Arepas Latin Cuisine - San Jose

207 reviews

1384 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

arepasj.com

+14087694990

About

Arepas Latin Cuisine - San Jose is a Venezuelan restaurant located at 1384 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. It has received 207 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10:30AM-10PM
Tuesday10:30AM-9PM
Wednesday11AM-9PM
Thursday11AM-9PM
Friday11AM-9PM
Saturday11AM-9PM
Sunday11AM-10PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Arepas Latin Cuisine - San Jose: 1384 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

  • Arepas Latin Cuisine - San Jose has 4.4 stars from 207 reviews

  • Venezuelan restaurant

  • "Overpriced and under seasoned"

    "Some things I loved about Arepas: the arepitas our server brought out were delicious, and the green sauce was a work of art"

    "While I’ve had Colombian arepas before Venezuelan arepas are really special and have so many choices! The food here is absolutely fantastic, from starters (we had tequeños, a must-try!) to the arepas to dessert"

    "I was excited to try this place it was my first time"

    "I was so happy to have a local place in Willow Glen to have yummy latin food"

Reviews

  • Danielle Pena

Overpriced and under seasoned. For the price (my friend and I spent over $80 for 3 dishes, 1 drink, plus tip), we were beyond disappointed. My friend is Venezuelan and is typically cautious about going to these places but with the reviews we gave it a shot. The rice and beans are unseasoned and both my pabellon arepa ($15.55) and my friend's asado negro ($23.87) were dry. His asado negro was burned and while he can typically eat almost anything, he couldn't take more than a few bites. In our initial excitement, we had also ordered the cachapa without ham (pretty sure there was no adjustment to the $16.59 price for that subtraction). It was the only thing that had flavor besides the sauce to put on the arepa. Also, to my surprise and deep disappointment, the fried plantains are stiff and not sweet. When I asked the waiter about this he said the kitchen wouldn't be able to keep ripe ones because they overripen too quickly so they serve them all green...I've never heard such an excuse and can get sweet plantains in many other places. Not sure how many people enjoy tough plantains but it's definitely not the Venezuelans I know. To top it all off, there's a 3.99% credit card charge fee. I was willing to pay cash to avoid the charge but by the end of the meal, my friend just wanted to take the loss and leave. The waiter was nice and the atmosphere is cozy but we will never return here again. I would recommend others to avoid the Willow Glen cash grab, take their money elsewhere, and avoid such an expensive disappointment.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

  • Elliot Goldinger

Some things I loved about Arepas: the arepitas our server brought out were delicious, and the green sauce was a work of art. The outdoor seating was comfortable and had great ambiance. The service was fast and friendly. Improvement areas: my carne asada arepa was good, but the flavor didn't really "wow" me. The beef had a flavor and consistency closer to what I would expect from a stew, when I was really hoping for a taqueria-level firmness and explosion of flavor. Lastly, the messiness was a bit of a barrier; it's a good thing we asked for extra napkins, although a roll of paper towels at the table might have been more suitable. If you want to enjoy the bottom 25% of your arepa, prepare for a wet, soggy battle. I would definitely try Arepas again, but next time, I'll probably go for the queso arepa.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Matthew Kozachek

While I’ve had Colombian arepas before Venezuelan arepas are really special and have so many choices! The food here is absolutely fantastic, from starters (we had tequeños, a must-try!) to the arepas to dessert. The only shame is we can’t try everything. I’ll definitely be coming back to have even more off their menu. If you like horchata you *must* try the Chicha - it’s almost like an horchata milkshake in consistency and flavor. The atmosphere is very casual and our server was kind, excitable, and on-point even as the restaurant got busier. If you enjoy Latin food and have never had the opportunity to try Venezuelan cuisine this spot should be on the top of your list!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes

  • Lina Fernandez

I was excited to try this place it was my first time. Also as a Colombian and not having many choices in the Bay Area I was stoked about this place. However the service was lacking I ordered several things to go and as I got close to home I realized they didn’t fulfill my order. Needless to say, I had to drive back and it wasn’t close. That was upsetting to say the least. Then as I tried the food once I finally got home it wasn’t what I expected. I guess with the driving back and forth the food wasn’t hot and May be why at this point the food didn’t taste the same. Disappointing experience.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

  • Patty D

I was so happy to have a local place in Willow Glen to have yummy latin food. The arepas were very yummy. I like you have the option of fried or grilled. I like mine grilled and they were delicious. The tequeños (cheese pastries) are super yummy. Pabellon (shredded meat, rice, beans, plantains and cheese) is very filling and tasty. I wish them luck as they just opened so a lot of the bad reviewers should have more patience.. it takes time for new businesses to get their groove. I’ve been there 3 times already and every time their service is better and the food has been yummy.
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Diana Olivares

