Chica y Café is such a little hidden gem! It's a small Colombian and Peruvian restaurant, and the food is really, really good. Their Colombian tamales, fried empanadas, mojarra frita, patacones and arepas are delicious and taste homemade. The people who work there are so nice and really take care of their customers. There are a couple of tables if you want to eat there, but it's mainly a pickup place. I love finding little places like this. The food is excellent, the people are wonderful, and I definitely recommend trying Chica and Café. You won't be disappoin read more

Chicha y Café - Mojarra frita and Colombian sodas. - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

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Food was delicious. I ordered the mojarra the fish was perfectly cooked and fresh! Compliments to the chef. Provecho read more

Chicha y Café - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

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This place is exactly what you hope to find when you're on the hunt for a hidden gem. It's absolutely delicious--a beautiful collaboration between a Peruvian husband and his Colombian wife. The menu reflects both of their backgrounds, offering a wonderful variety of traditional dishes along with thoughtful fusions from each culture. I started with the Colombian side of the menu because the Colombian half of the team was the one who served me, so I asked her what she recommended. I decided on one of their signature dishes, the bandeja paisa, and it was absolutely delicious--and an enormous amount of food. If you want to leave feeling completely satisfied, or take home enough for a second meal, this dish will certainly deliver. The prices are also excellent for the area. I was especially impressed by the balance of the dish. The pork was prepared in a unique way, and it was fantastic. When the plate first arrived, I was sure I would be taking some home. Instead, I ended up eating every bite right then and there. It was simply too good to stop. I can't wait to return and explore more of the Peruvian side of the menu. There are so many options, and everything looks tempting. To finish, I had a couple of their beautiful soft dulce de leche cookies (I took most of them home as it was just so much food) along with an incredibly strong coffee that kept me buzzing long after the meal. Consider yourself warned: Colombian coffee means business. I also noticed the one-star review claiming that the owners were not hospitable. That was not my experience at all. The owner was the person who served me, and she was doing everything--working the tables while running the entire restaurant. She checked on me at exactly the right moments to make sure I had everything I needed, even though I was the only person at my table and she was clearly busy. It would have been easy for her to overlook me, but she never did--not once, right through the end of my meal. I also watched her interact with the other customers, and she was consistently kind and polite. She is taking English classes and is still building her confidence speaking the language, but she was warm, attentive, and welcoming throughout my visit. Based on what I personally experienced, that one-star review seems completely at odds with reality. Chicha is clearly gaining popularity. While I was there, the restaurant was filled with Colombian and Peruvian diners, and the maracuyá had already sold out for the day. When people from the owners' home countries choose to eat there, I take that as a very good sign. I truly wish we had more places like this. We're lucky to live somewhere that welcomes people from around the world and gives them the opportunity to share their food, culture, and hospitality with the community. I wish we would welcome them more because Chicha is a wonderful example of that--a genuine hidden treasure. My mouth is watering just thinking about the meal, and I'll be back many times before I've worked my way through the entire menu. read more

Love me a good hole in the wall. We ordered and decided to eat outside. Friendly wait staff. They had 2 folding tables and chairs. We came here for the Lomo Soltado and it was good. Beef was a little thick but the flavor was good. Bought 2 containers of their alfajores because they were that good! Will return! read more

Friendly & lovely service at the walk-up counter inside. I ordered 2 chicken and 2 shredded beef empanadas. The girl behind the counter said it would be about 6 minutes for some fresh fried ones so I happily waited. There was 1 beef empanada left inside their front display so I got that one to eat there while I waited. After getting them home for hubby to try we both liked how abundant and juicy the meat fillings were and like the crispy outside crust. Our only critique is that we wished the meat fillings had more flavor and were seasoned more. Nothing that some hot sauce added to it can't fix, but I don't care to add hot sauce if I can help it. The fillings were really bland tasting, but at least juicy. Would like to try other things on their menu, but will skip their empanadas. read more

