Autana Brings Traditional Venezuelan Food to the Main Line

Photo by Ed Williams

Autana Authentic Venezuelan Food dishes up traditional favorites on the Main Line, working out of the Ardmore Station Cafe.

Working out of a kitchen at the Ardmore Station Cafe, chef Levi Hernandez is quietly introducing Main Line diners to true Venezuelan cuisine. “We were born out of the pandemic,” says Hernandez’s daughter, Maria-Jose. “My parents had other jobs in the area that were cutting back, so we discovered this opportunity.”

Venezuelan sampler
The Venezuelan sampler

The family has used social media to build buzz about Autana Authentic Venezuelan Food, developing a robust takeout business. With inside dining restrictions easing up, the restaurant now offers seating inside in a relaxed BYOB setting. Deep-fried mainstays include empanadas, mandocas and cheese-filled tequeños. Traditional arepas—taco-like disks of corn dough—come stuffed with goodies like gouda cheese, shredded fish, beef, pulled pork, chicken and sliced avocado.

Heartier appetites will appreciate the signature Sandwich de Pernil—pulled pork on a long roll with sliced tomatoes and tartar sauce. Or try the plantain sandwich with cheese, potato chips, lettuce, tomato, a choice of meat, and house green sauce.

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6 Station Road, Ardmore, (484) 416-5843, autanapa.com

Related: Adelina’s Restaurant & Bar Opens in Chestnut Hill

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