Orinoco

Inspired by the casual, convivial roadside eateries found throughout Venezuela, Orinoco uses old family recipes to produce one of the city's most authentic Latin American eateries. Upbeat waiters navigate the romantic dining room, which is decorated with colorful masks, filled with mismatched chairs and is larger than the original South End location's. Drink options run the gamut from South American wines to tropical fruit drinks. Diners peek into the partially open kitchen to view authentic arepas being made by hand. Filled with everything from slow-cooked pork leg to creamy Venezuelan guayanés cheese, these smoky corn pockets make for an ideal starter. Shredded beef empanadas and bacon-wrapped, almond-filled dates are among the other appetizers available. Entrees, all of which come in under $15, include adobo-rubbed tuna and Pabellón Criollo, a traditional Venezuelan dish of shredded beef, white rice, black beans and plantains. Homemade caramel flan and molten chocolate cake provide a sweet finish.