Pana

Really tasty and fresh and such a cool spot. I really needed a late meal while hitting the town and I was very happy when I bit into my Sanfria Arepa. Delicious with the spicy sauce. I'm excited to try the garlic sauce next. Service was very friendly and quick. Highly recommend 👌🏻

Pana is our favorite place to eat in Abbott Square. The Pabellon, sifrina and tostones with garlic sauce are our faves. The limeade drink is tasty too. Consistently delicious. When family from out of town come to visit, we always have Pana at least once and sometimes twice!

The arepas are delicious and they are generous with the meat. It feels like a good value going out to eat when everything is so expensive. I get food here because I know I’ll get a filling, tasty meal at a reasonable price in a fun atmosphere.

Always a treat when I'm in Santa Cruz - I've tried a couple different Arepa's off the menu and I haven't been disappointed. They're surprisingly filling as well.

I am happy to hear that Pana Venezuelan Food is expanding! Congratulations, I look forward to eating there again. I love the tostones!!! I could eat those as a meal alone they're so delicious. I also enjoy their watermelon juice too. This place is my go to for food when friends and family visit from out of town. The location downtown is convenient as you can shop around after a bite to eat. Enjoy!!!!!!

The arepas were amazing!! Perfectly seasoned and crispy shell. The garlic sauce is so worth getting!

If you’re looking for something quick and delicious, Pana is a great place to go. This was my second time there, and I will definitely be back. The arepa is prepared fresh to order and is incredibly delicious and flavorful, filled to the max with ingredients—you definitely won’t leave hungry! I’ve had the Chicken Sifrina both times. The staff is also super friendly and helpful. Overall, it’s a wonderful spot for a quick, delicious meal. 😁

I always enjoy Pana's food. I was especially happy with the option to add the tostones and drink for the additional 6.99. Four tostones was a perfect accompaniment to my arepa! My favorite arepa is the pabellon with spicy sauce. It's delicious! Flavorful and very filling. Pana is always busy, so I typically place my order, then take my beverage (or grab a beer from a neighboring location) and enjoy the outside seating area. The crew is busy, and still friendly, helpful and positive. This is always a favorite stop when I'm in town.

My go-to eats at Abbott Square. Pick any table you like after ordering— there’s an arepa for almost any diet and they are all scrumptious. Those plantains and the garlic sauce, MM! Do not deny yourself this good thing in life. And they are accommodating, too — I wanted spinach with my domino yesterday, and said so in special instructions after i didn’t see the add option. They included the spinach gratis AND let me know how they’d like me to do that next time (until they wrassle their ordering kiosk into properly flexible shape.) pro-tip: select a n extra that costs the same as the one you are looking for, then write in the one you intend in the instructions section. Got it! Nice folks, good cuisine, treat yourself right by checking them out. Oh also when you’re ordering for a bunch of people, have them come with you at pickup, you’ll need the extra hands

Everything was perfect. Most delicious juices ive ever had in a serious way. Get the watermelon juice and the fancy lemonade, so good we had to get extra juice for the road. Minus one star on atmosphere because I almost fell out of my chair. Perfect lunching experience overall tho thank you to everyone involved 💋

My family and I really enjoyed the arepas, tostones, yucca, and drinks. The meat was tender and well seasoned and I also liked the veggie option. The bread was soft and flavorful. The tostones and yucca were very crunchy and tasty. The lemonade and papaya drinks were a great addition. I also liked the eating area and it was nice to have a coffee afterwards at a nearby coffee shop.

First time I had a pabellon (beef arepa with plantain), and must say it was delicious. Next time ill ask to go easy on plantain just because I'm not used to mixing fruits with savory meat but must say it was a lovely, well put-together hearty meal! Went back with a friend less than a week later to have another :) you won't regret it. Wish there was more indoor seating but oh well.

One of the best meals in town!! I get the Paballon, sub the beef for chicken and add avocado. It’s literally one of my favorite things to eat in Santa Cruz. German is the nicest guy, support this local business and have some AMAZING food!! 💞

I recently tried the arepas at Pana Venezuelan in Santa Cruz, and they were outstanding. The arepa itself was perfectly cooked with a crispy outside and soft, warm inside. The fillings were fresh, flavorful, and very delicious. I will come back again!