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I really wanted to like this restaurant because I'm from Novato and my husband is from Colombian. Unfortunately, we left very disappointed. I've eaten at Colombian restaurants all over Queens NY, Florida, and throughout Colombia, so I have a lot to compare it to. This was, unfortunately, the most disappointing experience we've had. The service made us feel unwelcome from the moment we walked in. The owners barely acknowledged us, and even though they speak Spanish, they spoke English to my Spanish-speaking husband. No one explained the menu or offered any recommendations, which made the experience feel cold and uninviting. As for the food, the bandeja paisa was very disappointing. There was essentially no carne asada, and the chicharrón was almost entirely fat with very little meat. What surprised me the most was the lack of hospitality. In my experience, Colombian restaurants are usually incredibly warm and welcoming. The staff often greet you warmly, offer recommendations, and make you feel appreciated as a customer. I've honestly never had an experience like this at any Colombian restaurant. The atmosphere here felt cold and impersonal, more like eating in a hospital cafeteria than a family-owned Colombian restaurant. I genuinely wanted this restaurant to be great and was excited to support a local Colombian business, but between the unfriendly service, the lack of hospitality, and the disappointing food, we won't be returning. UPDATE: I want to address the owner's response because it contains something that is simply not true. I never asked to purchase their $6 empanadas for $2 each. That simply did not happen. Price was never the issue, we spend plenty dining out, and my husband regularly spends upwards of $100 just on lunch. If the food and overall experience had been worth it, he absolutely would have become a regular customer. Instead, we'd rather drive to San Jose for Colombian food we enjoy. Also, my husband is Colombian, not American. I am American. That is why I found it odd that Colombian staff at a Colombian restaurant refused to speak to him in Spanish. De verdad quería que este restaurante me gustara porque soy de Novato y mi esposo es colombiano. Lamentablemente, salimos muy decepcionados. He comido en restaurantes colombianos por todo Queens (Nueva York), Florida y en distintas partes de Colombia, así que tengo muchos puntos de comparación. Desafortunadamente, esta fue una de las experiencias más decepcionantes que hemos tenido. Desde el momento en que entramos, el servicio nos hizo sentir poco bienvenidos. Los dueños apenas nos saludaron y, aunque hablan español, le hablaron en inglés a mi esposo, que es hispanohablante. Nadie nos explicó el menú ni nos hizo recomendaciones, lo que hizo que el ambiente se sintiera frío y poco acogedor. En cuanto a la comida, la bandeja paisa fue muy decepcionante. Prácticamente no tenía carne asada y el chicharrón era casi pura grasa, con muy poca carne. Lo que más me sorprendió fue la falta de hospitalidad. En mi experiencia, los restaurantes colombianos suelen ser muy cálidos y acogedores. Normalmente te reciben con amabilidad, te hacen recomendaciones y te hacen sentir valorado como cliente. Sinceramente, nunca había tenido una experiencia así en un restaurante colombiano. El ambiente se sintió frío e impersonal, más como comer en la cafetería de un hospital que en un restaurante colombiano de tradición familiar. De verdad quería que este restaurante fuera excelente y me hacía ilusión apoyar a un negocio colombiano local. Sin embargo, entre el servicio poco amable, la falta de hospitalidad y la comida decepcionante, no volveremos. ACTUALIZACIÓN: Quiero responder a la contestación de la dueña porque contiene algo que simplemente no es cierto. Nunca pedí comprar sus empanadas de $6 por $2 cada una. Eso simplemente nunca ocurrió. El precio nunca fue el problema; gastamos bastante cuando salimos a comer, y mi esposo regularmente gasta más de $100 solo en un almuerzo. Si la comida y la experiencia en general hubieran valido la pena, definitivamente se habría convertido en un cliente habitual. En cambio, preferimos manejar hasta San José para disfrutar de comida colombiana que realmente nos gusta. Además, mi esposo es colombiano, no estadounidense. Yo soy estadounidense. Por eso me pareció extraño que el personal colombiano de un restaurante colombiano se negara a hablar con él en español. read more

Chicha y Café - Inedible Fat instead of meat - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

I'm really pleased with the abundance of Latin American food available in Novato. One of the newest in Chicha y Cafe, near the Post Office, which we frequented for the first time yesterday. They offer a range of bowls and plates where you can pick one or more entrees and two sides - and a bunch of other main courses, empanadas, arepas, breads, and desserts. I opted for a bowl with chicken and mushrooms, rice, and canario beans, and damn near licked my plate clean. My wife had the Ceviche - peruvian style - and loved it too. The owners are Columbian and Peruvian, so there is a fusion of those two cuisines. There was a STEADY stream of people getting to-go orders while we sat at one of the only two tables they have (they're in front of the restaurant facing the parking lot). They looked like business is going strong - and I am looking forward to dining there again! read more

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Shout out Jose great customer service! Food is great 10/10 I had the beef chicken and cheese empanadas.

