Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Arepas by Perla

    3.8 (29 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Arepas by Perla Takeout or Delivery

    Arepas by Perla Photos

    Business Info

    AREPAS BY PERLA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Arepas by Perla

    Recommended Reviews - Arepas by Perla

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    #1 shredded chicken + cheese
    Brittany B.

    You know what every mall excision needs? Family owned Arepas! Or ceviche? Or pho? Idk why but Memorial City Mall has all three! While I can't say I've eaten a lot of arepas in my day, I can say I've enjoyed every one I've indulged in. Arepas by Perla was no exception. I'm sure when freshly prepared these babies are FIRE. Mine (not so fresh) was still good. I could tell the meat had been sitting, and the bread was on the grill for a bit too long, but my arepa came piping hot, hot enough to melt the Gouda cheese and heat the chicken releasing the flavor. Although my arepa was filling, and was presented in beautiful packaging - $10.99 for one arepa, nothing else...I may stick to the food trucks for this treat.

    a restaurant's menu
    Hudson N.

    Quite possibly one of the tastiest things I've ever had. I've had arepas and gorditas before -- this was different. Restaurant is EXTREMELY clean. This is a family-owned business. Talked with one of the sons who worked the counter -- a delightful guy. The family only recently moved from Venezuela due to COVID. The president had shut down the university. The United States is still the land of opportunity for so many. The arepa #4 with double fried cheese and plantain add-ins was filling. It is also among the best Latin food in the city. I was surprised and delighted by this find, a rare gem, be sure to check these guys out and grab a cold strawberry soda (Fress Kolita).

    Menu
    Alan S.

    I met up with a friend in the Memorial City Mall food court for lunch and we decided to try this newly opened place. They had a $10.99 lunch special with 1 meat and 3 sides as well as a bun and coke. I went with the shredded beef, boiled yuca, sweet plantains, and French fries. I wanted to try the mini tamales, but they didn't have any. The beef and plantains were nice and flavorful. The yuca was rather bland. The French fries were super fresh, but also lacked any flavor. Perhaps this will appeal to those with milder palettes than myself. I can only assume they have some sauces that perhaps the person working didn't offer to me and I didn't know to ask for. Pretty good sized meal for the price, just a little bland for me.

    A mixed cheese only Arepa and small passion fruit drink for $20.  Total rip off, plus I got sick after eating it.
    Pete Y.

    I paid $20 just for a small drink and a cheese arepa. The cheese was cold and just placed in the arepa. The passion fruit drink didn't even taste right. The arepa itself was full of oil. I had to vomit after eating this disgusting food, save your money and don't get sick eating here. It wasn't even worth spending half that for this food.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Large portions. Fair price. If you like this kind of food, you will be happy. Hope it stays in business

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    La presentation de la comida muy desagradable, el hotdog no se parecia en NADA a la foto, super demorada la comida y estaba fría.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alan S.
    786
    1930
    1750

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Pete Y.
    135
    21
    49

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Cee Y.
    393
    64
    23

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eli F.
    90
    21
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Simply delicious and they make great suggestions on how to enjoy their arepas!areas!! A must try

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    So good! Packed full of meat.. the shells are nice and crispy! Great atmosphere great service friendly staff and above all best food!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Super good food , great sauces , amazing customer service! 10/10 . Food is very fresh and drinks are great. Very authentic food

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Best arepas in houston!! Employees are always so friendly and the food is AMAZING!! Try the plantains when you go!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    BE CAREFUL! I ordered Arepa #4 and got severe food poisoning for hours, which doesn't seem uncommon from reviews on multiple platforms

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    I was pleasantly surprised by this place. The arepas were a nice size and the food really tasted homemade. I hope I can come back!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Great food and I love the cheeses and cream sauce. Loved the empanadas. Will come back for more next time I'm at mall.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Arepas by Perla

    Review Highlights - Arepas by Perla

    “The staff was very friendly and even let me know how to make my own empanadas.”

