For Authentic Venezuelan Cuisine That Will Rock Your World, Head To La Arepa In Rhode Island
By Christy Articola|Published February 09, 2022
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re in Rhode Island and you find that you’re hungry for some authentic South American cuisine, look no further than La Arepa in Pawtucket.
La Arepa’s chef, Noehemy Rodriguez, is Venezuelan. She is excited to pass on the culture of her family and heritage to others through food. She is also the owner of La Arepa; this friendly, welcoming, tasty spot on busy Smithfield Avenue is woman-owned and operated.
Step inside this pleasant establishment for lunch or dinner. You’ll be amazed by the delightful flavors you enjoy at La Arepa.
La Arepa is located at the corner of Weeden Street and Smithfield Avenue in Pawtucket, just ten minutes from downtown Providence. It's a busy area, but don't worry, there's plenty of parking.
Inside, you'll find a bright and open space to enjoy your meal. Whether you come alone, with a date, or with a group, you'll find comfortable seating for all.
The decor inside La Arepa will make you feel like you've been transported to Venezuela. There are many details for you to observe and enjoy, like this wall of Venezuelan art.
The ambiance in La Arepa is simply lovely, but the food is even better. It's probably wise to start with an appetizer; fried green plantains with Venezuelan sauce are an excellent choice.
Don't fill up on appetizers, though, because the main dishes here are spectacular.
As you might imagine, many of the dishes at La Arepa include arepas.
The Arepa Pabellón is an arepa stuffed with the ingredients of the Venezuelan national dish, the pabellón criollo. It includes rice, black beans, and shredded beef. Chef Rodriguez added avocado to this dish for extra flavor.
This Simple Shrimp Arepa comes with black beans, plantains, and salad. There are also at least a dozen other arepas to choose from.
You might also enjoy cachapas; La Arepa offers a number of different dishes that feature these sweet corn cakes. This White Spanish Cheese Sweet Corn Cake will make your mouth water.
If you don't eat meat, you'll be happy to find several vegetarian options at La Arepa. Vegetarians don't have to worry about going hungry at this establishment.
Some people prefer foods with which they are already familiar. La Arepa includes several styles of hamburgers, including this Venezuelan Hamburger pictured here.
Perhaps you'll try one of La Arepa's signature cocktails like the La Arepa Splash. You'll feel like you're in the tropics in Pawtucket when you sip this mix of coconut rum and tropical juice.
You’ll love La Arepa. Whether you’re a Rhode Island resident or a visitor, this is a restaurant you’ll want to return to time and time again. There’s nothing quite like enjoying very authentic food thousands of miles from its place of origin. You’ll fall in love with Venezuelan food at La Arepa!
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