Arepera

"This casual Venezuelan eatery excels at the traditional stuffed cornbread known as arepa. Arepera’s are filled with your choice from a (borderline overwhelming) array of beef, chicken, pork, fish, and veggie options, joined with fixings like avocado and plantains. You’ll also find empanadas, cassava fries, and pabellón, stewed and shredded beef served with rice and black beans. With a roomy Plateau locale, a menu that’s entirely gluten-free, and vegan choices available, it’s a no-brainer for a quick catch-up among friends with diverse dietary restrictions." - Valerie Silva

"This casual Venezuelan eatery excels at the traditional stuffed cornbread known as arepa. Arepera’s are filled with your choice from a (borderline overwhelming) array of beef, chicken, pork, fish, and veggie options, joined with fixings like avocado and plantains. You’ll also find empanadas, cassava fries, and pabellón, stewed and shredded beef served with rice and black beans. With a roomy Plateau locale, a menu that’s entirely gluten-free, and vegan choices available, it’s a no-brainer for a quick catch-up among friends with diverse dietary restrictions." - Valerie Silva

"Arepera stands out on Prince Arthur Street with a colourful dining room and some very satisfying Venezuelan fare. As its name suggests, arepas — corn cakes stuffed with shredded meats, grated cheese, and veggies — are the specialty. And thanks to the use of corn flour, the spot is a particular favourite among gluten-free diners." - Joel Balsam, Valerie Silva, Eater Staff

"Venezuelan arepas (stuffed cornmeal cakes) are the focus at this lively spot on Prince Arthur Street, in the heart of the Plateau. The menu is extensive, with shredded, tomatoey beef, roasted pork with avocado salad, and black beans with salty andino cheese making up just a small sampling of the arepa variations on offer. Arepera’s empanadas, yucca fries, and plantain cheesecake are also reasonably priced and worth the try." - Eater Staff

"Montreal has gained several great options for Venezuelan and Colombian arepas — flat, cornmeal-based cakes that are often stuffed with cheese, meat, beans, and more — but few can compete with the flavours (and prices) on offer at Arepera, which sticks to a simple menu of mostly arepas (with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options) to great effect. In addition to a fully gluten-free dining menu (celiacs rejoice!), Arepera also stocks Glutenberg’s gluten-free beer. Place takeout orders online." - Holly Tousignant, Tim Forster, Kaitlyn McInnis