    $5.50 Empanadas

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Venezuelan 722 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Norah's Restaurant

    Norah's Restaurant

    4.0(32 reviews)
    3.8 mi•Energy Corridor

    Trying to treat myself to lunch and stumble upon this restaurant with decent google review. I was…read moreanticipating a sandwich lunch menu but I was only offered the dinner menu, which is fine. The wait staff was very nice and friendly , it was pretty empty during lunch on the Tuesday before thanksgiving. Also understandable. I was deciding between a sea bass dish, tenderloin risotto and something else and decided on the risotto- well it came out with 4 1-inch cube meat. There was certainly a lot of rice but I didn't feel that I was served $27 worth of food. There was no indication that this was a lunch portion as the menu specifically labeled this under dinner. I attached a google review screen shot for you readers to compare. Overall, service was ok but I am not sure if I want to return.

    I wondered why this place stated BYOB on their website. Now I know. They do not serve alcohol. I…read morewas prepared for this, but my friend was not. We met for what we thought would be dinner earlier this week. I brought a small Bota Box of wine. We were finally greeted about 20 minutes after being seated. The person who sat us was the same person to come back and ask if we wanted wanted water or food. The problem with this was her English was very poor. We sat for a minute to figure out if we wanted to stay. My friend ran to the store to get a bottle of wine for herself and we figured we would settle in there for the night. I saw 3 people who worked there that night. The same 3 people were exceptionally busy, very little English, and I honestly felt bad for them. We drank our wine and thought about the meal, but at this point it was already 7:50 PM and we were told they closed at 8:00 PM. I was very confused because a couple walked in right after we were told they were closing and that couple was seated and started their ordering process. I think it all adds up to a communication issue due to language barrier, but it's going to be tough to go back after such a strange night of confusion. The decor is nice and it seems like it has potential, but they need to get that liquor license stat! A little tip: There is one bathroom downstairs. The hallway to the bathroom is very dark. The light switch inside the women's one person bathroom is upside down. I was a little out of sorts with how dark it was and then I had trouble turning on the light. Thought I would mention it to help others. One good thing, they do have nice toilet paper. I'm really trying to give this place some credit! After receiving a comment on my review from the owner, I have a couple of updates to address. We were not there to take advantage of a free drinking venue. My friend and I enjoy trying new restaurants, and this was on our list. The first turn off was not being able to get answers about the menu from our waitress. I understand there was an English barrier, but I don't understand how someone can be an order taker without having the ability to communicate the menu. We were offered three different times to eat, but in between those times we were told the restaurant was closing and due to the first issue, I wasn't sure what to eat. Lastly, I am a great tipper and my friend is an exceptional tipper. I almost always do 20% and my friend is more of a 25% tipper. I wasn't sure how to tip when there wasn't much service. Neither one of us had cash on us, and we discussed that fact, so if we would've had a bill that came after our MEAL, there would've definitely been a tip. Appreciating the time I took to write the review, does not warrant everything we experienced at your restaurant. Not only was I excited to try any new restaurant, but it is also conveniently located to my home. I was hopeful this was going to be a new place to try multiple times. I am happy to give it another try now that I know what I know, and I'll even update my review accordingly. Please have your staff available to answer questions. How do you expect your customers to communicate if the staff can't communicate with the customers?

