Fogonero Restaurant - Cedar Park — Restaurant in Cedar Park

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Fogonero, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. This restaurant offers a taste of Venezuela that is nothing short of exceptional.

The food at Fogonero is a celebration of Venezuelan flavors. From the moment I took my first bite, I could tell that each dish was prepared with care and authenticity. The arepas were a standout, with a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful fillings. The empanadas were equally impressive, and the pabellón criollo was a true highlight - the beef was tender, the black beans savory, and the plantains perfectly sweet.

The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who were eager to explain the menu and provide recommendations. They truly added to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

As for the ambiance, Fogonero strikes a great balance between being cozy and vibrant. The decor pays homage to Venezuelan culture, and the atmosphere is inviting for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

In conclusion, Fogonero is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Venezuela. The dedication to quality, the welcoming atmosphere, and the delicious cuisine make it a restaurant that I will certainly return to. If you haven't tried Venezuelan gastronomy, Fogonero is the perfect place to start your...

*World Traveler Review Super fresh ingredients, creative dishes, amazing Sangria, easy parking, def recommend!

We tried the Empanadas Sampler and Seafood Ceviche. Whereas the empanadas were perfectly cooked and came with 2 sauces, I was hoping for a bit more flavor and uniqueness in the fillings. We tried cheese, shredded beef, ground beef, and shredded chicken. The best flavor was the chicken (by far).

The ceviche, on the other hand, was UNreal! Ton of flavor and ultra fresh tasting. Medley of seafood incl. shrimp, octopus, etc. Served with a unique ‘Potatoe biscuit’ type of flat edible to accompany the ceviche. In my opinion, a crispy sea salt cracker or similar would have been a better pairing.

Atmosphere has a lot of potential - they have been open for about 9mos as of this review. As it is, I would like to see more Venezuela-based photography, collectables, etc and also authentic music to the regional food they are serving.

Great place overall - we will definitely return and recommend. Excited to see where they take it in the...

The El Dorado of South American food…if you can find it! 😎

The Good: Food and service are bang-on. 👌 🥰 Cannot wait for my next visit.

The Bad…

1. Location is obscure, behind the prominent shops near Walton Way: look closer to Bell Blvd. Not readily visible unless you’ve been here before. GPS struggled.

2. They couldn’t help with directions when we called, even with 2 of us being bilingual and fluent.

3. Their outdoor sign is small and dim, especially at night, which adds to the hidden nature. Other folks called in after we arrived with the same challenge, and same result.

4. They were short staffed on 12/10, so one person was having to be a server AND field all the calls and to-go orders. 😬

Not good, and not her fault. Hopefully this is a 1-off and not the norm? 🤷‍♂️ 👀

5. No longer serving alcohol, which may be a plus (or a deal breaker) for you.

The Final Word:

If you crave South American food in the CenTex area, your choices are limited, which makes this place a VERY special find.

Go try it for yourself, and thank me...