Papelon

13/20Updated September 24, 2026,first published November 18, 2024Part community hub, part comfort-food canteen.Owner Reveka Hurtado has built a haven for Melbourne’s Latin-American diaspora, and it shows in the crowd: tradies in hi-vis, families sharing enormous plates, students playing dominoes and Jenga. Papelon is for everyone – but especially those craving the flavours of home. The menu skews to Hurtado’s native Venezuela , but crosses borders freely.Golden empanadas stuffed with beef and beans are a treat with Polar beer or a Colombian malt soda. Tequenos – halloumi wrapped in dough – are dunked into tangy sugarcane sauce for a sweet-salty jolt. A colossal patacon stacks spiced chicken between discs of fried plantain, doused in a punchy coriander and garlic-rich sauce.Best of all is cachapa – a sweetcorn pancake stuffed with fiery birria-style beef and an almost absurd amount of cheese, both halloumi and Oaxaca. Murals, flags and Latin tunes brighten the room, and the value is outstanding.Good to know: $45 gets you unlimited tacos (and a drink) every Monday.Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: 2025More:FootscrayPapelonMelbourneSouth AmericanVegetarian-friendlyVegan-friendlyWalk-ins onlyLate-night diningLicensedBreakfastGluten-free optionsWheelchair accessFamily-friendlyGood for groupsRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideFrom our partners