Classic Arepas

This guys brings a true taste of Venezuela to Manhattan.... Their arepas and Empanadas are fresh and flavorful. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make a cool visit. Don’t miss la Catira con Frescolita — it’s a standout

If you haven’t tried Classic Arepa in NYC, you’re seriously missing out. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth, the aroma of freshly made arepas, and the kind of energy that makes you feel right at home. The arepas? Next-level. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside — each bite packed with flavor and authenticity. I had the Reina Pepiada and the Pabellón, and both were absolutely phenomenal. The shredded beef was tender and juicy, the avocado chicken salad was fresh and creamy, and the plantains? Sweet perfection. Portions are generous, pricing is fair, and you can tell everything is made with love and pride in Venezuelan tradition. To top it off, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, happy to explain the menu or recommend favorites. Whether you’re Venezuelan or just curious about Latin cuisine, Classic Arepa is a must-visit. I’ll absolutely be back — and bringing friends. 🔥 #ClassicArepaNYC #VenezuelanFood #ArepaHeaven #NYCFoodie #HiddenGems

This restaurant nailed both food and d?cor. Their dishes impressed me more than I anticipated. My expectations were reasonably met. Workers demonstrate attentiveness, provide information willingly and deliver excellent assistance. If only my lifestyle accommodated more visits!

So yummy arepas, we take the baby arepas (Mechada beef, Chicken and Pepiada). The best part Katt, she is a sunshine 🤍

Tried Classic Arepas with my wife and daughter and we were all impressed. The shredded beef empanada was perfectly crisp on the outside and packed with tender, flavorful meat inside. We also had the Pecaña arepa, which was rich, juicy, and satisfying. The arepa itself had that perfect golden crust with a soft center, and the meat was cooked just right.

I ate a really god arepa here - the arepa picanha. It was moist, fresh and full of flavours. The staff was helpful and I really recommend this place to anyone who wants a good arepa!

These arepas were really very delicious. Everything was made fresh and they have a good variety of options. My only caveat is that there was a bit of a wait (>10 mins) and it was definitely on the pricier side. Make sure to get the green sauce that comes with the arepas!

This gem of Venezuelan flavors is an amazing new addition to the west village. I have been here 3 times since discovering this wonderful jewel with the kindest owners and staff to welcome you. I ordered something different every time and each was as delicious as the last and wonderful to experience something new, varied and scrumptious every time! So much detail and care goes into the making of this food. The appetizing presentation of the arepas in the printed papers is delicate and refined. Service is fast, precise and warm. The setting is intimate with beautiful music and impeccable! You will love it! A must try and you will soon become a regular like myself. I am back again the following week and ordered the salmon platter that was cooked to perfection with the most delicious plantains!

What a great find on. Sunday morning after a redeye flight from the West Coast. This is a small family run restaurant, which are our favorites, and after our favorite Venezuelan restaurant in Chelsea closed / moved to Miami, we have been missing the awesome arepas they had But miss no more - the food was fresh, tasty and the service (1 stop person) was super friendly and excellent No idea how she kept up with all here Seems, from the number of pickups/deliveries, we saw while eating in that they have a lot of people ordering takeout too This is small with a total if 6-7 tables, so if you don't mind that and maybe a bit of a wait - this is a must stop if you like Venezuelan or Cuban food (both we love)

I stopped by Classic Arepas and was blown away by the decor and cozy vibe. I started with the tequeños, and they were absolutely perfect, crispy on the outside, warm, and cheesy on the inside. The green sauce complemented them perfectly after each bite. For my main, I had the pabellón arepa, and it was shredded beef that was tender and flavorful, the black beans and sweet plantains added the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and the arepa itself was fresh, warm, and had the perfect crisp texture. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was cozydefinitely a spot I'll be coming back to.

The Yuca Fries was very not Yuca, feel like mashed yuca? It was flaky and fluffy, weird. Reiner Arepa was mostly acovado. Was excited about this spot in the area :/

Please if you're local try this AUTHENTIC Venezuelan place and you will be addicted to the fresh food. If you're visiting NY is totally worth the trip here. Thank you!

i tried the Reina Arepa and it was very good! loved all the flavors going on. i added cheese to it and it was perfect. this one would be my go to. :) service was great today and it wasn't crowded which was nice.

#Just AMAZING Food We have such a Great time and delicious Venezuelan food. 100% Recommended

Came here with my friend, who loves this place- and I now understand why. I got the vegetarian arepa. It was so good!! The corn cake part was golden crisp. The filling was just the right amount of salty (and sweet with the plantains). Cute interior and friendly service. Will definitely be back!

**vegetarian review** I had been to couple other arepas spots in NYC only to be thoroughly disappointed. So I walked in with little expectations, and maybe that helped. But boy - the arepas here are incredible!!! so so flavourful and delicious. I had wish I was hungrier when I got here, since this was so good. The plantains were the perfect caramelized sweetness required for a balanced flavour. highly recommend, and I know i will definitely go back when in town.

