If you're in Rhode Island and you find that you're hungry for some authentic South American cuisine, look no further than La Arepa in Pawtucket.

La Arepa's chef, Noehemy Rodriguez, is Venezuelan. She is excited to pass on the culture of her family and heritage to others through food. She is also the owner of La Arepa; this friendly, welcoming, tasty spot on busy Smithfield Avenue is woman-owned and operated.

Step inside this pleasant establishment for lunch or dinner. You'll be amazed by the delightful flavors you enjoy at La Arepa.

La Arepa is located at the corner of Weeden Street and Smithfield Avenue in Pawtucket, just ten minutes from downtown Providence. It's a busy area, but don't worry, there's plenty of parking.

Inside, you'll find a bright and open space to enjoy your meal. Whether you come alone, with a date, or with a group, you'll find comfortable seating for all.

The decor inside La Arepa will make you feel like you've been transported to Venezuela. There are many details for you to observe and enjoy, like this wall of Venezuelan art.

The ambiance in La Arepa is simply lovely, but the food is even better. It's probably wise to start with an appetizer; fried green plantains with Venezuelan sauce are an excellent choice.

The appetizer menu also offers empanadas, corn cakes, jumbo shrimp, or salchipapas - a Peruvian street food treat.

Another great appetizer or snack option is tequeño. These breadsticks are stuffed with queso blanco. Tequeño is a popular snack in Venezuela.

Don't fill up on appetizers, though, because the main dishes here are spectacular.

As you might imagine, many of the dishes at La Arepa include arepas.

The Arepa Pabellón is an arepa stuffed with the ingredients of the Venezuelan national dish, the pabellón criollo. It includes rice, black beans, and shredded beef. Chef Rodriguez added avocado to this dish for extra flavor.

This Simple Shrimp Arepa comes with black beans, plantains, and salad. There are also at least a dozen other arepas to choose from.

You might also enjoy cachapas; La Arepa offers a number of different dishes that feature these sweet corn cakes. This White Spanish Cheese Sweet Corn Cake will make your mouth water.

If you don't eat meat, you'll be happy to find several vegetarian options at La Arepa. Vegetarians don't have to worry about going hungry at this establishment.

Some people prefer foods with which they are already familiar. La Arepa includes several styles of hamburgers, including this Venezuelan Hamburger pictured here.

If you're not very hungry, you might consider popping in to hang out at the bar. You can enjoy some drinks, fine conversation, and maybe an appetizer.

La Arepa has a vast selection of bottled beer.

Perhaps you'll try one of La Arepa's signature cocktails like the La Arepa Splash. You'll feel like you're in the tropics in Pawtucket when you sip this mix of coconut rum and tropical juice.

No matter what you order at La Arepa, you're sure to have a fantastic Venezuelan meal!

You'll love La Arepa. Whether you're a Rhode Island resident or a visitor, this is a restaurant you'll want to return to time and time again. There's nothing quite like enjoying very authentic food thousands of miles from its place of origin. You'll fall in love with Venezuelan food at La Arepa!