White Maize

“White Maize + was amazing! We got the mini empanadas, an Arepa and a cachapa - all were delicious. The service and atmosphere were also great, it’s a cute spot with a relaxed feel.”

“On a quiet stretch of Chelsea, a few blocks from the gallery circuit in New York City, White Maize presents elevated Venezuelan cuisine with a level of precision rarely seen in NYC. This Venezuelan restaurant in Chelsea is not comfort-driven nostalgia. It is a controlled, design-forward dining experience that feels closer to a minimalist exhibition than a traditional Latin restaurant. The room is strikingly white. Not cold, but deliberate. Clean lines, restrained palette, and a visual clarity that removes distraction. It’s elegant, almost architectural — the kind of minimalist Venezuelan dining space in Chelsea where every plate has to justify itself. The menu does. The carpaccio, often mistaken as Italian, is deeply rooted in Venezuelan dining culture. Here it arrives thin, balanced, and precise: a standout Venezuelan carpaccio in Chelsea. Familiar in memory, elevated in execution. The arepas de chicharrón, typically roadside and indulgent, are reinterpreted with structure and refinement while preserving their nostalgic flavor — some of the best arepas in Chelsea NYC. Empanadas, especially the chicken, reveal a carefully layered guiso that feels intentional rather than heavy. Cocktails stand out at this Venezuelan restaurant in Chelsea. The Sotol-based “Desierto” with blood orange is not traditionally Venezuelan, yet it reflects a Venezuelan palate adapting with intelligence. The use of sotol, still emerging in the U.S., signals a thoughtful and curated bar program. Pair it with the tequeños, which remain classic, clean, and perfectly executed — essential tequeños in Chelsea. White Maize succeeds because it doesn’t try to recreate Venezuela. It translates Venezuelan cuisine with elegance, discipline, and cultural clarity. One of the best elevated Venezuelan dining experiences in Chelsea NYC.”

“If you’re looking for a taste of Venezuela in NYC, this is the place! 💛🇻🇪 It feels like home; the energy, the warmth, the way they welcome you… it’s something you don’t find everywhere. The service goes above and beyond, they genuinely care about you, treat you with so much respect and cariño, and make sure you’re comfortable the entire time. The food is 10/10 every single time and the cocktails are just as amazing ✨ you can tell everything is made with love and intention! I always order the arepa reina and WOW… it never disappoints. It’s honestly one of the best I’ve had. This spot isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. If you’re Venezuelan, it will remind you of home. If you’re not, it’s the perfect place to fall in love with our culture 💛✨”

“Good food! La Bestia was AMAZING! Full of protein and fair for the price. Drinks were solid as well, the colada was ok (it had a strange salty taste) but the 3 en 1 was wonderful. Great apps too! I recommend the tequeños and the mandocas. The service was good, with the exception of the only male waiter who brought me the check. He snatched the handheld credit card terminal from my hand as I was reading the receipt to make sure I was charged right for what I consumed. He also didn’t offer to print me a receipt and seemed annoyed I asked for one. What would’ve been a perfect night, soured a little after his strange behavior. The ambiance is ok. The noise level is high. Seating is limited. Make a reservation if you can.”

“Came here on a solo date on a Friday afternoon and I was the only one there. Asked about the happy hour menu and didn’t get a friendly answer. I ended up ordering a juice what was artificial passion fruit and a LOT of water and sugar. For food I ordered tequeños and it was really good, for my main I had a beef cachapa and it was really disappointing, made out of cheap sweet corn meal not even real corn. Beef and cheese were ok. A total 40$ check for mid food and not service at all. I hope they can do better with quality food and service.”