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Best Puerto Rican Restaurants in NYC

New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and that is doubly true when it comes to its culinary scene. One cuisine that stands out among the rest is Puerto Rican cuisine. With its rich flavors, bold spices, and diverse dishes, Puerto Rican food is a must-try for any food lover. Luckily, NYC is home to some amazing Puerto Rican restaurants that serve up authentic and delicious dishes. Whether you’re craving mofongo, pernil, or arroz con gandules, these restaurants have got you covered. In this article, we will explore the best Puerto Rican restaurants in NYC and what makes them so special.

Index

    Name: Casa Adela

    Address: 66 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Casa Adela is a beloved Puerto Rican restaurant located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With its homey atmosphere and tasty dishes, it has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. When you step into Casa Adela, you are greeted with the warmth and hospitality that is characteristic of Puerto Rican culture. The menu is filled with classic Puerto Rican dishes, such as pernil, arroz con gandules, and tostones.

    Casa Adela is known for its flavorful and perfectly seasoned dishes. The pernil, in particular, is a must-try. The slow-roasted pork shoulder is tender and juicy, with a crispy skin that adds the perfect crunch. Pair it with a side of arroz con gandules, a traditional Puerto Rican rice dish made with pigeon peas, and you’ll have a truly delicious meal. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as Casa Adela offers sweet treats like flan and tres leches cake.

    Name: La Fonda

    Address: 169 E 106th St, New York, NY 10029, United States

    Phone: Not available

    If you’re in East Harlem and craving Puerto Rican food, look no further than La Fonda. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up authentic Puerto Rican dishes for over 40 years. With its vibrant decor and friendly staff, La Fonda is a welcoming place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

    One of the standout dishes at La Fonda is the mofongo. Made from mashed plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings, mofongo is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. La Fonda’s version is flavorful and satisfying, with the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Another popular dish is the pernil, which is slow-roasted pork shoulder that is tender and succulent. Pair it with a side of arroz con habichuelas, a Puerto Rican-style rice and beans dish, and you’ll have a meal that is both comforting and delicious.

    Name: Sofrito

    Address: 679 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10031, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Sofrito is a vibrant and lively Puerto Rican restaurant located in Washington Heights. With its colorful decor and energetic atmosphere, Sofrito is the perfect place for a fun night out with friends. The menu at Sofrito is filled with traditional Puerto Rican dishes, as well as unique twists on classic recipes.

    One of the standout dishes at Sofrito is the chuletas can-can, which is a double-cut pork chop that is marinated and grilled to perfection. The meat is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy exterior that adds a satisfying crunch. Another popular dish is the pescado en salsa, which is a fresh filet of fish smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Pair your meal with a tropical cocktail, like a classic piña colada or a refreshing mojito, for the complete Puerto Rican experience.

    Name: Que Chevere

    Address: 115 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Que Chevere is a hidden gem tucked away on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. This family-owned restaurant is known for its homestyle Puerto Rican dishes that are made with love and care. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make Que Chevere a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

    One of the must-try dishes at Que Chevere is the arroz con pollo, which is a flavorful chicken and rice dish that is cooked to perfection. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the rice is infused with delicious flavors from the spices and herbs. Another popular dish is the alcapurrias, which are fritters made from grated root vegetables and filled with either meat or seafood. These fritters are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, making them the perfect appetizer or snack.

    Name: Lechonera La Isla

    Address: 254 E 125th St, New York, NY 10035, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Located in East Harlem, Lechonera La Isla is a no-frills Puerto Rican restaurant that focuses on one thing: lechón. Lechón is a traditional Puerto Rican dish consisting of a whole roasted pig. At Lechonera La Isla, the lechón is slow-roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth.

    One of the highlights of dining at Lechonera La Isla is watching the staff carve the lechón right in front of you. The crispy skin, or “chicharrón”, is cut into pieces and served alongside the succulent meat. It’s a sight to behold, and the taste is even better. Pair your lechón with a side of arroz con gandules or tostones for a truly delicious meal.

    Name: The Freakin Rican

    Address: 4306 34th Ave, Queens, NY 11101, United States

    Phone: Not available

    The Freakin Rican is a popular Puerto Rican restaurant located in the vibrant neighborhood of Astoria, Queens. With its funky decor and lively atmosphere, The Freakin Rican is a fun place to enjoy delicious Puerto Rican food. The menu is filled with classic dishes, as well as creative twists on traditional recipes.

    One of the standout dishes at The Freakin Rican is the jibarito, which is a sandwich made with flattened, fried plantains instead of bread. The plantains add a unique and delicious flavor to the sandwich, and the filling options are endless. Another popular dish is the pavochon, which is a Puerto Rican-style roasted turkey. The turkey is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, resulting in juicy and aromatic meat that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.

    Name: La Isla

    Address: 1439 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, United States

    Phone: Not available

    La Isla is a cozy Puerto Rican restaurant located in the trendy neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn. With its laid-back vibe and friendly staff, La Isla is a great place to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food in a relaxed setting. The menu at La Isla is filled with classic dishes, as well as some unique creations.

