FROM OUR TABLE TO YOURS
Autana is one of the most outstanding Tepuys in Venezuela. Recognized as a table-top mountain found in the Guyana highlands of South America, Tepuys are the most ancestral and oldest mountains in the world.
In the native tongue of the Pemon, which is spoken by the indigenous people who inhabit the Gran Sabana in Venezuela, the words Tepuy means "house of the gods" while Autana translates to "tree of life."
We deeply connect with those meanings as our family is our foundation and it keeps us connected to our unique roots which are essential to develop our food.
Our cuisine draws from our traditional family recipes, combining Caribbean and Latin flavors in simple but savory dishes that stand on their own way.
We are proud to offer you the highest quality homemade style Venezuelan food, and want you to be part of our table while we share our culture and traditions with you through our craft.
Welcome Home.
Maria Jose + Levi Hernández
Levi Hernandez, Chef, was born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where he worked as a civil engineer by trade. Despite having no formal culinary training, Levi has always had a passion for cooking and crafting traditional Venezuelan recipes which led him to open his first restaurant in Caracas, Kusinapia, following his retirement. After moving to Philadelphia, Levi decided to dive deeper into his love of food and worked as a prep cook for Vernick Coffee Bar at the esteemed Four Seasons Hotel from 2018 to 2020. Levi returned to his roots when Autana opened its doors, and his focus on traditional Venezuelan cuisine granted his restaurant a spot as one of Philadelphia's best 50 restaurants.
Maria Hernandez, Pastry-Chef, was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela and raised in both Barquisimeto and Caracas.
In Venezuela and Colombia, Maria worked as a developer architect but always had a strong interest and passion for desserts and the baking world. She attributes her fascination to her grandmother's influence and recipes, which she has placed at the heart and core of Autana. With no formal culinary and baking experience, Maria continued to develop and refine her skills and technique to perfect the traditional Venezuelan recipes from her childhood to share with her Autana community.
Maria co-owns Autana alongside her father, Levi, and has played an instrumental role in the development of Autana's concept; serving traditional Venezuelan cuisine at an upscale level, as the food deserves.