ZUAREPA Gainesville — Restaurant in Gainesville

Wow! What an unexpected find. Although I am Venezuelan, I was thoroughly and exquisitely surprised about this restaurant. First impressions: As I walked in I was greeted by beautiful praise and worship music in Spanish playing through the speakers and a large screen. It gave me instant ease and welcomed me in. With a genuine Zulia (region where the owners are from) yet contemporary feel, Zuarepa’s presentation was welcoming clean, orderly and beautiful. Food: Our arepas were freshly made, high quality, and beautifully presented. The portions were extremely generous making the meal very filling. The menu is simple yet customizable covering Venezuela’s main fast food cravings. Their guasacaca (tartar sauce) was delicious. Service: The server at the counter was pleasant and to the point. Additional on atmosphere: A small empty stage with furrucos (tipical Venezuelan musical instrument) gave the impression that Zuarepa host live music events at times. Other large screens were playing La liga soccer and other sports.

The little things that make a difference: High quality details displayed anywhere from the foods presentation to the bathrooms show Zuarepa’s intentionality and care. The bathroom cleanliness and high quality materials were notable. The individually plastic covered disposable silverware gives it another personal touch.

Overall, I was impressed and pleasantly surprised with Zuarepa. I wish I lived closer to become a regular. Please open a marietta, ga location. Keep up...

Their new place in Gainesville is great!! Very spacious and just has a nice vibe to it. The food (as always) is fresh and delicious. Their service is friendly and they always greet you with a smile. I recommend you pay them several visits because you won't be able to try everything you should try on your first visit. I suggest starting off with their AREPA PELUA (#5) so you can understand our countries MAIN food. Appetizers are always a must so make sure you get some tequeños (no.... they are NOT CHEESE STICKS), empanadas and mandocas. Pastelitos are delicious but they don't have them available here yet. After you've had these MUST haves then I suggest you try their PATACON and then their CACHAPA... just trust me, you'll love it. Note of caution.... Venezuelans LOVE cheese. If you're not a cheese person, they do have items without cheese, but just do a double take and make sure 😅 I'll continue visiting this spot for many years to come....

The food was AMAZING. Some of the best food I ever had in my life but the 1 hour wait time for 2 items was not amazing. I watched the lady at the counter. My 2 boxes were done for quite some time. Instead of giving me my things several people and tables after me got their things. The buzzer device never went off to say my order was done so I was miffed when it was brought to me and it turned out it was my food all along. By the time I got my food it had been an hour wait total with my things done but not given to me for about 20-30 minutes. I came in expecting fast food as the sign said. I really want to like this place but the hour wait really ruined it for me so I...