A Venezuelan Diner in Toronto
Arepa cafe was a 1,800-square-foot full-service restaurant located in the heart of Toronto, envisioned and developed as an artistic and cultural initiative rooted in Venezuelan identity.
More than just a business, the establishment was a multidisciplinary expression of design, gastronomy, and entrepreneurship, created to introduce and celebrate Venezuelan culture within the Canadian urban landscape.
Conceived as a modern diner with deep cultural roots, the project used emblematic national symbols as storytelling tools to shape its physical and emotional atmosphere. Central to the concept was the arepa—Venezuela’s iconic cornmeal patty, not only featured on the menu but also embodied in the design language and branding. The restaurant’s aesthetic narrative included references such as Harina P.A.N., the household staple used to make arepas; El Ávila mountain, depicted in murals and decor as a nostalgic tribute to Caracas; and Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, a symbol of hope and faith deeply embedded in Venezuelan popular culture.
Every design element—from the interior layout and materials to the menu typography—was carefully curated to evoke a genuine, immersive cultural experience. The space served as a canvas where culinary tradition met contemporary design, with a strong focus on community, memory, and identity. The restaurant wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a platform for cultural dialogue and a meaningful entrepreneurial response to the experience of immigration and the desire to preserve and share one’s heritage.
Arepa cafe stood as a proud, vibrant bridge between cultures, embodying the spirit of creative entrepreneurship through food, art, and architecture.
Project Name: Arepa cafe
Type: Full-Service Restaurant (1,800 SF)
Location: Toronto, Canada
Type: Full-Service Restaurant (1,800 SF)
Location: Toronto, Canada
Roles:
Founder, Interior Designer, Creative Director
Concept development & branding
Spatial and visual design
Community engagement strategy
Business Operator