It took me over a year to realize Gusto Gourmet was more than just a cute cafe but a legit option for Venezuelan cuisine. Their unique position as one of the only Venezuelan spots in the loop becomes even more niche when one realizes that part of the menu is also Mediterranean / Middle Eastern (#1). If that's not Houston in a nutshell, I don't know what is. The place sports a casual vibe with a clean and bright interior. It's been practically empty with every visit, but I suspect the takeout game is strong here. There is limited parking in the back of the restaurant and the narrow alleyway entrance is somewhat easy to miss. Food wise, I am not disappointed. Their cheese cachapa is the stuff of dreams and includes a number of stuffings from ham to shredded chicken / beef. My vote is for their pabellón, which is a nice combination of shredded beef, black beans, and sweet plantains. For cheese lovers, the double cheese is perfectly indulgent with the sweetness of the cornmeal. The main draw for me was the arepas, which is something I missed having had so much of it back in NYC. La Pelua (shredded beef, mixed shredded cheese) is one of my go-tos, but my all-time favorite is the reina pepiada, a shredded chicken mixed with avocado topped with sprinkled salty white cheese. It's a staple in the Venezuelan arepa game and while their version is very solid, I'm just extremely thankful that it's available. Their breakfast platters are a big draw, which mainly consist of scrambled egg combos paired with arepas and various proteins. I think their yuca buñelos, tequeños, patacones, and especially their mandocas are incredibly underrated. The latter is practically dessert since it's mashed plantains with the cachapa stuffed with sugar and cheese. While they're not known for their empanadas, I do think their cazon (#2) is unique and their potato and cheese is always hearty. The shredded beef is a nice alternative to their arepas or arepitas (side) and make for an excellent snack on the go. Fans of Venezuelan cuisine who find themselves in the inner loop owe them a visit and I highly recommend calling ahead of time to ensure they have items available and to get a jump on the wait time for takeout. They are a slept on gem in the neighborhood and one that I hope sticks around for a very long time. _____________ (#1) The owners are Venezuelan and Syrian. The sweetest couple. (#2) Dogfish? It's really a mini shark. read more

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Great Venezuelan food! I have celiac (gluten-free) and I'm vegetarian and they have multiple options available. They even have a gluten free fryer separate from a regular fryer, which is great! The restaurant itself is very casual, few tables and friendly staff at the counter for helping decide. I tried the caxapa with cheese, 3 empanadas with various fillings, and the plain mini areas. All the items were good especially the caxapa and the empandas, though I think the combination of items I picked was definitely fryer-heavy. The sauces they were served with with are also a nice accompaniment. We got to go and excited to try out more of their menu! read more

Gusto Gourmet - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This place is so good! I've loved everything that I've gotten here. It's all fresh delicious. Highly recommend you stop by for some really unique food. read more

We ordered delivery to our hotel so I can't comment on the service or the ambiance, but I will say we had a feast of amazing food! Empanadas, tostones, and more! Everything was delicious, hot and fresh. The food came pretty quickly and I'd love to visit in person next time I am in Houston! read more

I live only minutes from this Venezuelan eatery but had never tried their food. Today I decided to try something new so I selected the Gusto Gourmet on South Shepherd and Richmond. The dish I was recommended is an Arepa with Shredded Chicken with a Cilantro sauce called La Catira I believe. It was very tasty and delicious but I like an arepa with a more spicy sauce but overall it was very good. All you need is one. They stuff them good! They make them fresh so they take a little while to cook. The parking is tight; only a few spaces in the back and they have valet as there is another restaurant next to it. I parked on the street. There's always a space and just walk to the front door. They close early so check times. The manager suggested the Shredded Beef Arepa and the Shredded Chicken but I decided on the chicken. I cook a lot at home but I am no expert when it comes to the corn pastry Arepa. The South Americans are the experts!!! Try Gusto Gourmet; they have many other great selections. They also serve breakfast. They only have a few tables so you can also order through Door Dash or pick up. read more

My 1st time trying Venezuelan cuisine. The empanada were Ok. The patacon maracucho was not what I expected. The place located on the busy shepherd street. They have a "4" spot parking in the back that it's not easy to find. The sign was there but can be easily missed. The place was empty during lunch hours. There was 4 people and we r 2 included but the owner still missing our drink. We had to remind him after the food was served. Tiny restaurant with limited menu read more

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This is a cute little restaurant that serves authentic Venezuelan food! I was in the area and decided to stop by since it stated it had Mediterranean food as well, but I didn't see those options on the menu. It was also hot inside, I don't think their A/C was on or working. However, the Classico was fantastic. I haven't never had something taste so authentically fresh. Definitely a must try for people wanting something different. Price point is a little high but I get it for a small business. read more

