After moving to Kingfield this fall, my husband and I had dinner here twice in December (had a gift card for one visit). The food was good (not great) both times - our favorites were the conchas and the Chile En Nogada (stuffed pepper app). The borrego (lamb shank) was lackluster with an uneven mix of winter veggies (95% potatoes). Honestly, we feel that they should update their menu, especially if they want to keep prices above the $20 mark and stay competitive with what other Mpls restaurants are dishing out ;). Atmosphere is promising, seems good for groups. It was quite nice on our Friday night visit - sparkling, inviting, full of happy people in small-big groups. Our server was energetic and sincere; great service. This nice ambiance was lacking on the second trip - it was a slow night, yes, but all the votives on the window sills had gone out and not been cleared (or replaced, even just 1 for our table would have been nice), and a soda can was on the sill by our booth and not cleared... Plus, the second server was slow with the steps of service. We just weren't impressed with Cafe Ena after recently visiting Tilia, La Grassa, Barbette, and Heidis; the value in the overall experience didn't seem to be there. We won't be returning soon without another gift certificate deal... read more

We have retuned here for diner and lunch at least 6 times in the past year. The food is perfectly prepared, great selection, excellent friendly staff. I have introduced at least 5 other diners to his unique experience. Can't wait to go back b read more

Not impressed. I seriously thought I was coming here for elotes and tacos since I had a taste of theirs at the latin street fair that recently passed last month or so. Of course I could've looked at the menu beforehand but I was sitting at 4% battery with no backup charger and I still had to GPS myself there. When we arrived and walked in, we were thinking like, this is a bit fancier than we thought for getting tacos and elotes. After we sat and looked at the menu, no elotes or tacos but a fancy menu. We were like, ok fine, we will see if we stumbled on a good spot. We ordered the ceviche to start. Not the typical ceviche we had in mind. It was actually more like a salsa with chips and it was quite liquid-y. It was also served in a soup bowl. It was good but not great. It was very citrus-y which made it refreshing. It had a lot of seafood meat in there which was also a plus. I just wish their menu stated that it came with chips so we knew not to order it. **On a side note: our server was not very helpful at all. He didn't explain the menu to us or ask us any questions other than the, what to drink and what would you like to order. For our entree, I ordered the Borrego (Roasted rack of lamb, fingerling potatoes, haricot beans, caramelized cauliflower, truffle oil, demi glaze). The seasoning on the lamb was really salty and herb overload. I asked for medium rare but got medium which was fine. I just couldnt get over how salty it was. The fingerling potatoes and green beans were good though. My friend ordered the Concha (Pimenton crusted sea scallops served with asparagus-red onion risotto, lemon butter sauce, sautéed spring greens, topped with fresh mango salsa). She loved the scallops. She didnt care too much for the risotto but she was hungry so she finished most of it. She was still hungry. Haha. I dont know if its that we didn't have/order the right things to really enjoy this place or that we came on an off day, but I unfortunately wouldn't consider returning. I really wanted to like it because I grew up in the neighborhood and really like the area, but it just didn't work out for me. read more

Real solid food! I went with a friend and we shared the plantains, the empanadas and the lamb. The plantain were good as plantains always are. For the empanadas we followed the server advice and had the vegetarian ones which were delicious: the crust was crispy and crunchy and perfectly cooked and the filling was flavorful and moist. Then came the perfectly cooked lamb with the crispy potatoes and the semi-sweet squash. A great combination of flavors and a pretty generous portion too. Loved all the dishes. I would go back any day for a well cooked, down to heart but somewhat refined meal. read more

We visited Cafe Ena last night and it is a nice atmosphere. We started out with the guacamole, which is a lime juice cover tower of guac chunk goodness. It was very delicious. Of course to add to the flavors we ordered Sangria. The chunks of fruit in them really added to it. For the main course I ordered the Pescado, which is salmon and there was some artichoke chunks on it. That was a good addition too. The only bad thing about it was that it was a bit too salty. But that might just mean that is was freshly caught ;) I ordered the cheesecake for dessert and I loved both the presentation and the taste, but hey, how can you go wrong with cheesecake! read more

