Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Arepas – San Francisco
Arepas - San Francisco
Photo from Arepas
Arepas at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🇻🇪 Venezuelan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#2134 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Venezuelan Restaurant out of 2 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
538
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Stellar dishes
- Lively atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- High prices
- Automatic tip
The restaurant Arepas Latin Cuisine – San Francisco is a vibrant Venezuelan restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Duboce Triangle neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly authentic experience here, complete with the captivating sounds of live music that set a festive mood.
It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in rich Latin flavors and enjoy a memorable meal.
Overview: Introducting Arepas
Arepas offers a vibrant setting where the culinary experience often shines, with many praising the quality of the dishes and the inviting atmosphere. The staff generally provides a friendly and attentive service, contributing to a pleasant visit for many patrons.
However, some experiences at Arepas have been less consistent, particularly concerning the service speed and overall attention. There are also recurring discussions around the price point and portion size, suggesting that the value proposition might not always meet expectations.
Good
6.1
out of 10
538
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
213
negative
29
neutral
296
positive
Arepas registers an average Restaurant Score of 6.1, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 55%. This indicates a somewhat balanced sentiment among visitors, reflecting a place with clear strengths but also areas that could see improvement.
These insights are drawn from a substantial body of 538 customer observations, comprising 296 positive and 213 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a strong point, creating a welcoming environment.
The Food (6.9) also garners good feedback, suggesting culinary competence. However, Service (5.2) appears to be an average aspect, while Value (2) is identified as a significant area of concern, indicating that pricing and portion sizes are frequently debated.
What people like
- Stellar Venezuelan dishes
- Inviting lively atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- High prices, small portions
- Automatic service charge
With a Recommendation Score of 6.3, Arepas presents a mixed proposition. It’s a place that can certainly deliver on its culinary offerings and atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop if those are your primary considerations.
However, potential visitors should manage expectations regarding service consistency and be prepared for a pricing structure that some find steep for the portions received. It’s a spot that might delight those seeking a lively setting and specific dishes, but could disappoint if value and seamless service are top priorities.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Venezuelan Restaurant
7.1
out of 10
out of 10
551
69.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Arepas
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 6.9 score, which is quite good! Many of the 268 opinions, with 168 positive remarks, rave about the delicious food, especially the Venezuelan food and arepas, praising the quality of ingredients. While customer satisfaction sits at a 62.7% (a mixed bag), the culinary highlights are clear.
However, some diners noted concerns, with 76 negative remarks pointing to issues like portion size and questions about authenticity. There were also mentions of frozen food and inconsistent quality, suggesting that while many dishes shine, some aspects of the food experience could use a bit more attention to ensure consistency.
Food
268
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
76
negative
24
neutral
168
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Venezuelan food
- Quality ingredients
- Stellar arepas
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Lacks authenticity
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodIt was DELICIOUS and only cost $15. In addition to good food, there was a good atmosphere and very good attention from Grecia. Recommended 100%.
- arepasWe had the arepas and most of them told me it was their favorite stop
- drinksOne word comes to mind - solid! We had a great food, service, setting, and drinks. I had no expectations when we walked in, as it was late for San Francisco to get some dinner.
- Venezuelan foodWhen my cachapa finally arrived, it was almost burnt to a crisp, with the burnt flavor mostly masked by cheese and cream. This made the flavor less enjoyable and made me question if I would return, which is a bummer as I love to see Venezuelan food in SF!
- FoodFood:5
- food qualityThe food quality was very good
- menuThe menu is authentic and thoughtfully designed
- TequeñosTequeños, cachapas and arepas were all stellar
- cocktailsThe cocktails were great too!
- tequeñosThe tequeños were everything they should be — perfectly fried, gooey with cheese, and totally addictive
Frequently criticized
- foodDisappointed in the food
- cachapaThe empanadas were excessively small for their cost, and I believe they should be presented as an appetizer or at least noted as such on the menu. Furthermore, the cost of a medium cachapa with mozzarella cheese was high, and I was charged extra to switch to queso de mano, which is the traditional accompaniment. It's illogical to pay more for what should be the original version of the dish.
