El maìz – Venezuelan Street Food
Via Tolemaide, 16, 00191 Roma RM
Rating: 4.8 ★ (2225 ratings)
Details
El maìz – Venezuelan Street Food offers a distinctive taste of Venezuela in the heart of Rome, providing an intimate and welcoming atmosphere just a short stroll from the Vatican. This unique establishment is entirely family-run, reflecting a genuine passion for sharing Venezuelan culinary traditions with a Roman audience. The small, inviting space encourages a relaxed dining experience, with many patrons enjoying the vibrant street food vibe at the outdoor tables. Visitors often feel immediately at ease, embraced by the friendly and attentive staff who foster a homely charm within this informal, warm Latin setting.
The cuisine is authentically Venezuelan, highlighted by a menu that is entirely gluten-free thanks to the prevalent use of corn flour. Notable dishes include the iconic Reina Pepiada, an arepa generously filled with avocado, chicken, and mayonnaise, alongside other popular choices like empanadas and cachapas. Guests can also savour tostones, which are fried plantain slices served with a fresh cabbage and carrot salad, tomato, and guacamole, perfectly complemented by refreshing tropical fruit juices such as passion fruit. The menu is thoughtfully presented in nine languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse international clientele.
This charming eatery is an excellent choice for those seeking a quick, authentic meal or a relaxed lunch with friends. Its completely gluten-free menu makes it a particularly ideal destination for diners with coeliac disease or gluten intolerances, offering new and genuine flavours. El maìz is well-suited for informal occasions and provides a delightful culinary surprise, often making Venezuelan-born visitors feel right at home.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM | Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday: Closed | Thursday: Closed | Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM | Sunday: Closed
Contact
+39 06 6600 6878 | https://linktr.ee/elmaiz
Comments
The establishment is small but charming. You get the feel that you're in Caracas with the bros having a casual meal. There is a screen that you conveniently order on, and my food arrived in no more than 10 minutes.
As for the food itself, what can I say other than it's the divine, rich, venezuelan cuisine I know and adore? I have eaten here a couple times already, and I have yet to find something I didn't love.
The food is decidedly delicious, but I find also has an extra special quality to it: love. I don't care who your mom is or what you grew up eating, but El Maíz adds a touch of love to each one of their dishes that will make you feel like eating your favourite meal that your mom cooked for you.
For these reasons, especially the last, I highly recommend El Maíz. Just come, thank me later.
Service is also spectacular!
Really recommend