Good food and service, yes, yes, yes . Ambiance amazing, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen

EXCELLENT!!!! My coworker who knows a lot about Peruvian and Colombian food recommended this spot to me. I ordered the Pan con Chiccharone, the Tacu Tacu, and the Lomo Saltado. The flavors and textures of these dishes were really special, and they were very filling as well. Worth every penny. There are some authentic Colombian sodas to go with the meal, highly reccommend them if you have a sweet tooth. The staff & service? The lady behind the counter saw my wallet on the ground, picked it up and kept it safe for me. DEFINITELY will be going back to try the ceviche and the empanadas. read more

Omg I'm obsessed. I had this place bookmarked and was waiting for my next opportunity to try it for lunch. Their hours are posted on the door and said they open at 11:30am. It's a small shop with a little bit of seating, but it looks more like a to go style shop. They were open when I pulled into the parking lot at 11am and happily took my order. I waited about 10 minutes for 2 shredded beef arepas. I wish I ordered 1 because I thought it wouldn't be enough but holy moly, they pack this with lots of meat!! It was delicious and so flavorful. It had a lot of cheese and corn, which was so tasty against the dough they use. I also tried their purple corn drink and it's soooo good! The two ladies that helped me were very kind and I'm grateful for them opening earlier than expected. read more

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The lomo here went above and beyond my expectations......coming from a Peruvian .....thats been to alot of Peruvian restaurants in the bay from El mono in el cerrito to incas grill concord... As long as they keep having this plate im going to keep coming read more

Chicha y Café - Lomo saltado added a fried egg (amazing) - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

What a hidden gem! I stumbled onto this while at the post office today. The postal workers raved about their empanadas, I knew I had to make a pitstop :) I ALWAYS try out the Lomo Saltado at any Peruvian restaurant I visit. Oof so delectable!!! The meat was tender to the bite, the potato fries fresh to the taste, and the rice was nostalgic to my childhood. This joint did not disappoint - I'm ready to return and try everything else on their menu :) Hefty portion size, check! Flavor to the max, check!! Best of all, their hospitality and attentiveness to our needs was superb. Friendly cook and hostess, the atmosphere is cozy with two tables outside and a sitting counter inside. I've been yearning for a get down place like this in Novato - thank you! read more

Chicha y Café - Arepa - chicken, plantains, corn, and cheese - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

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Great Colombian food! The service was fantastic and efficient. The place itself is small and it's really just for pick up other than that it's definitely a place to try! Very authentic. read more

This place is amazing! I was picking up some food for a friend from a restaurant next door and I caught a whiff of a meal from Chicha Cafe. I checked in with my order but then hit Chicha for my lunch! I asked them what I smelled and they whipped up another for me! It was soo delicious! I love coriander/cilantro so I'm in love with their rice. They have a great hot sauce that rocks! This place is the best! 5 stars! read more

I've been wanting to try Peruvian food for a while now, and I happened to go to the post office right before Chicha y Cafe opened. I was warmly welcomed by the man working behind the counter when I walked in. After talking over the menu with him, I decided to order a bowl with green rice, red beans, and Peruvian chicken stew. It's absolutely delicious. The chicken is so tender and flavorful, as well as the green rice. I also got the medium spicy mayo salsa that packs a bit of heat, but is so good. It reminds me of a spicy thousand island dressing. I can't wait to return again and try some of their other menu items. If you haven't given them a try yet I highly recommend them. read more

Chicha y Café - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

Very good food underrated as hell the empanadas are delicious. And so are the plantain things those are really good.

The service was lovely! I really enjoyed my encounter with the woman who took my order and served me. The food was delicious, however, I did get sick from it. So my only reason for rating it with 3 stars is due to that. It's pretty important to have a safe kitchen and meet all the regulations for food safety from storage to handling and everything in between. I'm not a good safety inspector and I don't know what his on in the kitchen. I just know it was delicious and made me sick. read more

It's hard to find authentic Colombian cuisine in the Bay Area especially Marin county and the north bay. This is a hidden gem of Novato, an oasis of the comida del "Altiplano Cundinaboyacense" in an otherwise sparse food desert. I was pleased to bump into this spot in the plaza off Novato Blvd (close by the Post Office and Grocery Outlet) I highly recommend it ; It's not a fancy spot, just some simple tables set up outside, a casual eatery though where it truly shines is in the tastes and variety of cultural staples and dishes- the food of which every dish I have tried so far has been excellent! ($$) read more

Chicha y Café - Store front - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

I randomly drove over they flavor is amazing. The food just melts i. Your mouth. I had a plate with beef rice, fresh avocado and tomatoes. Its a must try. Fantastic!!! read more

Está rica la comida pero demasiada sal me ardió el estómago, si usted compra pida que no le pongan mucha sal.

