I am a Venezuelan expatriate with limited Venezuelan food options around where I live. I love being in places where Venezuelan food is almost the norm, and was delighted to find Paramo Cafe. I got the patacon with shredded beef. I was expecting a sort of fried plantain sandwich with the shredded beef in the middle, but it was still delicious. My husband got one of the cachapas that I got to try. I like how the corn flour is coarsely ground where I can still see and taste the corn kernels. My brother for the llanera arepa that he did not let me try but it still looked delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The staff was very sweet, and the atmosphere was very familial.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall great place, I'd love to come back! read more

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I have to thank Yelp yet again for helping me find another stellar spot. The food is so fresh & delicious. We were so excited to find tamarindo & it was creamy and smooth. Our server was super friendly & attentive. We will definitely add this to the list of places that we go to while in town. read more

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Outstanding dinner. We arrived early on this Thursday evening and found one lady waiting on a takeout order and the whole dining area empty. Surprised and curious about the high Yelp reviews we stayed. Our hostess/server greeted us and welcomed us to pick our table. All the tables are rectangular solid wood with low or high top. The space is inviting and clean. The feel of a contemporary old world kitchen, warm and an inviting dining area. I can see this place packed would still have spots to gather with friends and family. We ordered the chicken empanada to start. The dough covering was huge because it was more of an arepa breading heavy, but the shredded chicken inside was full of flavor and taste. Served with a side sauce that was a blend of avocado and cream. Delicious but I did leave some of the breading. I had the arroz con pollo/rice with chicken served with 3 sweet plantains that was huge, packed with shredded chicken, peas, corn, yellow rice and tons of flavor. The rice was moist which I loved and the plantains balanced sweetness complimented the dish perfectly. There is a wide selection of drinks with the beer reasonably priced. However, I found that the 9oz wine pour is more of a 6oz pour at $12 was pricey. The service was friendly, bilingual, and attentive. Definitely a hidden gem and truly pleased we tried the main entrees. Plus, I love my leftovers for lunch the next day. read more

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This was my first time having Venezuelan food, and it was delicious! They were very helpful in recommending some dishes to us. We opted for two different arepas (beef, pork) and their seafood arroz. Everything was delicious. I also tried their papelon con limon drink and also very sweet and refreshing! I would say the crowd favorite was probably the seafood rice dish! Very flavorful and lots of shrimp as well (also a lot of olives - FYI for people that are not as into olives). But definitely a favorite! read more

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Very attentive I join the choir or excellent reviews. My wife discovered Paramo and we headed there for lunch. It was somewhat busy when we arrived for our first visit, so we asked if we could sit outside. Good timing for us, they just started using their outdoor space a few days ago, everything looking fresh and new. Our server was right over. What a friendly guy, very patient with us, very helpful, very attentive throughout the meal. Even when we were leaving, I think everyone in the front smiled and waved goodbye. If you want to feel appreciated, this is the place. In looking over their menu, I was very impressed with their menu. The menu itself is first class, well laid out, nice pictures, descriptions in two languages. Did I mention this is Venezuelan cuisine? Anyway, even with this wonderful document my wife needed much help and recommendations from our server, which he happily provided. As for the food, I started with their ham and cheese Empanada, which came with a spread. My wife and I liked this fried example, there was a sweetness to the crust. Not as much ham as I would have liked, but still good. For my main entrée I had their Steak Pepitos, a steak sub with a flavorful sauce or sauces and topped with some crunchy little potato sticks. While it was a bit expensive for a sub, it was also a large sandwich. I do like large sandwiches and I liked this one. read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Empanada (ham & cheese) - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Let me start by saying the food was good. We had the arroz con pollo and some beef empanadas. The chef can cook! No doubt. BUT HERE's the BIG negative. The staff sucks. Mr Chef you need to get a new group of employees for the front of the house or you will soon have no customers. When we walked in we waited while the employees hung out behind the counter, laughing and talking. Six empty tables and no one addressed us. About 5 minutes later one of the gals came over and sat us. We waited for sometime and finally we ordered and waited again for what felt like forever. Empanadas came out. We were missing a fork had no extra plates that I had asked for. Then the entry was delivered to our table and dropped on the table as she scurried away. We finished our meal and had to wait, wait and wait again. Finally I had to go over to the counter to ask for a check and a refill of water. I was shocked to find the whole staff bent down eating dinner. Behind the counter. The hell with the customer The staff was unfriendly and even appeared bothered to serve us. I've never had an experience like this. Very disappointed. read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Empanada - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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On Sunday mornings my husband and I love to find new places to have brunch and this cute place was the lucky winner. Paramo serves Venezuelan food. The place has only been opened a month. Very clean, attentive & friendly staff and delicious food. They also offer live music on Friday & Saturdays from 7pm-10pm. Support your local business. Go give them a try read more

