VEN PACA LATIN FOOD

VEN PACA LATIN FOOD sits comfortably in A territory, 91/100 at its last health check on April 15, 2026.

It pulls 4.2 stars across 915 reviews and ranks safer than 45% of Brevard County restaurants we grade. Menus here flag options for dairy-free and healthy diners.

Get directions Call (321) 616-0048

Restaurant details

Health grade
A (91/100)
Violations
5 total — 2 intermediate, 3 basic
Address
1390 S US HWY 1, Malabar, FL
Cuisine
Other
Categories
Puerto Rican restaurant
Price
$20–30
Rating
4.2 stars (915 reviews)
Seats
65
Phone
(321) 616-0048
Website
Official website
Photo of VEN PACA LATIN FOOD
Photo: VenPaca Latin food

Community Rating

Reviews via Google
4.2 Community-sourced rating 915 reviews
Read all reviews on Google →

What diners say — our read

Whatever the overall score says, the last stretch of reviews is the weaker one. The staff tends to be raised approvingly here, averaging 4.6 stars. What it costs is the next most common subject, in 26% of reviews (averaging 3.0).

More reviewers landed on 5 stars than any other score — 18 of 27. A third strand, pacing, appears in 19% of them at 2.8 stars. The split is 19 positive to 8 negative across 27 rated reviews.

Against that, the kitchen inspects well — an A (91/100), 2 intermediate and 3 basic violations at the most recent DBPR visit. That result dates from April 15, 2026. Its inspection trajectory is downward over the records we hold. On health score it sits safer than 45% of the Brevard County restaurants we grade. What the inspector actually wrote up: nonfood-contact surfaces clean and water source safe.

This is a listing where the two measures each tell half the story. The underlying reviews are reproduced in full underneath.

Our own analysis of 27 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →

  • June 15, 2026

    Way overpriced food, breakfast sandwich was ok but the wait was a little too long to get it, and coffee prices well may as well go to Starbucks

  • May 31, 2026

    My Servers was awesome, kudos to the cook. I havent eating real food like that in years wow.

  • May 25, 2026

    The food was amazing. I got the skirt steak mofongo with the garlic cream over it and it was bussin' Lina provided great service.

  • May 23, 2026

    La Comida riquísima yo y mi esposo ordenamos el mofongo relleno de pulpo y camarones esquisito. El servicio de Lina excelente y la vista espectacular le doy 100% 🙌🏽🙏🏽🇵🇷🇵🇷

  • May 22, 2026

    Les tomó 45 minutos para servirnos ka comida, un cocinero mas rápido ayudaria al negocio 🥺

  • May 16, 2026

    The Sampler was soo good but I’m sad they didn’t have the corn fritters. They substituted with a bunch more mini empanadas. 😋🩵

  • May 10, 2026

    Terrible. We waited an hour and watched everyone else get their food but us. They didn't communicate what was going on. 5 more minutes was the best they could do. We got frustrated and my family went to the car. I told them forget it. They again said 5 more minutes. I said no we leaving. They said they had a fire problem. But everyone else got they food... whether it was true or not, I dont trust them anymore. Simple communication would've gone a long way a long time ago. Terrible experience and the prices are expensive. You would think if you charging that much, you would at least be competent enough to communicate properly at minimum. Would not waste my time.

  • April 26, 2026

    The food is very good. Excellent service. Second time I visit and it doesn't disappoint. Buenisíma la comida. Servicio excelente. Segunda vez que visito y no decepciona.

  • April 19, 2026

    Chose to finally try this place out as I found many TikTok reviewers raving about it and they were NOT WRONG! Lina, our waitress, was incredibly hospitable, kind, and had an infectious energy. We arrived shortly after they opened, enjoying THE FRESHEST AND TANGIEST octopus salad and Mofongo, that truly tasted like the one from the island. Husband loves it, so it’ll now become a go-to place for us after church.

  • April 19, 2026

    I was teally looking forward to dining here after passing many times before or after business hours. My wife and I walked into the building around 8:00PM. Not crazy busy with plenty of open tables. Nobody was before us. Waited 5 mins before somebody seated us. Once seated in front of the speaker system we noticed how loud it was with the music and all the people trying to shout over each other in conversation. We waited for 20 mins for someone to take our drink order. Despite many servers and the manager that seated us walking past multiple times we were never acknowledged. We left when the table behind us sent thier food back to the kitchen. Sine house keeping advice: The menu’s were very dirty with what looked/felt like food residue on them. I was disappointed as I am a huge fan of Latin fare. I won’ t return.

  • April 15, 2026

    This restaurant really feels like being back to my beautiful island. We went with a friend from Maryland and he was amazed by how good the food was. The staff is super friendly and accommodating.

  • April 12, 2026

    I was hungry and walked in with $100. After I finished my meal, it was just OK, nothing amazing. Both my son and I left still hungry but at least now we were broke. I decide what tip to leave. The receipt dings you for the tip as mandatory. Never again. I truly can enjoy better food at the Melbourne Flea Market off I-95 and Eau Gallie. No joke. a flea market serves better food at spectacular prices.

  • April 6, 2026

    Nory is the best !!!!

