La Latina

"Edgewater has plenty of casual spots serving very good things to eat, and La Latina is at the top of that list. The small restaurant has excellent Venezuelan food, and makes some of the best arepas in Miami, all of which cost somewhere from $5-8. There are also bigger platters that come with rice, beans, plantain, and a protein, as well as sides like the tequeños that you should always order. All of the above tastes significantly better when drowned in one of the house sauces, by the way." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino

"We would pay more money than we should for a great arepa, but thankfully we can just come to Midtown’s colorful little La Latina for some of the best ones in Miami - and only spend around $5-8. If you manage to focus on something other than the arepa selection, you’ll find empanadas for under $4 and very good Venezuelan platters with rice, plantains, and a protein for less than $10. They also stay open till 5am on Friday and Saturday, which will come in handy next time you’re leaving Wynwood at 2am on a mission for food." - ryan pfeffer

"Open Until 10pm Sun-Thu, 4am–Fri-Sat La Latina is a great Venezuelan spot that is right next to the wonderful wine bar Lagniappe and very close to Wynwood, in case you happen to be drinking over there. The Edgewater restaurant might not work for a late meal during the week since they close at 10pm, but they’re open till 2am on Friday and Saturday. Swing by on the way home for one of the best arepas in the city." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo

"Bring your appetite and head to La Latina for a taste." - Alona Martinez

"Hallaca Hallacas are perfect. So it makes sense that this Venezuelan dish of corn dough stuffed with any number of tasty things is normally eaten around the holidays, when we could all use something distracting and delicious. Hallaca-making is usually a family affair, but if you’re riding solo this year, go to La Latina. They’re selling delicious frozen hallacas that are super easy to prepare at home. Just boil them for 15 minutes, and savor the lack of screaming cousins in your kitchen." - ryan pfeffer, carlos c olaechea