First of all .... You guys charge like $6 for a latte this small is a crime in itself !!! Please ... support Starbucks or dunkin than .... Talk about supporting local businesses... yet they charged us $6 for a coffee this small with nothing but foam

Food is made to order, do NOT come if you're in a hurry. Pleased to find they have a student discount. Not very busy in the late evening, one person ordered just before me and waited about 10-15 min. Tried the cachapa for $12, costs $4 to add protein otherwise comes with cheese only. Veg empanada with plantain and beans is $6. Came to $20. Would be nice to get 2 sauces including one for the empanada and the other for cachapa after paying $6 for the empanada alone. Otherwise service is fast and friendly

This place not only brought me back to delicious arepas and cachapas I used to enjoy so much at my grandmothers place when I was a kid growing up in Venezuela, ...the service and attention to detail is superb. The owner is so great!

Got the veggie arepa split in half and it was okay, nothing too special and definitely a bit on the drier side. Wish they put some of the sauce they usually put in the others. The service was amazing though and the server was super kind! For the price and quality price wouldn't come back though.

The Best Venezuelan restaurant in New York!!! I feel like I am in Caracas!!! The best food !!!

Wow based on the one arepa I had "classic reina" this arepa was the bomb !!! Always looking for a good arepa anywhere I go! Use to go to a place in Brooklyn whenever I visited NYC but I think I found a new spot.

This place is so bright and welcoming and the food is amazing! This was my first time trying arepas and the staff were really kind when helping me decide what to order. I got the maracuya (passion fruit) juice to drink and loved it! It was perfectly refreshing and sweet. Very nice for a hot May day! For food, I started with a warm and fresh cheese empanada. It was definitely one of the best empanadas I've ever had! After, I tried both the Classic Reina and an arepa with shredded beef, plantains, cheese, and black beans. Both were super delicious and paired perfectly with the tart nature of the maracuya juice. Will definitely be back soon to try some of the other options on the menu!

Gentleman working in the front today, Saturday around 5pm was the absolute sweetest. He was taking orders, bringing out the food, cleaning tables and some work in the kitchen from what I could see. Please tip these people well! My husband got the steak burrito which was actually a bowl and so much more flavorful than Chipotle! Plus it tasted authentic. The cachapa had little bits of corn which I loved. I would've liked for it to be a little less crumbly. Dessert was very tasty.

Much more taste than I expected, definitely recommend. Very flavorful, craft type . It's our new lunch spot!

amazing food, friendly and helpful staff, nice quaint little restaurant with music and space to share a meal with friends!

I think I paid 16 dollars for one arepa. The arepa was fine but they would have to dip it in gold for me to return.

This gem of Venezuelan flavors is an amazing new addition to the west village. I have been here 3 times since discovering this wonderful jewel with the kindest owners and staff to welcome you. I ordered something different every time and each was as delicious as the last and wonderful to experience something new , varied and scrumptious every time! So much detail and care goes into the making of this food. The appetizing presentation of the arepas in the printed papers is delicate and refined. Service is fast, precise and warm. The setting is intimate with beautiful music and impeccable! You will love it! A must try and you will soon become a regular like myself.

So good! Glad I finally have a place to go in Manhattan with authentic and delicious Venezuelan food!

Sat with Venezuelan friends who were very pleased with the arepas and empanadas. Authentic. Great service too.

I ate the arepa so quick so there's no photos stop by and you won't be disappointed!!

Randomly stopped in and was absolutely wowed by my vegetarian arepa! the flavors were so fresh and authentic. I can't wait to come back!

How I miss Caracas and the food there. Eating at Classic Arepas is like being back in Venezuela! Their tequeños are great... lots of cheese and not too much dough. And the cheese arepas with queso a mano are divine! They are done on the grill (as they should be) and have a heaping amount of cheese. So, so good!

Super expensive for quality of food and service is horrible. Took 45 min to make to chicken arepas. I was told would only take 15 minutes.

Having lived in Caracas, I was hoping to love and make this my local spot. Tequenos were super dry and tasted like they came out of a microwave. I had the reina, which was pretty average. Doubtful I'll ever go back, but guy behind the counter was really nice. Also, super expensive - soda, tequenos and a arepa for 1 person was close to $30!!?

If you're like me and carnitas/pork is your go-to for arepas, do something else instead. When I had the pork arepa, it was fairly dry and lacked flavor. The steak, though, tastes great! I've been looking forward to getting it again.

Ok WHAT?!? 4.5 stars?? you've got to be kidding me. I grew up on this kind of food and this place doesn't have much to write home about. $16 is waaaay overpriced for what you get here. It's beans and corn, not filet mignon. The arepa I had came with cold cheese and watery beans. The arepa itself was pretty tasteless, and the meat was oversalted. It came with a tiny amount of sweet plantains to counterbalance all the negative. I get that people like ethnic food and want to support, but people need to start being honest with themselves. I give my stars for the cute ambiance and the friendly/helpful staff, not the food.

Delicious arepas, yuka and empanadas. Authentic Venezuelan food. I'll be coming back here often.

I can't tell you how many times I've come to this spot and have brought my coworkers, who have themselves become regulars. I usually get a veggie arepa. The arepa itself is made fresh on the spot and is crispy enough for a good bite and to hold your food but soft enough when you're chewing to melt in your mouth. The beans are cooked to perfection and not salty, the plantains are divine and all the other toppings are as fresh as can be. I am forever a loyal patron!

Arguably the best food I've ever had in nyc. Life changing arepas and all gluten free!