Encuentro Cafe

Alejandra Gomez Corales

2 months ago · vía Google

Finally a Venezuelan place that is adapted yet still preserves the authentic flavor of Venezuelan cuisine. It is not easy to match and find the flavors and fresheners of South American/Caribbean ingredients up here, but I left this place full of nostalgia. As soon as I saw the menu and saw they had Chupe, I was curious and scared because, as simple as it might look, this soup requires some technique to find the perfect balance with the cream and cheese, so you don't get that floated feeling from the diary, but I still decided to give it a shot and OMG, I literally felt like my grandma was in that kitchen. I can't even explain how perfectly cooked this soup was, it was so flavorful, fresh, healthy and homemade. I also ordered the Tequeños, which are a must-do at every Venezuelan restaurant, and it just confirmed that I was in the right place and that I'll have more than one reason to go back. The staff was welcoming, friendly and very attentive and their prices are the cherry on the top, considering the quality and portion sizes; 6 tequenos appetizer + bowl of soup + bottle of sparkling water for $30. Are you kidding me? go to Miami and you will only get the tequenos for that price. 10/10 Special shout-out to the chef and Diana. I can't wait to go back.

Haylee Jane Monteiro

4 months ago · vía Google

Lovely vibe and food and probably the best restaurant in Old Towne San Diego! Mexican spiced mocha - 12/10 Got this iced coz it was hot out. SO good! It disappeared in no time! Husband and I shared but we could totally have gone for more. El Criollo (Shredded beef, scrambled eggs, rice, black beans, tomato, cheese, arepa) - 10/10 There is a lot of it going on on the plate here but it's all absolutely needed! Caribbean Salad with chicken - 10/10 Got this for some lean veggies and protein - so good and loaded with pecans too! We didn't really use the dressing! Quesillo - 9/10 It's like a venezuelan flan! Lovely texture and flavor; I recommend having the toppings separate and the Quesillon plain! Mini Cachapas - 12/10 This was our favorite item among everything we got. Proper soft cachapas with the mano cheese inside was absolutely lovely!

Alec Lopez

6 months ago · vía Google

A great Venezuelan brunch experience. The arepas were bountiful and huge and delicious. The salsas served with the same were really good. The mango jugo was fresh, not fake, and very tasty. Their breakfast special (el criollo) was also tasty, really good shredded beef. But in my opinion, the arepa bar selections were standout. Location and staff were great as well. Friendly, accommodating and the location was quaint, clean, very nice, and easy access to old town for the día de los muertos festival. Great job!!

Jamal Clark

3 months ago · vía Google

Stopped over at this place on a whim and it turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. We stopped here on a Sunday morning around 9:30 and we got seated immediately. I would recommend getting here around this time on the weekends as there was a good sized line waiting outside once we left, about an hour later. Our waitress was very nice and explained some of the menu items as there were a couple items that I was unfamiliar with. I ordered the Mexican Spice Cocoa, which was $6 for the small and was extremely delicious. Perfect for the.colder mornings. I then ordered the Latin Lover Board which came with Tequeños, 2 mini empanadas, tostones and 2 mini cachapas. My favorite were the cachapas which were sweet corn pancakes with queso de mano inside. The pancake was sweet and pleasant and the cheese added a nice mild and creamy taste, which complemented well. The empanada and Tequeños were perfectly fried and the meat filling in the was not greasy like some empanadas can be. Overall definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a place for brunch by Old Town.