On the edge of the Regent’s Canal, Arepa & Co in Haggerston is a slice of Venezuela in the heart of Islington - vibrant, flavour-packed, and full of charm. Whether you're in the mood for a lazy weekend brunch, casual cocktails with friends, or a dinner bursting with bold Latin flavours, this cosy canal-side spot has you covered.
From the moment you step inside, you’re met with warm hospitality, colourful interiors, and the hum of conversation over shared plates and shaken cocktails. There’s terrace seating for sunny days, a buzzing indoor space for evening feasts, and that unmistakable feeling of being somewhere that just gets it right.
The menu, much of it naturally gluten-free, offers a lively range of Venezuelan comfort food done with flair. Snack on crispy yuca fries or cheese-filled tequeños with guava dip, or try the tostón avo, a green plantain crostini loaded with avo mash and picante mayo. If you’re after a proper feast, dive into the signature arepas; Venezuelan cornbread pockets made for eating with your hands and stuffed with the likes of shredded beef, black beans, plantain and cheddar. The pabellón version is a local legend.
Sweetcorn pancake fans will fall hard for the cachapas, especially the veggie-friendly Del Campo with black beans, plantain, avocado and cheese. There are also hearty rice bowls, perfect for those after a filling meal that still delivers on spice and soul.
Brunch, served on weekends and bank holidays, is a must. Think cocktails and cachapas with a side of people-watching from the canal. And, for those with a sweet tooth, the tres leches cake or chocolate tequeños with vanilla ice cream seal the deal.
Whether you're local or discovering it for the first time, Arepa & Co Haggerston is one of those rare spots that feels like a secret, even though everyone’s in on it. Friendly, full of flavour, and unmistakably Venezuelan, it’s well worth a visit.