Call it a cliché thing to say, but there’s no denying that New York City is the melting pot of the country. There are people from 150 different nationalities and 37% of the city’s residents were born in a different country. Wild, huh? The best part of this cultural interchange is that we can find exotic and ethnic food from all over world. One of our favorites? Latin, hands down. This brings us to today’s story…
There’s a huge offer of Latin restaurants in the city, but we want to know which places the Latinos go to. We’re not looking for hipster-approved spots, we’re looking for the real deal… is that too much to ask? Not at all. We did some research and came up with this roundup of restaurants with comida deliciosas. From arepas to pico de gallo, all the way to the dulce de leche dessert flan, here’s a precious list on where to find the best Latin-American food within our five boroughs.
Photo via Thrillist
You’ve probably heard of this place because of its cooked-to-perfection roasted chicken and the unique “Salsa Verde” (no one knows exactly what it is, but we all agree it’s a party for our taste buds). Pio Pio has locations in three different boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Indulge in a delicious meal starting with ceviche and avocado salad, and order a whole rotisserie chicken to share (or to yourself, we don’t blame you). Hey, don’t forget to spice things up a little bit with a pisco sour, because, why not…
Photo via Miss Favela
This colorful restaurant is one of the more lively and fun places to eat and drink in NYC. Located on the edge of Williamsburg, Miss Favela has become a staple of Brazilian food. Getting all the carioca vibes with its painted walls and tropical cocktails (capirinha? yes, please!). This botequim offers traditional dishes such as feijoada, an upgraded version of the delicious rice and beans, and moqueca de peix, a fish stew with vegetables and coconut milk. So if you wish you were in a tropical beach right now, transport to Rio while dining out with friends and listening to live Brazilian music at Miss Favela.
Photo via Time Out
This is probably the most sought after Latin dish in New York (and the world, maybe?), and we totally get it — who doesn’t love a bunch of carnitas tacos with pico de gallo and guacamole? We certainly do. Ask your Mexican friends “Where can I eat authentic tacos in the city?” and we’re pretty certain the answer is Los Tacos No.1. This spot in Chelsea Market knows that transcendent tacos are all about simplicity and good ingredients: soft meat, warm corn tortilla, and a good salsa to drizzle over. Don’t forget to get one of the authentic Mexican beverages they offer: horchata, jamaica, or tamarindo. There may be a considerable line, but, trust us, you won’t regret the wait.
Photo via Balvanera
Being from Argentina myself, I have to admit that when it comes to eating red meats, I am very picky. Back home we have a huge variety of cuts (and organs) that are super fresh and tasty, and most of them are pretty hard to find in the city (and/or really expensive). But, luckily, I found Balvanera, a charming spot in Lower East Side that transports me back home thanks to its rustic decor, national music, and to-die-for steak. What to order? Beef empanadas, provoleta, and ensalada de endivias to start with. Moving forward to the meat offerings, some of my favorites are the mollejas and entraña (skirt steak) with chimichurri sauce. If you want to make your experience even more authentic you must order a glass (or bottle) of Malbec wine to pair with your meal.
Photo via Caracas Arepa Bar
“What’s an arepa?” you might wonder. It’s heaven, that’s what it is. Now, being more literal, an arepa is a fluffy pillow of a corn pancake that can be stuffed like a sandwich with many different fillings: pulled pork, chicken, sausage, beans, guacamole, queso fresco, and so on. This classic Venezuelan (or Colombian, as some might argue) treat can be enjoyed on any of the two Caracas Arepa Bar friendly locations, one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.
Photo cred: Vanessa Granda
If you’re seeking good Colombian food, there’s only one neighborhood to visit and that’s Jackson Heights, Queens. Specifically, visit Pollos Mario, in Queens. Their specialty? Mario’s special platter, with rice, beans, grilled steak, egg, pork skin, avocado, sweet plantain and corn cake (basically, a handful of deliciousness). Insider’s tip: don’t over order; the entrees are large enough for two people (unless you are really hungry and just can’t get enough of these Colombian specialties… we don’t blame you).
Photo via Cafe Cortadito
If you’ve ever been to La Habana yourself, you’ve probably fallen in love with the incredible food at the Cuban paladares — restaurants housed in private homes — and you’ve been yearning to find something similar since then. Don’t worry, we’ve found the right place for you, and it’s right here in NYC: Cafe Cortadito. This East Village under-the-radar staple has a super laid-back atmosphere, amazing mojitos, and a painted mural that adds to the Buena Vista Social Club vibes. When it comes to the food, it’s infallible. One of their key entrees is the ropa vieja, shredded beef in a rich creole sauce. Getting hungry yet?
Photo via Sevilla
As New Yorkers living a hectic lifestyle, there’s a certain magic in the Spanish tradition of decompressing over an assortment of small plates (a.k.a. tapas) and a glass of wine. That’s why we love Sevilla, a homey Spanish restaurant in the West Village that has been running since 1941 (being open for so long in this ever-changing city has to tell you something about the quality of the food, right?). Order some crunchy croquetas, a juicy tortilla, and a Paella Valenciana, and enjoy the authentic Spanish food in this unpretentious old-world tavern. Fun fact: Sevilla is one of five restaurants to earn the “America’s Classics” award in 2015.
Photo via Empanada Mama
Because this Friday is Empanada Day and empanadas are arguably the pinnacle of Latin American street food, we think it’s fair to include this TTS favorite on our list. Empanada Mama has two locations in Manhattan (LES and Hell’s Kitchen) and a delivery service that will make your Netflix and chill night even better. With 100% natural ingredients and a variety of crusts, they have an adventurous assortment of flavors. Some of the favorites are the reggeaton (roast pork with sofrito seasoned yellow rice and gandules), the Greek spinach (classic Greek style empanada with spinach and feta cheese), and the shredded beef (slowly cooked beef marinated in traditional Colombian spices). To wash it all down, try the house-made salpicón, a fruit punch made from melon, bananas, grapes, watermelon, and apples. Cheap, delicious, and great for eating on the run, these are the mamas of all the empanadas.
Feature image via Vanessa Granda
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