Quiet little neighborhood place with good service. Happy hour goes until 5pm & offers $3 wine & $5 apps like the guacamole everyone loves, a shrimp dish & empanadas. We tried the spinach salad (nice portion, fresh, simple) the tostones (the best we have had apart from my husband's Puerto Rican mother's) & the lechon (awesome gnocchi & sauce, the meat was done just right but the whole dish lacked cohesiveness). Located right across the street from Patisserie 46, you can walk over & grab dessert after dinner. We will return. read more

Lovely place, lovely food. Ceviche was outstanding, with some unusual bits of seafood thrown in (calamari, etc.). The portion was very generous for a ceviche, served in a deep bowl with tortilla chips. I had the red snapper for a main. It had an interesting Caribbean twist, while nodding to the traditional huachinango a la veracruzana that I love so much in Mexico. It was served on a bed of garlicky mofongo, rich in olive oil. The presentation was lovely, with bright red tomatoes, steamed spinach, and nicely broiled fish. I plowed through it in half the time my companions took with their dishes. My friend's polenta-crusted grouper looked like a score too. On the other hand, the mushroom ravioli looked stodgy, and quite heavy for a summer dish. I was drinking horchata, so can't attest to the wine list. Glancing at it, it looked fairly standard, although reasonably priced. Service was accommodating and deferential. The patio was very attractive, although traffic was noisy. That's not Ena's fault, of course. If you can block out the sound of cars passing, it's a gorgeous place to pass an hour or so an a summer evening. Excellent addition to Kingfield. read more

Tried Cafe Ena based on reviews in Yelp and I was not disappointed. The food is a fusion of Mexico / Argentina / Caribbean with a french schooled approach to cooking. I had the Pork dish from the menu based on the waiter's recommendation. It was food the way I like it - an interesting and creative combination of fresh ingredients with a backdrop of flavors blended in an innovative manner. I asked for a glass of the Rioja, but they were out and instead the waiter provided a glass of an Oregon State blend of Tempranillo and Syrah that was excellent. Great service, nice decor and very good food. read more

We sat outside in the patio, there was some wait for outside, about 20 mins, on Friday evening. For food: Ceviche is not the traditional ceviche, but was mixed with amarillo sauce, so it looked like a bowl of cold soup. It was very delicious, may be a little much lemon for my taste. Conchas was just perfect. The scallops and risotto were cooked perfectly and was very delicious. Berros salad was really fresh and tasty. The servers were very polite and professional however the service was slow. We were in a hurry but the dinner took us 2 hours. Go there for relaxed dinner with plenty of time! Overall I highly recommend this place, I would go there again! read more

Ena - Campesino salad - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Went there for brunch in a large group (10). Service was amazingly slow even though the place was close to empty. It took about 45 minutes to get coffee (maybe they were surprised that we ordered coffee on a Saturday morning?). It was cold inside and we all had our jackets on (it was February, but still - maybe turn up the heat so your customers don't count the minutes 'til the can leave). After all that, the food was excellent. Everyone loved their food (all ten of us!). So, in the hopes that it was just on off day, with wait staff calling in sick and the heat broken, I'll give it another try. read more

I love going to Cafe Ena for the sandwiches, they're huge, and affordable! The meats are juicy, and I love the combination for vegetables that come on them. Haven't tried their dinners but judging how good the sandwiches are I'm not too worried. The decor is perfect, any direction you look there is some kind of cool detail that some artisan created. I love this place, and I would highly recommend it. read more

One of my Wife's favorites....we have been there multiple times and always had a great meal... Great food, great wine selection...cozy interior and friendly service... read more

Why don't I go to Cafe Ena more often?! I always have an amazing meal, and I love their cute little space. The service is maybe the best part--a warmth and welcoming feeling of a sweet Latino family owned operation. Our table wasn't quite ready when we arrived, so they promptly offered us a beverage while we waited. The malbec was delicioso. Fresh guacamole, yes! Free bread, yes! You know how Chilean sea bass is amazing, right? Cafe Ena makes it even more amazing by wrapping it in prosciutto. Tripe yes! The parsnip and leek puree was slightly sweet to balance the balsamic vinegar roasted brussel sprouts. Amazing. Churros for dessert were fun. Not my fave choice from the offerings on the menu, but the cinnamon ice cream and chocolate dipping sauce were tasty additions. I will be back. Pronto! read more

