Women with Croatian roots from Peru and Paraguay move to Zagreb and open café 

Monica Soljančić and Geraldine Horna Morales (Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

By Paulina Mlinarić

Two women of Croatian heritage have left successful legal careers in South America to begin a new chapter in Zagreb, opening a café that combines Croatian roots with Latin American culture.

Monica Soljančić from Paraguay and Geraldine Horna Morales from Peru, both descendants of Croatian emigrants, recently opened Capibara Caffe in Zagreb’s Kačićeva Street.

Inspired by the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, the café is built around the animal’s association with peace, friendship and community in South America.

The interior features dozens of capybara plush toys, creating a warm and family-friendly atmosphere that has quickly attracted visitors of all ages.

Families with children have travelled from cities including Karlovac, Rijeka and Pula, while parents appreciate the smoke-free environment.

Although they grew up in South America, both women have maintained strong ties to their Croatian heritage.

Soljančić’s family roots are on the island of Brač, while Horna Morales traces her ancestry to Korčula. Both learned Croatian and say they have always considered the country an important part of their identity.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

The pair first met through the Club of the World Croatian Association, where they bonded over their shared backgrounds and desire to build a future in Croatia.

Despite qualifying as lawyers, they chose to pursue a completely different career path.

Their aim, they say, was not simply to open another café but to create a welcoming space where people, particularly families with children, could relax and spend time together.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

Transforming the premises proved challenging, as the building required extensive renovation. Much of the refurbishment and interior design was completed by the owners themselves, with artificial intelligence also used as a tool to help develop the café’s design and layout.

The name Capibara Caffe was suggested by Monica’s husband, Ivo, during a light-hearted conversation and soon became the foundation of the café’s identity.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

The menu reflects the owners’ South American heritage, offering traditional yerba mate served both hot and cold, alongside a popular mate latte. Guests can also choose from empanadas, sandwiches, cakes and a range of desserts that blend Latin American and European café traditions.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

The café has also become popular with Erasmus students, particularly those from Spain and France, who are drawn by the Latin American music, salsa rhythms and relaxed atmosphere.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

For the owners, the capybara represents the values they hope every visitor experiences, peace, friendship and togetherness.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)