Arempas — Restaurant in Midvale

I visited Arempa’s Midvale for dinner, and as soon as you walk in, you’re greeted warmly. The place is clean, organized, and the music volume is just right — even with the bar area nearby, it doesn’t disturb the dining side. The staff was very friendly, and our waiter was excellent (I wish I remembered his name!). The food came out in a timely manner, and overall, the service was great.

This spot works perfectly for couples or small groups (no larger than six). We ordered the parrillada, a tomato and avocado salad, and a queso de mano cachapa.

Now, a few things they could improve — and I say this with respect because I really want them to succeed. There are only a few truly good Venezuelan restaurants in SLC, and this is definitely one of them. The beef in the parrillada had a lot of fat and was sliced too thin; I think thicker cuts would make a big difference, especially considering the price of the dish. The chicken and chorizo were flavorful and well-cooked. The tray came with about fifteen tostones (fried plantains), which felt like a bit too many — it seems they use them to fill up the plate.

The salad, unfortunately, wasn’t at its best — the avocado and lettuce were already turning dark. On the other hand, the cachapa was very good — cheesy, fresh, and just the right sweetness.

I’ll definitely come back, and I hope they take these small details into account. With just a bit of improvement, this place could easily be one of the top Venezuelan...

If you're looking for a taste of Venezuela, Arempas is the perfect spot. This restaurant is a hidden gem tucked away in Midvale, but it's worth seeking out because the food is out of this world!

What makes Arempas so special is its namesake dish – the arepa. These delicious cakes made from ground maize are filled with all sorts of tasty ingredients, from shredded beef to black beans to avocado. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they'll leave you feeling satisfied and filled with happiness.

But arepas aren't the only thing on the menu at Arempas. You'll also find empanadas, plantains, and other authentic Venezuelan dishes that will transport you to South America without leaving Utah. And if you're not sure what to order, the staff is incredibly friendly and always happy to make a recommendation.

To top it all off, Arempas has a full-service bar that serves up exotic drinks that perfectly complement the flavors of the food. Whether you're in the mood for a classic margarita or a refreshing mojito, you'll find something to quench your thirst and keep your taste buds dancing.

Overall, Arempas is a must-visit for anyone who loves food that's packed with flavor and authenticity. You'll leave feeling like you've discovered a hidden gem, and you'll be counting down the days until you can come...

Edit: I see the owner responded which I’m pleased about. I have to take food allergies very seriously and so I use an app called ‘find me gluten free’ where people can leave reviews on their experiences and allergy friendliness at restaurants.

I saw two recent reviews on the app in the past month mentioning this claim about wheat flour - as it seems it’s not true then I’m definitely happy and I will make an effort to come back and try things out. I’ll adjust my review accordingly as previously this was one of my favorite places to go for safe gluten free food. This was one of my favorite gluten free places and I enjoyed the food. I have celiac disease so I have to be extra careful and I ate here multiple times. They even advertise themselves on their graphics as having many gluten free options since they use corn masa flour.

However, recently I have heard they have been adding ‘a little bit of wheat flour’ to certain items without disclosing it anywhere. You can’t advertise yourself as gluten free anymore. I really hope this gets resolved because I’d love to return. However I can no longer eat there safely and I am...