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The food was fantastic. From the café con leche and freshly squeezed orange juice to the pita omelette and the plantains with picadillo. I have no clue how I didn't know about this place before. We shall return many many times. read more

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Great experience. The service was on point and our server was super attentive. The barista clearly likes what she does and is very good at it. The food was fresh and delicious. Expect your dining experience to be an actual experience and not and in-and-out meal. I had the Venezuelan breakfast with the shredded beef, delicious. My son had a beef empanada, also delicious. My son is in a wheelchair. The staff helped accommodate us with a table that suited our needs. The outdoor area looks super cute but it was too warm for us the day we visited. read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

The food is fabulous!!! And the portions are very generous. We ordered the Thursday Soup of the Day that came with a side of rice and salad. Arepa pabellion criolla and empanadas with cilantro cream. read more

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Paramo has been our go-to for "meat" cravings. We always go for the mixed plate of steak, sausage and crispy pork eggs served with beans. It is satisfying and can be shared by two people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I can imagine that they have a nice night time business at their patio but we still have to go there in the evening.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Yesterday me and my mom had a great experience, I was attended by Gabriela who was very attentive and very polite. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is beautiful, the coffee is wonderful and the arepa was delicious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommended!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]But I would like to to leave a tip when we arrived, we thought it was closed because I didn't have signage on the door, and you can't see anything during the day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good thing we decided to open the door. Overall 10/10 read more

Would be zero stars if possible only because they cancelled our online order because they didn't have one smoothie we ordered. Didn't find out until I showed up at the restaurant to pick up the order and was told they didn't have an order for us. Would have been a $70 food order and the restaurant cancelled it over a $6 drink. The food here is actually excellent, however, they've lost a long time customer due to their service. Didn't even offer to make it right. We were charged for the order and now have to wait for the money to be reversed. read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Cancelled order by Páramo. - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

First time trying this restaurant and Venezuelan food really ! Beautiful and clean. Loved every détails inside as we were seated in the dining room the waitress gave us the menus that have lots of choices, a lot of breakfast, lunch and desserts. They are a good choice of coffees also . Food was delicious. We will come back to try more read more

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Food was incredible. We tried the Venezuelan platter empanadas, arepas, etc. Everything down to the black beans and rice was stellar. Our waitress was very friendly and provided great service. Will definitely be back the next time we're in town. read more

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Beautiful place. 1st time so decided to get takeout. Got two coffees w milk, works of art. All the food was delicious. Fried rice w steak, beef empanadas, yuca freeta, patacones de carne machada, all were I want to come back w friends and try more food read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Caffe con leche - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Friendliness is what brought me in. The staff here were very patient with all my curiosity. They answered all questions with kindness. The food recommendations were amazing! I enjoyed every bite of my Patacones dish with shredded beef. I gorged on that immediately I sat in the car. The dish was flavorful! Reminded my slow stewed homecoming. I had a recommendation to try soursop almond milk and I was surprised the taste blended well together. read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Soursop with almond milk - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Out for a ride to nowhere on the motorcycle when I found this place and what a find it was. An ultra-inviting atmosphere that's inhabited by a staff that will convince you're home. And that you want to order a lot of food. (It took my super-powers not to as I was only here for a coffee stop). I ordered a White Mocca which was finely crafted by an incredibly enchanting barista. In addition to the fine expresso and decadent white chocolate, I swear I could taste love in that cup. I decided immediately that I would make the long drive back the following weekend with my honey so we could try all some of the magical items that were taunting me from their menu. Hurry there. This place won't be obscure for long and we know how much you hate waiting in line. read more

