Thanks to its garden patio, Café Guarani is a relaxing spot to sit with a mocha.

There’s a little, special cafe that leads to a lovely garden, a true oasis alongside the not-soothing environs of Central Avenue in Pacific Grove.

Café Guarani has a foreign vibe and makes one think about cities of Paraguay and Argentina, about the Mediterranean or summer cafes in European capitals. On the coffee menu one finds everything from cafe au lait to many iced options. Among the coffee classics, the cafe lists Guatemalan mocha and Guatemalan spiced mocha. Either fits the mood of the place – perfect meeting of coffee and chocolate based on milk of your choice. The spice version will make your blood flow.

But Café Guarani is more than a reliable coffee place. It comes with a fun food menu that includes not only lunch options, but also original baked goods, like cookies with maracuja marmalade and heavenly milk horns also with maracuja marmalade (with cream or plain). The cafe is also a kingdom of empanadas and, on the beverage side, a destination for yerba mate drinkers.

The interior is wonderful on its own, with worn, comfortable couches, small tables and upholstered armchairs. But it’s the back garden that’s the real treasure, a space with many plants and flowers. Red umbrellas over barrel tables with tall chairs are inviting, as are the outdoor couches that could fit a group of six. That said, when it’s not busy, Café Guarani is a quiet place, perfect for an hour of quiet work on your laptop, a caffeine boost or a quick lunch.

Café Guarani is located at 111 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. 747-1551, cafeguarani.com