    Photos
    Norah's Restaurant
    Norah's Restaurant
    Norah's Restaurant

    See all

    Sabor Venezolano - Pelua Arepa

    Sabor Venezolano

    3.4(169 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    •$$

    While it's possible I'm among the minority, I'm incredibly happy with the offerings here. In the…read morelast couple of years since moving from NYI, I haven't found many legit Venezuelan options until recently here at Sabor Venezolano. I'm pleased to report that the food lives up to the name and most everything was quite sabroso and very Venezuelan. The place is bigger than it looks from the outside, but seating is really limited to solo diners and small groups. There are counter seats toward the back and small cafe tables in the front. There are some refrigerated items for grab and go while ordering is done at the counter. I'd recommend calling ahead of time for faster pickup. If you're able to order in Spanish, do it. The food gets a thumbs up. Much of the menu is Venezuelan specific which includes cachapas, arepas, tumbarachos, patacondes, and tequeños. While they have a "menú Mexicano" that features quesadillas, tacos, burritos, and tortas, I'd avoid it if at all possible. The arepas might appear to be smaller, but they're packed. I personally loved their jamón y queso guayanés, in which the latter is a thick slab of gooey cheese. A similar arepa is their mechada y queso guayanés, which is equally tasty and I appreciate that they have cazón (#1) as an option. The pelua (beef + cheese) and reina (shredded chicken with avocado) will be my perpetual favorites and the cachapas with tequeños are also particularly hearty. The food is a bit pricier than most Venezuelan fare I've had previously, foodflation never surprises me anymore. Given how often I'm in the neighborhood, I already know that I'll be here more often than not. __________ (#1) Nothing like a little shark to get your day started.

    Solid Venezuelan food…read more If you are craving tequeños, an arepa, empanada, or such victuals, this is a solid spot. Counter service, order and they bring your food to your table. Ambiance is an ethnic strip mall restaurant, with Latin flavor. Salsa music playing, people coming and going is it what is. I'm a fan.

    Photos
    Sabor Venezolano - Inside

    Inside

    Sabor Venezolano - Carne Guisada (Platillo)

    Carne Guisada (Platillo)

    Sabor Venezolano - Outside

    See all

    Outside

    Andes Cafe - Stir-Fry Beef "Lomo Saltado"

    Andes Cafe

    4.0(459 reviews)
    10.6 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    Ordered lomo saltado with maracuyá. Both delicious and authentic flavors. Friendly and quick…read moreservice. Welcoming ambiance. I'll definitely come back!

    My visit to Andes Café was one of many stops during my time in Houston. I was wanted to try…read moredifferent cuisines and Texas specialities and since it's part of the vast array of international restaurants at the Post location it was perfect. But what really caught my eye was the ceviche they had available. The service was good, she showed us the difference between the Ecuadorian and Peruvian ceviche that we were interested in trying. Both were seasoned very well, but my friend's Peruvian ceviche was definitely the headlining item for her. It was actually her first time having ceviche with fish, and I think it was a pretty good introduction. We also got a very generous portion, which I always appreciate when trying something new that I end to enjoying. All in all, we really enjoyed the ceviche and would definitely return to Andes Café to try some of the other items on the menu. But for sure, the ceviche will be making a repeat appearance on our next visit.

    Photos
    Andes Cafe - It is a cute, comfy sitting area, but you can order food and sit anywhere you like

    It is a cute, comfy sitting area, but you can order food and sit anywhere you like

    Andes Cafe - Fish Ceviche (Pescado) | PERU Fresh mahi-mahi, lime, aji amarillo tiger's milk, red onions, and cilantro. Bold & tangy! $18

    Fish Ceviche (Pescado) | PERU Fresh mahi-mahi, lime, aji amarillo tiger's milk, red onions, and cilantro. Bold & tangy! $18

    Andes Cafe - Shrimp Ceviche | ECUADOR Ecuadorian-style shrimp ceviche with tomato, red onion, lime, plantain chips & popcorn

    See all

    Shrimp Ceviche | ECUADOR Ecuadorian-style shrimp ceviche with tomato, red onion, lime, plantain chips & popcorn

    Tasty Arepa - Dirty love burger and Colombiana hot dog

    Tasty Arepa

    4.1(89 reviews)
    9.1 mi•The Heights
    •$

    If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. I had the shredded beef arepa the other day and I swear…read moreI have been thinking about it several times a day since. Guys, it's been like 4 days. And I live outside of delivery zone, but I'm legit thinking about just driving to get them. Ok, the arepa was cooked to perfection. The plantains added just the right amount of sweet for a second, the beans were perfect, the flavor combination was just amazing. I also had a beef empanada. It was crispy and served piping hot. The inside was moist and delicious. I'm not usually a gal that likes many sauces, but the sauce they served with this was complimentary to the flavor profile. All I know is, you are absolutely cheating yourself if you don't at least try this. It is beyond worth it!

