The owner of Cafe Carambola sets the bar for yielding intentional exceptional customer service, and care. As soon as my teammates and I walked in he warmly greeted and welcomed us, he then kindly walked us through the menu and daily specials. The restaurant offers a few tables to dine inside, it's brightly decorated with beautiful pictures and art. Everything was freshly prepared that day, and menu selections could all be prepared per dietary requirements (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, etc). Everything I ordered was delicious, the salad and vegetarian Carambola sandwich was excellent. The tea was tart, and refreshing with fresh fruit; it was perfect. Anytime you're in Coeur d'Alene and you're seeking a remarkable meal do yourself a favor by having lunch at Cafe Carambola you won't be disappointed; I highly recommend! read more

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Wish I could give this amazing- family-owned- restaurant a 10 start review! Great, fresh, high quality food. Extremely friendly owner and staff. We couldn't make a decision on what to order, and he sat next to us and explained the entire menu one item at a time! Try the watermelon ceviche, never had anything like it before! read more

Cafe Carambola - Latin American Near Me - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

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In town for work and I found this gem. Café Carambola did not disappoint. As soon as I walked in I felt welcomed. The owner greeted and guided me through his menu. The El Peruano sandwich was amazing. Make sure to try the habanero salsa if you enjoy spicy. He paired it with a black bean mango salad cured in lime...omg this was also amazing. The fresh water had a great flavor and for a hot summer day it was very refreshing. I came during a late lunch and the place was packed. I would definitely come back. Great atmosphere. read more

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This is a hidden gem. I came because of the other reviews and they were right 5 stars. The food is a flavor bomb of Latin cultures. The perfect amount of heat and perfect balance of sweet salty and savory. Wish I lived here but will definitely come again. Sooo good!!!! read more

Excellent food. Family run restaurant that is all about the customer. A unique treasure. When they run out of food they are done for the day. read more

From the very first bite through to the final sip, our lunch at Café Carambola was nothing short of exceptional. This little gem tucked in downtown Coeur d'Alene delights on so many levels. The menu sings with creativity and fresh ingredients -- dishes that feel both familiar and excitingly new. The salads are vibrant and full of flavor, the sandwiches genuine, and the soups comforting yet elevated. Every item tasted thoughtfully composed and lovingly prepared. The latin-fusion theme works beautifully here: big flavors, fresh produce, and a sense that each bite is crafted with care. What really elevated the experience was the service. The owners and staff are so welcoming, friendly, and attentive that you feel like a valued guest, not just a customer--maybe we are valued seeing that we have been going for almost 17 years! The cafe has a warm, genuine vibe -- modest in size but rich in character. The setting is casual but polished, making it ideal for a relaxed lunch that still feels special. We appreciated the personal touches: the owner checking in, offering suggestions, making us feel comfortable and engaged. * Every dish came with freshness and bold flavor -- no filler, no compromise. * The service made the visit memorable. * The fusion concept works and doesn't feel gimmicky -- it feels right. * It's clearly a place that cares: about food, about guests, and about craft. If you're looking for a lunch spot in Coeur d'Alene that's just a little bit different -- full of flavor, personality, and warmth -- Café Carambola is a must. I especially appreciate the off menu items the owner makes me at every stop because I don't eat me. For my fellow non meat eaters, I suggest the La Potena no meat, extra jalapeños, and a side of their off menu habanero sauce! read more

The food is so tasty and fresh. I love their menu with so many choices. Carlos always welcomes us and keeps the front of the dining area going so people are willing to wait as we search the display case with their salads ect. The place is always clean and a great place to bring a friend. read more

Colomba has a very fine-tuned sense of flavors. All her dishes are amazing! Carlos greets us all so warmly and makes us feel so welcome. All in all, we are so lucky to have this is a wonderful gem here in CDA. read more

Everything they do here is done with love! The food and drinks were bursting with flavor and you can tell that the owner (who took my order and served our food) REALLY cares that everyone has a wonderful experience. I have zero complaints and every reason imaginable to return... what a gem of a restaurant Coeur d'Alene has in Cafe Carambola. I can see why my mom and sister have been telling me to go here... I'll be back read more

I have been here 3x and will visit many times more. I had the The cubanito and the mexicana sandwiches which were so good it will be hard to order something different next time. Also had the Friday tamales, best I have ever had, wow. Wife ordered the watermelon and shrimp ceviche (yum!) and some delicious ginger, mango and coconut soup which was off the charts good. It just feels like you are feeding your body something good when you eat here. Love it. read more

This was AMAZING. I moved to Idaho 5 years ago and this has to be THE BEST food I have tried in the state. Everything was so flavorful and unique. We are only visiting Coeur d'alene for a few days but I am going to have to eat here again before we leave. The owner was extremely thoughtful and accommodating and even gave us a few slices of tomato so that our 7 month old (who has food allergies and couldn't eat what we were eating) could enjoy the meal with us! Truly can't explain how much we appreciated that. read more

