Food is one of the most illuminating ways to dive into a culture, a journey of the senses essential to any expedition.
For those in the Northeast looking for a taste of Latin American heritage, the choices are many, varied and bursting with flavorful history. Here’s a list of 11 inviting spots from Northern Massachusetts down to Long Island that serve up a wide range of authentic Latin cuisines.
Massachusetts
Tumi Ceviche Bar & Ristorante (Peruvian)
592 Main St., Hyannis
Loved by locals and tourists alike, this AAA Diamond Designated gem offers a fusion of traditional Peruvian and Italian cuisines – including homemade pasta and nine different types of ceviche. Pull up a chair, order a refreshing pisco cocktail and watch the chef perform culinary magic in the open kitchen. Choose from the four-course prix fixe menu or their regular selections.
Rio Brazilian Steakhouse (Brazilian)
318 Court St., Plymouth
This is a traditional churrascaria that serves rodizio style – aka, a traditional Brazilian all-you-can-eat steakhouse. Diners are treated to a wide selection of freshly grilled meats that keep coming to the table, as well as selections from the bar of salads and warm sides. An experience you won’t want to miss.
Rhode Island
Don Jose Tequilas (Mexican)
351 Atwells Ave., Providence
Uniquely authentic food in a cozy setting. Locally rated as the city’s best Mexican restaurant many times over, get ready for a mouthwatering feast. You’ll have trouble choosing from all the freshly prepared dishes but don’t worry, everything is great, from traditional fare to ingenious takes on old favorites. They also serve some seriously tasty margaritas, tequilas and mezcals.
Los Andes (Latin American)
903 Chalkstone Ave., Providence
Boisterous yet homey, this spot is adored all over the state for its impossibly flavorful menu. Mainly taken from Peruvian and Bolivian culinary traditions, you’ll also find a broader Latin vibe. There’s an irresistible tasting menu, plus dishes ranging from Argentinian ribeye churrasco to both classic and lobster paella. A true find in a great part of downtown Providence.
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Pacifico (Latin America)
220 College St., New Haven
A casual, contemporary and popular go-to spot near Yale University, Pacifico serves an inventive variety of delicious Nuevo-Latino tapas and entrees upstairs. If you’re looking for something lighter, head downstairs to the Barcito tapas bar and lounge. Their weekend brunch is also a treat.
Brasitas (Latin American)
954 E Main St., Stamford
“Stop here, appreciate life for a minute and smile” says the sign outside this tasteful oasis of hyper-fresh Latin American fare. And that’s very easy to do at Brasitas. Besides the delectable food, you’ll love the just-right portions and flawless service. The airy yet cozy dining room is lovingly adorned with authentic objects and lush tropical plants.
New York
Cosme (Mexican)
35 E 21st St., New York
Understated yet exquisite, AAA Four Diamond Cosme is celebrated Mexican chef Enrique Olvera’s first restaurant north of the border. The season-centric dishes dance to the beat of the freshest local ingredients. Order from the list of flavorful, down-to-earth plates, grab a homemade tortilla and go straight to heaven. The desserts are also a rare delight to behold.
Victor’s Cafe (Cuban)
236 W 52nd St., New York
Transport yourself to Cuba in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District. There’s something for everyone to savor, from house specialty Ropa Vieja to creamy seared salmon polenta and tasty dishes “to share (or not).” Look for the gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options. Nice weather opens up the plant-filled Palm Terrace, adding to the whole experience.
La Boina Roja Steak House (Colombian)
80-22 37th Ave., Jackson Heights
Some of the most authentic Colombian cuisine outside of Colombia. This beloved local joint serves up a huge selection of traditionally prepared dishes: cream soups, salads, seafood and poultry, plus an amazing array of grilled meats. For the more adventurous eaters, there are many options featuring tongue and pork belly.
Lucharitos Taqueria and Tequila Bar (Mexican)
119 Main St., Greenport
One of five Lucharitos locations, this vibrant Greenport taqueria on Long Island is full of flavor and real Mexican fare. In addition to unique starters like lobster guacamole, you’ll love the generous selection of freshly made tacos, burritos, nachos and quesadillas.
Reader Recommendations
We asked Your AAA readers to suggest their favorite Latin American eateries, and you certainly delivered. Enjoy this delicious list!
Connecticut
- Crave Restaurant, Ansonia
- Casa Villa, Stamford
- Ola Restaurant, Wallingford
- Valencia Luncheria, Norwalk
- Ola Latin Kitchen, Bridgeport
- Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, New Haven
- Via Al Paraiso, Waterbury
- Los Garcia Mexican Fusion, Waterbury
- Olé Molé, Stamford
Massachusetts
- Posada Grill, Shelburne Falls
- La Veracruzana Amherst and Northampton
- Mamajuana, Lawrence
- Fogo de Chão, Boston
- Casa Blanca, Andover, Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover, various locations
- Ocho Cafe, Tacos and Tequila, Weymouth, Westford
New Hampshire
- Vida Cantina, Portsmouth
- Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant, Brookline
New Jersey
- Noches de Columbia, North Bergen, Fairview, Clifton, Montclair, various locations
- Samba, Montclair
- Tito’s Burritos, Summit, Morristown, Ridgewood, various locations
New York
- Fogo de Chão, White Plains, Manhattan, Carle Place, various locations
- Sofrito, Manhattan
- Flor de Mayo, Manhattan
- Brisas del Caribe, Bronx
- Aji Limo, Ossining
- Costas, Manhattan
- Maya Riviera, Briarcliff Manor
- Hacienda Lopez, Mohegan Lake
- The Cuban, Garden City, Patchogue, Queens
Rhode Island
- Viva Mexico, Providence
- La Arepa, Pawtucket
- El Paisa, Central Falls
- Caprichos Antioquenos Bakery, Providence
Tell us about your favorite Latin American restaurants in the comments below.
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For Mexican I suggest, Cafe Maya in Wappingers Falls,NY. Maya Cafe in Fishkill,NY, La Puerta Azul, in Millbrook, NY. A new place, Casa Ortega in village of Wappingers Falls, NY, For a Caribbean flavor; a low key place is Izla Fishkill in Fishkill, NY
Maizal serves delicious contemporary Mexican cuisine in Staten Island, NY.
Tacos Lupita in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA is the best authentic Mexican food north of Boston!
I suggest Three Stones Mayan Restaurant in Brattleboro, VT. Fresh authentic empanadas house made tortilla, awesome Uah’s ( look it up)
Yummy food and amazing deserts Boca Negra and Dolce de Leche. It is always consistently good.
El Pote Espanol, 2nd Avenue, NY, NY
La Puerta Azul in Millbrook, NY is one of mine. Hope others will share their hudson valley favorites.
How about the Mid Hudson region, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, New Paltz and Newburgh area. There are many excellent restaurants in our area too.
It would be nice to see guides like this for suburbs and rural areas, where a lot of amazing eateries are nestled. I live in a rural area of New York, and all of the places listed here are out of reach for me. Two hours away may not seem far, but for me, it’s too far to travel for dinner (barring some special occasion).