- portion sizeI ended up paying over $30 in tips without knowing beforehand. Additionally, the portions are small in relation to the very high prices. For example, the mandocas arrived burnt, and the tequeños were tiny, with almost no cheese inside.
- arepaMy arepa came out like it had been sitting in a warmer for multiple days.
- churrascoWe ordered a sampler that was okay. A churrasco that did not come with chimichurri, even though it's specified on the menu. The meat temperature I ordered was incorrect.
- empanadasThe food prices felt disproportionate to the portion size and quality of the dishes. The empanadas were excessively small for their cost, and I believe they should be presented as an appetizer or at least noted as such on the menu. Furthermore, the cost of a medium cachapa with mozzarella cheese was high, and I was charged extra to switch to queso de mano, which is the traditional accompaniment.
- cheeseThe waitress was more interested in gossip than serving us. Then she arrived, she left us the menus without telling us anything and to complete it we asked for a parilla and it arrived incomplete, a item was missing (cheese). We didn't know if there wasn't one or if they forgot since we had non-existent attention.
- food qualityThe food quality was a major letdown.
- ArepaArepa was small
- CENA NAVIDEÑApick up my CENA NAVIDEÑA (Christmas Eve's Dinner) which was confirmed
If you're craving authentic Venezuelan flavors, especially arepas, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies, so manage your expectations for a truly stellar meal.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at 43.8%. Many guests highlighted the friendly staff, attentive servers like José and Grecia, and excellent customer service, appreciating the kindness and charisma of the team. Based on 153 customer remarks, with 67 positive comments, there's definitely potential for a great experience.
However, with 82 negative comments, there are areas for improvement. Several customers reported slow service, long waiting times for orders and checks, and issues with staff attitude or poor customer service. Some also noted a lack of transparency regarding automatic tips, which dampened their overall experience.
Service
153
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
82
negative
4
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Kind, charismatic servers
What people don't like
- Slow service speed
- Long waiting times
- Inconsistent staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceOne word comes to mind - solid! We had a great food, service, setting, and drinks. I had no expectations when we walked in, as it was late for San Francisco to get some dinner.
- serverThe staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations, making the experience very enjoyable. The restaurant has a lively and energetic vibe, with upbeat Latin music creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
- attentionthe attention of Grecia is something of first level
- staffthe staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe restaurant has a lively and energetic vibe, with upbeat Latin music creating a fun and festive atmosphere. Ricard Sr and Jr were professional and provided excellent customer service. The addition of a bar area, a loft with a wine bar, and a stage for live music further enhances the great atmosphere.
- excellent serviceRicardo provided excellent service
- 100% recommendedI hope to return soon. 100% recommended.
- CarlosCarlos was super kind
- Greciala muchacha grecia nos atendió bien
Frequently criticized
- serviceOur surprise came with the bill: $160 dollars in total. The service was slow and inattentive, and when we asked for the bill, they never gave it to us; the waitress even left quickly to avoid doing so. Additionally, they automatically charge an 18% tip without consulting.
- waiting timeI waited approximately an hour for me to give me the dish
- wait timeThe attention was the worst I have ever experienced. We waited an hour to be served at the table. I will never return and I recommend that you never do either.
- waitressThe true is, we were very disappointed. First, when we arrived the waitress saw us and went to another table so as not to serve us. We sat down and no one attended to us, we had to go to the closest table where the red-haired waitress was, in order to get her attention.
- attentionThen she arrived, she left us the menus without telling us anything and to complete it we asked for a parilla and it arrived incomplete, a item was missing (cheese). We didn't know if there wasn't one or if they forgot since we had non-existent attention. We work in the restaurant area and we are not one to leave complaints but what a bad experience leaves a lot to be desired.
- managerShe called the manager but said there was nothing she could do.
