Pantano Bar — Restaurant in Western Australia

Discovering Pantano Bar in Perth, Western Australia, was an absolute delight! This gem of a Venezuelan restaurant offers not just a meal but a truly immersive experience, thanks to the exceptional customer service and the owner's palpable passion for his culture and venezuelan kitchen. Awarding it five stars feels almost inappropriate for the level of satisfaction and joy I experienced.

From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warmth and friendliness that instantly makes you feel at home. The owner, a bundle of kindness and enthusiasm, clearly pours his heart into every dish that comes out of the kitchen, ensuring that each guest is transported back home to their latin roots. (Worth mentioning that I am from Colombia 🇨🇴).

Let's talk about the food because, frankly, it's nothing short of spectacular. The arepas, a Venezuelan traditional food, are perfectly made, with a crispy exterior giving way to a soft, warm interior. Each bite is a testament to the authenticity and love put into the preparation. The patacones, meanwhile, are a flavor explosion, perfectly crispy plantains topped with a medley of fresh ingredients that come all together once you have a bite.

But what truly sets this place apart is the heart behind it. It's not just about serving food; it's about sharing a piece of Venezuelan culture with every guest. The owner's dedication to providing an exceptional experience is evident in every interaction, from the preparation of the dishes to the attentive, friendly service that makes you feel like part of the family.

For anyone seeking a culinary adventure in Perth, Pantano Bar is a must-visit. It's a place where food is made with love, service is delivered with a smile, and every meal feels like a celebration. Whether you're a fan of Venezuelan cuisine or new to it, this restaurant will surely leave you with a lasting impression and a desire to return.

Can't wait to be back today for lunch! See you...

I went here to try Venezuelan food for the first time, and it was definitely a delightfuly satisfying experience. Monique (or Monic), the gorgeous lady on the counter assisted me in going through the Venezuelan cuisine before I ended up having some of their signature dishes. The Chef too is a very friendly person!

Arepas here are to be delighted. Traditional Venezuelan flat corn bread served in burger forms here. I had mine with their home made chorizo pork mince, with their special house made cheese sauce. Matches of potato crisps and fresh shredded lettuce added the freshness and extra crunchy texture to the velvety rich cheese sauce and tangy meaty chorizo. The arepa breads, crispy on the outside and creamy, with a very slim hint of sweetness and richness in flavour, quite reminiscent to Northern Indian style corn or finger milley flat breads.

The burger was accompanied with three pieces of tostones; deep fried flattened raw plaintains, that have unique overall texture, very crispy on the outside and slightly chewy and "meaty" almost similar to cassava or taro. These plain tostones were brought to the next level when paired with their four unique house made dipping sauces: the chipotle bbq sauce, bacon mayo, green coriander mayo and the house made chilli sauce. My favourite was the combo of the chipotle bbq sauce with the bacon mayo and chilli sauce that had a hint of corriander and other spices.

Another dish being ordered that day was the Loaded Tostones. I had mine with jalapenos, chorizos and fried egg on top. A bit small in portions but to die for!

With these top quality of food and great warm friendly service, I will definitely be back here for more exploration of...

Pantano Bar is such a hidden gem!! They specialise in Venezuelan street food such as arepas and tostadas, and they have some very unique vegan options on their menu! 😍

I tried the spectacular El Vegano arepa (a type of bread made from white corn, that is fried to make it crispy on the outside, and then stuffed) (GF, $18). This was absolutely PACKED full of delicious fresh ingredients including eggplant, roast capsicum, coleslaw, vegan cheese, beetroot, crispy French fries, and more! The “Comeflor” burger was also delicious (can be served in an arepa or bun). It contains a black bean burger, chipotle BBQ sauce, onion rings, pickles, vegan cheese, beetroot, coleslaw, and Guasa (a traditional Venezuelan avocado sauce) ($17).

Another unique menu item is the Tostones (deep fried green plantain) which are loaded with a HUGE amount of toppings including black beans, avocado, coleslaw and Guasa (GF, $15) - definitely give this one a go! 👌🏻👌🏻

We also tried their vegan tacos which come with 3 different fillings: roasted veggies/vegan cheese, avocado/tomato/lettuce, and black beans/vegan feta - my fave was the roasted veggie one! ($21 for 3).

Highly recommend you try their traditional Venezuelan drink Papelon con Limon ($6) made from sugar cane. It is whizzed up in the blender making it creamy and frothy - so refreshing and delicious!

Pantano has a lovely shaded outdoor area with plenty of seating, and even a sandpit and toys...