As one of the best foodie cities in the world, NYC is bursting with flavors from all over the world, but some of its most unforgettable bites come straight from Hispanic-owned restaurants that celebrate tradition, culture, and innovation all at once.
From family-run taquerías serving recipes passed down for generations to sleek spots reimagining Latin classics with a modern twist, these eateries aren’t just places to eat—they’re vibrant reflections of the city’s soul. Whether you’re craving authentic Cuban sandwiches, Puerto Rican mofongo, or Michelin-worthy Mexican dishes, here are some of our favorite Hispanic-owned restaurants in NYC you absolutely need to check out.
1. BALVANERA, LES
Latin Chef and Owner Fernando Navas are the masterminds behind the Lower East Side’s BALVANERA, which serves guests delicious authentic Argentinian cuisine. As a Bueños Aires native, Chef Navas has become an expert in Latin cooking, and among the dishes are cauliflower and rice croquettes and empanadas.
📍 152 Stanton St.
2. Antojitos Doña Fela, Elmhurst
This family-owned Peruvian joint began as a food truck after founder Felicitas Vargas noticed a lack of representation for Peruvian-style street food. They serve everything from tamales to empanadas and chicarrón.
📍 90th street and, Roosevelt Ave, Queens
3. Fresco’s Cantina, Astoria
Fresco’s Cantina is a Latinx-owned modern Mexican go-to spot in Astoria operated by Brian Martinez and Adrian Suero. Each dish on the menu is equally delicious, but their chicken tacos especially are a must-try.
📍 12-14 31st Ave.
4. Arepa Lady, Multiple Locations
Originally from Colombia, Arepa Lady owner Maria Piedad Cano began selling arepas out of a cart on Roosevelt Avenue many years ago before opening her first brick-and-mortar location in 2014. She now has two locations in Queens, and people can’t get enough of her arepas.
📍 Jackson Heights – 77-17 37th Ave
📍 Astoria – 34-41 31 St.
5. Sofia’s Taqueria, Staten Island
Ignacio Garcia, who was born in Mexico, runs one of Staten Island’s most popular taquerías serving dishes like carnitas tacos, adobo pork burritos, and crispy chicken flautas. Pair your meal with a delicious cocktail, like a coconut mojito, and you’re good to go!
📍 977 Bay St. / 4370 Amboy Rd. / Staten Island Mall Level 2
6. Puerto Viejo, Prospect Heights
This Dominican Bistro founded in 1986 serves delicious Dominican cuisine while transporting you to an old port in La Hispaniola, which today is known as the Dominican Republic. Their authenticity won’t be lost upon you and they’re a must-try spot.
📍 564 Grand Ave.
7. Evelia’s Tamales, North Corona
The story of Evelia’s Tamales began after Evelia Coyotzi left Tlaxcala, Mexico to move to NYC in 2000. After finding much success with her tamale cart, she signed a lease for a storefront in January 2020. Evelia’s Tamales charges $2 or less for their wide selection of tamales.
📍 96-09 Northern Boulevard, Queens
8. La Morada, Mott Haven
La Morada is an award-winning Mexican restaurant known for their Oaxacan cuisine. Looking to preserve and share indigenous Mexican cuisine with their neighbors and friends, they serve flautas, gorditas, tacos, chilaquiles, and more
📍308 Willis Ave.
9. ATIK, City Island
Owner Rafael Robles, born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Dominican Republic, recently launched ATIK, City Island’s first fine-dining Mediterranean establishment. The kitchen is helmed by Dominican-born Chef José Castillo, who has created a seafood-forward Mediterranean menu with contemporary Latin touches.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Ceviche. And we also love the Paella Marinara.
📍 555 City Island Ave
10. Palermo Argentinian Bistro, Gramercy Park
Co-Owner Victor Medina has brought authentic Argentine open fire grilling to Gramercy Park. Leading the kitchen is Chef-Partner Carlos Barroz, an Argentinian native, honoring his deep love for Argentinian cuisine and barbecue. Each cut is prepared over an open flame, showcasing traditional techniques with refined execution and heart.
An all-Argentinian wine list rounds out the experience, with selections from Mendoza, Uco Valley, and Tupungato.
📍 53 Irving Pl
11. Kansha, Upper East Side
Kansha brings elegant and creative Nikkei cuisine straight to New Yorkers. Peruvian Chef-Owner Jorge Dionicio migrated from Peru to Austin, Texas, then trained at Japan’s World Sushi Skills Institute before eventually opening Kansha. Meaning “gratitude” in Japanese, Kansha opened to great accolades.
The restaurant bridges Dionicio’s Peruvian heritage with Japanese technique, offering a refined yet approachable menu of premium seafood from Tokyo’s Toyosu market and indigenous ingredients from Peru. For a more intimate experience, a 6-seat Nikkei omakase is also offered.
📍 1312 Madison Ave
12. Papatzul, SoHo
Celebrating nearly two decades in the neighborhood, Papatzul is one of SoHo’s longest-running Mexican restaurants. Known for creative cocktails, warm hospitality, and dishes inspired by Oaxaca, Puebla, and beyond, diners can expect dishes such as Elote de Coyoacán, Esquites, Chicken Mole, Enchiladas, and endless Tacos.
📍 55 Grand St.
13. Ix Restaurant, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Ix Restaurant is a restaurant with a hip cafe attached to it highlighting Guatemalan fare with baked goods, coffee, and tea amid colorful artwork. The place is small and cozy, with warm colors and fun music–plus, it’s super affordable! If you’re going for breakfast get the Huevos Rancheros, and later diners should check out the Pork Belly Sandwich.
📍 43 Lincoln Rd
14. Taqueria Ramirez, Greenpoint
Taqueria Ramírez is owned by two Greenpoint residents who were raised in Mexico. Chef Giovanni Cervantes hails from from Mexico City while his partner, Tania Apolinar, grew up in the northern border state of Coahuila.
Here, they sell a seemingly endless list of tacos, from their best selling Pastor (marinated and roasted pork butt) and their cult taco Tripa (slow-cooked and blow-torched beef small intestines) to the quintessential street-style taco from CDMX Suadero (slow cooked beef confit) and Longaniza
(spiced grounded pork).
📍 94 Franklin St.
15. Laly’s Restaurant & Agaveria, Jackson Heights
Laly’s Restaurant & Agaveria is a bright and vibrant eatery in Jackson Heights, renowned for its unique blend of authentic Mexican and American flavors. The diverse menu features standout dishes such as fish tacos, mole enchiladas, and the delightful Bistec Tampiqueña. The generous portions and reasonable pricing add to its appeal, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
📍 75-19 Roosevelt Ave