Gusto Gourmet - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

Super friendly service with good street food vibe arepas. The guy at the front was very welcoming. We had the tequenos and two different arepas. Although it's a bit pricey, but the arepas were stufffffed! They also wrap it nicely and compact that you can eat it to go without being too messy. Enjoyed the food and would come again for a quick lunch! read more

Gusto Gourmet - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Great option for Venezuelan food in the area. The arepas were pretty good although I have to admit that I've had better. The Reina Pepiada is always a good choice. It was pretty tasty but it's hard not to compare it to my favorite Venezuelan spot in LA. The Catira tasted pretty good as well but it had so much juice that it kept soaking the corn and leaking all over. That being said, their tequenos were really great. The cheese could have been melted a bit more but the dough was perfect. I didn't have tummy space to try their empanadas and cachapas but I'll be back. I also really enjoyed the soursop juice (guanabana). FYI: You can order online on their website. The place is small but cute and cozy. Friendly service. Parking is a bit tough especially now with all the construction on Shepherd. There is a small lot in the back so try that first. If not, you can park on a nearby residential street. read more

Gusto Gourmet - Catira - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

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My first time eating at Gusto Gourmet was a few months ago and everything that we ordered was delicious and service was great. Today I hosted an event that Gusto Gourmet catered and my guests raved about the food, a few of them were Venezuelan too. The gentleman who took my order helped me pick all of the items out and ensured I had plenty to feed my party. My order was ready on time and service was perfect. I will definitely recommend them to anyone and will continue visiting their restaurant. read more

Very cute little place with delicious Venezuelan food. Their tequeños are the best I have had since o left Venezuela. Their service is friendly and welcoming. Feels like you're stepping into a little piece of home. read more

I love this restaurant! Everything I've tried has been delicious. The staff has always been so warm and welcoming. I had some questions about the dishes - what they were like and what they came with, and they answered them all. My favorite dish I've tried so far was the pabellón. Also don't miss the guasaca - a garlic cilantro sauce you can get on the side. Sooo good! read more

Best empanadas in town, awesome people and delicious food, best service imposible, thanks to bring me memories back

If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free this a great place. So many options to accommodate dietary needs. With that being said I ordered via Uber Eats. I have passed this place many times but never stopped by because the parking is terrible. I got the cheese empanadas and the potato and cheese empanadas. At first I thought the cheese was extremely strong tasting but I got used to it. I defintely plan on trying one of their vegetarian arepas next time I order. read more

I didn't plan on coming here. It was just a passerby, and I'm glad I did. It was a lovely intimate, tiny restaurant that served Venezuelan food. The service was very personal because of the size of the restaurant, and the gentleman cared if we enjoyed the food. I don't remember what I had, but it was a plate that was vegan based; I also had vegetable empanadas. I'll have to come back and try their breakfast, but what I had for lunch was pretty good. read more

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I wanted to try Gusto Gourmet for a while. Thank you COVID for helping me discover new spots around Houston! I ordered ahead for lunch and decided on the arepas and cachapa. It looked the most tasty to me. I like that there are a few vegetarian/pesca options, which was dope. I went with the smoked salmon arepa and caprese arepa (which was the one I liked better). Smoked salmon in an arepa was kind of strange in terms of texture, probably because the salmon was cold and the arepas were hot. It threw me off I guess. The arepas are TO DIE FOR and the star of the show here. All of the ingredients used were so fresh and delicious. I would go back to order different arepas for sure. I've never had a cachapa, but it looked so tasty. The owner described it like a fluffy savory pancake with cheese in the middle. It was exactly that. It was like a whole buttermilk pancake cut in half and folded together to resemble a pancake sandwich with cheese in it. I found it interesting that butter was included with it. I actually put some on (yay fats!) the next day after heating it up in the oven and it was so tasty! There's something about breakfast foods for every meal that just works. I'd totally come back again and try other items on the menu. I'm just not a fan of the lack of parking. It's ideal to park on the street, but it's hard if you're not coming from that direction, so I took a risk and parked in the card shop's tiny lot next door. I wouldn't risk it unless you don't plan on staying long in case they decide to tow it. The owner was very friendly, and the takeout order was well-packaged. There was a family eating inside, but the store itself is pretty tiny. So it's perfect for takeaway orders. They also have a few outdoor seats good for couples. read more

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We decided to venture out of our normal cuisines and try this cute Venezuelan spot and it was pretty good! The sweet of the antojo Marachucho was delicious! Favor wise 10/10 but we were expecting bigger portion size for the price. Small spot with not many tables but loved the vibes read more