The arepas are delicious! And the atmosphere as well. Parking can be complicated since it is in the street but we were able to find spots without any issues. However we went at a weird time. Tequeños are delicious as well. I won't recommend trying the ajiaco. I mean, it is a Venezuelan restaurant, their specialty are arepas. So I would stick to that. No hate here. I totally recommend it
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tequeños x4, Arepa Pelúa, Arepita, Empanadas
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking

  • Manuel P

Food was good, tasty and well presented. That is the only reason I am giving it 3 stars instead of 1 star. The bad: service was very slow, I sympathize with being understaffed so that is not the reason for my low rating. My biggest issue was that I got overcharged close to $20 which took them more that 10min to decipher the reason for and even after that they could not reverse the charge on my credit card, ultimately the gave me the cash back to later discover that they also charged me 15% tip for a party of 2 which was never mentioned. I feel the administration really needs to focus on providing better service

  • Maikel Vera

It was very good, the service was amazing. I am Venezuelan and I can say, that it is truly Venezuelan food. I went with my 2 kids and my wife and everyone love it. The empanadas were delicious, the tequeños breathtaking, the cachapa was on its point. The only thing that I would request is the music to be Venezuelan not American, it would give more identity and originality to the place. Aside from that everything was awesome.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Tequeños x4, Empanadas

  • Anu Chitrangana

Liked the food and service. It was cold inside the restaurant and music was too loud.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Arepita, Empanadas
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Vegetarian options
Cheese empanadas and vegetarian arepa.
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
2 ht street parking from 9am to 6pm except holidays and Sundays

  • Memo Duarte Zabaleta

After a long time I felt like I was in a restaurant in my homeland but unfortunately not because of the good of the majority if not because of the bad and chaotic of a few. this restaurant is unvisited and poorly managed. the food is not bad fulfills what the name promises. The administrator shows that she has no experience and I really think that she should seek help because a new restaurant must start with more force and better service or it will remain as another restaurant that had a short rage and premature disappearance for not understanding a market full of competition of a very good level.

  • Alan Hu

Context: Saturday at 3 PM, 4 people party. Service: Slow. It took around 30 minutes for our table to receive the first half of food before taking another 10-15 minutes for the second half. Possible low staffing since tables weren’t checked on frequently. Food: I ordered the Arepa Santa Barbara. It’s good - sauce compliments well, meat is well cooked and seasoned. Price and portion-wise, mid. Overall, it’s ehh - expect slow service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

  • Maribell Gonzalez

Arepas is a new place in an old tacos place in willow glen. And I think they are combining the rates of the two places. Arepas is incredible good. Yummy. Feels like homey arepas. Even if you don’t know this kind of food you need to try it. The people there is amicable and they are really doing a good job educating people in a new kind of food. Arepas are amazing. Patacón i big and delicious. Totally recommend
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes

  • V Shenoy

Arepas had catered lunch at my company and really wanted my family to try this place. So we were here for lunch one of the weekends and boy did they love it. We tried a few items which were absolutely delicious and the coffee surprised us even more. One of the best coffee we have had in a long time. Of course not to forget the great customer service. A must try and we are planning to go back to try other items soon.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

  • Loreana Silva

Too disappointed, I expected more freshness in the food, the arepas are not made at the moment, they are only fried or heated in a microwave which makes them not the best. They put a lettuce with a spoonful of cheese on top of the arepa that I never understood that tasteless garnish. I don't mind paying overprice but for something fresh. The excellent attention, the chicha de was delicious, but the food a lot to say… Let me know if you know of another Venezuelan place, this was one and done

  • Joyce Fukuchi

It was my first time here and the waitress was so helpful. I asked her all kinds of questions and they were answered. Food was delicious. Will be going back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Arepa Con Carne Asada
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking

  • Dave Kuhlmann

We got the paballon plate, a beef empanada, and the Santa Barbara arepa. All. Three. Were. Delicious. The plantains were delicious, the empanada perfectly fried with a matching cream sauce, the arepa grilled and paired with a delicious spicy sauce. All the flavors played well together. Will go back in a heartbeat to try some of the other options.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Alejandra Acosta

Really yummy! You get two arepas per order and they are well stuffed, so it’s pretty filling. I tried the vegana and the pelua and they were both really good. I recommend getting your arepa grilled/oven instead of fried. Super friendly folks! I appreciate a new kind of Latino cuisine in the area. I would appreciate having the ingredients listed on the online menu so I have a better idea of what I’m ordering. I’ll be back!

