Top restaurants list
10 Best Latin Restaurants in NYC
- 10 restaurants
- New York City, New York
- Updated May 23, 2026
The ten best Latin restaurants in NYC include Cosme, La Gran Uruguaya, Llama Inn, Café Habana, Toro, Talde, Fonda, Pulperia, Los Tacos No. 1, and Empellón. New York City's top Latin restaurants in New York masterfully blend ancestral recipes with the city's fast-paced, trend-setting energy. Latin restaurant menus across Manhattan and the outer boroughs feature everything from high-end duck carnitas and Peruvian ceviche to authentic Uruguayan chivito sandwiches.
These culinary hotspots are found within sleek Manhattan high-rises, colorful Brooklyn storefronts, and bustling Queens markets. The city's Latin dining scene offers a full spectrum of moods, from the boisterous energy of a crowded taco stand to the hushed sophistication of a fine-dining room. Dining in a Latin restaurant in NYC average $60 per person.
Cosme stands out for its world-renowned, innovative approach to Mexican cuisine. Llama Inn captures attention with its creative Peruvian dishes and stylish rooftop bar, while Los Tacos No. 1 serves as a consistent choice for authentic, high-quality street food at an accessible price.
The top best Latin restaurants in NYC are listed below.
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1
Latin American sports barsLa Gran Uruguaya is a traditional Latin restaurant in NYC serving authentic Uruguayan pastries and sandwiches. This spot provides a casual, neighborhood-focused environment for quick bites and strong coffee in Queens.- Item Prices
- 253
- Average Item Price
- $20.38
La Gran Uruguaya Restaurant Menu PricesMore about La Gran Uruguaya Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Uruguayan, Bakery
Signature Dishes:
Skirt Steak
Short Ribs
Uruguayan Grilled Steak
Location:
85-02 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, United States
Special Feature:
The bakery case displays fresh, house-made Uruguayan sweets and breads daily.
What Makes It Special:
A dedication to authentic recipes from Uruguay in an unpretentious setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The focus on genuine, hard-to-find Uruguayan specialties makes it a local institution.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
2
Café Habana is a legendary Latin restaurant in NYC known for its iconic Cuban-Mexican street food. Diners enjoy a casual, bustling atmosphere in the heart of SoHo.- Item Prices
- 268
- Average Item Price
- $10.24
Cafe Habana Menu PricesMore about Cafe Habana
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Cuban, Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Grilled Chicken & Salsa Verde Burrito
Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak Plate
Chicken Quesadilla
Location:
17 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Special Feature:
The signature grilled corn, topped with cotija cheese and chili powder, is a local favorite.
What Makes It Special:
A reputation for consistent, high-energy service and bold, accessible flavors.
What Sets It Apart:
The unpretentious, neighborhood-focused vibe makes it a regular stop for locals.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
3
Pulperia is a refined Latin restaurant in NYC specializing in coastal Latin American seafood. Diners find a menu of fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and seasonal sides in a sleek, upscale room.- Item Prices
- 20
- Average Item Price
- $8.95
The Pulperia Menu PricesMore about The Pulperia
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Latin American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Churros
Half Chicken
Seafood Paella
Location:
338 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Special Feature:
The wine list features a curated selection of South American labels.
What Makes It Special:
A dedication to high-quality seafood and precise, modern preparation.
What Sets It Apart:
The formal service and sophisticated ambiance distinguish the venue from casual spots.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$40 to $50 per person
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4
4. Cosme
Cosme is a high-end Latin restaurant in NYC presenting contemporary Mexican cuisine with local Hudson Valley ingredients. Diners enjoy a sophisticated, airy space in the Flatiron District.More about Cosme
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Duck Carnitas
Corn Meringue
Lamb Barbacoa
Location:
35 E 21st St, New York, NY 10010, United States
Special Feature:
The menu elevates traditional Mexican flavors through modern, artistic plating techniques.
What Makes It Special:
A focus on seasonal produce and refined, complex flavor profiles.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of world-class service and avant-garde Mexican cooking defines the experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Wednesday, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMThursday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:
Over $100 per person
-
5
5. Llama Inn
Llama Inn is a creative Latin restaurant in NYC focusing on modern Peruvian plates. Guests find a bright, industrial-chic room in Brooklyn where the menu highlights fresh seafood and bold, citrus-forward flavors.More about Llama Inn
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Peruvian
Signature Dishes:
Fried Chicken, Fermented Soybean, Aji
Bolivian Marching Punch
El Chapo
Location:
50 Withers St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
Special Feature:
The rooftop terrace offers a unique view of the surrounding neighborhood.
