The 16 Best Puerto Rican Food in New York

When it comes to experiencing authentic Puerto Rican food in New York, there is no shortage of delicious options to choose from. Whether you are craving mofongo, pasteles, or arroz con gandules, the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean can be found throughout the city.
For those looking to explore the diverse culinary scene of Puerto Rico right in their own backyard, this guide is here to help. From traditional mom-and-pop eateries to modern fusion restaurants, there is something for every palate and preference. So get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine in the heart of New York City!
- Convenient location in various neighborhoods
- Authentic recipes passed down through generations
- Fresh ingredients sourced from local markets
- Diverse menu options to cater to different tastes
- Warm and welcoming ambiance that reflects Puerto Rican culture
Ready to satisfy your craving for Puerto Rican food in New York? Check out our list of The 16 Best Puerto Rican Food in the city and get ready to indulge in a feast for your senses.
- 1. Casa Adela
- 2. Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine Bronx NY
- 3. The Freakin Rican
- 4. El Nuevo Bohío
- 5. Cuchifritos
- 6. Sofrito
- 7. La Isla Cuchifritos
- 8. Lechonera La Isla
- 9. La Cocina Boricua
- 10. Que Rico NYC
- 11. La Fonda
- 12. Puerto Rico
- 13. La Isla Cuchifrito
- 14. LA ISLA WILLIAMSBURG
- 15. La Isla
- 16. Mofongos.com

- Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
1. Casa Adela
Information and Reviews
- This restaurant is a gem, providing a nostalgic vibe of 1980s Puerto Rico with attentive staff and authentic dishes.
- Customers enjoy the generous portions and vibrant flavors of dishes like the roasted pork and octopus salad.
- Despite its cash-only policy, Casa Adela offers an excellent price-to-food ratio and ensures a truly satisfying dining experience.
If you're looking for a taste of Puerto Rico in the heart of New York, Casa Adela is the place to be!

- Monday: 11 AM–12 AM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–12 AM
- Thursday: 11 AM–2 AM
- Friday: 11 AM–2 AM
- Saturday: 11 AM–2 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM–12 AM
2. Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine Bronx NY
Information and Reviews
The atmosphere at Made in Puerto Rico is one of its key highlights, with its live music and welcoming vibe that attracts families, groups, and tourists alike. The menu features a range of offerings including comfort food, organic dishes, and delicious cocktails and wine.
Some of the main points highlighted in customer reviews include:
- Fantastic skirt steak with chimichurri, tasty potatoes, and light and buttery eggs.
- Delicious food, great service, and a fun atmosphere.
- Incredible food, great value for money, especially the churrasco and Puerto Rico paella.
- Beautiful ambiance, great appetizer platter, and excellent service from their accommodating staff.
With a rating of 4.3 based on 2670 reviews, Made in Puerto Rico Latin Cuisine continues to impress its customers with its flavorful dishes and warm hospitality. Make sure to check them out for a delightful dining experience!

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 12–3 PM
- Thursday: 12–3 PM
- Friday: 12–3 PM
- Saturday: 12–3 PM
- Sunday: 12–3 PM
3. The Freakin Rican
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews rave about the delicious food and welcoming ambiance. Here are some key points summarizing the reviews:
- The food is amazing, with favorites like Alcapurrias and mofongo.
- Customers praise the warm and natural flavors of the dishes, as well as the authentic Puerto Rican taste.
- Visitors appreciate the cute, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, highlighting the quality and affordability of the meals.
- Despite the small space, the restaurant maintains quick service for both dine-in and takeout orders, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, The Freakin Rican promises a flavorful journey through Puerto Rican cuisine in a trendy and family-friendly setting.

- Monday: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
4. El Nuevo Bohío
Information and Reviews
- The food was horrible according to one customer who mentioned issues with pasteles, bacalaoito, and other items.
- Another patron praised the welcoming atmosphere, delicious beef stew, and friendly staff.
- One reviewer commended the fantastic dish of blood sausage, fried fish, and tostones, highlighting a great dining experience.
- On the downside, a different customer expressed disappointment with the steak and service quality, vowing to not return.

- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–8 PM
5. Cuchifritos
Information and Reviews
- Customers appreciate the longstanding presence of the place and the tasty potato meat patties.
- Visitors often praise the attentive service and the delicious pasteles.
- Guests enjoy the authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, especially the morcilla and relleno de papas.