GREAT WINE LIST! Classy comfort food on the menu. A place that is a step up from Olive Garden, but won't break the bank. Great for birthday dinners or dates. read more

Ena, the namesake of Cafe Ena, is a very cute little girl, who was once lunching near us during one of my many visits to Cafe Ena. How sweet is that? I've been to Cafe Ena for lunch and dinner and I went again last night. I love the location and the way it has brought energy, fabulous Latin energy, to a new corner of SW Minneapolis. I love the service. The waitstaff has always been friendly, attentive, timely and wonderful to interact with. The decor is also great; it's rich in an artsy, warm kind of way. Going here makes me feel the delight of going out to eat, with other diners enjoying an evening out with other neighborhoodies. The food is often wonderful, now always, but often. I've gone on a few Sunday nights when it just didn't have it. Most of the time, however, I have gone home happy. Dinner always starts with a bread basket with yummy flavored butter--easily wins everyone's heart. The appetizers are routinely tasty. The menu has changed recently, but I usually get a fish dish. Carnivores have lots of choices. There is one vegetarian entree. Last night I had the homemade guacamole & chips which were divine. I had the tuna entree, rare, atop garlic mashed potatoes and some delicious greens in a tasty sauce. I'd recommend going to Cafe Ena, asking for recommendations and going with the flow. Your experience will be rich and deep. read more

Heavenly. The people at Café Ena know what they are doing. Everything I've ordered here has so much love into it, and tastes impeccable. Two years in a row this has been my go-to place for Dining out for Life (http://www.diningoutforlife.com/Minneapolis). Located in the Kingsfield neighborhood on 46th and Grand, it's in a mostly residential area. Park along any of the side streets; they don't have a parking lot. From I-35W and exit 46th and go west a few blocks. Truly all of their menu items that I've had are delicious, it really depends what types of main dishes you enjoy. Lots of seafood, and it's all very tasty. If you're dining in a group, I'd recommend everyone get something different and just pass plates around and try a variety. The ceviche appetizer is delicious. Whatever you get, save room for the churros at the end. For drinks, get the Sangria. Order a carafe/pitcher and split it with someone. They take major credit cards and reservations. Love this restaurant. read more

I've only been here once, but it was an experience I'd repeat any time! Cafe Ena is a small place with only 74 seats. That's a good thing. The staff is friendly and not overwhelmed. With a smaller area your server is always nearby and available for more drinks or an extra round of bread - the chipotle, honey butter is amazing. The setting here is cozy, dark and warm. It's very inviting. The food was fantastic and the menu looked like you couldn't go wrong. Lots of seafood and Latin inspired foods. We had to ask for recommendations and at one point asked the server to make the call. Everything was very good. 5 stars is nearly impossible, but if I could toss them another half of a star I would instantly. Check them out. You'll enjoy it. read more

Came for work, sat inside and listened to eclectic music. I would recommend the guacamole. It is chunky and great flavor. For the main had lamb chops. Ordered them medium and they were over cooked. The veggies were tender and great. read more

Dangerous place if you have food allergies. We ordered takeout for a celebratory dinner. I reminded the host that because of a food allergy, we needed to order the Lubina (the sea bass, which comes with pistachios) with no nuts. (I had to remind them that pistachios are a nut). In addition, I asked that there be no sauce put on the fish, just in case. When we got home, seeing that there was no sauce on the entree, my son took a big bite, and immediately felt his cheeks swell up. Pistachios had been sprinkled all over the fish! After we doused him with allergy medications, I called Ena to verify if there were nuts in the fish (or if he just had a random allergic reaction). The person who answered the phone said, "No nuts," and then, after I asked, "How about pistachios," they said, "Yes, pistachios." I then asked to speak to the host who had initially taken my order, and they verified that the kitchen had in fact put pistachios on the fish. When I mentioned that we have a serious allergy in the house, which is why I gave careful instructions, they answered, "It was a miscommunication." I reminded them that life-threatening allergies is not simply a "miscommunication." I hope Cafe Ena puts some serious protocols in place to prevent something like this from happening again. While Ena gave us a refund, the damage done to peace of mind (especially for a family who has to deal with serious food allergies) cuts very deep. read more