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Carambola is off the hook. Someone recommended this place or we would have never known it was here. It's in an unlikely business mall where I think it's the only restaurant in it. Drove by it many times without knowing it was there. But now that my wife and I have tried it, we won't be able to help wanting to stop here. It's amazing. It is a very small place, so if you want a seat, you must get here early or late. Luckily, we came at the end of a rush for our first time. The co-owner, Carlos, is a super charming guy who is there to serve you well and make sure you have a wonderful experience. His wife, the other owner, is the main cook. The food they gather together and cook is amazing. You would think avocado, tomatoes, and onion mixed together for a salad would taste just like what they are. But these guys add some kind of magic to it that makes it something else, something greater than the sum of those ingredients, and it is very good magic. The couscous dish is equally amazing. Then, you get to the main course; the sandwich. I ordered the La Poteña with chicken and my wife had the El Peruano with chicken. Both sandwiches were delicious on their own. Then he brought us some habanero sauce to spice it up. Oh man, that made it super delicious. So glad we each ordered the large so we'd have some to take home. Accompanying these sandwiches, in addition to the sides I mentioned above, we ordered the roasted carrot and hazelnut soup. That does not sound like a good combination, to me, but it was a most wonderful soup. I wished I had a bucket to take home; so good. For a drink, I ordered the Jamaica with full cane sugar while my wife had half sugar half non-sugar. It is a plentiful and delicious drink. Another thing I could have had a bucket of. This will be a new favorite for us and we can't wait to come back. read more

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Not only is the food spectacular at this adorable, warm, welcoming cafe, but the service is the best you will find anywhere. The people who run this place are kind, attentive, and genuinely nice. I cannot recommend this marvelous, charming restaurant highly enough!! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

We were passing through Coeur d'Alene and a friend reccomended this place for lunch. It's a pretty small restaurant, but still had great ambience. We ordered sandwiches and quesadillas and everything was brought out quickly and was delicious. I highly recommend the black bean and mango salad too. We will definitely try more things on the menu next time we come through. read more

I simply asked the owner to surprise me and told him I was hungry. He delivered a sandwich, soup, and a watermelon based salad. The soup had almost a pumpkin or squash color. The sandwich was beef based I believe. It had a hint of some intangible taste that was so good. And then the salad- also delicious. So basically I trusted his judgement. I also had asked a lady behind us in line and she said everything is good. So true. read more

We passed on all the downtown options due to the ratings here on Yelp. It is absolutely well worth the 12-15 minute walk, and deserving of the 5 stars. The owner greeted us, explained the menu, and was not shy about offering samples! I had the cubanito with a side of mango bean salad, tasted so good. My wife had a lentil green apple soup that was so silky smooth. Everything tasted freshly made, mild spice level and authentic. There are two large drink concoctions at the register, hibiscus and lemonade I think. Mix them together for a perfect refreshing drink. 100% will return. PS it's on the lower level of the shopping center in the middle. read more

Cafe Carambola - a close up of two glasses of liquid - Latin American Near Me - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

This was our first time visit to CDA, and we had researched and read this place was great. Wow- it didn't disappoint. Everything tasted so fresh and flavorful... I read no matter what the soup special is-just get it. So glad we took the advice. That's one I'll be thinking about for a long time. Everything was yummy but that pasta salad makes it on every post for a reason- it was delish!!! Also- get that tea!! The owner(s) and employees were just amazing- so warm and genuine. They even attract the kindest of customers, who were the friendliest people we had met on our visit so far. The ambience is just great in there- it's as if everyone knew each other and that the owner knew every single customer. There are a couple outdoor tables if the inside is too crowded. I'd also say this would be a great place to order to-go and have a picnic outside or eat at home. Done gushing and hoping next time we'll be able to try these tamales everyone was raving about (but only available on Fridays and the locals tell me expect a line out the door as soon as they open). read more

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Every time I'm in CDA I always roll through, best customer service and humans I could ever imagine who deserve this business Thank you Carlos and Colomba, I absolutely love them both so hard! -Lorna read more

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The Cuban sandwich was outstanding along with the delicious corn chowder! When in the area I will go again, and again, and again! The owners were very friendly read more

Love this cafe! Delicious and unique ! Latin infusion...flavorful without being spicy. Favorites: read more

Great food! Healthy delicious options, very generous portion sizes. Great ambiance! Great staff! The coffee is a unique blend & very delicious. Just passing through town, highly recommend to everyone. read more

