Cocina Casera South American Restaurant

Randomly stopped here for dinner after work. They have just been open for 2 days. The menu is on the small side but everything was wonderfully delicious. The chef served us herself and she was very nice and attentive. Definitely would come back.

This restaurant is Seattle's—and possibly the USA's—first South American establishment offering a completely Halal menu. With two seasoned chefs who bring decades of experience, they seamlessly blend their cultural heritage with authentic cuisine, freshness, inclusivity, and sustainability, crafting the ultimate take-out experience. The Pabellón Criollo, Venezuela's national dish, arrived in an adorable bento box and was the highlight of my meal. The slowly braised beef was bursting with rich flavors, while the creamy black beans melted in my mouth. The cilantro-infused rice was perfectly cooked, its zesty lime notes leaving me craving more. Sweet fried plantains provided the ideal balance, complemented by fresh avocado and corn. Each component could be enjoyed individually or mixed together for a harmonious blend. Paired with a refreshing non-alcoholic mock sangria, the meal was an absolute delight. The Arepa, filled with juicy chicken and vegan chorizo, was a flavor explosion. Its texture was impeccable, with a crispy exterior and a soft, cakey interior. This traditional South American staple, enjoyed for over 2,800 years, delivered a taste of ancient culinary excellence. Another standout was the Empanada. Unlike any I had tried before, this Colombian-Venezuelan style empanada featured a thin, crunchy cornmeal dough filled with savory braised beef, potatoes, vegetables, and rice. Each bite was a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Accompanying sauces added to the experience, with the fresh avocado sauce and the spicy kick of picante sauce enhancing every dish. To end the meal, I indulged in a chocolate mousse cake that was both creamy and blissfully chocolaty—one of the best I’ve ever had. The chefs at Cocina Casera are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences. They told me everything is made fresh from scratch. They go above and beyond that mentioning your family members when ordering may even result in personalized touches, making each meal even more special.

I wish I had remembered to take pictures of the food before I stuffed my face. But the presentation was stunning! The food was so delicious and comforting. My friend who is from Colombia agreed this is such a good South American comfort food, it reminded her of home. The owner was so attentive and kind. Because of the smaller intimate space, we got to have a more personal conversation with the owner. Overall it was a great experience!

Absolutely fantastic experience! The food was delicious, but the real standouts were the chili and crispy yuca fries. The portions were generous. The service was friendly and attentive, making the meal even more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be coming back for more. Highly recommend!

English Review: This restaurant is absolutely phenomenal! The food is exquisite and captures the real, authentic flavors of Latin cuisine. Every dish is prepared with such care and tastes incredible. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, which makes the experience even better. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to enjoy delicious, authentic Latin food. A true gem!

I loved the restaurant, the menu is great and the food is amazing. My meal was on point on flavor and presentation.

I got my thanksgiving family meal catered by Cocina Casera and it was delicious! Everyone in my family loved it, especially the mashed potatoes. It took the stress away from having to cook and we had time to spend just being together eating instead of prepping! Definitely a great value!

Food was amazing! I ordered some Empanadas, Arepas, and Yuca Fries for a party and they were very tasty. Chef made sure to organize all items for me. Made the options vegan friendly and gave extra condiments as well. I need to go in person to enjoy dinner one night.