Flavors of Colombia: Discovering the Best Colombian Restaurant in New York
Introduction:
New York City is known for having a wide variety of cuisines from different parts of the world, and each neighborhood has its own unique food story.
In the city’s diverse food scene, Colombian cuisine has found its place, offering flavors that show the warmth, tradition, and lively spirit of South America. Whether you’re in Queens, Manhattan, or Brooklyn, you can find dishes like empanadas, banded pies, areas, and tasty tropical juices that bring a taste of Bogotá or Medellín right to your table. If you’re looking for the best Colombian restaurant in New York, there are a few top spots that have won over both locals and tourists with their authenticity, quality, and friendly vibe. This guide will help you understand what makes a great Colombian restaurant and introduce you to the top places to enjoy Colombia’s rich culinary heritage right in the heart of NYC.
What Makes a Great Colombian Restaurant?
Before we get to the top picks, it’s important to know what makes Colombian food special and how to spot a great Colombian restaurant in New York.
Colombian cuisine is a mix of different influences from Indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures. It’s all about hearty and comforting dishes—think rice and beans, grilled meats, fried plantains, and thick corn areas.
A great Colombian restaurant in New York will:
– Focus on being genuine by using traditional cooking techniques and real ingredients from Colombia.
– Offer a variety of regional dishes, from coastal seafood to mountain meals like attack and banded pies.
– Provide homemade flavors, often from family-run places with recipes passed down through generations.
– Create a welcoming atmosphere that’s warm, lively, and might even include music, dancing, or live bands on weekends.
Top Picks for the Best Colombian Restaurant in New York
1.
Area Lady – Queens
Location: Jackson Heights
Known For: Areas, empanadas, and Colombian street food classics
Area Lady started as a small food cart run by Maria Can, who’s affectionately called “The Area Lady.
” Her cart became famous, with long lines forming every weekend in Jackson Heights. Now, she has a brick-and-mortar location and keeps the same charm and flavor of the original cart. Area Lady is still a must-visit for Colombian comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
– Area de Queso (cheese-stuffed area)
– Chorizo con Area
– Empanadas with green ají sauce
The restaurant serves up crispy, golden areas with soft, cheesy insides, making it one of the most loved Colombian spots in NYC.
2.
El Leisure Restaurant – Queens
Location: Corona
Known For: Eclectic decor, vibrant atmosphere, and massive portions
El Basurero, which means “The Dump” playfully, might have an unusual name, but it’s anything but a place to throw things away.
The restaurant is decorated with car parts and antique items hanging from the ceiling, creating a colorful and lively Colombian culture celebration. The food is bold, flavorful, and hearty.
Must-Try Dishes:
– Banded Pies are a plate that has rice, beans, crispy fried pork, steak, avocado, plantains, and a fried egg.
– Sancho (a rich meat and root vegetable soup)
– Lulu juice (a tart citrus drink from Colombia)
The experience is just as important as the food.
With live music and dancing on weekends, El Basurero turns meals into big parties.
3.
Bochinchero Restaurant – Brooklyn
Location: Sunset Park
Known For: Friendly service and traditional home-style Colombian meals
Bochinchero is a hidden gem in Brooklyn, offering classic Colombian dishes at very reasonable prices.
It’s a local favorite, with customers coming back for the comfort food and warm, welcoming staff.
Must-Try Dishes:
– Cholera Valona (breaded pork cutlet)
– Attack Bogotá no (chicken soup with corn, potatoes, and capers)
– Area con Quest
With a clean, casual setting and meals that feel like they could be made by your Angelita, Bochinchero is perfect for those who appreciate both flavor and authenticity.
4.
La Sequent, Colombia – Manhattan
Location: Washington Heights
Known For: Long-standing history and classic Colombian staples
Serving the community for decades, La Sequent Colombia (Little Colombia) is a landmark in Washington Heights.
The restaurant has a simple, no-frills look, and all its energy goes into making traditional Colombian meals with love and experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Care Masada with Area
Tamales Colombians
Fresh-squeezed fruit juices (Guanabara, maraca)
Open from breakfast through dinner, it’s a favorite among locals looking for an early-morning calendar or a late-night banded pies fix.
5.
El Patio Restaurant – Queens
Location: Jackson Heights
Known For: Outdoor patio, family-friendly dining, and Colombian BBQ
El Patio, true to its name, offers a pleasant outdoor space for guests to enjoy grilled meats and Colombian beers under the stars.
Their weekend specials and platters are big enough for sharing, making this a great place for families or groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parrillada Mixt (mixed grill with chorizo, chicken, steak, and gorilla)
Pantalones (fried green plantains)
Carmela de Mariscos (Colombian seafood stew)
Pair your meal with Aquila or Club Colombia beer for the full experience.
Honorable Mentions
While the restaurants above top our list, here are a few more worth checking out:
Empanadas Monumental – Best known for their stuffed empanadas and fried Colombian treats.
El Rey del Taco y Pupas – A Colombian-Salvadoran fusion spot with fantastic grilled meat platters.
Mi Tierra Restaurant – Popular with Colombian expats, known for its attack and fresh juices.
Why Colombian Cuisine is Rising in Popularity
Colombian cuisine has found a stronghold in New York for good reason.
It’s accessible, hearty, and layered with comforting flavors. As more New Yorkers discover areas, tamales, and tropical jugs, Colombian food is no longer just a hidden gem—it’s a key part of the city’s Latin American food boom.
Furthermore, the Colombian community in NYC has helped preserve the food culture through festivals, bakeries, and family-run eateries that keep the traditions alive.
Whether you’re craving a bowl of soup on a cold winter day or a grilled meat platter for summer dining, Colombian restaurants offer something for every season and appetite.
Conclusion
Finding the best Colombian restaurant in New York depends on what kind of experience you’re after—whether it’s a nostalgic trip back to your roots, a vibrant night out with live music, or a simple yet delicious area on a weekday lunch break.
From the bustling streets of Jackson Heights to the soul of Washington Heights, these culinary outposts serve more than just food—they deliver a slice of Colombian heritage, one delicious bite at a time.
So next time you’re wandering through New York and your taste buds are calling for something bold, filling, and tropical, you know where to look.
¡Been prosecco!