What Makes It Special:
A focus on inventive flavor combinations and high-quality, fresh ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
The blend of a relaxed atmosphere and a sophisticated Peruvian menu is unique.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
-
6
6. Toro
Toro is a stylish Latin restaurant in NYC specializing in Spanish tapas. Guests discover a menu of small, shareable plates and creative cocktails in a sleek, urban room in Chelsea.More about Toro
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Spanish, Tapas
Signature Dishes:
Paella
Patatas Bravas
Gambas al Ajillo
Location:
85 10th Ave New York, NY 10011
Special Feature:
The bar serves a curated list of Spanish wines and inventive cocktails.
What Makes It Special:
A focus on traditional Spanish techniques and high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a polished atmosphere and a social, shareable menu defines the experience.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$40 to $50 per person
-
7
7. Talde
Talde is a modern Latin restaurant in NYC that blends Asian flavors with Latin American ingredients. Diners find a menu of inventive small bites and hearty entrees in a lively, contemporary space.More about Talde
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Asian-Latin Fusion
Signature Dishes:
Smoked Char Siu Pork Shoulder
Korean Fried Chicken
Wonton Noodle Soup
Location:
369 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States
Special Feature:
The menu emphasizes bold, unexpected flavor combinations.
What Makes It Special:
A focus on creative, fun dishes that push the boundaries of traditional fusion.
What Sets It Apart:
The blend of a social atmosphere and an inventive menu distinguishes the venue.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
8
8. Fonda
Fonda is an authentic Latin restaurant in NYC focusing on regional Mexican recipes. Guests enjoy a menu of traditional mole, enchiladas, and fresh guacamole in a warm, inviting room.More about Fonda
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Carne Asada
Flautas De Pollo
Guacamole
Location:
139 Duane St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Special Feature:
The menu highlights authentic, scratch-made sauces prepared daily.
What Makes It Special:
A focus on traditional Mexican flavors and high-quality, fresh produce.
What Sets It Apart:
The unpretentious atmosphere and focus on classic comfort food define the experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $40 per person
-
9
9. Los Tacos No. 1
Los Tacos No. 1 is a casual Latin restaurant in NYC specializing in authentic, street-style tacos. Guests enjoy a menu of high-quality meats and handmade tortillas in a fast-paced, counter-service setting.More about Los Tacos No. 1
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Adobada
Carne Asada
Nopal
Location:
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States
Special Feature:
The open grill allows guests to watch the meat being prepared to order.
What Makes It Special:
A focus on authentic, bold flavors and high-speed service.
What Sets It Apart:
The interactive, open-grill setup provides entertainment for all guests.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
10
10. Empellón
Empellón is a sophisticated Latin restaurant in NYC, known for its inventive take on Mexican cuisine. Diners find a menu of creative small bites and refined entrees in a stylish, urban room.More about Empellón
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Octopus Taco
Red Chile Pork Tacos
Skirt Steak Tacos
Location:
510 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States
Special Feature:
The bar serves a selection of creative cocktails infused with agave spirits.
What Makes It Special:
A focus on bold, innovative flavor combinations and high-end presentation.
What Sets It Apart:
The contemporary design and upscale menu provide a fresh perspective on Mexican dining.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Latin Restaurants in NYC Famous?
Latin restaurants in NYC are famous for Mexican, Peruvian, and Caribbean cooking, with chefs reinventing ancestral recipes using the finest local produce available in the Northeast. Master cooks elevate traditional street food by incorporating luxury ingredients, such as foie gras or wagyu beef, into classic preparations like tacos and empanadas. The city's dining landscape stands out for a sheer volume of Michelin-starred temples operating alongside bustling, neon-lit spots pouring rare agave spirits.
What Type of Latin Restaurant is Commonly Found in NYC?
The types of Latin restaurants commonly found in NYC include upscale fusion bistros, traditional taquerias, and refined tapas bars. The following list details the different NYC restaurants serving Latin dishes.
- Upscale Fusion Bistros: Sophisticated rooms mix Latin ingredients with global techniques. Cosme represents this category well.
