Arepera La Margaritena

Arepera La Margaritena is the kind of place that defines a neighborhood. Open since dawn, this bustling corner spot near Plaza Bolivar is where taxi drivers, students, office workers, and tourists all rub elbows over steaming arepas and cafe con leche.

The arepas here are pressed fresh on a hot iron plancha, grilled until they develop a golden crust, then stuffed with your choice of over 20 fillings. The reina pepiada — avocado and chicken salad — is the most popular, but regulars swear by the pabellon (shredded beef, black beans, and fried plantain) or the simple but perfect domino (black beans and white cheese).