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Orinoco

477 Shawmut Ave.
Boston, MA 02118

Phone: 617-369-7075

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Email: orinocokitchen@verizon.net

Website: orinocokitchen.com

There are only 20 seats in Orinoco's lively dining room—and they fill up fast. Launched in January 2006, this South End hangout quickly captured the neighborhood's attention with tasty Venezuelan cuisine and low prices. The staff turns out genuinely delicious food, including starters called arepas (grilled corn pockets stuffed with meat and cheeses); the pernil, a subtly sweet slow-cooked pork; and reina pepiada, shredded chicken with avocado and cilantro, are among the standouts. Entreés include adobo-rubbed tuna beneath a pile of fresh greens and an asado negro (a traditional meat and rice dish) that sings with spice. For dessert, look for the molten chocolate cake with 100 percent Venezuelan dark chocolate. Note: The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner.