Welcome to Orinoco
At Orinoco, nestled in the heart of Boston, Venezuelan Caribbean flavors come alive. Our journey celebrates authentic cuisine, where vibrant dishes like Pabellon Criollo and Adobo Smoked Churrasco reflect the rich heritage of Venezuela. Each plate is thoughtfully crafted, from our savory empanadas to the unique sweet plantain-wrapped Maracuchitos. We prioritize inclusivity, offering a variety of vegetarian options and catering to diverse dietary needs. Our casual yet lively atmosphere invites families and friends to gather, savoring delicious meals and shared moments. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience at Orinoco, where every bite tells a story of tradition and passion.
- 477 Shawmut Ave Boston, MA 02118 United States Hotline: (617) 369-7075
Welcome to Orinoco, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Boston’s South End. This restaurant brings the spirited flavors of Venezuelan and Caribbean cuisine to your table, creating an experience that is as rich as its heritage. Located at 477 Shawmut Ave, Orinoco is a delightful escape for those seeking both an authentic dining experience and a casual ambiance.
At Orinoco, the culinary journey begins with a diverse selection of antojitos, or little cravings, that offer a taste of the vibrant Venezuelan street food culture. Highlights include:
- Datiles: Bacon-wrapped, almond-filled dates that perfectly balance sweet and savory. ($11.25)
- Tequeos Guayanes: Crispy cheese sticks accompanied by zesty chipotle ketchup, a must-try appetizer. ($11.25)
- Mini Costillitas: Tapas-style baby-back ribs glazed with zesty guava BBQ. ($11.45)
The empanada selection is equally impressive, showcasing traditional Latin American flavors with fillings such as mechada (shredded beef) and verde (vegetarian). The Empanada Verde is particularly outstanding, featuring forest mushrooms and piquillo peppers wrapped in delightful plantain dough. ($13.80)
As you dive into the main dishes, Orinoco offers a tantalizing array, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're craving the rich Pabellon Criollo—Venezuela's beloved dish of shredded beef, rice, beans, and plantains ($19.55)—or the succulent Adobo Smoked Churrasco ($27.60), each dish is crafted to deliver an unforgettable taste experience.
Vegetarian guests will find comfort in dishes like the Roasted Portobella Arepa, bursting with flavor from sweet roasted corn and sautéed wild mushrooms. ($24.15)
Beyond the remarkable food, Orinoco creates an inviting atmosphere with outdoor seating and a commitment to accessibility. The restaurant is equipped for wheelchair access, and they offer conveniences like takeout, catering options, and even gender-neutral restrooms. For those planning a visit, be sure to call ahead to reserve your spot at (617) 369-7075.
In summary, if you’re searching for an unforgettable culinary experience that features rich Venezuelan flavors in a casual and welcoming environment, Orinoco is the place to be. Grab your friends and family, dive into their enticing dishes, and enjoy everything this culinary oasis has to offer!

Best Latin food in South Boston!!!! Fresh, fresh, fresh ingredients cooked to order. Charming, colorful, eclectic dining room. Nice outdoor seating as well. Highly recommend.

Love the food here! Everything we ordered was delicious. The creamed quinoa was my least favorite of all we ordered, but it was still very good. They only have two deserts on the menu, but they are both excellent. The molten fudge cake is probably the best Ive ever had. I highly recommend this place.

Orinoco, located in the charming South End of Boston, captures the essence of Latin American cuisine in a small, cozy setting. We arrived towards the end of the night, so we were unable to order the coveted arepas, the stars of the show. ...

Great little Venezuelan place! Atmosphere very nice couple of cozy booths, couple of tables inside and ...

Tried the Shawmut Inn for the first time and what a surprise! Super fresh shrimp as an appetiser and a delicious beef cheek stew as a main. Cocktails were also delicious! A great find, highly recommend

Went here for the first time last night on a friends recommendation. Never tried Venezuelan food before but WOW we were absolutely blown away by the beef arepas and the mojitos . So delicious! We came on a Saturday and were seated ...

Terrific neighborhood restaurant with a tasty, different menu of delicious small plates. The arepas, BBQ ribs and sangria were outstanding! ...

Absolutely fantastic. Ill be honest that I dont remember names for our dishes, but they were all delicious. The pork ribs were tender. My combination meat sampler with steak, sausage, and chicken was delicious. We also ordered the ...