Sydney has a small but growing Venezuelan and Colombian food scene, mostly in the inner west and inner city. Open Colombian spots in Ultimo, Ashfield, Alexandria and Carlton, all listed on Latinhood.
Sydney's Venezuelan and Colombian food scene is small but growing, and most of it sits in the inner west and inner city: Newtown, Alexandria, Ultimo and Ashfield. Menus change, so call or check the menu before you go and ask about arepas. Every place below is listed on Latinhood and shown as open. Two former Sydney arepa spots, La Reina Queen of Venezuelan Arepas (Newtown) and Arepa (Enmore), are currently marked closed on Latinhood, so we've left them out.
Updated October 2026
What Is an Arepa?
An arepa is a round corn cake made from pre-cooked cornmeal, griddled or baked and then filled or split open. It's an everyday staple in Venezuela and Colombia, eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fillings range from shredded beef and avocado (reina pepiada) to black beans and cheese. Venezuelan and Colombian versions differ slightly in thickness, texture and common fillings.
Colombian Spots to Try in Sydney
1. Bucara Street Food, Ultimo
Colombian street food in Ultimo, with online ordering and a famous birria hotdog. A good stop for a casual Colombian lunch.
2. Entre Parceros Sydney, Ashfield
Colombian dishes made with traditional recipes in a cosy, welcoming space in Ashfield.
3. Chachii Sydney, Alexandria
A restaurant in Alexandria known for its pastel and relaxed atmosphere, good for dining in or takeaway.
4. Macondo Cafe, Alexandria
A literary-themed Colombian café named after García Márquez's Macondo, serving coffee and empanadas.
5. Mira Ve Cafe, Carlton
Traditional Colombian dishes in a warm, cosy café in Carlton, Sydney.
Also Worth Checking
- Mistura Latin Quarter (Newtown): a fusion of Latin American flavours
- Las Arepas de Lina: Colombian food from Brisbane, online only, if you're ordering from outside Sydney
FAQ
Where can I get arepas in Sydney?
Start with the Colombian spots above, such as Bucara Street Food in Ultimo and Entre Parceros Sydney in Ashfield, and ask whether arepas are on the menu that day.
What's the difference between Venezuelan and Colombian arepas?
Venezuelan arepas are typically thicker and softer, split open and filled with meat, cheese or avocado. Colombian arepas tend to be thinner and are often topped rather than filled, though there are many regional variations in both countries.
Where is the best Latin food in Sydney?
The inner west, including Newtown, Glebe, Marrickville and Alexandria, has the most Latin food businesses on Latinhood. Browse the Sydney directory for the full list.
Is there a Venezuelan restaurant in Sydney?
Check the Sydney directory for current listings. Latinhood shows two older Venezuelan arepa spots as closed.
