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Local picks in California

Arepa lunch spots

Made for those who refuse to settle for anything less than an authentic arepa during their lunch break.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mi Venezuela image 1
Mi Venezuela image 2
Mi Venezuela image 3
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Restaurant

Small, cozy, and beautifully decorated space offers an authentic Venezuelan dining experience with excellent arepas and flavorful dishes. Atmosphere feels pleasant and clean but can be unfriendly toward non-Venezuelan diners. Prices remain affordable with no long waits.

Lunch offers a mix of empanadas and arepas alongside breakfast items. The menu invites trying something new with a blend of flavors.

Arepas feature authentic Venezuelan flavor with options like grilled beef and reina pepiada fillings. Multiple sauces come with the arepas, enhancing their delicious taste.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious, just like back home."

"I had the best arepa I've ever had in California."

"The food at this lunch spot is great and delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices are very affordable with generous portion sizes.

2

There is plenty of parking available, including electric vehicle chargers.

3

Phone-in orders are accepted for customers pressed for time.

02
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Basement setting with grotto-like atmosphere and remnants of previous restaurants creates a unique, slightly shabby but welcoming vibe. Latin American music plays softly, adding to the peaceful and cozy environment. Spacious and clean interior feels like a blend of casual dining and cultural character.

Offers Latin Asian rotisserie dishes that work well for lunch. Serves wonderful lunches with solid flavor and satisfying portions.

Arepas come in mini sizes and serve as a consistent side alongside dishes like chicken rotisserie and yucca fries. They have a tasty, satisfying texture that pairs well with rice and noodle options.

People are saying

"The empanadas are huge, with delicious fillings like shredded beef."

"I found the Arepa here to be really great."

"The pork belly and fried rice at this Lunch Spot are delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant celebrates its one-year anniversary in December with special events.

2

Expect a diverse menu featuring unique Asian-Venezuelan dishes.

3

Portions are generous and reasonably priced for the area.

03
Lily's Taste Colombian Food image 1
Colombian restaurant

Spacious setting suits family gatherings with Colombian-style music creating a cozy atmosphere. Warm aromas and authentic flavors bring a traditional Colombian vibe. Moderate music and pleasant energy make it good for socializing.

Homemade lunches offer satisfying and soulful flavors with a wide variety of menu options. The spot suits quick meals or casual dinners with choices spanning breakfasts, fast food, and desserts.

Arepas come fully loaded with shredded meat and cheese, offering a juicy and tasty filling. Options include arepa rellena de carne and arepa mixta, each packed with rich Colombian flavors.

People are saying

"The Colombian food here is delicious and authentic."

"I loved the arepa rellena, it was fully loaded and delicious."

"This lunch spot offers authentic Colombian flavors made with love."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options, including breakfasts, lunches, fast food, and desserts.

2

The prices are quite reasonable for the portion sizes.

3

The bathrooms are very clean.

04
Cafe Bolivar image 1

Bright, elegant cafe with natural sunlight and artwork on walls creates a warm, creative vibe. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating supports both casual dining and focused work despite background noise. Known for authentic, delicious arepas, it blends a cozy atmosphere with quality offerings.

Sunny, warm afternoons suit this spot well for grabbing a cold drink and light lunch. Weekday visits show it works nicely for a casual midday meal with friends.

Arepas feature a great filling to corn cake ratio with options like mango with farmer cheese and pulled pork. Portion sizes feel just right and the flavors come through as delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"The coffee here is strong, rich, and exceptionally good."

"I found the arepas here to be tasty and packed with flavor."

"The arepas here are packed with flavor and freshly made."

Good to know

1

Cafe Bolivar has indoor, outdoor, and counter seating options available.

2

There is 20-minute parking available in front of Cafe Bolivar.

3

The parking meter accepts both card and coins for payment.

05
Qero Restaurant image 1
South American restaurant

South American restaurant offers a cozy, artistic atmosphere with colorful decor and artwork that evokes Peru. The space feels authentic and warm, with outdoor seating amid lively street activity. Drinks like pisco sours and sangria complement flavorful dishes such as ceviche and empanadas.

Lunch offers options like beans with rice and maduros to build a plate. It suits small groups looking for something a bit different and special.

Arepas come with sides like fried yuca frita and plantains. They appear alongside dishes such as pollo saltado and lomo saltado.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented."

"This lunch spot's empanadas and lomo saltado were a delight."

"The arepas here are flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

A 5% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

3

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

06
Colombia exotic image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant with beautiful decor and affordable prices offers flavorful arepas and delicious empanadas. The atmosphere feels welcoming with daily lunch specials available. Food quality varies, but some dishes like pork rinds and mixed sausage stand out.

Daily lunches feature Colombian cuisine with homemade dishes offered at noon. Some meals include beans, grilled meat, and salad, though quality varies.

Arepas here have a rich flavor and are generally delicious. Some fillings like chicken and avocado can have quality issues, including a hair or poor avocado.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious."

"I enjoyed the delicious homemade lunches."

"I found the arepas here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

2

The daily lunch special is available at 12 o'clock.

07
Nalu Vida Venice Beach image 1
Central American restaurant

Central American restaurant with beachfront patio and live jazz music creates a laid-back surf atmosphere filled with island vibes. Colorful, cozy setting overlooks the ocean, blending Venice sunset energy with casual dining. Heated outdoor seating invites relaxed gatherings near the shoreline.

Outdoor seating at the pier house offers a nice spot for lunch on a sunny day. The menu includes an arepa that works well for lunch or dinner, and the place stays kid-friendly throughout the day.

Arepas come in different styles here. Some taste authentic while others are small, bland, and pricey without sides. The chicken arepa stands out as a better choice.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp and oysters, is delicious."

"This lunch spot has delicious food with creative flavor combinations."

"I found the arepas tasted authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough; thereโ€™s a pricey lot nearby or limited free street parking if lucky.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

Expect to pay around $30 for a burger and beer during happy hour.

08
Fonda Colombiana image 1
Colombian restaurant

Small space with authentic Colombian decor and loud club music creates a lively, energetic vibe. Atmosphere feels like being in Colombia, often noisy and not suited for families. Frequented by those seeking a vibrant Latin music experience alongside traditional food.

Lunch features empanadas and ajiaco that stand out. The spot suits regular visits for a solid midday meal.

Arepas come with cheese and appear as appetizers or part of larger dishes like the bandeja. They arrive both alongside meals and separately, often paired with beans or served with empanadas.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I enjoyed the arepas and beans; they were the best parts."

"This Lunch Spot's empanadas and ajiaco are delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect additional fees like a 20% gratuity and an 18% tip on your bill.

2

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's location next to a 7/11.

3

The restaurant has a waiting list when tables are full, especially during peak hours.

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