Arepa & Co

Un auténtico descubrimiento en la zona este de Londres. Nos llevaron unos amigos para comer y resultó ser una auténtica sorpresa. Yo no sabía que había canales en Londres, así que nos llevaron a esta zona preciosa, muy pintoresca y alejada de los circuitos turísticos de la ciudad.
El Arepa &Co es un restaurante venezolano, con personal del país y tremendamente acogedor. Música latina muy animada, decoración chulísima y muy alegre y muy buen trato por parte de los camareros. Además, era la primera vez que comía arepas…¡me encantaron! Eso sí, ojo con las arepas de pollo y aguacate: el pollo estaba frío y no quedaba muy bien. Eso sí. os recomiendo encarecidamente la yuca frita!
Un truco de mis amigos para que la cuenta no se dispare es pedir «tap water», o agua del grifo. Meten unos palos tremendos con las bebidas en los restaurantes; una cerveza te puede salir por 4´5 libras. Así que te pides tu botellita de agua y a correr!
Tenedlo muy presente si pisáis Londres! :)

I think I ordered the wrong dish here. I am a cheese lover so I went for a cachapa (which is a corn pancake) with mano cheese. The pancake didn’t have much flavour, but the cheese was lovely and there was heaps of it. However, there was nothing with it except four tiny tiny pieces of cress?! I needed something else with it, maybe something green or just about anything really! Also they didn’t have any red wine left which was a shame. My friends enjoyed their meals, but didn’t seem to get overly excited by them either. I would quite like to try some of the other food, but I won’t be rushing back.

We arrived in London and were jetlagged, starving, and thirsty. We wandered over here and *bam* it was perfection. Great arepas. Love the view, love the staff, love the drinks. It’s good stuff. You won’t regret it! It’s on tap for our next stopover in London.

I love this place. Every other arepa I’ve had in London has sucked in comparison. The fillings are delicious and very generous, I always have a huge appetite and I’m full after about an arepa and a half (my friends who like more normal portions seem to be happy with one arepa and maybe a shares starter). Recommended: Arepa pabellón, yuca fries, patacones en canaima.
Prices are fair, cocktails are pretty good, atmosphere is fun. Décor is like a South American backpacker hostel, colourful hammock chairs included.
The service can be a bit patchy — it takes forever to get anyone’s attention. They will ignore you, whether there’s one of you or eight. To be fair, they’re often very busy. Just bring some patience with you and you’ll enjoy the experience.

Great food. Great service! Great drinks! Great dessert !!! I love this place! it was so hard finding a good place to eat. So glad I found this place!!! If you are skeptical because there are few reviews don’t be, it’s awesome!!!

I loved this place right from the start. Latin and South American spices mingling with the scent of coffee and a misty day on the Canals and I was in love.
I ordered the shredded beef brunch plate with plantains, cheese, black beans and scrambled eggs and a flat white to drink. Everything was perfect… and plentiful. The arepas themselves were both tender and crisp and totally flavorful.
This is definitely a place I’d like to visit again soon…

Fun time and delicious food. Came here for a birthday party with a small group, and they handled us reasonably well. It has a bit more of a café style vibe than a restaurant, but worked well for us. Being by the canals is a plus especially on a sunny day.
The treat is the food, as it’s nice to have Latin cuisine at prices that don’t break the bank. I had a hallaca, which is basically like a tamale, and was delicious. Would definitely go back.

Really liked this place, which, as far as I can tell, is one of very few places in London which does arepas, which are a Venezuelan dish and are delicious (/​delicioso). Pick the window seat and you can watch all the ducks going by.
I recommend choosing some mains and sharing two or three with a friend as there are lots of good options (including lots of good options for vegetarians) and you will get a nice variety if you mix it up a bit. We shared a dessert and that worked well too.
Sauce-​wise, the mains come with a nice orangey sweet and thick homemade sauce in a squeezy bottle, as well as a little pot of chilli sauce.
For most main course options, you can choose to have either an arepa (sort of corn-​fried bread Venezuelan version of a pita pocket, something along those lines), or a cachapa, which is more like a pancake. Both are good (mix it up and get at least one of each).
There’s so much variety here on the menu, I think we’ll be back to try some other stuff out. Good cocktail menu and coffee options too.
My one slight reservation was: in the ‘Miss Venezuela’ arepa, which contained mozzarella and tomato, the ingredients felt a bit substandard and non-​authentic, like the sort of sandwich elements you would get in a Sainsbury’s sandwich, transported into an arepa! But, on the other hand, I did know what was in it when I ordered, so I only have myself to blame!