    Good spot for Colombian/Venezuelan food on the go. I'm…read moreusually a big fan of the Colombian hot dogs/burgers at places like this. If you've never had one, imagine a hot dog or burger piled high with all kinds of toppings (salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy, all mixed together) And then they throw an egg on top? Sounds chaotic, but honestly it just works. This time I grabbed some empanadas as a light snack after hanging out at Bobcat Teddy's Icehouse (I've seen this truck parked there a few times here) Service was quick, maybe 5 minutes tops on the wait.. Empanadas came out hot and crispy. Filling was decent but nothing mind-blowing. Would've loved a different dipping sauce to switch it up, but for a quick bite it was fine. Definitely want to come back and try more of the menu.. especially the arepas!

    Photos
    Tasty Arepa
    Tasty Arepa - 3 empanadas for $10

    3 empanadas for $10

    Tasty Arepa - Dirty Love burger

    See all

    Dirty Love burger

    The Original Marini's Empanada House - Dulce de Leche with bananas

    The Original Marini's Empanada House

    4.5(1k reviews)
    3.1 mi•Westchase
    •$$

    Growing up in Houston, I would always see Marini's whenever my family and I drove by the old…read morelocation. As I got older, I would pass by it myself and always wanted to stop in...but life kept being life and I just never seemed to have the free time. I was finally able to stop by yesterday! I absolutely loved how the decor starts from the outside...it immediately draws you into the experience. The inside is vibrant, full of life and just feels welcoming. I was warmly greeted as I walked in. I headed toward the register and on my left I saw something that immediately caught my eye: Alfajores. Now, Alfajores are these wonderful sandwich cookies that are especially popular in Argentina and Uruguay. They're unique because they're traditionally made with cornstarch rather than just flour, giving them that wonderfully tender texture. They're filled with dulce de leche and often coated in shredded coconut. Some are even perfumed with lemon zest, depending on the region. I knew immediately that I'd be getting some. I ordered the Gaucho and the Chicken Diablo. The service was cordial and sweet: big smiles and a genuinely warm demeanor. The young lady told me my order would be ready shortly. She gave me an exact number of minutes, but I honestly forgot how many she said! I then turned around and, lo and behold, it all clicked. It was called "Marini's" because of the owners. To my surprise, there was a painting of a face I recognized. Years ago, my family and I attended a church called Centro Familiar Cristiano. Marcelo Marini! He has the kind of face you don't forget--very recognizable and distinctive. I thought it was lovely to discover that he was one of the owners. I only wish I had known years ago that this was his family's business. I absolutely loved how the restaurant is decorated. The writing that guests have left on the walls gives the place so much heart and personality. I've never been to Argentina, but Marini's gives me the impression of being a little getaway...a small glimpse of what it might feel like to experience Argentine culture. The young lady who took my order brought everything out with another smile. The Gaucho was fabulous. It was well seasoned and I loved the added detail of the olives. The chicken was shredded, tender and well seasoned too. The crust was crispy without being greasy. I also really enjoyed the chimichurri and the red sauce, which had a pleasant little kick of heat. And the Alfajores were spot on: tender cookies, rich dulce de leche filling and that coating of coconut that gives them such a wonderful finishing touch. I really enjoyed my visit to Marini's. Next time, I need to eat inside so I can fully enjoy the atmosphere while I eat-maybe with a glass of Malbec.

    This place has been on my radar for a long time and finally stopped today. That was best decision I…read moremade all day. The place was tucked off in plaza I had to get up in there and was so pleasantly surprised. So cozy and cute. They have a great selection of empanadas and all the ones I had were sooooooo good. The spinach was a little juicier than I anticipated but everything was made so fresh. The Tia Maria and eggplant were my favorites and the sauces were a great addition in flavor. The dessert empanada sweet potatoes was top tier. The filling was just sweet enough, definitely want to taste the others, especially since they make their own fruit fillings. I can see how they've been around for so long. New customer alert !

    Photos
    The Original Marini's Empanada House
    The Original Marini's Empanada House
    The Original Marini's Empanada House - Empanadas

    See all

    Empanadas

    Arepas by Perla - venezuelan - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...