- Monday: 5–10 PM
- Tuesday: 5–10 PM
- Wednesday: 5–10 PM
- Thursday: 5–10 PM
- Friday: 5 PM–1 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM–1 AM
- Sunday: 12–10 PM
6. Sofrito
Information and Reviews
Customers have left positive reviews about their experiences at Sofrito. Some key points from their reviews include:
- This restaurant has exceptional food and drinks, with a 10 out of 10 rating.
- The venue and views are beautiful, and the atmosphere is great for salsa dancing.
- Delightful dinner experiences with generous portion sizes and flavorful dishes.
- The colorful, spacious atmosphere with great vibes, music, and food makes it a must-visit spot.
Overall, customers highly recommend Sofrito for a fantastic dining experience in Harlem.

- Monday: 9:30 AM–1 AM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM–1 AM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM–1 AM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM–1 AM
- Friday: 9:30 AM–1 AM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM–1 AM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM–1 AM
7. La Isla Cuchifritos
Information and Reviews
- Comida sabrosa, servicio amables, atmósfera familiar.
- Average food at a cheap price, open 24/7, workers primarily speak Spanish.
- Delicious food, best for takeout, can get crowded but overall delicious.
- Great Hispanic food at affordable prices, slow service, must try Pig Feet Soup.
With a rating of 4.2 stars based on 872 reviews, customers have praised the food quality, affordability, and welcoming staff. Make sure to try their Passion Fruit Juice recommended by one customer. Although payments are cash-only, the overall dining experience at La Isla Cuchifritos is highly valued by its patrons.

- Monday: 8 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
8. Lechonera La Isla
Information and Reviews
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- If you want authentic Puerto Rican food, this is the place to go. The owner serves with love.
- Amazing chicharron de cerdo with rice and beans. The mojo sauce is a perfect blend of flavors.
- Very nice place and great food. Alcapurria with hot onions was a favorite.
- The food that comes out of here is amazing!
Customers also praise the owners for being super friendly and welcoming. If you're looking for a taste of Puerto Rico in New York City, Lechonera La Isla is the place to visit.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 3–10 PM
- Wednesday: 3–10 PM
- Thursday: 2–10 PM
- Friday: 2 PM–12 AM
- Saturday: 2–11 PM
- Sunday: 2–9 PM
9. La Cocina Boricua
Information and Reviews
Some key points from customer reviews include:
- One customer was disappointed with the portion size and flavor of the Mofongo de Churrasco and the bistec encebollado.
- Another visitor found the experience in 2024 to be a huge letdown due to issues with the drinks and food quality.
- A patron who visited with their spouse on a Saturday afternoon praised the delicious food and drinks, labeling the experience as flawless.
- One individual complimented the food but criticized the delayed service, suggesting that improved customer service could significantly boost the restaurant's profits.
Despite a few negative experiences, the majority of customers appreciate the excellent food quality at La Cocina Boricua. The cozy and romantic atmosphere coupled with the tasty dishes makes it a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike. Visit their website for more information and to make reservations.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
10. Que Rico NYC
Information and Reviews
- Authentic Puerto Rican food that tastes like childhood memories.
- Top-notch service, vibe, and phenomenal food.
- Unbeatable dishes like pernil, chicharon, alcapurrias, tostones, and maduros.
With a 4.6-star rating and a loyal customer base, Que Rico NYC is a must-visit destination for anyone craving Spanish cuisine.

- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12–9 PM
- Wednesday: 12–9 PM
- Thursday: 12–9 PM
- Friday: 12–10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
11. La Fonda
Information and Reviews
Some key points from customer reviews include:
- Big shout out to the bartender for handcrafting drinks with love and inspiration.
- Food was great, especially the JÈFE sandwich and the colorful atmosphere.
- Delicious vegan options with healthy portions, but service needs improvement for a better experience.
- Phenomenal service, great drinks, and superb brunch menu with standout dishes like Mofongo.

- Monday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM–9 PM
12. Puerto Rico
Information and Reviews
- The mofongo with shrimp and chicken is delicious.
- Freshly prepared and hot food.
- Courteous and welcoming staff.
- Great variety of dishes to choose from.

- Monday: 7 AM–12 AM
- Tuesday: 7 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 7 AM–12 AM
- Thursday: 7 AM–12 AM
- Friday: 7 AM–12 AM
- Saturday: 7 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 7 AM–12 AM
13. La Isla Cuchifrito
Information and Reviews
With a rating of 4.1, La Isla Cuchifrito has garnered 473 reviews from satisfied customers. Some key points from the reviews include:
- One customer found a twig cooked into their Alcapurria, leading to a disappointing experience.
- Another mentioned that the food was stale, lacked flavor, and had bones in it, with an unimpressed service experience
- One review appreciated the variety of Latin Puerto Rican and American food options, particularly praising the fried pork and oxtails.
- While one patron appreciated the yellow rice, they found the maduros to taste like yucca and the roasted chicken to be lacking in flavor.
Customers have had mixed experiences at La Isla Cuchifrito, but it remains a go-to spot for those looking for delicious Puerto Rican cuisine in the Bronx area. If you're in the mood for authentic flavors and a casual dining atmosphere, this restaurant is worth a visit.

