New York is home to rich cultures from all over the world, and it shows in its food scene. Caribbean food is a broad term covering more than 25 countries that cover the region, but it’s generally a reflection of the Spanish, West African, British, and Chinese influence on their food.
In The Big Apple, Caribbean restaurants, which are relatively underrated and overlooked compared to Chinese, Korean, and Italian food, are still an immovable part of the food scene. In this video, we’ll be taking a look at 5 of the best Caribbean restaurants in the city.
1. Malecon
Starting this list off strong is Malecon. Malecon is the most well-known all-day Dominican restaurant chain. They serve iconic all-day breakfast dishes with Dominican influence like longaniza, eggs, and salami served with mangu, mashed green plantains literally all day long from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Malecon serves quite a several Dominican specialties like their signature rotisserie chicken that’s slowly spit-roasted for a tender, juicy, stretchy, and supple bite. Malecon is worth a visit.
2. Lolo’s Seafood Shack
Harlem’s famous seafood shack, Lolo’s is spearheaded by Chef Raymond Mohan and Leticia Young. It was inspired by their time in the Caribbean and Cape Cod, and they definitely bring justice to the dishes. They offer amazing seafood boils that have crawfish, crab legs, shrimp, and swimming in great signature sauces.
They also have amazing appetizers like their rich and creamy “crabby dip” that comes with plantain chips and Belizean conch fritters with tangy remoulade sauce. Lolo’s Seafood Shack is a great pick if you’re in Harlem.
3. Las Palmas
Las Palmas is a Cuban restaurant in West New York that definitely lives up to the title of Caribbean. They have live salsa on Saturdays, and of course, their food is great. One of their best picks is the salty churrasco. A smoky, marinated, grilled skirt steak that’s served with onions, plantains, and lots of love. They also serve many homemade cocktails like capa de vino, capa de sangria, mojito, piña colada, and margarita.
Las Palmas has two dining experiences, both of which are amazing. Their first floor has a cafeteria aura with brisk service, and their second floor is dark, bustling, and often used as a private event space.
4. Guantanamera
You can’t talk about Caribbean food without talking about Cuban sandwiches, and Guantanamera has just about the best in the city. They have Cuban sandwiches that would rival those in Miami. Guantanamera also has other dishes like their grilled squid, vaca frita (skirt steak), and lechon asado (slow-cooked pork similar to pulled pork).
The nightlife in Guantanamera is also a feat. They’re quite famous for their area, with every night in Guantanamera being a party. Enjoy the usual selection of cocktails alongside their nightly live Cuban music shows.
5. The Freakin Rican
Last but definitely not least on this list is an Astoria-based restaurant dedicated to the food of Puerto Rico. They claim that they are dedicated to “serving the most delicious freshest food, second to none,” and we just might believe them.
The Freakin Rican showcases their heritage and takes pride in serving great Puerto Rican food with the community. Their Pasteles, which are available for nationwide shipping, are what make this place one of the must-visits. It’s done by steaming taro, plantains, pumpkin, and a mildly flavored blend of roots alongside the pork and olives stuffing.
The Freakin Rican also serves the usual heavy hitters such as the alcapurrias, sorullitos, pernil sandwiches and hearty mofongo platters.
Caribbean food may not be as famous as Korean or Chinese food, but trust us when we say it’s also worth experiencing. The bold, spicy, hot, and fresh flavors of Caribbean food combined with the pleasing experience and culture you’ll find in most restaurants, is irreplaceable.
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