Arepa and Co is in one of those rare old parts of English towns that are commercialised more because of the nearby waterway than any road. It can be found to the West of Kingsland Road along with a small group of sibling cafes and workspaces, and is most easily arrived at via the Regent’s Canal towpath. It probably has actual road access somewhere but it’s hard to tell and there’s definitely some fun to be had eating somewhere more easily accessible by canal than by car.
Their caipirinha is made with Venezualan rum (Santa Teresa) instead of Brazilian cachaca, for which the menu gives a sort-​of apology. This is a Venezualan restaurant, and they’ll forgive you for wanting Brazil’s drink as long as you have it their way. It’s good.
The arepas, traditional grilled Venezualan maize-​bread sandwiches, are large and served extremely hot. These aren’t snack arepas: you only need one for a filling meal. My previous arepa experience required ordering arepas in pairs so it was a bit embarrassing having to take down a pair of Arepa and Co’s lunch-​size arepas in one sitting. Not insurmountable and it did mean that by the end of my first lunch the second lunch had cooled down to edible temperature.
I had a pelua arepa (pulled beef and cheddar) and pernil arepa (pork shoulder) both of which I covered in the provided salsa rosa, which is like a Hellmanns and ketchup marie rose only house-​made and much tastier, with garlic.
There’s a small amount of outside seating, and inside there are large windows overlooking the canal. Both are good places to watch the towpath, which caters to many different classes of foot and pedal traffic. Most people are just out for a casual stroll but there are also some joggers as well as bicycles operating at all speeds from tourist to Lycra. Every few minutes someone nearly knocks someone else into the canal which provides much entertainment during evening commuter hours and if you are sat inside you can enjoy it all without having to also hear the colourful oathing.

This place has a really nice vibe, with a fabric swing chair hanging in the corner, large plate glass windows overlooking the canal, a patio with colourful furniture, and happy happy staffers who actually started samba-​ing (or maybe it was rumba… don’t have my Latin American dances down) in front of the cashier.
We came for dinner and had the yuca fries, two kinds of arepas and a cachapa with butter. The yuca fries were lovely, a nice starter portion for two people to share with the obviously hand-​cut fries stacked in log-​cabin style. They were crispy, just salty enough and came with a creamy garlicky sauce for dipping, then double-​dipping, then triple-​dipping because the sauce was that good.
The arepa with pulled pork was awesome, with a yummy barbecue sauce. The one with the chicken and avocado wasn’t really to our taste — it was good, but reminiscent of chicken salad with more of a mild, mayonnaise-​y flavour that became a bit cloying after a few bites. It should be said, though, that the portions are HUGE. These are enough for a main, and should you just stop in for a snack, would more than fill you up. We didn’t try any of the cocktails (bit pricey for canalside, but that’s the way the wind is blowing in that area), though the staff gave us a big jug of tap water for the table.
All in all, love the low-​key vibe and huge portions, and would return to try the brunch on a sunny day. The food alone isn’t mind-​blowing or the main draw here, but combined with the atmosphere and location, it’s a good spot for a casual and satisfying meal.

I’ve been to Arepa & Co a handful of times now, and I always really enjoy the buzzy, colourful atmosphere in here.
For dinner, I absolutely love the Pabellon Criollo (with chicken instead of beef), because it’s basically all my favourite things on a plate, and for brunch, you can’t go wrong with any of the options — arepas filled with delicious things is a kickass (and gluten free!) hangover cure.
Grab a spot facing the canal (great view!), and definitely try one of their more inventive cocktails!

This lovely café really makes you feel like you are somewhere else (on holiday! In south america!) The food’s tasty and the coffee delicious. Lovely location too!

This might be literally the worst place in the world to come if you have a hangover headache. It’s like being inside a mariachi band on a non-​stop forced vacation from hell.
However, if you’re not suffering death by a thousand gin and tonics, then it’s a very fun place to eat. The menu is offers various meats, cheese and eggs served either on an arepa or a cachapa. They also have amazing looking little sliders that kind of seem like tiny bites of delicious taco-​goodness.
My friends ordered the beef breakfast plate and the chicken breakfast. They come served with an arepa cornbread, beans, cheese, eggs and guac and looked insanely tasty. You should pile that cornbread up with goodness and dive in!
Again, I was dying of booze so I had the heart of palm salad. I assumed it would be a crappy salad but it was fresh and light and full of flavour. I’ve never had heart of palm before and it was a great dish.
The staff are cheery and very friendly so I definitely recommend a visit. But go hungry, not hungover!

I’m a repeat customer at Arepa — if not for their downright delicious arepas and cachapas, then for the fantastic views over the canal (especially when the sun’s out!).
I love that it’s a family-​owned restaurant that started out as a market stall. That home-​made feeling and the passion for their food is still apparent in the restaurant today.
On the weekdays, they do a terrific deal which consists of a hot drink (tea or coffee) and an arepa of your choice for £6.
On weekends, however, it’s my brunch place of choice. The perico (Venezuelan scrambled eggs) and shredded chicken with guacamole is heaven on a plate. I’m not a huge fan of plantains so I usually ask for these to be removed and they always offer me some extra eggs or chicken to compensate.
Staff are friendly, though service can be a little slow sometimes. I don’t really notice because I’m too busy enjoying what’s going on around me.
Child friendly and a great place to grab a coffee with a friend. Make sure you arrive early on the weekend at peak brunch hours though: you won’t get a seat otherwise.

Waited 20 minutes for drinks. When we asked about them, they said they still werent made… but also that 2 of the items we ordered werent available anymore.
Good food… bad service. Might be back… but not soon.

