Well, now. Finding truly authentic Venezuelan cuisine wasn't on my 2026 bingo card (as the cool…read morekids say), but I'm definitely stamping this square. Dios mio, what a meal! There was not a bad bite to be had. We might've cut the roofs of our mouths with the crisped-to-perfection Patacón, but I don't care--I think all sandwiches should be encased in fried plantain instead of bread. And the succulent pernil filling? Dios mio otra vez! Though, tbf, when is pernil ever a bad choice? Then there was the stuffed-to-the-brim Cachapa filled with carne mechada and Venezuelan cheese. It was enormous. Like, Jesus pulling from the neverending fish basket enormous. It never ended. We had to take it home. But before we did, I practically ate all of the arepa, which was the sweetest, bursting-with-corn-flavor arepa I've ever had outside of South America. It was so good, I practically cried with every bite. Tears of corny joy, mind you. We got an entree of grilled fish (Filete de Pescado a la Plancha), which came with a complimentary side--in our case, arroz amarillo cuz I gotta have my grains. The fish was perfectly crispy on the outside, meltingly tender on the inside. As with everything else, it was also way bigger than it had any right to be. Finally, we ended with what we THOUGHT would be a small item--the Arepa Arcoiris Llanero--but we were mistaken. It was stuffed so full of fresh avocado, shredded chicken, and various veggies that it had to be further encased in a paper wrapper for fear of the arepa wrap giving up on its job. We didn't make it more than a few bites before having to regretfully pack it home, but those few bites were chef's kiss. Venezuela has long been on my bucket list (who doesn't want to see Mount Roraima or Angel Falls?), but until I can get there, I'll be more than happy to "settle" for coming to this beautifully modern paradise of culinary delights. Throw in the huge portions and unbelievably low prices, and it's kind of a no-brainer to make the trip.

At Maracaibo you can expect a lovely environment of hearty music, playful conversations, pretty…read morefood and drink presentations. The service wasn't too bad, my cup ran empty every now and then but wasn't egregious. Let's talk presentation, the way drinks and food come out is clearly something the head of Maracaibo wanted to place extra detail on. Though the extra presentation is a bit gimmicky, it still got the job done for the most part. The sampler came in a giant Ferris wheel contraption. Not pictured, but my cocktail came with floating cotton candy. Nevertheless, the food was still incredible. The sampler is a must, not only for the presentation, but for the delicious eats that can push you out of your comfort zone. For first time Venezuelan eaters the amount of ways plantain could be prepped and served may be jarring, but I would encourage bravery and just try everything and anything you can on the sampler. Each bite was worth it! Let's talk main entrees, you won't be disappointed by the portions. If you enjoy plantain, definitely go for the patacon - if not, I'd suggest holding off as you may get your fill of it elsewhere. The skirt steak (churrasco) was cooked to my liking, went well in my patacon sandwich. It is massive, I couldn't eat it all - had to take some back. Onto the arepa bowl. Though the contents of the bowl instead could be something you may get elsewhere (like Chipotle for example), it's the addition of the arepa bowl blended with the flavors of everything else and the sauces they drizzle on top that completes this dish. It's unique and it screams for you to taste and pay attention. Overall - great foods, great ambiance, great people. Bit gimmicky but it is what it is.

I was never a big fan of arepas. I've tried them a handful of times and wasn't particularly wow'ed…read more I assumed perhaps this specific dish wasn't my thing, but after trying this cafe, I realized that I simply haven't tried good arepas before! My friend and I came for a late lunch on Tuesday. There were plenty of seats available, and we were seated close to the entrance. The staff was friendly, and our server in particular was clearly passionate about Venezuelan cuisine and was excited for us try to their dishes. My friend ordered their pulled pork arepa, and I ordered one of their rice plates. The arepa was filled to the brim. It was full of beans, meat, and topped with cheese. My plate was absolutely delicious and its aroma filled the restaurant. The meat was tender, well seasoned, and saucy. The plantains were pan fried to perfection, tender and sweet. The beans were flavorful. I could have just that with rice all day. Writing this review is making my mouth water. Maybe I should return there soon!

Food: solid 8/10 Service: 8/10…read more My only reason for the 3 star review is because this establishment charges gratuity without informing the person. There is clearly a tip option at the bottom so I ended up paying double tip. It is common practice for the restaurant to inform the consumer when they do this. Please consider letting your customers know.

Every time I come to New York this is always my first stop straight out of JFK!…read more The Chicken YO-YO is where it's at! The patacon is so dry I almost chocked so stick to the Yo-yo!

Love the cachapa de pollo and pabellon. I like to order extra sauce on the side even it does have…read moremayo ketchup the corn cake can be a lil dry so ask for more sauce. Delicious worth the drive!

3/20/26 Tried Tozton in Astoria while restaurant-hopping. The spot is lowkey and cozy…read more Drinks (mojito & margarita) were tasty like juice. The highlight was the food--my plantain tostone cup with shrimp, cheese, and sweet plantains was . So flavorful and worth going back for. The ceviche was great for my sister. Final take: Come for the food, not the drinks. I'd go back to try the Bandeja Paisa.

