Most açaí bowls sold in California are blended with juices, powders and frozen fruits, sacrificing authenticity for sweetness. At World Green Açaí, the bowls are served traditionally: pure açaí with no added mixes.

Located just a 15-minute walk from Redwood, the family-owned restaurant has become a regular stop for students looking for a healthier lunch option. Owned by Brazilian natives Roberto Saldanha and Laura Rabelo, the restaurant focuses on serving authentic açaí.

World Green Açaí opened about six years ago, just a month before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Despite the difficult timing, Saldanha and Rabelo stayed committed to building a restaurant rooted in Brazilian traditions.

Inspired by the popularity of açaí in his home country, Saldanha aimed to introduce a more traditional version of açai. 

“My açaí is only açaí, no mixes, no powder. That’s the real way from Brazil,” Saldanha said.

Importing ingredients from Brazil comes with challenges, especially when it comes to shipping time and cost. 

“The açaí is expensive because it comes from Brazil. It takes 45 days to arrive,” Saldanha said.

Over the years, World Green Açaí has built strong connections with Redwood students. Its close proximity and quick service make it an easy stop during lunch or after school. 

“Students come every day. I try to make it affordable and healthy for them,” Saldanha said.

To make the shop more accessible, Saldanha offers a discount designed specifically for Redwood students, providing them with a cheaper option compared to regular menu prices. The “Redwood Bowl” comes with 12 ounces of organic açaí and four toppings, lowering the price from $24.25 to $13.25. 

In addition, the restaurant has an option for students to order ahead through an app called World Green Açaí. Ordering through the app allows for quick pickup, making it easier to fit into a short lunch period.

Sophomore Knox Donnelly visits the restaurant regularly, and said the shop stands out from other nearby dining options. 

“It’s the most traditional açaí you can get around Redwood,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly believes World Green Açaí stands out for both its food quality and atmosphere.

“Even just the bowls make me feel like I’m in a traditional Brazilian restaurant,” Donnelly said. “Compared to other açaí I’ve had, it’s definitely my favorite.”

The sense of authenticity is reflected not only by the food but also by the restaurant’s environment. Inside, colorful tables and an abundance of plants create a relaxed and tropical vibe.

“All the plants and the splatter-painted tables make it a nice environment to eat lunch in,” Donnelly said. “The restaurant has a certain decorative style that makes it seem like the owners wanted to create a homey feeling.”

Saldanha said creating that type of atmosphere was just as important as the food itself.

“People come here not just to eat. They relax, they stay and they enjoy their time,” Saldanha said. 

The restaurant includes outdoor seating as well, allowing customers the option to enjoy their meal outside, even when it’s raining.

“They have a really nice deck outside with an overhang. So when it’s raining, you can still sit outside and eat,” Donnelly said.

Throughout the years, Donnelly has become familiar with the owners and appreciated the environment of the restaurant.

“Over time I started to go more and more and they’d start recognizing me by name,” Donnelly said. 

The shop has even attracted famous visitors. According to Saldanha, former Giants player, Barry Bonds, and former Warriors’ player, Leandro Barbosa, are regular customers. 

For Saldanha, community connection is one of the most rewarding aspects of running the business.

“This business is my baby. I love organizing, cleaning and everything,” Saldanha said. 

Saldanha’s goal has always been to share the experience of real açaí as it’s served in Brazil, paired with a welcoming environment that encourages building connections with customers.

“I love the people here. Marin is very beautiful, and the customers are very friendly,” Saldanha said.

For students who stop by after school or during lunch, World Green Açaí offers something different from typical options nearby. Between its authentic food and the friendly atmosphere, the restaurant has become more than just a quick lunch stop for customers.