I didn't know they were open because I didn't really see you like an open sign. It is in the corner of the window. I got the whole, which is a lot of food. It comes with one entrée and two sides for $15. I got the chicken stew, which was amazing lots of flavor, red beans And white rice. Amazing I also got a chicken empanada, which I love. Please try them out even though it looks closed. They are not.!!! read more

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Food was really good, with fast and friendly service. Shared a plate with both the beef and chicken stew with beans and rice, loved the homemade hot sauce. Will definitely be back to try more dishes. read more

So happy to finally have a Colombian restaurant in the North Bay. Friendly service and such good food. They also have ajiaco on the weekends even though it's not on their menu - it sells out fast though so get there early. read more

The first time we ate there was good. That was a few months ago. This time it was last Saturday when we bought 6 empanadas to go. Both the chicken and beef empanadas were tough, chewy and lacked any kind of taste or salsa, just meat or chicken plopped into a shell. The chicken had that chicken "smell". We couldn't eat either one. We spent $50, Very disappointing. If we ever return, we'll be very cautious. read more

I never write reviews. The food was so fantastic, the first thought I had when I was leaving was to tell more people about this place. We tried a bunch of stuff on the menu out of curiosity. Literally everything we tried was impressive. Super flavorful, generous portions, unique menu items, reasonable prices (for 2025!). I'll be coming back here several times a month. Highly recommend you try it. read more

Nothing bad to say, small Togo eatery, I got one beef empanada which was in some type of display warmer- was tasty and good size- need to come back and try other foods for good eval. 6.50$ with tax for a good size empanada. read more

Had there Green rice with red beans, pork and Chicken. The pork and chicken were full of flavor and tender. Green rice was fluffy and red beans were perfect. Tres de leche was sooo good! This hit the spot! Novato needs more eats like this! read more

Chicha y Café - 2 Entree 2 side dish - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

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Amazing, the taste, the staff just love it. You can't literally go wrong with any of the delicious options they have read more

Chicha y Café - Grape soda and empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Novato, California

From the moment you walk by Chicha Y Cafe, you're hit with the most incredible aroma. The fusion of Colombian and Peruvian flavors they've somehow taken the best of both cuisines and elevated them into something uniquely delicious for the town of Novato. The owner recommended the Bandeja Paisa and it was extremely generous and flavourful. The beans/ground beef/portuguese sausage/plantains/rice/arepa combo works so well. Everything is next level! Prices are beyond reasonable for the quality and portion sizes ( I purposely buy two for leftovers). I go once a week! Highly recommend! read more

Good prices, had the shredded beef and bean and green rice. So good. I ate it in 3 mins.

Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you. The food here is very tasty and the service is friendly.

Was passing through town and I had an inkling for empanadas. A quick Yelp search brought us to this lovely spot. Nestled into an unassuming strip mall, there are two tables outside and a few seats inside. Wow am I glad we stopped! The empanadas were stuffed full of meat. I had one each of chicken and beef and there were plenty! My friend had a one item bowl with green rice, red beans, and Peruvian chicken stew. Everything was so flavorful and each item mixed together was heavenly. The chicken leg was juicy and tender. Before we left we ordered another rice bowl to go! read more

Friendly staff and delicious food! We ordered takeout and got mixed rice with plantain, Peruvian chicken stew, oatmeal shakes, and Pandebono. Great flavors! read more

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The Bandeja Paisa was delicious. And the service was great. Will come back to try more things. read more

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Delicious Peruvian and Colombian food . Home cooking style . Small but it's nice and clean . Definitely more to go style ! Couples of tables and chairs more Latin American style will be nicer for the decor . Service being good . If they continue , keeping same quality, quantity and prices in the food , every day will be successfully, because people like me stay loyal to places , restaurants and businesses with consistency . read more

I had their plate. The chicken, meatballs, rice, snd beans Everything was delicious. Chicken had potatoes snd carrots like a stew. It was my favorite. read more

The empanadas were delicious. The woman behind the counter was very kind. I took mine to go, but there are a couple tables outside.

Amazing home cooked food, just like abuelita used to make. Amazing quality and service

Great food! I've tried a bowl with Carne Asada, green rice & red beans, which was hearty and tasty. I also tried the cheese empanada, which is deep-fried and delicious. They also have Chicha Morada, a purple beverage in their refrigerator, made from purple corn and cinnamon...delicious! I hope they will also soon serve coffee - I will be going back to see, and to try their plantains and desserts! read more