You’d probably agree that one of the most amazing things about New York City is its diversity. This city is one of the main cultural centers of the world. For foodies like myself, this means access to all types of cuisines from different countries. For a long time now, Americans have fallen in love with Latin food, music and culture. In New York, especially, there is a plethora of Latin American restaurants. Do you want to try something special? It’s time to add some delicious ingredients to your life!
The following are the 15 most authentic Latin American restaurants that the city has to offer.
1. Malecón Restaurant
If you want to try Dominican cuisine, Malecón Restaurant won’t disappoint you. This small, but cozy restaurant was mentioned in New York Magazine, which recommended its soupy rice with shrimp. Also known for its rotisserie chicken, Malecón serves breakfast all day.
4141 Broadway, New York, NY 10033
2. Café Argentino
For authentic Argentinian food, Café Argentino is your best choice. Café Argentino provides an eclectic menu that offers varied foods at an affordable price. Their exquisite steak—the house specialty—deserves to be mentioned. Moreover, if you want to have an experience that is truly Argentinian, don’t forget to order their wines!
499 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Even though Pilar Cuban Eatery provides classic Cuban cuisine, they cook it by modern and updated approach. Their goal is to make classic dishes by using traditional ingredients, cook everything in-house, and try to make simple ingredients shine.
397 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
4. Tabare
Do you want to try something special? Tabare will be worth your time! Tabare provide Uruguayan food by using local and organic ingredients. Its cozy and elegant environment will provide you with a wonderful dining experience. Among its most popular dishes are chivito completo, milanesa de pollo, and churrasco.
221 South 1st st, Brooklyn, NY 11211
5. Mesa Coyoacán
There are many Mexican restaurants in New York City, but Mesa Coyoacán stands out. Just listen to this: The chef uses organic ingredients and follows the recipes exactly as his grandmother used to back in Mexico. Because of its long communal tables, Mesa Coyoacán is also an ideal place for a family meal or a dinner with close friends.
372 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
6. Chimu Bistro
Chimu Bistro is a Peruvian restaurant with hundreds of reviews. This restaurant attracts many native Peruvians who say Chimu provides real Peruvian food despite being located in New York. The most popular dish in Chimu is its tasty, grilled skirt steak.
482 Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
7. Riko Peruvian Cuisine
Latin American food is not all meat! If you are tired of meat, you can come to Riko Peruvian Cuisine and try to something different, such as Riko’s wide variety of seafood. Ceviche is a must! It is a cold dish with fresh fish served with lime juice and chilli. If you like raw fish, you will love ceviche.
409 8th Ave., New York, NY 10001
8. El Cocotero
El Cocotero was named New York’s best Venezuelan restaurant by New York Magazine. El Cocotero’s prime objective is to bring authentic home-style Venezuelan cuisine. It serves carefully crafted seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s interior is small, but very cute and inviting, a good place for you to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
228 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011
9. El Gauchito
Are you a steak lover? Are you looking for an Argentinian steakhouse? El Gauchito may be the place you’ll love! Churrasco is its most popular dish. If you don’t believe me, just look up all the comments online. In addition, the service is friendly and attentive. Right in Queens!
9460 Corona Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373
The New York Times once said, “Of the nearby multicultural eating options, the charming Colombia in Park Slope, at 376 Fifth Avenue, is one worth exploring.” Colombia in Park Slope is certainly a top choice if you want to try Colombian cuisine. Their house special, “Bandeja Paisa,” is served with rice, an egg over easy, beans, sweet plantain, crispy chicharrón, grilled thin steak and a small arepa. This is their most popular dish.
376 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Often called “Brooklyn’s Hottest Latin Restaurant,” Bogotá Latin Bistro is a leading Latin restaurant in New York. In Bogotá Latin Bistro, you will have the opportunity to taste delicious Colombian food, and experience some of the country’s unique culture, as well as the staff’s hospitality and professionalism. Their signature dishes include different kinds of empanadas and arepas, as well as arroz con pollo.
141 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
12. Café con leche
If you want to try Latin American food but don’t know what cuisine to try first, Café con leche may give you the answer. Because Café con Leche is a fusion of Latin and Caribbean food, you have many choices to choose from. You can taste from mofongo (Puerto Rico), and ropa vieja (Cuban), to paella (Spain). In addition, Café con leche has Happy Hour everyday from open until closing. Call your friends and go there this weekend!
2026 Second Ave, New York, NY 10029
13. Zoralie
A Dominican restaurant located in Hell’s Kitchen, Zoralie serves homestyle Dominican classics in a cozy spot with a few tables. It’s an authentic hole in the wall, and dining in feels like you’re actually at a real restaurant in the Dominican Republic. The place may be small, but the food served is 100% authentic.
449 W 51st St, New York, NY, 10019
In Greenwich Village, there is an authentic Cuban restaurant located on the historic Thompson Street. The romantic milieu, live rhythmic palpitations of salsa and the delicious skirt steak makes this restaurant very exotic and unique. Besides the food, you can find hand-rolled cigars and the best mojitos
222 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012
15. Libertador
Another great, authentic Argentinian steakhouse in Brooklyn! Libertador Parrilla Argentina opened its doors in 2006. It brings to New York authentic Argentinian flavor and real South American Gaucho culture—migratory horsemen, and adept in cattle work who lived in Argentina, Uruguay and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil in the 18th and 19th centuries,were; and to New York. Because Libertador In addition to having some of the finest Argentinian beef cuts, at Libertador, the steak is also cooked to perfection. It also offers a wide selection of wines from Argentina, Chile, France, Italy, and Spain.
404 Henry St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
