribbean. Located in Nob Hill, this café has a lively ambiance and delicious menu with both savoury and sweet items available, including vegetarian specialities. Savoury highlights include the Cubano sandwich with house-roasted pork, sweet ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread and the more unusual arepas – cornmeal patties stuffed with ingredients then baked.
What Albuquerque restaurants has Guy Fieri visited on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’?
The owners of Guava Tree Cafe met in 2004 in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, and moved to Albuquerque in 2008, where they serve the very best of their childhood home kitchens in Colombia and Puerto Rico. Some popular dishes from this restaurant include the Cuban sandwich, café con leche, Luciano, el guava pollito, pernil, and ajiaco. Known for their arepas, a popular South American flatbread stuffed with various fillings, Guava Tree Cafe was named one of the 50 best restaurants in America by MSN.
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Albuquerque
The Guava Tree Cafe in Nob Hill offers Caribbean and South American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Their Arepa Machilla (a small version of puffy dough cake-like tortillas) contains black beans, sweet plantains, roasted veggies and fresco cheese and their La del Gata contains avocado, sweet plantains, sweet peppers and cheese. Get either dish without cheese to make it vegan.
Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM
If anyone in your family attended the University of New Mexico, they no doubt rave about the nearby Guava Tree Cafe. This hotspot provides a great sample of affordable Latin and Caribbean cuisine, served primarily during lunch hours. Popular favorites include yucca fries and the pernil sandwiches, made with a special recipe of crispy pork.
TASTES OF TIN CAN ALLEY: 4 OF THE FOOD HALL'S BEST RESTAURANTS
This café has a hip yet cozy vibe and is another great place to stop for lunch with their extensive to-go South American menu. Patrons love the unique flavors and chance to enjoy another type of Latin cuisine. Their arepas are gluten-free and made fresh daily with ingredients like shredded beef, plantains, black beans, and avocado.
The Best Street Food Spots in Albuquerque
Guava Tree Cafe is a beloved street food establishment located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Since 2010, they have been serving up delicious and authentic street food to the local community. With two locations in Nob Hill and Tin Can Alley, Guava Tree Cafe has become a go-to spot for takeout.
40 Best Restaurants in Albuquerque, NM for 2025 (Top Eats!)
118 Richmond Dr. NEAlbuquerque, NM 87106(505) 990-2599 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Guava Tree Cafe is a family-owned laid back eatery serving Latin-American cuisine in a unique setting.
Highest-rated Restaurants With Outdoor Seating in Albuquerque by Diners
- Rating: 4.6/5 (433 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 118 Richmond Drive Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico - Categories: Latin American, Caribbean, Sandwiches- Read more on Yelp
What is your favorite food hall and why? : Albuquerque
Sawmill has a Cachos Bistro some of the only vennisuellian food in town. El Vado has Buen provecho (some of our only costa rican food)
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