10 restaurants to support this Hispanic Heritage Month—and beyond

Food that is influenced by your childhood and the cuisine of your native country is definitely something special. Numerous Hispanic-owned restaurants with creative menus and roots in passion can be found all across Atlanta, showcasing the cuisine and culture of their heritage for everyone to enjoy.

We’ve featured 10 distinct restaurants to support during Hispanic Heritage Month—and all year long. ¡Buen provecho!

Arepa Mia (Venezuelan)

At Arepa Mia, learn about the traditional arepa of Venezuela. Arepas are cornmeal-flour patties that are cut in half and filled with savory foods like cheese, meat, veggies or sweet indulgences. This quaint restaurant utilizes local quality ingredients, and every item on the menu is free of gluten. With shredded chicken, Guyanese cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, fried sweet plantains, Thai chili and cilantro sauce, Sifrina is one of their popular arepas. Try the traditional arepa con queso if you want something simple. For a sweet treat, sample some of their arepitas fritas for dessert.

Location: Avondale Estates - 10 N Clarendon Ave.; Website: arepamiaatlanta.com; Contact: 404-600-3509

Belén de la Cruz Empanadas and Pastries (Argentinian)

Visit Belén de la Cruz for a variety of freshly baked pastries and warm empanadas that will have you going back for more. With lunch specials that include two or three empanadas and a drink, it’s a fantastic place to get a fast bite to eat. Options include beef, chicken, spinach and mushroom empanadas, to name a few. Additionally, they provide charcuterie platters, gluten-free empanadas, and decadent pastries and cakes on their menu.

Location: Multiple Locations; Website: belendelacruz.com; Contact: 470-359-2976

Lotta Frutta

(Mexican-style fresh-cut fruit cups, South American-style smoothies, Cuban-inspired grilled Sanduches, Mexican Paletas and Ecuadorian Helado)

Lotta Frutta serves healthy fare with fresh fruit cups, sandwiches, salads and smoothies. Their delicious and energizing cups are packed with a variety of fruits. The Limonatta cup comes topped with lime juice and hot guajillo chile and includes pineapple, cucumber, watermelon, mango, papaya and coconut. Make sure to visit Lotta Frutta whenever you’re seeking a refreshing, nutritious snack.

Location: East Atlanta - 590 Auburn Ave. NE; Website: lottafrutta.com; Contact: 404-588-0857

Alma Cocina (Mexican)

Alma Cocina is a must-visit if you’re looking for a remarkable and distinctive dining experience with contemporary Mexican cuisine. Their main dishes, specialty tacos, seasonally-inspired guacamoles and salsas, and traditional Oaxacan chicken mole are all prepared with flavorful, fresh ingredients. For dessert, you must get their churros with tepache caramel and chocolate-ancho sauce. Don’t forget to complement your dinner with one of their exquisite tequila cocktails, which they have a wonderful range of.

Location: Two Locations (Downtown and Buckhead); Website: alma-atlanta.com

El Super Pan (Puerto Rican)

Puerto Rican chef Hector Santiago’s delightful sandwich shop, El Super Pan, serves up traditional sandwiches in unique varieties. Each sandwich is filled with creative flavors, whether it’s a Cubano or Pan de Jamon y Queso made with serrano ham, manchego cheese, almond-date spread, arugula and piquillo agridulce on spinach focaccia. Try their amazing Super Bowls like the Mofongo bowl topped with your protein of choice, all-vegan and gluten-free sides, and delightful pastelitos with guava and cheese.

Location: Two Locations (The Battery and Ponce City Market); Website: elsuperpan.com

Tio Lucho’s (Peruvian)

At Tio Lucho’s, experience the flavors of coastal Peru, influenced by chef Arnaldo Castillo’s early years in Lima and Piura, Peru. They use Peruvian ingredients that are both locally sourced and imported, with a focus on shareable dishes that include beef, fish and side dishes. Share meals like the Ceviche Mixto, Pulpo Anticuchero, Lomo Saltado, or Chuleta con Tacu Tacu, which are light and flavorful. Come hungry and ready to enjoy the lively atmosphere, excellent cocktails and wonderful desserts.

La Bodega offers a community-supported farm-to-table environment by partnering with local sustainable farmers and rising chefs. Pupusas, which come in a variety of flavors including buffalo chicken, Cubana, Hawaiian, BBQ, plant-based and more, are the main attraction at this eatery. Desayuno Salvadoreño, tostada Cubana and breakfast nachos are just a few of the items available on their “Breakfast All Day’' menu. Their menu offers many delicious and unforgettable flavors. You will not be disappointed!

Location: West End - 680 Murphy Ave. SW; Website: labodegaatl.com; Contact: 404-809-4158

Mambo’s Cafe (Cuban and Peruvian)

Large portions of fusion cuisine from Cuba and Peru are served at Mambo’s Cafe in Alpharetta. Delightful paellas, Peruvian specialties like Tallarin Saltado and Apanado, as well as Cuban classics like Ropa Vieja, choripan con chimichurri and vaca frita are all on the menu. A kids’ menu is available, and be sure to spare room for a café con leche. They also offer fantastic lunch specials.

Location: Alpharetta - 4915 Windward Pkwy.; Website: mambos-cafe.com; Contact: 770-753-4354