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This spot was so good! My parents picked us up from the Sarasota airport on a Friday night and brought us here! We got a lot of different dishes all of which were pretty good. I loved the arepas and would definitely get that next time. My dad got the chapaca which was delicious as well. The juices were really great too. I got the seafood patacones which were underwhelming. Overall I would definitely go back but not get the patacones again. I'd also love to try the array of coffee drinks next time! read more

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My boyfriend and I stopped by here for lunch today and were so impressed! We started with the empanada de pabellon, a cappuccino, and a latte. The empanada was the perfect mixture of sweet and savory from the beef and plantains inside and it was served with three dipping sauces that were all fantastic. We both opted for the cachapas for our main meal-- one with beef and the other with ham. They were both amazing, however the ham and cheese cachapas is served cold so just keep that in mind! The beef one was both of our favorites as it was the perfect blend of shredded beef and melted cheese. We couldn't resist taking some dessert to-go. One of the ladies working was kind enough to explain all of the desserts they had and we picked a piece of cake that I cannot remember the name of and the milhojas, which had dulce de leche on top. We can't wait to come back and try some of their other menu items! read more

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Authentic, artistic, modern, clean, bright Venezuelan cafe!! Food was fresh, tasty, filling & homemade. Traditional food done right. We loved everything,: empanadas, black beans, lentil soup, coleslaw, avocado, plantains. Personal service by the owner was warm and friendly. They have music on the weekends, jazz, salsa, Venezuelan folklore. We will be back read more

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The inside of this place is nice but parking is kinda hard to find.my mom and I tried this place for the first time and my mom was trying to talk to the owner but she seem more busy talking to another couple then us. Also the service was kinda bad . Our waitress forgot what we order and she forgot I ordered a water. We ask our waitress for two boxes to pack our food and she said she would do it. It turn out she didnt let her boss know that my mom wanted her appetizer and arepa to go and threw it away. Food didn't have flavor it was blend and expensive for what u get . arepas were 15$ and only got half slice avocado and little bit of lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Also if u want juice it was 6$ a cup no refill. I would not recommend this place to my friends. read more

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My wife and I had the yucca fries and a couple of arepas . Everything was well presented and tasted delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The cafe environment is well designed, but don't let that fool you.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have a full kitchen too! Friendly staff and an overall great experience. Will return. read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Went here for brunch thinking it would be something different. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Only one other party in the place and unfortunately it was a birthday party for a small child, 3 kids and an abundance of screaming and crying.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The waitress didn't speak much English and couldn't take an order. The food presentation was interesting and delivered cold on a wooden slab. The arepas were tasteless as was the beef. The coffee and black beans were excellent but that's pretty much all. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The wooden chairs had no contour so even the seats were poor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Small Venezuelan restaurant offers a HUGE selection of food. This place has about 15 tables with a small outdoor section that has about 4 tables and a fireplace. I chose this place based on the pictures I saw on Yelp. All the food looked amazing, but definitely not for those looking to eat light. They offer a variety of breakfast and lunch/dinner options. There's definitely something on the menu for everyone in the party. I ordered the Venezuelan Breakfast which seemed like a deconstructed arepa. It was very good! I haven't had Venezuelan food before so I don't have much to base it on however. I just know that it passed the taste test. :) Others in the party ordered Arepas; one with shredded beef and the other with steak bits it in. All had great presentations and even more they were flavorful and very filling. The arepas do not come with sides, but trust me that they will fill you up! Service was great. The server was patient with us. We took a lot of time to study the menu and we asked a lot of questions. We also found out the lady that owns the daycare next door also owns the restaurant. We went in with out newborn and she saw us in the restaurant trying to comfort the baby. She came over, introduced herself, and showed us how to help the baby out. It was just a little extra generosity that made it a great experience. read more

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Great place for brunch!! Love the interior decor - very welcoming and spotless. Lots of parking in the back behind the building. Friendly service. Wonderful Tequeños for an appetizer - cheese encased in bread but not your usual cheese stick or cheese bread, I can't really do it justice with a description. Very large menu with a number of interesting options! Beautiful plating. Both our entrees (Pabellón Criollo and Venezuelan Breakfast) were fantastic! **Note: If you bring up the picture of the menu link you need to use a different phone to scan it and process the link (at least I did). We certainly will be back. read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Venezuelan Breakfast - so many interesting flavors! - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Nice cafe & peruvian atmoshpere. Waitress is very nice & attentive. My peruvian fried rice was just how I remembered it tasted on my Peru vaca delish. My husband ate his & the rest of mine. I'd definitely love to come back to try a different dish. read more

