Introduction to Arepa Paisa
Arepas are a staple dish from Colombia and Venezuela, consisting of a cornmeal flatbread that can be grilled, baked, or fried. They are often filled with a variety of ingredients, from melted cheese and chorizo to shredded chicken and avocado. Arepa paisa, in particular, is a type of arepa that originated in the Andean region of Colombia and is typically filled with chorizo, chicharrón, and arequipe (a sweet, caramel-like sauce).
The best arepa paisa near me can be a difficult question to answer, as there are many excellent restaurants serving this dish across the US. However, with the rise of social media and review platforms like Yelp, it’s easier than ever to find the top-rated spots in your area. In this guide, we’ll explore the best arepas in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and other US cities, as well as provide tips and recommendations for finding the perfect arepa paisa.
According to arepa, the dish has its roots in pre-Columbian cuisine and has since evolved into a popular street food throughout Colombia and Venezuela. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a delicious meal, arepa paisa is definitely worth trying.
Top 10 Best Arepas in Manhattan, NY
Manhattan is home to a diverse range of cuisines, but arepa paisa remains a hidden gem. Here are the top 10 best arepas in Manhattan, based on Yelp reviews:
- La Bestia Arepa – a Colombian restaurant in the Upper West Side known for its crispy, cheesy arepas
- Arepas El Paisa – a casual eatery in Washington Heights serving traditional arepas with chorizo and chicharrón
- El Arepazo – a Venezuelan restaurant in the West Village offering arepas with melted cheese, chorizo, and plantains
- Arepas y Mas – a family-owned restaurant in Inwood serving arepas with shredded chicken, avocado, and salsa
- La Arepa Cafe – a cozy cafe in Chelsea serving arepas with chorizo, chicharrón, and arequipe
- El Paisa Arepa – a Colombian restaurant in Astoria serving arepas with chorizo, chicharrón, and plantains
- Arepas Colombianas – a casual eatery in Jackson Heights serving traditional arepas with chorizo and chicharrón
- La Arepa de la Abuela – a family-owned restaurant in Washington Heights serving arepas with shredded chicken, avocado, and salsa
- El Arepazo de la Abuela – a Venezuelan restaurant in the West Village offering arepas with melted cheese, chorizo, and plantains
- Arepas y Mas de la Abuela – a family-owned restaurant in Inwood serving arepas with chorizo, chicharrón, and plantains
Top 10 Best Arepas in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a melting pot of cuisines, and arepa paisa is no exception. Here are the top 10 best arepas in Los Angeles, based on Yelp reviews:
- Arepas Caseras Colombianas – a family-owned restaurant in Koreatown serving traditional arepas with chorizo and chicharrón
- Sus Arepas – a casual eatery in West Hollywood serving arepas with shredded chicken, avocado, and salsa
- La Arepa de la Abuela – a family-owned restaurant in East LA serving arepas with chorizo, chicharrón, and plantains
- El Paisa Arepa – a Colombian restaurant in Culver City serving arepas with chorizo, chicharrón, and arequipe
- Arepas Colombianas – a casual eatery in Highland Park serving traditional arepas with chorizo and chicharrón
- La Arepa Cafe – a cozy cafe in Silverlake serving arepas with chorizo, chicharrón, and plantains
- El Arepazo de la Abuela – a Venezuelan restaurant in the San Fernando Valley serving arepas with melted cheese, chorizo, and plantains
- Arepas y Mas de la Abuela – a family-owned restaurant in Inglewood serving arepas with shredded chicken, avocado, and salsa
- La Arepa de la Abuela de la Abuela – a family-owned restaurant in East LA serving arepas with chorizo, chicharrón, and plantains
- El Arepazo de la Abuela de la Abuela – a Venezuelan restaurant in the San Fernando Valley serving arepas with melted cheese, chorizo, and plantains
How to Find the Best Arepa Paisa Near Me
Finding the best arepa paisa near you can be a challenge, but there are several ways to go about it. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect arepa:
1. Use online review platforms like Yelp to find top-rated arepa restaurants in your area.
2. Ask friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. They may have tried arepa paisa in the past and can give you an honest review.
3. Check out food blogs or websites that specialize in Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine.
4. Visit local Latin American markets or restaurants and ask about their arepa offerings.
5. Try arepa paisa at home by making your own dough and filling it with chorizo, chicharrón, and arequipe.
Conclusion
Arepas are a delicious and versatile dish that originated in Colombia and Venezuela. Whether you’re in Manhattan or Los Angeles, there are plenty of excellent arepa restaurants to choose from. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can find the best arepa paisa near you and experience the authentic flavors of Colombia and Venezuela.
For more information on Colombian cuisine, be sure to check out our article on the best ajiaco boliviano near me.

