La Latina
This Venezuelan joint with a playful, vibrant vibe offers classic staples from the home country, including a pork and cheese arepa that has Richard Blais hooked. A slightly sweet dough made from corn flour, water, salt and oil is formed into a tiny cake that’s grilled until crisp, then sliced through the middle and stuffed with salty, tangy Guyanese cheese and succulent shredded pork.
Caracas Arepa Bar
The arepas here are so flavorful that they beat Bobby's in a throw down. The corn cakes are stuffed with sweet and savory fillings like the De Pabellon, filled with beef, beans, plantains and cotija cheese. Want a kick in your bite? Try the La de Pernil with pork shoulder and spicy mango sauce.
Maria's Cafe
You'll want to get breakfast at Maria's, and luckily they serve it all day, so it's not hard to fit it in. Jeff Mauro likes the corn pancakes (cachapas venezolanas if you're being authentic), made with corn flour, butter and cut corn, and sprinkled with sharp Cotija cheese.
