About
Welcome to Cafe Rumba, a vibrant Peruvian gem nestled in the heart of Bellingham, Washington. Located at 1140 N State St, this eatery showcases a culinary journey that shoots straight to the taste buds. With a reputation founded on rich flavors and authentic dishes, Cafe Rumba has quickly garnered a loyal following among both locals and travelers alike.
As I stepped inside, the rustic charm of the dining area enveloped me, a hodgepodge of Latin American vibes that encouraged relaxation and enjoyment. The ambiance is undeniably warm, making it an ideal spot for a cozy lunch or a lively dinner with friends. The cafe's limited outdoor seating offers a lovely alfresco dining experience, especially on those sunny Washington days.
The menu shines with a variety of Peruvian offerings, and based on rave reviews from patrons, it’s easy to see why. Customers have hailed dishes like the Butifarra Royal, Pollo Tocino y Palta, and Choripollo as must-tries. Each sandwich is a delightful mélange of textures and flavors, expertly layered to create an unforgettable experience. For instance, one diner praised the tacos and quinoa bowl as a “complete home run,” with flavor combinations that left them eager to return—even if it meant a long 19-hour drive back!
What’s more, the accompanying sauces have been highlighted as unique and essential to the Cafe Rumba experience, elevating each dish to a new level of deliciousness. One satisfied customer noted that the soup was “not too salty or too rich,” perfectly balancing the myriad flavors that define this cuisine. The cafe also hosts delightful weekly deals that cater to both seasoned visitors and curious newcomers, showcasing the culinary prowess of Peruvian food.
Cafe Rumba is not just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant community hub where food meets culture. Customers cherish the prompt service and cool environment, making every visit feel special. Whether you’re a lifelong Peruvian food enthusiast or a newcomer ready to dive into culinary exploration, Cafe Rumba promises an experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves you with a smile.
So, whether you're here for the phenomenal sandwiches or the unique flair of Latin-inspired dishes, Cafe Rumba is sure to become a favorite culinary destination in the Pacific Northwest. Don’t forget to drop by on a Saturday for some salsa, adding an extra groove to your dining experience!
“ On our way down to Seattle we wanted to stop for a quick lunch and decided to give Rumba a try. None of us had ever tried Peruvian food so we had no expectations. The food was a complete home run, 10 out of 10 from the Taco's, the sandwiches and quinoa bowl all of the choices we tried had so many flavors layered upon each other and all playing so well together. We will most definitely be back when though it is a 19 hour drive. ”
“ Everything was delicious. We tried all the sauces and they were all unique. Sandwich was excellent, Id like to try them all! Soup was also excellent. Not too salty or too rich, just perfect. ”
“ Best Peruvian sangucheria I've ever visited. Service is prompt. It has a rustic hodgepodge atmosphere that feels Latin American. It is commonly very steamy in the whole shop. None of that matters because the sandwiches and sides are something very unique and rare in the PNW and some of the most delicious food for lunch in the whole city. Their weekly deals on Monday, Thursday, and Friday are awesome. They even have Salsa the third Saturday of the month. I've had great dates and been out with friends here. Great to sit outside on a beautiful day. I grab a Butifarra Royal, Pollo Tocino y Palta, or Choripollo almost every week. ”
“ Great food & good vibes what else could you ask for haha ! Definitely will be coming back ! ”
“ Absolutely amazing food! They have a few tables out front for a nice alfresco dining experience. The dining area indoors is very basic. Highly recommend this restaurant for the excellent sandwiches and drinks. And stop in next-door for coffee and pastries! ”
“ I've never had Peruvian cuisine and I was looking forward to trying something new. I was not disappointed! My only recommendation, is bring your appetite and lots and lots of napkins. I got the chicken, avocado, and bacon sandwich with a side of potatoes and a passion fruit juice. The sandwich was brimming with all sorts of amazing flavors. Everything melded together into a beautiful cheesy, messy bite. What didn't make it into my mouth, I happily ate with a fork. The potatoes were covered in a house made sauce that was fragrant and spicy. Very spicy, which I loved. The passion fruit juice was sweet and tangy. A very nice compliment to the rest of the meal. I would definitely recommend Cafe Rumba and will definitely eat there again when I'm in town. It was really yum! ”
“ This place is awesome. I always get the Butifarra Royal as a salad instead of a sandwich, and it’s seriously delicious. The pork is super flavorful, and the sauce it comes with is amazing—it really ties everything together. The food is unique and really satisfying. Today I tried the French toast and it was so good I had to leave a review. I don’t think there’s a miss on this menu. The owner and everyone who works here are super friendly, too. It’s got a great vibe, and you can tell they care about what they’re doing. Definitely one of my favorite spots. ”
“ We loved our sandwiches here!! Big portions and reasonable prices. We had to wait 20 minutes for the 2 sandwiches but at least they were fantastic when we got them ”