Found this place on Yelp and lost didn't go in. It's tiny and in a strip building. Quaint ambiance. But the food, my God, the food. Fresh, simple and incredible taste. The service is great and the owners care for every customer which is very rare in this post-covid restaurant world. For the money, this place delivered one of most satisfying, comfortable dining experience I've had in a long, long time. read more

Cafe Carambola - Hibiscus and mango mix. Super fresh. - Latin American Near Me - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

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Incredibly fresh and delicious food! Several vegan options that were all very tasty! Excellent customer service. I highly recommend this place!!! read more

WOWWWWW SOOOO GOOD! Owner was super cool and helped to take our order - guiding us on the different options for some of the dishes. We also got a %something% + plum drink that was super fresh and very good. The food came out quickly, and everything was full of flavor. While the quesadilla was very good, I wish I would have gotten a half panini/soup-of-the-day after having tried my partners. Highly talented chef and excellent service = 10/10 highly recommend!! read more

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Food was very good and was full of flavor. Carlos and his wife, have an amazing restaurant with great ambiance and decoration. Tables are nice and hand painted giving it a nice touch. Staff was really nice and attentive. Would highly recommend. read more

I have been meaning to try this place but I'm a vegetarian. I decided to go and they made a "P2" for me and it was outstanding! I plan to take my BF who eats meat but I now know all of their salads and even a sandwich is there just for me. Great service, very attentive. read more

Cafe Carambola - a sandwich and salad on a plate - Latin American Near Me - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

The best Latin American food I have ever had! Great, friendly people too. I wish I lived 30 miles closer so that I could eat here every few days. Wonderful place. read more

Flavorful and fun. A true family favorite! From a foodie husband to a very picky child, everyone in our family loves Cafe Carambola. The friendly colorful atmosphere is so inviting. It's like stepping into your favorite vacation food spot right in our hometown. We've tried so many dishes on their menu and love everything. My husband's favorite is the seasonal watermelon ceviche and the club style quesadilla. read more

Service is kind & fast. Ambiance is quaint and welcoming. Food is outstanding-unique and honey flavors that I look forward to every time I am traveling in CDA read more

This place is so amazing. Highly recommend. My usual is the Peruano wrap with watermelon ceviche

One of the best lunch spots in CDA. Amazing food, and hospitality! I will definitely return when I'm back in town.

Oh my god!!! I'm 59 and this is the BEST food I've ever had in my entire life! One bite of pure freshness and you are taken to a faraway happy land. I will be back often! They are open only for lunch, 11-3, get here early. WOW!! I'll be here for Tamale Friday!! read more

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I'm not a tortas girl but loved this place. Small but mighty. The salads were so beautiful I had a hard time choosing what to try. The titas was calling my name but I wert with the bean salad and it was delicious! Packed with locals so I knew I was in the right spot. read more

I love this restaurant!!! The owners are soo nice && the food is absolutely incredible. The shrimp & watermelon ceviche is tooo diiiie for. And the mixed drinks they have every day are also so yummy. I always get the p&p sandwich w/ the jalapeño salsa. 10/10 HIGHLY recommend eating here read more

I originally ordered a medium carne asada torta. Instead I receive half of some kind of shredded meat torta that was just about the size of my small hand. All for a whopping price of $7.45, which gives it the 2/5 stars. Didn't even come with a drink. As far as flavor, it was ok, 3/5 stars. read more

Cafe Carambola - Carnitas torta. - Latin American Near Me - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

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Probably some of, if not the best food you can get in the Coeur d'Alene region. The owner and works give the best service and are so kind and the decor reminds you Latin American with the clay pots and mugs. Absolutely amazing! read more

This is a long standing favorite that never disappoints! The flavors are incredibly unique and fresh. Try the Shrimp ceviche, you won't be disappointed! The family that owns and runs this restaurant obviously take a lot of pride in their creations and outstanding customer service. They also cater parties. read more

Great daily specials. Sandwiches and salads are very popular- get there early! Great owner and staff. read more

I've been here twice. Got the quinoa bean and kale salad the first time and had to get it a second time, but was also recommended the tomato and avo salad (I even got a sample first) and it was equally as amazing. Sooo fresh and who knew a salad with just tomato and avocado could be so delicious. The red lentil soup was amazing and it took me a second to realize it had apples in it... interesting combo but so good!!! The staff are incredible. Worth every penny. I'm a local and will for sure be back. read more

Cafe Carambola - Red lentil and green apple soup, quinoa, Bean and Kale salad, tomato and avocado salad - Latin American Near Me - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Every sandwich and every soup is delicious. Everything is so fresh. I thought that I didn't like quinoa until I ate here. It's sooo good. We always share a sandwich, quinoa, and the soup of the day. They split it for us every time and we never asked them to! Best food with the nicest owners. If we ever get married, we hope we can get them to cater. read more

Cafe Carambola - Latin American Near Me - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

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