  • Robert Eliason

Wonderful food! Wonderful staff! If you haven’t had Colombian food, you should definitely check this place out. If you’re looking for a great lunch or dinner, this place is perfect.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Arepa Pelúa, Passion Fruit Cheesecake, Arepita, Asado Negro Arepas, Patacones

  • Susie Arango

We are so excited that there’s a new arepa place in town! The restaurant is a sit down restaurant and has a cute outdoor patio. It’s only been open a few days, but we bumped into a couple of repeat customers. They served Venezuelan-style arepas and they were good. It would be cool if they offered arepas from other countries too and offered more non-fried options. The place has a lot of potential. Check it out.

  • Nate Ulsh

Came on a Weds at noon to grab lunch to go. Staff was amicable and was gracious enough to show us photos off their phone to explain their menu (just opened a week ago). It was steadily busy and my order took about 10min to cook and serve in a fancy fabric bag. Overall good vibe and ambiance. They replaced Taco Mania.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Jesus Najera

First time learning of/trying arepas; they are delicious. Can't wait for the next opportunity to go back. The shredded beef and braised pork were amazing. The potato and cheese empanada was also very tasty appetizer.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Haim Eckstein

Food were amazing! The stuff ate so nice and explained everything for us. It's our first time trying this place and we will definitely gonna come back! You have to try this place!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Empanadas, Arepa Santa Barbara

  • Gautam Ashok

Great wholesome food. They have great arepas. It’s a good place for vegetarians with a lot of options. You can also request your foods to be vegan.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Arepita
Dietary restrictions
Vegan option is there.

  • Martha Cisneros

Great ambiance. Lovely indoor & outside seating. Food was great and the lemonade was insanely good. Didn't give 5 stars only because you only get 1 Arepa for $15
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • Ana Jaser

The food used to be better and the service used to be much better. The food was too salty and the wait for food was way too long. Even waiting for the bill was a long wait. Last time unfortunately.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

  • Gilberto “Gil” Hernandez

The food here was hella good, be ready to wait a while for your food, but do think it's worth it. Due to its location, parking can be very difficult.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Difficult to find parking

  • miguel chang

I am so glad to finally have a Venezuelan restaurant in the South Bay! Come here for authentic and tasty Venezuelan staples like arepas, tequeños, mandoca, malta and papelón. The restaurant is new and service is good, the staff and owner (Johanna❤️) are very nice and attentive. …

  • Tarang Patel

Super yummmyy! I got the vegetarian grilled arepas and it’s quite simple, but very fresh and tasty. The crema and salsa verde are nice touch. Service is really friendly and they’ll walk you through any questions you might have.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Oindrila Dawn

First time at a Venezuelan restaurant. I really enjoyed the food here. Everything was very fresh and delicious. The arepas were great. So were the sampler starter, the arroz dishes and the fresh juices. I will definitely recommend this restaurant!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Alex Stattion

Super sweet servers, showered my mom and grandma with appreciation and stories for mothers day! Food was insanely amazing and super filling, very worth the price point. Really recommend the picado if you're looking for a bite of everything!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Soreliz Ascanio

This places serves traditional Venezuelan food including "mandocas" which are from the Zulia region, where I'm from. Everything is good. Highly recommend it!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Mark Waring

I was not familiar with the cuisine, but I am happy I tried this place. The Arepas are delicious. We also tried other dishes, and all was great. The server was prompt, friendly, and she took time to explain what Venezuelan cuisine was about. Great experience overall, and we'll be back.

  • Meyli Sarai

Really good food and really friendly staff. I was transported back ti my home country with the food and the nolstagia was like a warm hug. Definitely will be coming back
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Sofia Cruz

Well, the food wasn’t worth the price, the only good think was our server who was really nice but the service was really slow, we waited like 20/25 minutes to get our food and the restaurant wasn’t even full. I also ordered an arepa to go and It was tasteless.

  • David Leffel

Great little place with unique flavors.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Arepita, Asado Negro Arepas, Empanadas, Pulled Pork

  • Edwin Miller

Great Empanadas and that's the only reason I would go there take out of course!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Empanadas

  • Fahad Khan

Amazing comforting restaurant with great service and even better food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Patacon Venezolano, Empanadas, Arepa Santa Barbara

  • Elizabeth U.