    One of the standout dishes at La Isla is the bacalao guisado, which is a stew made with salted codfish. The codfish is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish. Another popular dish is the relleno de papa, which is a deep-fried potato ball filled with seasoned ground beef. These crispy and savory balls are the perfect appetizer or snack.

    Name: Cuchifritos

    Address: 168 E 116th St, New York, NY 10029, United States

    Phone: Not available

    If you’re in East Harlem and craving Puerto Rican comfort food, head to Cuchifritos. This no-frills Puerto Rican restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable dishes. With a menu that includes classics like pernil, arroz con gandules, and tostones, Cuchifritos is a favorite among locals.

    One of the must-try dishes at Cuchifritos is the pastelón, which is a Puerto Rican version of lasagna. Layers of sweet plantains, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese come together to create a dish that is both savory and sweet. Another popular dish is the chicharrón de pollo, which is crispy fried chicken seasoned with Puerto Rican spices. Paired with a side of arroz con habichuelas, it’s a meal that will leave you completely satisfied.

    Name: El Chevere

    Address: 2000 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029, United States

    Phone: Not available

    El Chevere is a family-owned Puerto Rican restaurant located in East Harlem. With its friendly staff and homestyle dishes, it has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors. El Chevere offers a variety of Puerto Rican classics, as well as some unique creations.

    One of the standout dishes at El Chevere is the arroz con calamares, which is a flavorful rice dish made with squid. The squid is tender and perfectly cooked, and the rice is infused with the flavors of saffron and herbs. Another popular dish is the bacalao a la vizcaína, which is a codfish stew that is bursting with flavor. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of piña colada or passion fruit juice for the ultimate Puerto Rican dining experience.

    Name: La Isla Cuchifritos

    Address: 6 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, La Isla Cuchifritos is a Puerto Rican restaurant that specializes in “cuchifritos”, which are deep-fried snacks and appetizers. From crispy pork skin to fried plantains, La Isla Cuchifritos has all the Puerto Rican snacks you could ever want.

    One of the must-try snacks at La Isla Cuchifritos is the alcapurrias, which are fritters made from grated root vegetables and filled with either meat or seafood. These fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a filling that is bursting with flavor. Another popular snack is the pastelillos, which are turnovers filled with either beef, chicken, or cheese. These crispy and savory treats are the perfect on-the-go snack.

    Name: La Cocina Boricua

    Address: 2245 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, United States

    Phone: Not available

    La Cocina Boricua is a Puerto Rican restaurant located in the Bronx. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, it has become a favorite among locals. The menu at La Cocina Boricua is filled with classic Puerto Rican dishes, as well as some unique creations.

    One of the standout dishes at La Cocina Boricua is the camarones al ajillo, which is a garlic shrimp dish that is bursting with flavor. The shrimp are cooked in a flavorful garlic sauce that is both savory and slightly spicy. Another popular dish is the mofongo, which is made from mashed plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings. Whether you choose the traditional version or opt for a twist with seafood or chicken, mofongo is a must-try at La Cocina Boricua.

    Name: Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine

    Address: 3363 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine is a Puerto Rican restaurant located in the Bronx. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it is a great place to enjoy delicious Puerto Rican food. The menu at Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine is filled with classic Puerto Rican dishes, as well as some unique offerings.

    One of the standout dishes at Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine is the arroz con pollo, which is a flavorful chicken and rice dish that is cooked to perfection. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the rice is infused with delicious flavors from the spices and herbs. Another popular dish is the pernil, which is slow-roasted pork shoulder that is tender and succulent. Paired with a side of tostones, it’s a meal that is both comforting and satisfying.

    Name: Puerto Rico

    Address: 5616 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Puerto Rico is a Puerto Rican restaurant located in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. With its casual atmosphere and delicious food, it has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu at Puerto Rico is filled with classic Puerto Rican dishes, as well as some unique creations.

    One of the standout dishes at Puerto Rico is the mofongo relleno, which is mofongo stuffed with your choice of meat or seafood. The mofongo is flavorful and perfectly seasoned, and the filling adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Another popular dish is the chuletas can-can, which is a double-cut pork chop that is marinated and grilled to perfection. Paired with a side of arroz con gandules, it’s a meal that is both hearty and delicious.

    Name: Kiosko 787

    Address: 488 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States

    Phone: Not available

    Kiosko 787 is a Puerto Rican restaurant located in the trendy neighborhood of Gowanus, Brooklyn. With its vibrant atmosphere and tasty food, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. The menu at Kiosko 787 is filled with classic Puerto Rican dishes, as well as some unique creations.

    One of the standout dishes at Kiosko 787 is the pinchos, which are skewers of marinated meat that are grilled to perfection. The meat is tender and juicy, with a smoky flavor that is enhanced by the marinade. Another popular dish is the bacalao guisado, which is a stew made with salted codfish. The codfish is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.

    Name: La Isla Cuchifrito

    Address: 276 E 149th St, Bronx, NY 10451, United States

    Phone: Not available

    La Isla Cuchifrito is a Puerto Rican restaurant located in the Bronx. With its lively atmosphere and delicious food, it has become a favorite among locals. The menu at La Isla Cuchifrito is filled with classic Puerto Rican dishes, as well as some unique offerings.

    One of the standout dishes at La Isla Cuchifrito