Two of the three of us have Celiac so we come here ALL THE TIME! But honestly, even without celiac disease we’d still come all the time. The food is delicious and at this point we’re on a first name basis with the entire staff. We’re partial to the Pelua with avocado and sweet plantains. I like the garlic sauce but my family is more on the avo sauce side. There are meat and veggie options. The watermelon juice is delicious. The flan is next level. Whether you are looking for a dedicated gluten free restaurant or you just want the best arepas you’ll ever have, you should come and get in on this action.

First time trying arepas, and it was delicious! Super filling. 10/10, will definitely be returning soon 🙌🏼

Unbelievably good food, great prices, and extremely nice staff. It is very clear that everyone working here cares deeply about giving their customers a great experience and about continuing to grow their business in a meaningful way. Please do yourself a favor and try this place out if you haven't, it is amazing!

Absolutely delicious! I’ve been wanting to give this place a try and last night my husband and I did try arepas( mine shredded beef and my husband got the capresa) they were flavorful, so fresh I wish I could have one now! I recommend and will be back!

Always serve delicious food, everything is gluten free, and the service is excellent! The sifrina is my favourite, and I just tried their quesillo (a flan) the other day and it was fantastic. They’re super friendly and always willing to answer any questions about the food. The location in Abbot square is good, but out on the side building so I bet a lot of people miss them. Looking forward to them moving to the main food hall!

Had a chicken, cheddar, avocado arepas, testones, and a delicious tea-like drink. Amazing! Fun atmosphere with live music. Guys they work at Pana could not be nicer and the food is great. Definitely try it!

Yummy, filling and welcoming! We ordered the vegan and chicken arepa with a side of tostones. (Pictures don’t do it justice) The vegan arepa was packed. I loved the creaminess from the avocado, saltiness from the beans and slight sweetness from the plantains. Highly recommend! The service was also excellent. The staff take your order and start working on it as soon as you walk up to the register. They’re also super welcoming. Would highly recommend this spot if you’re visiting Santa Cruz!

I like the new location inside of the main area at Abbott Square! Feels more convenient. There used to be a bit of a lag when it was in the other location but now service seems faster. I love a good arepa -- good takeaway food and you can make it as nutritious or as indulgent as you like. I've tried most varieties and love them all. Tostones are yummy. Love the cute capybara holders they sometimes come in. Mmm watermelon juice is such a good refreshing addition. Support this unique local biz!

I have been to this place a few times starting when they were a food truck in Santa Cruz. The food and the portions sizes are great. The staff is friendly and the service is fast. If you like meat, they have a few options of seasoned meats. If you are a vegetarian or vegan there will also be options for you. They have multiple sauce options ranging from mild to spicy so if you cant handle heat there is a sauce for you. One of the things I always put in my order is plantain. Great food and fresh ingredients.

WHAT A GREAT AREPA! So tasty and delicious, just like the ones in Venezuela. The place is super nice with great music by Rawayana, good drinks (I especially recommend the Venezuelan lemonade, which is made with raw cane sugar and lime), and the pabellón arepa is fantastic. The service is also very good and fast. I recommend going with friends and family :)

Wow! Tostones were so amazing with the Guasacaca sauce. I never had these before but they were delicious fried on the outside soft on the inside. This small plaza shares the building with a sushi spot. There was literally only 10 seats inside all filled up! I didn't try anything else because of Ash Wednesday but I would love to try the Arepas.

I still remember my first arepa from their food truck a couple of years ago 🤤 and they’re still just amazing! Every time I go to Abbott Square for salsa dancing on Tuesday nights, I have to get my arepita pelua with garlic sauce and sweet plantain… it’s my ritual at this point. Delicious, authentic, and always hits the spot. 100% recommended. I owe you the photo of the arepa, it was so good that I ate it as soon as they gave it to me!