- drink orderput in a drink order TWICE with the same server and never got it
- ServiceService:2
- agreementWe had made an agreement
- apologyNot even an apology from the person who took and confirmed the order
The service here seems to be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter incredibly friendly and attentive staff, or you could face slow service and inconsistencies. If you're patient and hoping for a good connection with your server, it might be worth a try, but be prepared for potential delays.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits all the right notes, with a strong performance reflected in a score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a solid 89.2%. Many guests rave about the setting, atmosphere, and especially the music and live music, creating a lively and energetic vibe. With 58 positive remarks out of 65 total, it's clear most find the space elegant and inviting, offering a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments point to some minor snags. Some found the overall ambiance a reason not to return, citing issues like an odor eater air freshener smell and music that was occasionally too loud. Parking can also be a challenge in the area, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
65
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively music and events
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Elegant and inviting space
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Air freshener smell
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereIt was DELICIOUS and only cost $15. In addition to good food, there was a good atmosphere and very good attention from Grecia. Recommended 100%.
- musicwith music that immediately transported me back home
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceWonderful ambiance, live music!
- live musicla música en vivo superó mis expectativas
- placeMy days in San Francisco were incredible, and even more so when I found this restaurant. The food is delicious, the place is very cozy, and let's talk about the kindness and charisma of the beautiful Grecia! Without a doubt, if you are in San Francisco and want to eat something Latin, this is the right place.
- restaurantSi, es restaurante bonito
- spotMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a beautiful restaurant and a nice quiet spot. The food was delicious, and it was perfect for my family’s dietary restrictions, specifically dairy and gluten allergies.
- Venezuelan cultureEverything makes you feel like you're back home, from the food, the music, the liquor, to the snacks. If you're Venezuelan, don't hesitate to visit, and if you just want to experience a part of our culture, this is the place. Welcome to 'La Arepa'!
- ambienceThe ambience is warm and inviting
Frequently criticized
- ambiancedue to ambiance I wouldn’t go back
- attendancedue to not enough attendance
- comedy nightsthey canceled it due to not enough attendance
- musicThe music that night was a bit too loud
- odor eater air freshenerodor eater air freshener in the bathrooms permeate throughout
- parkingparking in really difficult in that area
If youre looking for a vibrant and welcoming spot with great music, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that parking might be tricky, and if youre sensitive to strong scents or loud music, you might want to consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Value (2 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few customers (3 out of 52 total opinions) found the prices accessible and reasonable, with some even highlighting a delicious executive menu that offered good value. These positive remarks suggest that for some, the cost was fair. However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture, with a low score of 2 and customer satisfaction at a mere 5.8%.
A staggering 49 negative opinions frequently mention high prices, expensive items, and small portions for the cost. Many also reported issues with automatic tips, service fees, and hidden charges on their bills, making the value proposition quite challenging.
Value
52
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
49
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Accessible prices
- Reasonable cost
- Good menu value
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Mandatory tips
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- priceToday I visited Arepas San Francisco and tried the New Executive Menu. It was DELICIOUS and only cost $15. In addition to good food, there was a good atmosphere and very good attention from Grecia.
Frequently criticized
- priceHonestly, it was poorly prepared. I had bought it before, and the difference in the amount of food in the box is noticeable, and the price is not worth it. 😢 I think they should have just told me no due to the time, and there would have been no problem.
- billWe ordered two cachapas with cheese (one with shredded beef and another with pernil), a passion fruit juice, a Polar beer, three small empanadas, and for takeaway, another cachapa with cheese and shredded beef, a passion fruit juice, and three empanadas. Our surprise came with the bill: $160 dollars in total. The service was slow and inattentive, and when we asked for the bill, they never gave it to us; the waitress even left quickly to avoid doing so.
- pricesReally high prices for such a waste of time
- tipThe service was slow and inattentive, and when we asked for the bill, they never gave it to us; the waitress even left quickly to avoid doing so. Additionally, they automatically charge an 18% tip without consulting. The food was acceptable, but the relationship between quality and price makes no sense.
- expensiveThe odor eater air freshener in the bathrooms permeates throughout the entire restaurant, making it VERY difficult to eat. While the food was decent, the portions were small and the prices were expensive. On the positive side, the atmosphere is fun, and the service from Ricardo was lovely.