- Traditional Taquerias: Casual spots focus on hand-pressed tortillas and authentic street-style fillings. Los Tacos No. 1 operates under this model.
- Refined Tapas Bars: Stylish venues deliver shareable small plates alongside curated wine lists. Toro provides this exact experience.
- Authentic Bakeries: Neighborhood spots offer fresh-baked breads and traditional pastries. La Gran Uruguaya focuses on this format.
- Contemporary Cevicherias: Sleek dining rooms serve citrus-cured fish and Peruvian specialties. CVI.CHE 105 fits this description.
Does NYC Have an Authentic Latin Restaurant?
Yes, New York City has genuine Latin restaurants preserving old-school cooking techniques, including Fonda and La Gran Uruguaya. Fonda functions as a true Mexican dining room, crafting classic dishes like Mole Poblano using scratch-made sauces and fresh produce. La Gran Uruguaya operates as a legitimate regional bakery, preparing authentic chivito sandwiches and alfajores far from generic, commercialized menus. Cosme preserves the true craft of contemporary Mexican fine dining by executing complex preparations like duck carnitas and corn meringue. These locations strictly follow original recipes and traditional service models.
Do NYC Latin Restaurants Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, booking a table online is common for NYC Latin restaurants, as the majority of these upscale and casual dining spots utilize digital platforms. Establishments like Cosme, Toro, and Empellón provide booking services through applications like OpenTable and Resy to manage heavy weekend traffic in busy areas. These platforms allow parents to plan morning or evening meals with ease.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Latin Restaurants in NYC?
The signature dishes of the best Latin restaurants in NYC consist of duck carnitas, fresh ceviche, and pressed Cuban sandwiches. A selection of popular Latin food in NYC served inside these authentic venues appears in the list below.
- Duck Carnitas: Slow-cooked duck served with warm tortillas and fresh salsa. Cosme is famous for this classic.
- Ceviche Mixto: Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, onions, and cilantro. CVI.CHE 105 creates this Peruvian staple.
- Cuban Sandwich: A pressed roll filled with ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Café Habana features this authentic entree.
- Paella: A rich rice dish cooked with saffron and a variety of seafood or meats. Toro offers this regional specialty.
- Chivito Sandwich: A hearty sandwich featuring thin-sliced steak, bacon, egg, and cheese. La Gran Uruguaya provides this street food favorite.
Does NYC Enjoy Latin Food?
Yes, Latin food is highly favored among NYC visitors. Constant crowds filling dining rooms inside the Flatiron District and Brooklyn demonstrate a massive demand for bold, spice-forward meals. International tourists and local residents consistently seek out savory dishes to experience genuine international hospitality. The continuous desire for expertly executed, chef-led menus drives the prosperity of both opulent fusion rooms and quiet, neighborhood cafes. Guests value attentive service, rich flavor profiles, and deep cultural connections when choosing local dining spots.
What is the Average Meal Price for Latin Restaurants in NYC?
The average meal price for Latin restaurants in NYC is $60 per individual. A casual lunch or quick bite at a spot like Los Tacos No. 1 or La Gran Uruguaya costs $15 to $30. Group dinners for two to four people at a mid-tier dining room such as Fonda or Toro run from a total of $80 to $160. A full evening meal with premium seafood, cocktails, and polished service at a high-end location like Cosme or L’Atelier requires $80 to $200 per person.
Are There Vegan Options in Latin Restaurants in NYC?
Yes, individuals looking for vegan meals find suitable options at Latin restaurants in NYC, including The Fiction Kitchen and Fonda. These establishments prepare customizable vegetable-forward tacos, fresh salads, and plant-based sides that can be ordered without animal products. The inclusion of fresh local produce, olive oil, and simple tomato sauces makes finding satisfying, meatless meals simple across specific menus.
Do Latin Restaurants in NYC Offer Gluten-free Options?
Yes, people avoiding wheat find safe menu items at Latin restaurants in NYC, such as Los Tacos No. 1, CVI.CHE 105, and Cosme. These dining rooms serve premium steaks, grilled seafood, and roasted vegetables that remain suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Many locations offer corn-based tortilla substitutions or naturally wheat-free main courses upon request. The reliance on fresh proteins and vegetables as primary ingredients ensures a secure dining experience for guests with specific dietary requirements.
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