  • April 4, 2026

    Todo muy bueno, te atienden rápido un ambiente familiar excelente primera vez que doy 5 🌟 soy de los que me gusta buscar cualquier cosa para darle menos estrellas, pero este lugar se lo recomiendo 100% y gracias a la mesera Nory fue muy amable y servicial

  • March 31, 2026

    Buenas tardes ! El Sábado 28 envié a mi familia a comer a este lugar que me avían recomendado pero la experiencia que pasaron fue horrible el nombre de la mesera fue Thalía .... Llegaron a la 5:40 más o menos y salíeron a las 9:30 de la noche .... Casi dos horas esperando la comida ... Fueron a la media hora a darnos el menú ,no se acercaron a la mesa a ofrecer algo de tomar .... El agua caliente ... Teníamos que ir a buscar las cervezas,lo de picar,etc .. Un servicio pésimo ....asta el agua caliente les cobraron!!

  • March 29, 2026

    Has a great vibe, the inside smells amazing. Food tastes great. Portion sizes are awesome for the price. The biggest downside is it takes quite a while. Literally an hour between ordering the appetizer and it coming out.

  • March 22, 2026

    Nuestra mesera Lina muy amable y atenta. La pasamos espectacular y comimos muy rico.

  • March 21, 2026

    I’ve been coming here for a long time and this used to be my absolute favorite Latin spot in the area. Sadly, I don't think I'll be back as often. The prices have increased so much that even a simple takeout order feels like a major expense now. I love the food, but the value just isn't there anymore. It’s a shame to lose my go to spot

  • March 21, 2026

    Everyone was friendly, courteous, with a smile. They make you feel very welcomed. The food was excellent. Cooked and served to perfection.😎

  • March 16, 2026

    Went for dinner to enjoy a drink and some Puerto Rican food, and let me tell you — it was absolutely delicious and scrumptious. The flavors felt truly authentic and full of Puerto Rican taste. For appetizer, we had the octopus salad it was amazing, definitely recommend, I had the Mofongo shrimp al ajillo paired with a passion fruit mojito, and it was the perfect combo. The mojito complemented it so well. My husband ordered the churrasco mofongo with garlic sauce. The flavors were on point. The only small downside was that the meat was a bit tough, but it was still very flavorful. The presentation was beautiful and very traditional. However, it was a little difficult to eat that way — I personally would have preferred it served on a plate since it would make it easier to enjoy. Thank you to our server Thalia, she was attentive and very nice. Overall, it was definitely worth it. I would recommend it, and we will definitely be back!

  • March 15, 2026

    Food was excellent, and the staff very friendly, definitely would recommend to anyone that enjoys Spanish food, Thalia was our waitress and she was wonderful, thank you!

  • March 14, 2026

    The food was great! The service was very good and prompt. Our server was Thalia. She was very nice, friendly and very attentive, kept coming back to check on us but not excessively. We had coffee for the first time and it was really good.

  • March 14, 2026

    El mofonfo estuvo spectacular! El servicio excellent y la comida salió bien rapido.

  • March 14, 2026

    The food is awesome here, brings me back to PR. Although I think the food takes a little bit too long. Thalia definitely made up for it, her service makes the wait worth it. Super attentive and friendly and definitely took care of us with her professionalism.

  • March 13, 2026

    Hola me encanta el lugar pero no el servicio de hoy estuve con mi esposo y solo habian dos clientes y nosotros nos dieron el menú y la chica se fue y platica que platica con otras personas de crew nada q nos venía a preguntar algo de tomar o aperitivo así que esperamos un ratito más y tomamos la decisión de irnos del lugar sin explicación nos miraban y nada así bye era dinner ya que eran 3:45 pm

  • March 9, 2026

    Riquísimo

  • March 8, 2026

    The atmosphere is very welcoming, it’s right by the water on US1. Thalia the hostess is a ray of sunshine. Very sweet and kind. The food is amazing! Delicious, flavorful and fresh. Highly recommend for lunch, brunch or dinner! 😊

Overall Score

66 / 100

  • Health inspection grade 40/40
    Grade A
  • Dietary transparency 7/20
    2 options listed
  • Community rating 17/20
    4.2★ average
  • Hidden-gem status 0/10
    Not flagged
  • Track record 2/10
    Declining, 0% clean

Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.

Opening hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
12 to 7 PM
Sunday
12 to 7 PM

Inspection history

The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.

  1. April 15, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Call Back - Complied

    0 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 3 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 27 — Water source safe; hot and cold water under pressure
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
  2. April 10, 2026 · Routine - Food

    Administrative complaint recommended

    5 high-priority · 5 intermediate · 10 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 06 — Potentially hazardous foods properly thawed
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage (×4)
    • 10 — In-use food dispensing utensils properly stored (×3)
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 27 — Water source safe; hot and cold water under pressure
    • 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided (×2)
    • 32 — Bathrooms
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
    • 50 — Current license, properly displayed
    • 53 — Food manager certification; employee food-safety training (×2)
  3. November 19, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Call Back - Complied

    0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 5 basic

    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation
  4. November 18, 2025 · Routine - Food

    Warning Issued

    4 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 9 basic

    • 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
    • 02 — Consumer advisory, date-marking & labeling of ready-to-eat foods
    • 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
    • 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage (×3)
    • 10 — In-use food dispensing utensils properly stored
    • 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained (×2)
    • 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
    • 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
    • 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
    • 25 — Single-service and single-use items
    • 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation

This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →

Data last updated: April 15, 2026