One late evening I was frantically searching for a restaurant to go out to with my girlfriend. Since neither one of us are decision makers we decided to flip through the Minneapolis food finds magazine and stop on a random page. Cafe Ena is the page the we just so happened to stop on and I now believe that it was fate that helped us find one of our favorite restaurants in the cities. Upon finding Cafe ena we immediately wanted to have a seat on the patio which is very fun and quaint. It is as if you are sitting in a far away land surrounded by flowers and people drinking wine and enjoying fine dinning. We ordered a root one Cabernet which was perfect for the setting. We ordered one of the specials which was a Latin Jumbilya. The flavors were unbelievable and the service was fantastic. Our waiter was very helpful in helping us navigate the menu and also in advising us to order it a little spicy to help compliment the tastes of the jumbilya. Cafe Ena has won a new place in my heart and we will continue to go back to experience fine dining with outstanding atmosphere. Guys, if you want to take a girl out, this is one of those places that will make her very impressed with your taste in restaurants. read more

Great quality of food and excellent service. The patio outside is also lovely in the summer.

The menu was expensive for the food I got. I got the mushroom quesadilla for $12. I received the meal and the rice and beans where not hot. No chips and salsa offered either. read more

Cafe Ena was a lovely retreat on a cold Saturday evening in January. Immediately I felt warmth and ambiance as I walked through the door. The server was hospitable and very knowledgeable. We had a corner booth near the windows but the restaurant was still warm. The four of us shared the guacamole and the calamari. Both were delicious. We all had a different entree and all were very good. The presentation was very artistic. I am cautious about ordering scallops in MN and although the dish was prepared well and exceptionally flavorful the scallops had the grit I find interferes with my taste experience. I will say the risotto was amazing. Everyone else liked their food, steak and grouper. The Sangria was a bit of a disappointment too, more like a fruit punch and less like wine.The dessert was good but the coffee was served cold. Still, I would go back for another dish and the ambiance. read more

All the food was very good - the salmon, tuna, guac. Prices were in line with the serving size, which was a little small. Good wine list and cava by the glass. They do not have a full bar. Again, another solid neighborhood restaurant worth a visit, and the type of food served differentates from other restaurants in the area. read more

The server literally ruined our night. I asked a simple question of how pink a medium steak would be and his ultimate response over a tedious and contentious back and forth was that he needed to press a button for "medium", "medium rare", or "rare". Don't be deceived by the price point, this is a lower tier restaurant. read more

I can't think of a thing I would change about my two experiences here at Cafe' Ena. The flavor combinations are comforting to the palate - exciting enough to be worth the moderate price, but not so outlandish as to insult. The prices are moderate - around $20 for an entree. The service was solid - actually had the same guy both time (can't remember his name). The place is adorable, the patio is perfectly secluded, the location is flawless...I love this place! Everyone doesn't have to like it, but everyone should at least check it out! read more

Amazing food! We haven't had anything bad from here. Highlights are the guacamole and ceviche. Chunky and fresh. The guac has a little bit of mango for a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors. The bife de chorizo is big and actually cooked medium if you ask for it that way. Very moist and not dried out. I've had numerous fish entrees paired well with vegetables or a sauce. The flavor combinations are always good. If there's room for dessert, have one! read more

Wow. The absolute best Halibut dish I've ever had in my life. Mind blowing flavors that complimented each other so well. Tried some of the other dishes on the table - all phenomenal. Love this place! read more

