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78°F / 26°C
(Passing Clouds. Warm.)
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In Venezuela many ancient gastronomic traditions are combined to please the guest with a delicious variety of dishes. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Venezuelan society was made up of families descending from three different backgrounds—European, African and Venezuelan Amerindian. However, today's society does not necessarily reflect that situation anymore. Modern Venezuelan society shows a kind of symbiosis of human races, growing Asian and Middle Eastern influences have created a dynamic international environment. This same combination can be found in the local cuisine.
Because of the huge variety of restaurants, offering the most exotic national and international cuisine, Caracas is considered the gastronomic capital of Latin America. This does not mean, however, that the Venezuelans and their food have lost their true culinary identity. In fact, typical Venezuelan food is characterized by its simplicity and pleasant taste.
Having a good meal in Caracas can be more than just an enjoyable experience; it can be an unforgettable adventure. The immense variety of national and international meals is promising: from the Pabellón Criollo—Venezuela's traditional dish consisting of shredded meat, black beans on rice and fried plantain—to an exquisite Foie Gras on over-sweet mango, or smoked salmon with ginger and spring onion.
If this is the kind of variety that you are looking for, you will find it in Caracas, with typical Venezuelan, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, Indian, French and Japanese cuisine, and even seafood. It is all here, waiting for you to choose from more than 700 restaurants across the city. Local dishes include Arepa, typical Venezuelan bread, made of corn flour; Cachapas, sweet corn pancakes, and Empanadas, deep-fried cornmeal turnovers with fillings of cheese, meat, beans or fish.
There are several good local beers, mineral waters and brands of coffee. The rum is quite excellent, whatever kind you choose.
Selecting one of the hundreds of restaurants in Caracas can be a challenge; that being, we offer some tips to help you make your decision. Many of the best restaurants can be found in Altamira, La Castellana, Los Palos Grandes and Las Mercedes, of which the most recommended are:
El Tinajero de los Helechos and Maute Grill, for all those who like grilled meats, and Il Romanaccio—with strictly Italian cooks, this is a place where good dining is always guaranteed.
When night falls, Caracas is transformed into another city. The tropical evening warms the city's musical soul, inspiring salsa and meringue rhythms. Bars and restaurants open and the parties begin. Discotheques such as Latinos and El Maní es Así offer the hottest Latin rhythms for all-night dancing, while enjoying the best tropical food and cocktails.
If you are looking for something more mellow with cosmopolitan music the following might interest you: Tiffany's, Flyer's and Greenwich Pub. However, there are many other places where you can dance to the widest range of sounds, from jazz to rock or even African drums. The nights in Caracas are fresh, pleasant and generous, and will keep you awake until dawn, if you like, a moment when those who have been out and about get together at the Areperas. This is the meeting place for those who believe in having fun until sunrise.
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