I usually come here and it was great. The experience is always great. The service is always…read morewelcoming and friendly. The food is also very good; the last time we came we ordered the ceviche and the lomo saltado. The lomo saltado is delicious and I definitely recommend that dish. The portion is big enough to share or have leftovers. The lomo saltado was flavorful and had enough meat which was tender.

Only ordered delivery, but anything I've ever gotten here has been so insanely good. If you haven't…read moretried it you should. Delicious

Didn't expect to like this place as much as I did. Be prepared though, the portion sizes are huge,…read moreand they don't skimp on the cheese. Food is delicious, affordable, and good for a filling bite without breaking the bank. I believe they also make their cheese which is delicious and chewy. They also have sugarcane juice and passionfruit juice, and I personally liked the sugarcane one a lot, even though it's been already pressed and is sitting there.

This is a small local spot where you will find good tasty food. It's not a lot of ambience to…read morespeak, but the customer service is really good and you will enjoy your meal.

Reposting this because apparently me calling MYSELF the Spanish/Portuguese term for foreigner got…read moreme reported or flagged and the original was deleted. This was DoorDash, so keep this in mind. Delivery took FOREVER, so that could have affected the food. Also, I was working, so I was intermittently trying to stuff my mouth while completing documentation, meetings, and other tasks. I got several types of empanadas. Shredded chicken, cheese, shredded beef, pollo. My pollo mechado (chicken and cheese) and carne mechada/queso (shredded beef and cheese) were cancelled, as they were out of stock. I also got the club house pollo, which was disappointing, but that might have been affected by the fact it was delivered rather than consumed in-house. Made with grilled chicken, egg, bacon, cheese, ham, and accompanied by French fries, the sandwich fell flat for me. Pretty sure it would have been better hot and fresh, so I wouldn't deter anyone from trying it. But it could have used some seasoning. People rave about this Venezuelan place, so by all means try it . . . they have breakfast platters and sandwiches (mostly various combos of bacon, egg, cheese, ham), arepas, Venezuelan hotdogs. Other hot sandwiches like the Cubano and Philly cheese steak (but let's be honest--your corner bodega is better). Multiple types of burritos and other Venezuelan fast foods. Again . . . please try this place, especially in person. My food was delivered and took a long time, which again, isn't optimal. I'm not a fan of corn casings, which is a preference thing and a *redacted word that rhymes with bingo* thing, I am so embarrassed I can't make myself love corn tortillas and empanadas. And the mood was off, I was working. The empanadas, regardless taking so long, were delivered HOT! From what I read, the brick and mortar restaurant is clean, calm, and enjoyable, and they have a huge variety of Venezuelan dishes. Don't listen to me, and give it a try yourself, especially in person, not by delivery!

This place closed down others so a different restaurant there now but the food was great it's a…read moreshame it closed

The restaurant knows that good taste trumps trends. Food came out looking and tasting perfect…read more Staff members at Arepa Mania welcomed even our fussy eater. In addition to good dishes, the mood is excellently set. This place maintains consistent standards.

Great place close to home. I would highly recommend. I was welcomed by Owner who was very pleasant…read moreand excited to share her menu. I love the decor it was modern and tranquil. It was exactly what I craved. I ordered and couldn't wait to get home and share with my family. Took attached pictures at restaurant as fearing not having the mind set to remember to do it at home. Jeje I ordered a little of three categories. I bought empanadas, patecone and a sampler of patecone. They were all so delicious. We vow to sit and eat there soon. Highly recommend to stop by for made to order food with the freshest ingredients.

I'm no Venezuelan arepa connoisseur -- let's make that clear before anyone comes for me -- but I've…read morehad my fair share in different cities, and this place... does the job. It may not be the best I've ever had, but when that arepa craving hits, this place steps up like a reliable friend who may not have it all together but still shows up with snacks. The fillings are tasty, the textures hit close enough to the mark, and honestly, it scratches that very specific itch only a warm, messy, cheesy arepa can. It's the kind of meal that makes you say, "Yeah, I could've had better... but I'm still very happy right now." So no, it won't change your life -- but it'll absolutely save your day.

Patacon Pisao NYC is a small 9 seat restaurant featuring excellent Venezuelan food. Originally…read moreestablished in 2005, they know how to do it right. Festive atmosphere and service is informative and polite. I recommend dropping in whenever you're in the L.E.S.

I was hoping for better here. I like the idea of this place, but the execution is not good. I had a…read moresuper crunchy yet tasteless cubano patacano. It's a plantain chip bun and tons of meat inside. The inside was good and lots of meat but overall so little flavor. The "bun" or plantain top and bottom is so inedible it feels.

My friend brought me to this amazing place which I would have never found/tried…read more It is such a relaxing place as well as we were able to get work done as well. Very spacious inside and bright and sunny but not hot. There's even a jewelry for sale. I got the blueberry lassi. It was tart and fresh, Service was super nice. They brought drinks to table.

Came here on a weekday early afternoon to grab a drink. The place is cute, has a shop inside. Seems…read morelike it is a chill place but I do not know if I would come back. I ordered the ginger honey drink and it was made with little chunks of ginger. The drink was ok, the popping Boba not a fan of personally especially when I didn't ask for it. The service was a bit slow when there were only 3 customers ordering and a few stragglers sitting around. It took over 15 minutes for me to receive my drink. Definitely try it out, other items might be better.