Panna’s food is absolutely excellent - real ingredients, consistent, and reliable!! I have serious GI issues, food allergies, etc and their food is some of the only food I can eat out in Santa Cruz!! I’ve been a customer since they started in a food truck, there your customer service is beyond wonderful - especially catered for company events! The owner/chefs are always so very kind, available to help and customize orders! Their arepas are delicious!! And their mascot is adorable!! This is a real Santa Cruz treat, and I feel lucky that they share their gift of making good, honest, and delicious food!

We discovered this place by chance when looking for something new to eat near us, and we’re so grateful we found Pana. Their arepas are delicious and fun to eat. We always get the watermelon juice because it’s so sweet and amazing! Their employees are SO nice. Their mascot is a capybara, which brings me a lot of joy. You can eat inside or outside on a nice day, or get it to go. We hope this place is around for a long time!

I have never had an arepa before, and if you haven’t either, don’t miss this opportunity. Such a wonderful meal! This will be a regular stop for me. And as a suggestion, go for the meal. The fried plantains are delicious and the juice is refreshing.

Pana is an awesome place to get some delicious food! I ordered the pabellón with all three sauces inside and it was delicious at a reasonable price point. The meat was tender, the sauces were flavorful, and the plantains were perfectly caramelized. The service was friendly and fast. I appreciate how their menu caters to many tastes and diets, so that everyone can enjoy food at Pana. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a good meal in downtown Santa Cruz.

Pana is super delicious! I’m a vegetarian and it’s so nice to be able to get a filling and tasty meal that has lots of different veggies. And the sauces! I love all of them. Highly recommend when you’re downtown!

Pana never disappoints. We haven’t tried everything yet, but always enjoy the delicious food and appreciate the friendly service. We love the sifrina, pabellon, vegan arepa, sweet plantains, juices, and Venezuelan lemonade. This is our go-to lunch spot in Santa Cruz. Conveniently in a food hall with other food options, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and bathrooms.

Not only is the food authentic and phenomenal, this business was built from the ground up by a genuine gem in the community. His thoughtfulness and attention to detail can be seen from the handmade arepa, fresh ingredients, to the details and design of the packaging. The bacon arepa is my go to breakfast downtown 😋 🥓 🍳 🧀 THE. QUESILLO. IS. SO. DANGEROUS. iykyk

I have been customers for at least 5 years in Santa Cruz location, I'm from San Jose and travel all the way from here just because this arepas worthy. Now they opened this location in my town and I'm very happy, yesterday I ordered and is the same great flavor, quality and service. Highly recommend ❤️

Maria Arias

WHAT A GREAT AREPA! So tasty and delicious, just like the ones in Venezuela. The place is super nice with great music by Rawayana, good drinks (I especially recommend the Venezuelan lemonade, which is made with raw cane sugar and lime), and the pabellón arepa is fantastic. The service is also very good and fast. I recommend going with friends and family :)

Kit Stegeman

Panna’s food is absolutely excellent - real ingredients, consistent, and reliable!! I have serious GI issues, food allergies, etc and their food is some of the only food I can eat out in Santa Cruz!! I’ve been a customer since they started in a food truck, there your customer service is beyond wonderful - especially catered for company events! The owner/chefs are always so very kind, available to help and customize orders! Their arepas are delicious!! And their mascot is adorable!! This is a real Santa Cruz treat, and I feel lucky that they share their gift of making good, honest, and delicious food!

Maria Alejandra Gonzalez

I still remember my first arepa from their food truck a couple of years ago 🤤 and they’re still just amazing! Every time I go to Abbott Square for salsa dancing on Tuesday nights, I have to get my arepita pelua with garlic sauce and sweet plantain… it’s my ritual at this point. Delicious, authentic, and always hits the spot. 100% recommended. I owe you the photo of the arepa, it was so good that I ate it as soon as they gave it to me!

Colleen Boucher-Robinson

Pana is super delicious! I’m a vegetarian and it’s so nice to be able to get a filling and tasty meal that has lots of different veggies. And the sauces! I love all of them. Highly recommend when you’re downtown!