- Monday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Thursday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Friday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM–12 AM
14. LA ISLA WILLIAMSBURG
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight the delicious flavors and welcoming atmosphere at LA ISLA WILLIAMSBURG:
- Authentic Puerto Rican flavors
- Generous portions at reasonable prices
- Cozy, family-friendly ambiance
Whether you're craving a hearty meal or a quick snack, LA ISLA WILLIAMSBURG is sure to satisfy your cravings. Visit their website for more information and treat yourself to a taste of Puerto Rico in the heart of Brooklyn.
- Monday: 10 AM–1 AM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–1 AM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–1 AM
- Thursday: 10 AM–1 AM
- Friday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM–3 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM–1 AM
15. La Isla
Information and Reviews
The restaurant is known for its comfort food, coffee, and late-night bites, making it a perfect spot for a quick meal or small plates. Additionally, La Isla provides wheelchair-accessible entrance and is good for kids.
Customer reviews highlight the following key points:
- Food quality and portions are satisfactory, with affordable prices.
- Clean and well-kept space with friendly and helpful staff.
- Some customers experienced issues with the taste of the food and service recovery.
- Delicious traditional dishes like Mofongo and Pernil are highly recommended.

- Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
16. Mofongos.com
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight some key points:
- I ordered by Uber Eats and received a different food item than expected. The quality was not up to the mark.
- The dishes I ordered were undercooked and did not meet my expectations as a Hispanic customer.
- Received the wrong order through Uber Eats and had difficulty reaching the restaurant through the provided phone number.
- There were issues with the orders placed through Uber Eats, with incorrect items received, leading to dissatisfaction with the overall experience.
Despite some negative feedback, there are positive reviews as well, with one customer praising Mofongos.com for having the best Mofongos in NY and delicious empanadas. If you're looking for a place to enjoy authentic comfort food in a casual setting, Mofongos.com is worth a try!
Map of Puerto Rican Food in New York
New York City is a melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines, including a vibrant Puerto Rican culinary scene. From savory mofongo and juicy pernil to sweet pastelillos and creamy flan, the flavors of the island can be found throughout the five boroughs. Check out our map to discover the best Puerto Rican eateries in NYC.
What are some popular Puerto Rican dishes found in New York?
When dining at a Puerto Rican restaurant in New York, be sure to try traditional dishes such as mofongo, a mashed plantain dish often served with seafood or meat. Another must-try is arroz con gandules, a flavorful rice dish with pigeon peas. Don't forget to sample pasteles, a type of tamale made with plantains and root vegetables.
For dessert, indulge in a slice of tembleque, a coconut pudding, or flan, a creamy caramel custard. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of coquito, a Puerto Rican coconut and rum drink often enjoyed during the holidays.
Where can I find authentic Puerto Rican food in New York City?
For an authentic taste of Puerto Rican cuisine in New York City, head to neighborhoods like East Harlem and the Bronx, where you'll find a plethora of Puerto Rican restaurants and food trucks. Some popular spots include Casa Adela in the East Village and Sofrito in Midtown Manhattan.
If you prefer a more casual dining experience, explore the food stalls at La Marqueta in East Harlem, where you can sample a variety of Puerto Rican dishes in a vibrant market setting.
What are some key ingredients used in Puerto Rican cuisine?
Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients. Some staples in Puerto Rican cooking include sofrito, a flavorful sauce made with garlic, onions, peppers, and herbs. Other common ingredients include plantains, yucca, sazon seasoning, and adobo seasoning.
Meats such as pork and chicken are often marinated or seasoned with traditional spices like achiote and annatto. Seafood is also popular in Puerto Rican cuisine, with dishes featuring fresh fish such as red snapper and shrimp.
Are there any Puerto Rican food festivals or events in New York?
Throughout the year, New York City hosts several Puerto Rican food festivals and events that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the island. Don't miss the annual Loiza Festival in East Harlem, which features live music, dance performances, and an array of Puerto Rican dishes.
For a taste of traditional Puerto Rican street food, check out the Vendy Awards, where food vendors compete for the title of best street food in the city. You can also attend the Puerto Rican Day Parade, which showcases vibrant floats, music, and of course, delicious food.
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