As a first time there, I enjoyed it because I like to try new places. I ordered the picada, and in my personal opinion, it was too dry. Carlos was our waiter and he was great! Even if the time to serve our food took a little bit too long. More

  • Bill Kapsalis

Awesome food, cooked fresh. Many choices. Friendly, welcoming service. Outdoor dining.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Yes

  • Nora Rocha

Really delicious food and great service. Very friendly
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

  • V Hurtado

Really good!! 100% recommend arepa plates over full meal plates. I wish the full plate would’ve come with an arepa but we made do.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes

  • Steve Springer

My 1st experience with Venezuelan fare. Both my son and I ordered the Arepas. Really tasty - we'll definitely be back. Attractive venue plus very pleasant and efficient service
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • J P

Delicious!! The flavor of the pork arepas was amazing. Carlos was so nice and helpful, explaining and answering my questions. We'll definitely be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

  • Mars Vasquez

#1 Great service, great food, very hip- their sangria is fresh and tasty, I loved their plantains and mini arepas as for dessert if you enjoy Nutella you'll enjoy their Nutella Maria layered dessert, it is finger locking guud.

  • Loren Iriarte

Great Venezuelan food and ambiance!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Empanadas, Mandoca Brunch

  • Oscar Bazán

Love the outdoor seating, fabulous service and of course, the tasty food and natural juices! Highly recommend - food not spicy but flavorful!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • jessica mitrovich

Overpriced. 2 arepas for $15.95. I think rice and beans were 7.99 each. A can of coke $4. I got the vegan arepas, the plantains were not freshly cooked. Such a dissapointment, especially at that price point.

  • Andrew dela Serna

First time trying Venezuelan cuisine and it did not disappoint! Try their Patacones, Shrimp Tostones and Cheese Tequeños.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

  • Marlena Wetzel

Food is tasty, BUT it’s mostly corn. If they added a little more meat, I would have given it 5stars. Despite the fact they were understaffed as well. They have some kinks to work out.

  • Yann Mora

Loved the arepas and the tequeños. Good atmosphere and for sure a place I'll come back to.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

  • Robert Sharrock

This is an amazing restaurant. You have to go at least 3 times to figure out the menu since their is a great variety of food and some things are kind of new for my palet.

  • derek wong

Great little neighborhood restaurant. The arepas are delicious, and the restaurant staff is very nice. It's the perfect spot for a quick casual bite. Highly recommended.

  • Paulo Franca

Nice latin restaurant. Tastes great!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Patrick Fuentes

Charming place that has really kind staff We'll definitely be back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Mylena Concepcion

5 starts to the FOOD + Owner and the Staff, My friends and I had a great time there yesterday night!!! We are waiting for the breakfast..... and yes WE will be back

  • Oriana Villalobos

An incredible place to spend some time with the family, the food is too delicious and very good service, I congratulate you for such an excellent restaurant.

  • Navin Tiwary

I tried their Venezuelan style burger and it was amazing. It differs from a normal burger in the taste of the meat as well as the toppings and sauces.

  • Lana Corbo

I had the steak Arepas with their incredible sangria. Wonderful service and musical atmosphere.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Ali Thanawalla

Fantastic Arepas! We got the Reina Pepiada and they were crunchy on the outside, warm and comforting on the inside. I would highly recommend it! More

  • Denise Santaromita

Authentic Venezuelan cuisine. Traditional flavors and excellent customer service. Worths the trip. Thanks Johana and Elsi for the amazing experience

  • Steven Palmer

Good food and friendly staff! It's a specific cuisine, so I recommend taking a look beforehand. Overall, good experience and delicious food! More

  • Susie Wyshak

Great outdoor seating, flavorful food and a friendly place to hang with friends!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Antonio jimenez

Amazing experience, the server was great in providing details about the food, even a background history on some of the items. More

  • Andrew Naito

Excellent service. They explained multiple dishes and made recommendations since this was our first time trying Venezuelan food.

  • Christian Foglar

Amazing food. Friendly service. Very good value. Venezuelan food with Arepas and Empanadas and Tequenos etc. I will be a regular

  • Patricia Palafox

Excellent service, giant portions and delicious food, will most definitely coming back
Service…
More

  • Alex Chimon

great food and great service! if your Celiac this place is also great and safe!
Food: 5…
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  • Jerry H

Excellent arepas, empanadas & other Venezuelan cuisine. One of my favorite restaurants.

  • MVI

Great service, food delicious
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Gerardo Andrés Almario Chaves

Excellent if you want to try food from Venezuela, I highly recommend you.