Rincon Criollo

Rincon Criollo is the restaurant that Venezuelan expats dream about when they're homesick. Located in a converted colonial house near Iglesia San Nicolas de Bari, this family-run gem serves the kind of comida criolla (Creole food) that grandmothers are famous for.

Doña Carmen, the matriarch and head chef, has been cooking here since 1992. Her pabellon criollo — the national dish of Venezuela — is considered the gold standard in Porlamar: perfectly seasoned carne mechada (shredded beef), velvety caraotas negras (black beans), fluffy rice, and sweet tajadas (fried plantain). On weekends, the sancocho de pescado draws lines out the door.