Cilantro & Ajo Lawrenceville: Authentic Venezuelan Street Food in Pittsburgh

Came here twice on our trip to Pittsburgh. Service was just okay, HOWEVER, I'm giving this place five stars because the food really is so SO good. Approved and recommended by my Venezuelan husband!!

Chinatown & Ajo was on my list to try different south American food. Its a small place so seating for big groups can be challenging. Service & ambience is minimalistic. I had deluxe patacon & my wife had egg Ranchero. We both loved our dishes. Our vegetarian friends didn't had lot of options and their experience was average at best. Kids ordered ham & cheese empanada which they loved, however the empanada's were extremely oily.I must say that the highlights were the sauces, especially the habanero. I definitely be back here to try more dishes on the menu.

I had an amazing brunch experience at Cilantro & Ajo, a Venezuelan street food spot with a brand-new brunch menu! The food was absolutely delicious. To drink, I had the Papelón con Limón, a refreshing brown lemonade made from sugarcane and freshly squeezed lemons. As a starter, I tried the Tequeños—Venezuelan cheese sticks wrapped in flaky dough, served with pink sauce. They were perfectly crispy and cheesy! For the main dishes, I went with two different egg-based plates. First, the Llanero, a hearty steak-and-eggs dish featuring grilled steak, two eggs, fried cheese, two arepitas, avocado, crema, and black beans—such a satisfying combination! Then, I tried the Chilaquiles Criollos, crispy corn tortillas tossed in a rich tomato-guajillo sauce, topped with two eggs, queso fresco, avocado slices, and crema. Beyond these incredible dishes, the brunch menu also includes other egg plates and sweet treats. It will be launching very soon but only available on weekends. Cilantro & Ajo also serves lunch and dinner daily. I can't wait to go back to try their street corn and empanadas!

Everything on the menu sounded amazing, so we ordered a variety of dishes — and everything we tried was absolutely delicious! The empanadas were huge, packed with flavor, and the arepas were just as impressive. We ordered the bowl for my son, and he loved the chicken and rice. The flavors were spot on. The service was fantastic, and everyone working there had such a positive, welcoming attitude. We definitely recommend this spot! The only challenge was finding street parking, but the food and experience made it well worth it.

I’m hesitant to make this review because I want to gate keep this place. Out of all the quick eats in Lawrenceville, they have the best quality food. Simple, yet the flavors are dynamite. Their takeout never disappoints.

Never a bad meal. Always great service. Tried the Cachapas for the first time, simply amazing. Arepa La Catira with cilantro and garlic sauce, and plantains, always great. And the brown sugar lemonade, yes please!

Absolutely the best Venezuelan food I've had in a very long time! I don't usually care for cornmeal based empanadas but apparently that's just because I never had good ones. The dough has a little sweetness and it just brings the flavor to another level! I also got a bowl with chicken. The chicken was a tab dry but the flavor was amazing as well as everything else in the bowl. Just so much flavor in everything. The restaurant itself was small but super clean! I definitely appreciate the cleanliness of the space. The service was awesome. Such nice people there. I just got take out but super nice. Thank you for the amazing food will definitely be back!

Food was absolutely amazing. So fresh and delicious. Stopped in before a concert at Thunderbird and it was the perfect choice. Empanadas were so crispy and the plantains were amazing! The staff were so sweet too!