Arepa & Co began as a heartfelt homage to Venezuelan home cooking. Founded by a team passionate about sharing their culinary roots, the restaurant started small and quickly built a cult following in East London for its bold flavours, vibrant hospitality and menu that celebrates the best of Latin American street food. Their mission was simple: bring arepas to Londoners – and not just any arepas, but the kind that taste like they’ve been passed down through generations.
Since then, Arepa & Co has grown into a mini empire of flavour, with much-loved locations in Haggerston and Bethnal Green. The Bethnal Green site, located on the buzzy and beautiful Paradise Row, is the flagship. With its warm welcome, Latin flair, and colourful outdoor seating spilling out along the arches, it’s become a go-to for locals looking for something a little more exciting than your average East London brunch.
Steps away from Bethnal Green Station and just a short walk from Victoria Park, the Columbia Road Flower Market, and Brick Lane, this is the perfect pitstop for lunch, a weekend catch-up, or a full-on dinner-and-drinks situation. The space has a cocktail bar, an upstairs mezzanine perfect for private dinners, and even options for full venue hire for parties, weddings, and everything in between.
As for the food, the mostly gluten-free menu bursts with comforting Venezuelan staples. There’s crispy tequeños with sweet guava dip, arepas stuffed with juicy shredded beef and ripe plantains, and fried chicken glazed with chipotle guava sauce. For bigger appetites, rice bowls, gym-friendly options, and indulgent specials like BBQ pork ribs with fruity slaw hit the spot.
Whether you’re here for a weekday dinner or a festive Latin fiesta, Arepa & Co Bethnal Green promises a feast full of soul, spice and good vibes. And hey, if you don’t end up with yuca fry fingers and a big smile… you’re doing it wrong.