Restaurants and Bars

In Venezuela many ancient gastronomic traditions are combined to please the guest with a delicious variety of dishes. Between the 16th and 19th Centuries, Venezuelan society was made up of families descending from three different backgrounds—European, African and Venezuelan Amerindian. However, today's society does not necessarily reflect that situation anymore. Modern Venezuelan society shows a kind of symbiosis of human races, growing Asian and Middle Eastern influences have created a dynamic international environment. This same combination can be found in the local cuisine.

Sabana Grande

Because of the huge variety of restaurants offering the most exotic national and international cuisine, Caracas is considered the gastronomic capital of Latin America. This does not mean, however, that the Venezuelans and their food have lost their true culinary identity. In fact, typical Venezuelan food is characterized by its simplicity and pleasant taste. However, one restaurant in the Sabana Grande neighborhood that should not be missed is Al Vecchio Mulino, which means "Old Windmill" in Italian, it is a local favorite and is actually housed in an old windmill. After dinner, you can head to Poma for something sweet. Cafe Matisse serves delicate, French inspired cuisine in warm, comfortable surroundings and La Caleta offers Spanish dishes and lively atmosphere.

Las Mercedes & La Castellana

Selecting one of the hundreds of restaurants in Caracas can be a challenge; that being, we offer some tips to help you make your decision. Many of the best restaurants can be found in la Mercedes and la Castellana of which the most recommended are, Damasco, which is traditional Middle Eastern food and has a ballet show every Friday, Toninos, Cafe & Bistro, specialist in Mediterranean food, salads and risotto, El Tinajero de los Helechos and Maute Grill, for all those who like grilled meats. For Italian, there is Il Romanaccio — with strictly Italian cooks, this is a place where good dining is always guaranteed. Aventino is considered as the best restaurant in the city with more than 35 years of tradition. The main dish is Caneton a la Presse, which dates back to 1892. Misia Jacinta has Venezuelan food that includes Arepas, and Cachapas. Racó specializes in Catalan food as well as traditional Spanish dishes.

When night falls, Caracas is transformed into another city. The tropical evening warms the city's musical soul, inspiring salsa and meringue rhythms. Bars and restaurants open and the parties begin. Discotheques such as Latinos, El Maní es Así and Staño offer the hottest Latin rhythms for all-night dancing, while enjoying the best tropical food and cocktails. If you are looking for something more mellow with cosmopolitan music the following might interest you, clubs such as Las Tapas de Madrid, Tiffany's, Flyer's and Greenwich Pub.

Altamira

Having a good meal in Caracas can be more than just an enjoyable experience; it can be an unforgettable adventure. In the neighborhood of Altamira, the immense variety of national and international meals is promising: from the Pabellón Criollo—Venezuela's traditional dish consisting of shredded meat, black beans on rice and fried plantain—to an exquisite Foie Gras on over-sweet mango, or smoked salmon with ginger and spring onion. One such restaurant is La Estancia, a place to enjoy the finest beef from Argentina alongside traditional dishes. For a taste of something different, head over to Chez Wong & Grill to enjoy some Chinese food. For an after dinner cocktail, the Taverna del Cubo is open late and has an extensive wine collection. Vizio Restaurant is a family owned and operated establishment serving up traditional Italian cuisine. After dinner, head to Yogen Früz for delicious frozen yogurt.