Gusto Gourmet - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The best arepas in town hands down, the woman cooking in the back is amazing. I think she owns the spot... Very nostalgic of my childhood back home =) read more

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Was craving some good Venezuelan food. Glad I found this place bc everything we ate was incredible! We started with the taquenos and shredded chicken and beef empanadas. Delicious! And they sauce they use with the taquenos is incredible!! For our main course we ordered arepas and the pabellon plate. I was already texting friends about trying this place out again before I even left. read more

Gusto Gourmet - Capresa arepa - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've tried most things on the menu and everything I've had was delicious. My husband and I discovered this place after a visit to Miami and we wanted some good arepas. We've become regulars here that even the owner recognizes us. He knows our orders already so I love that. The ambience is very family friendly and welcoming. read more

Great little Venezuelan restaurant in a central location. Varied and intriguing menu with traditional Venezuelan food as well as interesting Venezuelan/Mediterranean fusion dishes with a little Asian touch here and there. The owner is very nice and accommodating. I had the patacon marachucho with beef on sweet plantain and it did not disappoint. My Venezuelan bf had the beef cachapa and he said it was excellent. Not on the menu but in the cooler were hallacas, which I assume are to go only. I am new to this cuisine but thanks to my bf I am learning about this wonderful food. The fact that this new place also does a different take on fusion only adds to Houston's wonderful, eclectic dining options. Try it. You won't be disappointed. read more

We ordered the antojo maracucho, vegan arepa, and la pelua arepa. I liked the la pelua the most, followed by the antojo maracucho, and the vegan arepa. I would reorder the first two but not the vegan arepa. I found the food very filling, and it prepared fresh. There are about 4 tables in the restaurant right now. I remember coming here a few years ago and enjoying the tequenos immensely. I would say that those were still my favorite of all the things I have tried here. read more

Gusto Gourmet - Vegan arepa (left), la pelua (right), antojo maracucho (top) - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

El mejor restaurante venezolano de la zona de Houston, con un menú increíble y comida deliciosa y extravagante read more

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Our son and daughter-in-law did us a huge favor by talking us into meeting them here for lunch. This is a topnotch fusion of Latin and Mediterranean cuisine. Three people all got a veggie dish, the veggie mediterranean burger on some of the best pita bread we've ever tasted, falafel patties, hummus, tabouleh, and a couple sauces. My wife tasted it and said she was getting one on her next visit. She had the rena pepiada....shredded chicken, with avocado salad and salty white cheese, everybody that tasted it loved it. I went with the Pabellon Pita Sandwich, filled with shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains and tahini, i was the only pig that ate all of his food and i'd do it again! Our son had an orchata, very sweet and tasty. We shared a few empanadas and some tequenos. I can't figure what i liked the best, with food this good who needs a favorite! read more

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Yummm! Tried a couple of empanadas and arepas. So good! The lemonade and orange juice are fresh and really good too. It really is better to order things to-go because of the tight parking and how small it is inside. The food is great! read more

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This is my favorite Venezuelan restaurant! The food is always fresh and tasty. I don't know how many times I've been here but the food never gets old. I usually try to get something new. The owners are very nice and they service always on point! It is small but I still enjoy been there. Highly recommend. My Venezuelan husband approves of this place. The price point is good. read more

Gusto Gourmet - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I couldn't get my arepa in Los Angles but so glad my first one ever was from here instead. First of all, you know they are doing something special when it's family owned, they won multiple awards, and one of the employees pops up an instagram photo of a special they just started serving when inquiring about the menu. Initially I thought $9 for this small looking aerapa to-go was pricey; however, once I took a bite, I thought it was pretty justified - still a little high but not shocking. In other words, I'll be easily tempted to stop in when I'm making my weekly grocery runs. The outer shell reminded me of a buttery thicker and softer version of a corn tortilla, which I've been craving since leaving CA. As recommended by the owner (I believe), I tried the Reina - shredded chicken tossed in an avocado aioli of sorts - with the cheese on the side. I felt so guilty indulging I this! The mess is part of the experience so make sure to have napkins on deck. Only thing I would add is some lettuce to give it some body. Also bet it would be good with some fresh tomato. Either way, don't pass this place up. Too many delicious things to try. read more

Gusto Gourmet - Love how they stamp the wrapping - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