Free wifi, amazing breakfast deals, & an eclectic seating arrangement & location… wow, if I lived in this area, I’d be a regular!
Their brownies are also scrumptious, & they serve a decent macchiato. It really is a great place with wonderful service, incomparable arepas, & a gorgeous view from the comfy hammocks.

I love Latin food and better yet when it is delivered with great customer service in a great space. It has really nice outdoor seating on a good day and we were happy soaking up the sun on the little deck next to the canal sipping freshly squeezed guava and mango juices. The palmito salad is great because they get fresh palmitos which is a coup. My only complaint is that the chicken and avocado was lacking a bit of flavor. I would have liked to have had some flavor or spice.
So good though – will definitely be back.

I have to give Arepa & Co five stars, because I’m still thinking about it days after I put it in my tummy.
Now, I’ve always know that I like a good arepa, ever since I first tried it back in the states. It’s one of those foods that aren’t common, aren’t sold at most spots or even at street food stands, but damn if it isn’t delicious.
An arepa, by the way, is a flatbread sandwich made from corn dough. Inside they put all kinds of meats and cheeses and veggies and damn if it isn’t delicious.
I came here for the arepa, and got the one with ground beef and beans and cheese and my god, every bite was just delicious. The person I was with tried the other version (which is more of a pancake and I can’t remember it’s name) and liked it. We also got the fried plantains with coleslaw and cheese and they came as six beautifully prepared bites and were seriously amazing.
I also love the space. Located right on the canal, there’s great light, hammocks that hang from the ceiling and staff who are super friendly and happy to chat about anything you don’t understand. Really nice.
This isn’t your normal meal and in no way is it familiar, but seriously, don’t miss it. Try something new now and be happy.

So sad. This place looks cool, sounds tasty. Nope.
Fair enough it was a busy Sunday. But we got seated right away. Then it went downhill from there.
We came in to have a late-​ish breakfast. Three people.
Ordered coffees. Took forever to come, one of which took twice as long.
Ordered a starter (cassava fingers) and two plates and one a la carte taco thing. TWO other tables who had sat down AFTER us were served their food first. Coffee was long gone by now, wanted to get another one but didn’t want to give them more money or possibly wait that long again.
Our friends a la carte came first, she almost finished hers by the time we got our plates. Which was not as much food as I would have expected from a place that serves traditional simple food. All oddly separated, not touching. The flavors were ok.
It’s just crazy to me because a majority of the items on our plates are things that were probably precooked and kept warm (or were just shredded fucking cheese) and just needed to be plated while the corn tortilla things and plantains fried.
The starter never showed. We had to stop the waitress a few times to ask about the food in general and even about the starter. She got them to make it at the end, which we were only ok with because we were still hungry. The dipping sauce was something creamy and garlic but it had a bad bitter aftertaste to me. blech.
There were a few apologies, no real explanation, and just bad bad service. Ugh, makes me shutter just thinking about it.
I just don’t even want to go back and try again. I’ve lost hope.

London is becoming huge on ethnic food.
Loved my afternoon break at this Venezuelan restaurant. Located in a residential area. I think people going here are neighbors or gourmet like me which do not hesitate to go on a trip just for food.
Nice choice for me, their menu is large, full of things I love and the not-​to-​be missed plantain has a great space here.
So I ordered the «Racion de Tajadas» and the Tostones (green plantain topped with minced beef and guacamole). Food is really fresh, made on order and with smile.
Price is reasonable and quantity is way enough.
I like the atmosphere, the place is sunny, in a quite and the neighborhood seem to change quickly from an old industrial area to a modern residential area.
Staff is friendly and proud!

Love, love, love, love, this place.
A friend recommended it to me and whenever I’m in the area this is a very strong contender for my footfall. I love adventuring and searching out new places, so it’s quite rare that I become complacent with somewhere and keep returning time and time again.
However you just have to love Arepa! This little Peruvian corner of the ever so popular and trendy Haggerston.
I love their favour combinations, their unique corn pockets, use of extremely fresh and traditional ingredients, but also their enthusiasm and overall joy in what they are doing.
I love plantain — can’t get enough of it, try it with white cheese here for a treat. And their Cassava chips? I can’t get enough of these. I suspect they might inject these with some sort of crack designed specifically to my genetic code!
They love their rum, and the house red is worth a pop, although I have yet to try the cocktails.
Whilst few brave the hammocks, I’ve spent a few lazy visits here with a plate of tasty food, or hunched over a mind blowing hot chocolate (yes chocolate how it should be), watching the river outside and time go past.
If you speak to the people working their, you’ll find out just how new this place is, it only opened at the later end of last year by a couple, and a few of the staff are personal friends and one even explained to me ‘more like family’.
The only downside is that it’s not cheap. But then for that rare something hearty and wholesome meal, I’m happy to shell out the extra bucks. Although don’t get me wrong, it’s not going to break the bank too! It’s not unreasonably priced for area.
Expect a lovely ‘Mexican Día de Muertos’ in soft focus feel, with some lovely artwork on the walls that I do believe that they are selling (although I will be sad to see it go, in all it’s golden tinged glory).
A very firm favourite and a short walk along the canal from the ever poplar Broadway market, that’s well worth the venture.