Adam Laird

I have never had an arepa before, and if you haven’t either, don’t miss this opportunity. Such a wonderful meal! This will be a regular stop for me. And as a suggestion, go for the meal. The fried plantains are delicious and the juice is refreshing.

Zella Carmichael-Price

Pana is an awesome place to get some delicious food! I ordered the pabellón with all three sauces inside and it was delicious at a reasonable price point. The meat was tender, the sauces were flavorful, and the plantains were perfectly caramelized. The service was friendly and fast. I appreciate how their menu caters to many tastes and diets, so that everyone can enjoy food at Pana. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a good meal in downtown Santa Cruz.

Jennifer Teu

Pana never disappoints. We haven’t tried everything yet, but always enjoy the delicious food and appreciate the friendly service. We love the sifrina, pabellon, vegan arepa, sweet plantains, juices, and Venezuelan lemonade. This is our go-to lunch spot in Santa Cruz. Conveniently in a food hall with other food options, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and bathrooms.

BellaLuna Price

Not only is the food authentic and phenomenal, this business was built from the ground up by a genuine gem in the community. His thoughtfulness and attention to detail can be seen from the handmade arepa, fresh ingredients, to the details and design of the packaging. The bacon arepa is my go to breakfast downtown 😋 🥓 🍳 🧀 THE. QUESILLO. IS. SO. DANGEROUS. iykyk

jenny

The arepas were amazing!! Perfectly seasoned and crispy shell. The garlic sauce is so worth getting!

Peter Chester

Two of the three of us have Celiac so we come here ALL THE TIME! But honestly, even without celiac disease we’d still come all the time. The food is delicious and at this point we’re on a first name basis with the entire staff. We’re partial to the Pelua with avocado and sweet plantains. I like the garlic sauce but my family is more on the avo sauce side. There are meat and veggie options. The watermelon juice is delicious. The flan is next level. Whether you are looking for a dedicated gluten free restaurant or you just want the best arepas you’ll ever have, you should come and get in on this action.

Nicole 9671

So good! Everything is fresh and delicious. Just the right amount of savory. A must if I am in Santa Cruz!

Chris B

Always a treat when I'm in Santa Cruz - I've tried a couple different Arepa's off the menu and I haven't been disappointed. They're surprisingly filling as well.

I have had many arepas and I was skeptical but it was so good! I had their arepa de pabellon and their aguapanela both were delicious . I wasn’t able to eat it right away and it even still tasted amazing reheated. The garlic sauce is so good i could’ve drank it. The staff was friendly and I loved that they were playing reggaeton in the restaurant. I will definitely be back next time I’m in town!

I’m excited for them and their new adventure inside the MAH food area. My experiences over the years have always been fantastic with both the sifrina arepa and the food service. The owner German is very personable and a joy to interact with. He seems to remember my friends and I and goes out of his way to say hello. I made arepas from scratch a couple times. Cut them down the middle and ate them more simply with cheese and/or butter. I am blown away at how PANA loads theirs up with all sorts of yummies! And the sauces are so good. Sometimes I just wake up and crave Pana arepas 😍

I love pana!! My mom and her coworkers go for lunch all the time so I had to try!! Now I’m addicted!! I get the sifrina arepa with all the sauces inside and always a side of the fried plantains with the guasacaca sauce on the side. I also love the watermelon juice!! The arepa is so juicy and flavorful, the shredded chicken is perfectly cooked and the cheese literally holds it all together. The plantains are just the right amount of salty and literally to die for. I crave pans all the time, it literally makes my mouth water just thinking about it!! The staff is always super friendly and helpful and the service is top tier!! I recommend Pana to everyone!! It’s a must try spot!!

A unique little staple in Santa Cruz with a cute capybara as their mascot. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re around downtown and wanna grab a quick bite. Their arepas are filling without being too heavy—or messy. Chicken/beef, along with some vegetarian options offer a little bit for everyone. (Also part of Abbott Square, which has plenty of seating, with other options just around the corner if you’re coming with a group). Highly recommend the very juicy beef filling with queso fresco. Beverages are unique with options beyond soda. Plantains are always hot. Plus, their papaya juice is always fresh and so worth it. I’ve never had an arepa before until Pana. I’m very happy with what I got, hope you will be too.

