Zea Maiz
Experience Zea Maiz, where traditional Colombian arepas are reimagined into unique square shapes with creative fillings and vibrant art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Zea Maiz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Zea Maiz, where traditional Colombian arepas are reimagined into unique square shapes with creative fillings and vibrant art.
Weekday Visits Recommended
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, as the restaurant can become quite busy, especially on weekend nights.
Consider Smaller Portions
Arepas are filling; start with smaller portions to gauge your appetite, as they are quite substantial.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Colombian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+57 311 8462774
Address
Carrera 12 # 1- 27 oeste, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Innovative Square Arepas
Discover unique, square-shaped arepas with creative fillings like hummus and jalapeños, offering a fresh take on a Colombian classic.
Vibrant, Art-Filled Ambiance
Immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere adorned with engaging art and colorful decorations, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
Flavorful Homemade Sauces
Elevate your meal with an array of delicious homemade sauces, including a standout spicy mango option, that perfectly complement the arepas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekday Visits Recommended
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, as the restaurant can become quite busy, especially on weekend nights.
Consider Smaller Portions
Arepas are filling; start with smaller portions to gauge your appetite, as they are quite substantial.
Customize Your Meal
Don't hesitate to ask about substitutions to tailor your arepa to your specific dietary or taste preferences.
Explore the Sauces
Experiment with the various homemade sauces provided to enhance and diversify the flavors of your chosen arepa.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekday Visits Recommended
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, as the restaurant can become quite busy, especially on weekend nights.
Consider Smaller Portions
Arepas are filling; start with smaller portions to gauge your appetite, as they are quite substantial.
Customize Your Meal
Don't hesitate to ask about substitutions to tailor your arepa to your specific dietary or taste preferences.
Explore the Sauces
Experiment with the various homemade sauces provided to enhance and diversify the flavors of your chosen arepa.
Complimentary Juice Offers
Keep an eye out for complimentary juice offerings, especially during peak hours or as a courtesy during waits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zea Maiz is celebrated for its innovative square arepas and vibrant, art-filled atmosphere. Diners rave about the extensive vegan and vegetarian options, the delicious homemade sauces, and the friendly service. Some mention the space can get warm and meat options can occasionally be dry, but overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a unique culinary experience.
"A very special place, especially for vegans and vegetarians. The atmosphere, juices, and food were phenomenal -- best and most crunchy empanadas I've ever had. My arepa was also great, I'm glad I ordered the small but could have probably eaten the larger one. Went on a weekday night and it was super crowded so had to get the waiters attention multiple times for service and it was also hot inside the restaurant -- would have neen more comfortable with extra fans. This is a place you have to eat at!"
Sarika Khanwilkar
"So many choices for arepas, and they are delicious! I loved the atmosphere with all the welcoming and colorful decorations!"
Rachel
"Nice experience, the food was good and tasty served with different kind of sauce. The decoration is pretty and the service excellent.
It was a bit expensive but I guess this is due to the area. The tips are already included in the bill."
Marina Bournel Bosson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Zea Maiz is known for its signature square-shaped arepas, a creative twist on the traditional round variety, filled with unconventional and delicious ingredients.
Yes, Zea Maiz offers a diverse menu with many dedicated vegan and vegetarian arepa fillings, making it a great choice for plant-based diners.
The restaurant serves a variety of flavorful homemade sauces that are designed to complement and enhance the taste of the arepas.
The restaurant can get quite busy, especially on weekend nights. Visiting on weekdays is recommended to avoid larger crowds.
Absolutely! Zea Maiz is very flexible with substitutions, allowing you to personalize your meal based on dietary needs or taste preferences.
Diners can expect a vibrant and engaging atmosphere with colorful decorations and art, contributing to a lively dining experience.
The arepas are considered reasonably priced, with smaller portions being quite filling and offering good value for creativity and quantity.
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San Antonio: Cali´s (Colombia) boho neighborhood.
Zea Maiz (or better known as ´las arepas cuadradas´: the square arepas) is an amazing concept. They started off with just a little bbq on the street 7 years ago and a concept of having square arepas, filling them with untraditional things like hummus and jalapeños and serving them with little sauces. These fusion arepas become very popular with many locals (and travelers) sitting on the sidewalk, enjoying these arepas.
A Comprehensive(ish) Guide to Vegan Restaurants in Cali, Colombia
There are tons of street vendors selling them, but those are normally made with butter and/or cheese. Zea Maiz was the first restaurant I came across that both specializes in arepas and offers an array of plant-based options. They have a diverse menu of arepas stuffed with a variety of fillings.
Top 5 restaurants in Cali
Arepas Cuadradas offers a unique twist on one of Colombia’s most beloved foods: the arepa. Specializing in square-shaped arepas, this spot is perfect for tasting the most popular food in Colombia in a fun, casual setting.
De beste restaurants in Cali, Colombia
Voor de beste arepa’s van Cali, die je eet in een kleurrijke setting. Ook glutenvrije, vegetarische en vegan opties. Vanaf 4000COP/1 euro voor een kleine arepa.
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