Welcome to Pao’s Pastries & Cafe
At Pao’s Pastries & Cafe, we blend tradition and innovation in every bite. Located in Van Nuys, this charming women-owned establishment specializes in Bolivian cuisine, offering a delightful range of pastries, sandwiches, and hearty soups. Their standout item, the salteña, is a savory treasure that captures the essence of Bolivian comfort food. The cozy atmosphere, complemented by options for outdoor dining and vegetarian choices, makes it ideal for families and groups alike. Committed to sustainability, Pao’s uses compostable containers and plastic-free packaging. If you're seeking a unique culinary experience that celebrates flavor and community, Pao’s is your destination.
Pao’s Pastries & Cafe: Reviews & Ratings
Service great. I got to ordered salteñas to go over the phone. And I love having my frozen salteñas at home.
Great family restaurant and cafe. The service and the food were great and quick. Highly recommend coming and trying the Saltenas. I also ordered the Silpancho, which makes a great breakfast/brunch. I will be coming here again!
It looks like a mom and pop operation which love supporting. Had the salteñas, which were really good. I did not like one of the pastries I had for dessert (it tasted kind of stale). Lady tasted it and insisted it was fine but changed it to something else regardless.
Bolivia; not one of the most known countries in South America, but the food and culture is second to none! Food here is amazing, come try a salteña , a juicier version of the traditional empanada.
Their salteñas are the BEST! Not sure if my dad requested it but they didn't put olives, raisins, OR egg. Egg is fine but I never eat the olives in my salteñas and I don't like my salteñas sweet (with raisins). We had their chicken salteñas as part of our Thanksgiving feast and everyone was raving about them. They were so good. The sweetness of the bread and the savoryness of the filling was a perfect combination. I could say they were as good as my grandma's. Sorry abuelita! Don't haunt me! Yours were the very best! If you're looking for some good salteñas or if you've never tried Bolivian cuisine, you must try Pao's!
Saltenas were so delicious!!! So flavorful and delicious! Please please try them when you are in the area! Friendly service! Thank you!!
I love supporting small, local businesses! No one will serve you better than a business owner and their handpicked employees. Great little café I found exactly when I needed one as I waited for my car repairs. My Latte was good. Didn't order anything else but enjoyed my break in the peaceful dining room. (Indoor & outdoor seating). Their food options look seductive. The Pique a lo Macho and Silpancho look alluring, just to name two lunch plates. Hope to come back. No complaints.
Overall I am REALLY happy I stopped by Pao's! It's a super tiny shop and the one worker I interacted with was very nice. I went with a chicken saltena, cheese empanada, and three alfajores which totaled about $14. The cheese empanada was tasty but a bit disappointing, as my photo shows - WHERE is the cheese!? You get a super thin filling on the bottom of the dough and that's about it. But the dough itself has so much flavor I was really shocked by it, in a good way. The saltena however was to die for. It was hefty and filled so much with tender chicken, veggies, and plenty of jus. The alfajores were delicious too! Soft cookies with thick dulce de leche and crispy coconut. My only wish is that they have options without being rolled in coconut as I like it more without and would also love to bring some to a co-worker who is allergic to coconut. I'll definitely be back for more regardless!
Location
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14449 Friar St Van Nuys, CA 91401 Hotline: (818) 844-6421
Welcome to Pao’s Pastries & Cafe, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Van Nuys, California. This charming cafe not only offers a diverse menu of mouthwatering pastries and sandwiches, but it also serves as a welcoming community hub that embraces the essence of Bolivian cuisine.
At Pao's, diners can indulge in traditional favorites like salteñas, which are akin to a juicier version of empanadas, filled with savory goodness that captures the rich flavors of Bolivia. Customers rave about the well-balanced sweetness of the bread and the hearty fillings, making them an irresistible option for lunch or a satisfying snack. For breakfast or brunch, options like the Silpancho are also a hit, providing a robust start to your day.
The cafe is not just about the food; it emphasizes a commitment to customer satisfaction. Many reviews highlight the friendly service, creating a warm atmosphere that feels like a family operation. Indeed, the attentive staff ensures that every experience is memorable, whether you’re ordering a meal for takeout or enjoying the cozy outdoor seating.
- Vegetarian Options: The cafe proudly accommodates various dietary preferences with a plethora of vegetarian choices.
- Convenience Features: Expect quick service, QR code menus, and multiple payment options, including credit cards and Apple Pay.
- Community Focus: As a women-owned establishment, Pao’s Pastries & Cafe actively supports its local community, ensuring that dining here is about more than just a meal.
- Respect for the Environment: Pao’s is committed to sustainability with plastic-free packaging and the use of compostable containers, enhancing the dining experience while showing respect for our planet.
Don’t miss out on their signature espresso and coffee choices, made from the finest Italian Lavazza beans, or their refreshing fruit-infused waters. For adults, the carefully curated selection of wines, including the 19 Crimes Hard Chardonnay and Bertrand Cote Des Roses Rose, complements the flavors beautifully.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Bolivian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Pao's Pastries & Cafe promises a memorable experience filled with great food, friendly faces, and a community spirit that keeps people coming back. It’s not just a meal; it’s an adventure through flavors, a place where everyone feels at home. Come for the salteñas; stay for the community!