Really a 3.5, but I'm feeling generous today! Came for dinner during Restaurant Week - $30 for three courses. I love the inside - good decor, nice vibe. Only problem is they cram a lot of tables into this small space. Tables are very close together, so we chose to sit at the little bar that looks onto the kitchen. Despite the fact that there are chairs there, we were clearly in the way of servers trying to squeeze by. The place was pretty crowded for a weeknight, and the host seemed a bit frazzled, but she was very nice, and the overall service was great. Salmon crostini to start. Really good flavors with thinly sliced salmon, goat cheese and avocado. The bread wasn't at all toasted, which was kind of a bummer. Main course - pork with a really tasty lime/butter sauce with capers and asparagus. Appreciated the ability to swap out the Gorgonzola mashed potatoes with "regular" sour cream ones. I'm not normally a big mashed potato fan, but these were really good, especially with the sauce. Dessert - lemon pie was fantastic. Tasted a lot like my stepmom's lemon icebox pie. Served with a vanilla ice cream that had an interesting flavor to it (I swear, it was not vanilla!). BF had the flan, which was good, but the caramel may have been overcooked as it had a bitter taste. Wine was very good, and the chipotle/honey butter with the bread was a nice touch at this Latin Fusion place. Agree with Amy Z that parking is kind of tough this time of year, especially with the silly "no parking on the even side of the street" rule through this month. So, give yourself enough time, and expect to walk a block or so! read more

I had a chance to try cafe end with a friend for restaurant week after many failed attempts at parallel parking I finally got it right so I could start my dinner darn you for not having a small lot! I guess it should have expected street parking but hey I'm a suburbs kind of gal. Went into the restaurant and realized how much smaller the place is something you would call a neighborhood gem. The staff was extremely friendly and quick to greet us upon our arrival, and the tables are all different looking but with the same theme going if you know what I mean. We choose the three courses off the restaurant week menu for $30 included a spinach, apple, nuts, and goat cheese salad with a light vinaigrette dressing very tasty start. Then went on our entree we both choose the pescado salmon i am still dreaming of this dish. SOO amazingly good the salmon was perfectly cooked not dry and the crispy fried things that come on the plate made it even more better. Lastly churros with a spoonful of ice cream. Perfect dinner for a perfect night catching up with a old friend. Hopefully I'll get a chance to stop by again for a lovely romantic dinner with the Boyfriend. read more

I had eaten here before years ago and remember it being okay, nothing to scream from the rafters about, but my return visit was not inspiring. Out of a group of eight people, five Argentines, one Mexican, one Salvadorean, and the obligatory Yankee, no one really liked their meal. Obviously this is not a representative sample, but you'd hope that as a "latin fusion" place the cuisine would at least appeal to the collective or individual tastes of diners familiar with bits and pieces of the menu it purports to offer. Four of us ordered the bife de chorizo and reported it was bland and tougher than it ought to be. I thought the chimichurri was off-tasting and I was unpleasantly revisited by the chimi taste long into the night and the next morning. The highest rating anyone gave the dish was a 6/10. Others had a seafood dish that was reportedly uninspiring as well. I would say that this place sacrifices excellence and authenticity with any one country's dish for a kind of bland "fusion" that will appeal to the midwestern palate. Probably why it has been successful for as long as it has while others have gone by the wayside. Ambiance and service was good, can't knock that, but a fair two stars is "I've experienced better," and I certainly have. read more

I am going to give this place a 5/5 for everything, service, food, interiors. One of the best places in the city for a date night. The Guacamole here is probably the best I've ever had. It just leaves you craving for more. Yes if you are a vegetarian, there are going to be fewer options to choose from,but you wouldn't go back disappointed. I am not a very salads kinda person but I liked them here. Not too much dressing yet had a zing to it. We picked the churros for dessert. Another win win ! I am surely going back. read more

I want to call this restaurant "my restaurant", though it is not. Everything about Cafe Ena is a treat. The food is phenomenal, the outside porch seating brought me back to my days living in Europe, the server knew his stuff and I felt at home. I was especially impressed with our server when I asked him about a bottle of wine and he honestly told me that there were better ones on the menu. My boy friend and I ended up ordering a bottle on his suggestion, then going out and buying a stock of the same brand later because of it's incredible taste and body. We ordered the Spanish Jambalaya and I words will do it little justice... The tastes were savory, the quantity was perfect and the authenticity took us on a vacation for the night. read more