We ordered the Reina Arepa as a starter. Stuffed with shredded chicken and creamy avocado sprinkled with white goat cheese. Very tasty but feel there was way too much avocado. Pretty pricey for one arepa as well. Do not feel it was worth over $8. I ordered the Falafel Tostada and added a side of shredded chicken. My friend ordered the Pabellon Pita Sandwich. My tostada was good. Not the greatest I have ever had but definitely different. A very creative combination of two different types of foods! The pabellon pita sandwich was okay... I did like the beef and taste of the sandwich. I have to say I was a little let down. We spent over $33 on a tostada, an arepa and a pita sandwich. All were not a great portion at all. In fact we had to go pick up fries from what-a-burger because we didnt feel it would be enough. Also.. the rice pudding was a tiny portion but very tasty.. also expensive! Glad to have tried a new experience but unfortunately will not be back. read more

Gusto Gourmet - Falafel tostada with shredded chicken - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Great Argentinian food. My friend and I tried the chicken arepa with salty cheese and avocado, the tequenos (basically like crispy mozarella sticks), and the beef and plantain cachapa. Everything was packed with flavor and delicious. A little heavy on the stomach, but very filling and worth checking out! read more

Gusto Gourmet - Chicken arepas - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

I visited Gusto Gourmet for a group dinner. I had been craving arepas for several months and suggested the place for dinner after reading some decent reviews on Yelp. We went on a Thursday night near closing time (they close at 9, and we arrived around 8:30). They were kind enough to stay open for us and complete almost all of our orders (a few had been sold out) and the server we had was very polite and helpful. The main reason I'm only giving 3 stars is because of the location/parking. We would have arrived at the restaurant at 8 PM were it not for the difficult-to-access location, poor signage and outdoor lighting, and almost nonexistent parking. We circled the area three times looking for a restaurant we weren't even sure existed. When we finally googled parking near Gusto Gourmet, we read about their private parking lot behind the restaurant. When we finally accessed it, it was very dimly lit, but we finally scraped into a parking spot. The restaurant itself was pretty cramped, and probably could not fit more than four or five tables of four people. The server was kind enough to pull together two tables for our party of 8, and immediately presented us with menus. The food itself was quite tasty, but somewhat overpriced. My friend and I split an order of empanadas and one of the signature arepas with beef and plantains. It was barely enough food for two people, and I had to sneak a bit of my other friends' orders to feel satiated. I found the cream dip for the empanadas particularly delicious, and it made a good spread for the arepa as well. Overall, not particularly impressed by Gusto Gourmet. It was my first time trying arepas, but I'll probably try a cheaper/more easily accessible place next time. However, the company made it a lot more worthwhile :) read more

Gusto Gourmet - Beef empanadas~ great appetizer! - Venezuelan Near Me - Houston, Texas

Omg so delicious everything was so ooo good Customer service number 10 . 100 % recommend read more

Outstanding. Smiles and never any frowns. Galardonado. Están muy rica comida de venezolanos.

So this was our first time eating Venezuelan food after a random Google search that turn out amazing. Great menu, so many options, owner was so patient to explain everything to us. Loved it! read more

Driving on S. Shepherd saw this place, hadn't had breakfast and decided to stop by and I am glad I stopped by. The place is very clean, cute and inviting. Food was delicious, affordable and very authentic. Service was fast, friendly and will definitely recommend. read more

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I've eaten at Gusto three times and the food has been delicious every single time. The service is always excellent and the servers have always taken the time to explain the different options in the menu. This is a must every time I visit Houston read more

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A friend bought tequeños for a Year End Party, within 2 hours of eating them, 3 people started showing signs of food poisoning. It ended up with 19 out of 24 people with food poisoning (all of the ones that ate the tequeños including 5 kids), most had to go to the ER. When my friend called their response was that it was strange because no one else let them know they got sick. The ER doctors said the results of the blood work showed that the cause was food borne illness. read more

A charming and cozy eatery, where delicious culinary delights await you. Indulge in the delectable offerings of this intimate and inviting restaurant. read more

Delicious Venezuelan food!! This is my to-go place when in the museum - montrose area. Small cozy for dine in, also fast for picking up. Easy parking in the back. Empanadas, cachapas, arepas, cocadas, all is so good! Go check it out! read more

Came here on a weekday evening for dinner and got 3 items to share with a friend - their arepa with chicken mixed with avocado, arepa with salmon and Venezuelan cheese, and chachapa with beef, beans, cheese, and plantain. All of these were amazing! The service was friendly and fast. The chachapa was enormous and definitely enough for one person to eat as an entire meal. That was my fave - the flavors were so good and the texture so crunchy. Loved it. The areas were both good as well, and I liked the salmon one better. read more

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Cute little place with delicious food and wonderful service. Nutella Empanadas are amazing!