Rica Arepa | Venezuelan Restaurant

"Hermosa’s dining scene has erupted in recent years, and one of the reasons is the delightful Venezuelan food at Rica Arepa. The signature with shredded chicken and beef, plus gouda, is a sweet and savory treat. There’s also a solid veggie option. The enclosed patio is comfortable in any season, allowing customers to peacefully sink into an empanada in a casual atmosphere. There’s a similar setup at the restaurant’s Lakeview location." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"The arepa, a cornmeal flatbread stuffed with any manner of meat, cheese, and vegetables, is a staple of Venezuelan cuisine, and those served at Rica Arepa are especially good examples. Both the original location in Hermosa and the second location in Lakeview have heated enclosed patios for the colder months." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam

"Venezuelan empanadas have deep-fried corn dough, making them sweeter and bigger than other versions. Rica Arepa makes nearly 25 of them to order until 3 p.m, with varieties including ham and cheese, sweet plantains, shrimp, and pabellon, a traditional mix of shredded beef, black beans, cheese, and sweet plantains. Their newest flavor is rompe-colchon, stuffed with an octopus and shrimp ceviche that’s meant to be an aphrodisiac. They’re served along with hot sauce and a creamy garlic sauce. The restaurant also has a location in Lakeview." - Samantha Nelson, Ashok Selvam

"Feast on more than two dozen varieties of arepas at this homely Venezuelan spot. Husband-and-wife owners Kharim Rincon and Maria Uzcategui produce light corn cakes that they crisp on the griddle and stuff with meats, cheeses, and other fillings. The popular “Pabellon” features shredded beef, black beans, plantains, and cheese, but there are plenty of options for vegetarians too. Empanadas and Venezuelan-style burgers are similarly impressive. Online ordering is available here." - Jeffy Mai

"Let’s put it this way, the place I went the second most may be Rica Arepa, because it was where I would end up any time I went to Hermosa and they turned out to be closed/prepping Cambodian dinner/taking bullets to the window (that actually happened)." - Naomi Waxman