- service fee58. When I asked for my receipt, which was already printed, I realized they had charged me an 18% service fee, which they claimed was by order of the owners. I told them it was a to-go order and that it wasn't possible for them to take that money from me in that way without my consent.
- $94We were not shown any receipt or bill, so we assume they charged us for the meat they brought by mistake and didn't want to remove from the table. These are the worst $94 we have ever spent; it's not worth it at all.
- Price per personPrice per person:$100+ which makes this level of service failure even more unacceptable.
- Sprite pricethe sprite salen en 3,50 a la hora de cobrar la cobran en 5$
- automatic tipwe were a group of 6 people, and a 20% tip was automatically added
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially high prices and small portions, as many customers felt the cost didnt match the offering. You should also double-check your bill for automatic tips or unexpected charges. This spot might disappoint if value is your top priority.
How are the prices at Arepas?
You’re looking at roughly 40 per person – reported by 75 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Venezuelan Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see prices are quite spread out. While the average is 40, many guests opt for options in the 11 – 30 $ range. However, theres also a notable group enjoying more premium experiences, spending 41 $ or even over 101 $.
So, theres a good mix of price points available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 75 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value for money compare to similar spots in San Francisco?
Considering it’s a Venezuelan Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. The variety in spending shows there are options for different budgets, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Arepas
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Venezuelan Food & Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best Venezuelan food in San Francisco. I highly recommend stopping by to try the arepas 🫓.
The vibe, service, and taste were all excellent. It was an A+ experience with this team.
- Venezuelan food10
- arepas10
- vibe10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Enjoyable First Latin Restaurant Experience
This was my first time dining at a Latin restaurant, and while the menu was different from what I'm used to, I truly enjoyed the overall experience. The service was excellent, and the food was quite delicious. I tried the shredded beef areas, which is essentially a sandwich made with cornmeal instead of flour.
It was a very messy meal to eat, but incredibly tasty. I had a good experience and would definitely return.
- menu6
- experience8
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
A Taste of Venezuela, Almost Perfect
My experience at this restaurant was very pleasant. The menu immediately brought back memories of Venezuela, and if you're familiar with Venezuelan cuisine, you'd want to order everything. The food was quite good.
I didn't give it 5 stars because it felt like it was missing a certain touch, which I suspect is due to the difference in ingredients available in the US compared to Venezuela. However, the service was excellent. I highly recommend this place to Venezuelans and non-Venezuelans alike.
I'll definitely be back soon. Thank you for bringing a piece of Venezuela to us.
- food8
- menu9
- ingredients6
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Great Food, Poor Service & Billing Issues
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was very tasty, earning a perfect score. However, the service was disappointing.
They charged for sauces that were not even brought, and the bill took a very long time to arrive. This significantly detracted from the overall dining experience.
- food10
- salsas2
- cuenta3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Excellent Venezuelan Food and Service in SF
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. It's the first restaurant with good Venezuelan food here in SF. The service was great, and the quality of the people working there was also very high.
- Venezuelan food10
- service10
- quality of people10
What Arepas offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Arepas Latin Cuisine?
At Arepas Latin Cuisine, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with full table service. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery options are all available for your convenience.
Is Arepas Latin Cuisine accessible and family-friendly, and can you bring your pet?
Yes, Arepas Latin Cuisine is fully accessible with wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. It’s also a great spot for families, offering high chairs and being generally good for kids. If you’re bringing a furry friend, dogs are welcome in the outside seating areas.
What's the overall take on Arepas?
Arepas holds an average Restaurant Score of **6.1** and a mixed **55%** Customer Satisfaction. While the **Food** (6.9) and **Ambience** (8.4) are generally well-regarded, **Service** (5.2) is average, and **Value** (2) is a notable concern for many patrons.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Arepas?
Many appreciate the authentic menu and quality of dishes like arepas and tequeños. The inviting atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, also receives positive remarks, making it a pleasant place to dine.
Are there any common concerns visitors should be aware of?
Some customers have reported slow or inattentive service and long wait times. There are also frequent comments about high prices, small portion sizes, and automatic service charges affecting the overall value proposition.