Michelle Mott

I am happy to hear that Pana Venezuelan Food is expanding! Congratulations, I look forward to eating there again. I love the tostones!!! I could eat those as a meal alone they're so delicious. I also enjoy their watermelon juice too. This place is my go to for food when friends and family visit from out of town. The location downtown is convenient as you can shop around after a bite to eat. Enjoy!!!!!!

Lizzy Hsieh

I love Pana! Amazing quality food, and I love that it's naturally gluten-free. I've been coming here for years and have never had a bad meal. The service is always great and friendly, and the prices are very reasonable for Santa Cruz. I had the new meal deal for the first time this weekend and love the option to get a single serving of tostones with my arepa. Couldn't have a higher recommendation!

Zoilyn Gomez

Wow, I cannot sing enough praises! I ordered the Pabellon with spicy and garlic sauce, comboed with tostones and papelon con limón (Venezuelan limeade). Everything was wonderful. Delicious savory arepa with gooey cheese, tender meat, well cooked beans y con sabor. I was surprised the limeade was such a treat, nice balance, not too sweet. I will for sure return when I’m back in town. I was raised in Miami and I think this was better than what I’ve had back home. Thank you for that. <3

Branka Jevric

First time I had a pabellon (beef arepa with plantain), and must say it was delicious. Next time ill ask to go easy on plantain just because I'm not used to mixing fruits with savory meat but must say it was a lovely, well put-together hearty meal! Went back with a friend less than a week later to have another :) you won't regret it. Wish there was more indoor seating but oh well.

Fr. John Shearer, O.S.J.

If you’re looking for something quick and delicious, Pana is a great place to go. This was my second time there, and I will definitely be back. The arepa is prepared fresh to order and is incredibly delicious and flavorful, filled to the max with ingredients—you definitely won’t leave hungry! I’ve had the Chicken Sifrina both times. The staff is also super friendly and helpful. Overall, it’s a wonderful spot for a quick, delicious meal. 😁

C.S.

A little place to grab the most DELICIOUS bite to eat! You have to go here and try it. If you want more room to eat, there's chairs and tables in the little center around the corner, and some nights there's music and dancing. I had the Pabellon. Add the garlic sauce- it's divine! So fresh and delicious! My husband talked about it for 3 days after we drove to our non-Pana-restaurant-having city. Def. Will be back!

Doodler :D

I had a really great experience! This was my first time having an arepa, and it was really good! (I was pleasantly surprised by the avocado sauce). Additionally, being someone with allergies, it was really nice to see that the whole menu was gluten free and that the employees were transparent about other allergens too, making things worry free! For the amount of food you get, the price is right too. If you’re in Downtown Santa Cruz looking for some tasty Venezuelan food, I cannot recommend Pana enough!

i’ve never had an arepa before & pana caught my eye while i was going to the pharmacy downtown. beef with plantain was a new concept for me, but after seeing it was one of the more popular menu items i ordered a pabellon & a papelon. the arepa was completely stuffed- hearty & a really nice yet unexpected blend of flavours. it was a little messy to eat & soggy at the bottom though. unfortunately the papelon was disappointing, but i would try their other drinks next time.

Today was my first time going and I loved my capresa. I will say I was disappointed because they forgot my mayo on my Reina and I didn’t realize till after the fact. To be very honest I did not care for the customer service the register guy wasn’t very friendly. Lots of tables outside to enjoy your food and lastly I do wish they had more side choices, loved the drink options lastly the salsa was spicy for me 😮‍💨😋

Erin Joo

i’ve never had an arepa before & pana caught my eye while i was going to the pharmacy downtown. beef with plantain was a new concept for me, but after seeing it was one of the more popular menu items i ordered a pabellon & a papelon. the arepa was completely stuffed- hearty & a really nice yet unexpected blend of flavours. it was a little messy to eat & soggy at the bottom though. unfortunately the papelon was disappointing, but i would try their other drinks next time.