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We drove an hour to Sarasota and we were NOT disappointed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Friendly people, clean venue with a huge variety of Venezuelan delicious dishes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Even though is far from home, we definitely will come back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food and atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm definitely going back to explore the menu further. I had the arepa de rumbera and it was devine. Go with a group so you can enjoy the breadth of delights on offer and soak up the ambiance. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a very nice looking place. They really do their best to add a touch of elegance to their well-sized cafe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The waitress (maybe Gabriela?) was very polite and helpful, although we were a little surprised at one point when we really had to make some noise to get the staff's attention. But face to face, she was great. The prices are 'reasonable" I suppose, and not out of line with other similar places. However, the dishes were just okay, and not enough to make us want to return. Paying "full price" for a rather mediocre arepa with shredded chicken and cachapa with cheese left us feeling a little empty (in the soul.) They have bigger, more elaborate meals available, so maybe that's their real strong suit. Everything about this restaurant is five star... except for the food we tried. And isn't that what it's all about in the end? read more

This place is incredible & authentic! Would highly recommend & we will be back to try dinner! read more

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It's been a long time since I went to a restaurant that has amazing food, great environment, decoration, service, food presentation and doesn't kick you out giving you an unrequested check while you are still swallowing your last bite... OMG! I found it!!! This restaurant has it all! It is my favorite place. I can't wait to go back! We ended up staying about 3 hours and not once I felt they were kicking me out since I was done eating. They let us enjoy our time there and casually add more to our order at our pace and without rushing us although we were already technically done, which is the way it should be, but unfortunately it's not in the US. Will definitely go back soon! Well done guys! Well done! read more

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Looking for a good spot today for lunch and ended up at Paramo since we were in the area. Initial reaction was very nice. Clean and spacious inside with a nice outdoor seating area. Staff very nice and knowledgeable about the menu as well as aware of ingredients for any allergy concerns. Nice menu selection and a wide variety of items. Initially we thought prices were a little high but realized once our food arrived that portions are huge. I ordered an arepa and my wife ordered an empanada plus we got an order of chaufa. Upon arrival, we could have easily split either of our orders since both were large enough for two. The chaufa could have fed the family. Taste of everything was very good and fresh. Sauces were clearly homemade and pico was excellent. Side note, the arepa la rumbero was amazing. The pork was seasoned so well and arepa was perfect. I am anxious to try other things on the menu. Also, if you're covid concerned, although the staff wasn't entirely In masks, sitting outside I felt safe and had my mask on whenever staff was present. read more

Let me start by saying our expectations were high based on reviews. Perhaps they were higher than should be given that people reviewing have most probably never tasted real Venezuelan food. Service was ok.... a bit slow for being empty. If you can't get coffee right then the expectation of food is low.... as expected food was mediocre at best. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant is decorated very lovely but not parallel to the quality of food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Def not worth returning. read more

Amazing spot everyone should give it a try. Waitress was extremely nice. Food was fresh and tasted great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bathroom was clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience was relaxed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 10/10. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Amazing food, service and ambiance![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a small and quaint place, but love it this way.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff is so friendly and welcoming too. read more

Wow ! What a gem! We stopped here randomly after a long day of getting to know Sarasota ! Best random decision ever ! Their food was so delicious, the staff was amazing and so thoughtful the entire time. Oh and the bathroom was insanely clean. Kuddos ! Thank you so much for everything !!! read more

Food was amazing!! One of the best Venezuelan food that I have had in my life time!! If you hungry you have found your place! read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Really great authentic spot. We both had different arepas, both were delicious. Good portions and quality. Very friendly staff, would definitely come again:) read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Subbed avocado for the beef in my arepa, both were so good:) - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Had a wonderful lunch! Such a cute clean cafe! Service was wonderful, sangria was out of this world! We shared the handhelds between two people and took leftovers home. We will definitely be back ! read more

Paramo Café & Restaurant - Patacón De Carne Mechada and Arepa Reina Pepiada - Venezuelan Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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