Went to Cafe Ena on a hot summer day. I think the inside is a tad drab so I liked being able to sit outside under the cover of their patio umbrellas. The ceviche and chips was SO good. They have those thick fried chips. I got the Arroz con Pollo and it was to die for. The flavors were perfect. My dad loved his Cubano sandwich as well. Our waiter was also great -- I'm bummed I don't remember his name. It's a little more expensive there than what I usually go for, so I'll probably just try to go there with my dad as often as I can :) read more

Had a pleasant dinner there on Sunday. We had come to the area for a street fair that turned out to be a joke but dined on the lovely flower box enclosed patio. I had a great homemade Sangria which was a happy hour special. $5 regularly $6. They had a nice selection of Mexican Coca Cola, juices and other sodas. My boyfriend had the steak and truffle fries, yum with artichokes. I had the scallops (3) with a risotto like in the middle. It was all right. read more

If you are looking for a tour of Latin American and Carribean Cuisines, Cafe Ena is your one stop shop. The atmosphere and decor is simple and casual, leaving the entertainment to the dynamic dishes. Want to kick start your taste buds? Start with the Ceviche, Guacamole, and empanadas. Cool off with the Sangria. Then get ready for their seafood dishes. Dont jump the gun and order off the menu. They often have some great specials to offer as well. A few entrees to consider: Rincon (fCorvina fish) Conchas (seas scallops). Finish the evening with churros. Service is always friendly, attentive, and very accomdating. Reservations recommended. read more

I just ate at Cafe Ena last night with three friends. I think some of the dishes were hit or miss--The pork was overcooked, as well as my friend's steak. Still tasty, just not cooked to order. My Salmon was probably the standout dish on the menu. My girlfriend's scallops were okay, but nothing special. The half price bottles of wine were appreciated and we had a couple. The Ceviche was again, good, but nothing that I haven't had before. This place seems to do some nicely done everyday dishes with a latin twist. It won't blow your mind, but you'll have a nice meal. The prices aren't outrageous but on the higher side of what you should pay for what you get. Dinner for four of us with two appetizers, four entrees and two bottles of wine as $171 plus tip. The service was okay, but they seemed a little understaffed. I'll go back, as it's in the neighborhood, has decent food, and is a good place to mix things up a bit. But I don't think I'll ever be a regular. My two cents. read more

What a tasty find in my neighborhood! I didn't even know this place was here. I'm was a fool. Had dinner on a friday night with reservations. The place was pleasantly packed, a good mix of neighborhoodies and what looked like some folks from farther south on lyndale (i could tell by their hair). My guest and I enjoyed the flight of wine. Our server was kind enough to mistakenly use the large glasses with actual proper pours. a line up of 6 glasses of wine looked odd, but they didn't stick around for long. We ordered the tuna tartar for starters. It was very delicious. Next time I'm going to try the ceviche. Our entrees were equally tasty! I ordered the grouper that was on special, and my guest ordered the steak. after a few bites, we would switch plates. both were served with a variation of mashed potatoes; the steak with garlic mashed and the grouper with onion mashed potatoes. both were tasty! but, my favorite... the lemon pie! so creamy and delicious. almost reminded me of my grandmother's lemon merangue. almost. i hope to go back. it is a little pricier than my usual weekend dinners, but i felt like prices were fitting for the portions and quality. read more

I went there with my family today for lunch. One thing that was different was the menu from the website was very different from the menu that was present at the restaurant. Subsequently, I was told that the website is not right and that the site is cafeena.net rather than .com. They are unable to edit the .com site. On the day we went they were quite busy with many patrons and one person covering the entire floor. She did a tremendous job in taking care of all of the tables and remembering everything. I cannot say the same for the kitchen as I felt they delayed the food somewhat, while the girl was running around all over. The food that we received looked good and tasted good as well. It was great, filled the hunger that we had but was not unique. It was pretty unoriginal and generic. I expected something far more unique due to the fusion label and feel that the restaurant did not deliver on that. Overall, it is a safe place to go for good food and a nice atmosphere. However for a unique fusion experience, I don't think it fits the bill. read more

Good pricing great food. Sangria is great, as is the cerviche and guacamole. small and intimate and knowledgeable staff. Would def come again. 2nd time with family, had the Argentine steak. Reliably good each time. Prices not pretentious. read more