LilyP53

Could anyone suggest some really good Mexican, Cuban, South American, etc. restaurants in NYC?

Thanks!

doug_stallings

If you want something good that's not terribly expensive, I really like La Palapa near the corner of St. Mark's Place and 1st Avenue in the East Village.

Rosa Mexicano is also quite good, albeit, big, loud, and touristy. There are a couple of those, including one near Lincoln Center.

I haven't been but have heard amazing things about Toloache on West 50th near 8th Ave.

I'm less sure about Cuban. One of my favorite Places, Cuba Cafe in Chelsea, has closed. I've been to Havana Central in the theater district, and while the food is ok, it's too big, too loud, and too generic for my taste. I like the little homespun Sophie's, which serves Cuban comfort food in a more fast-food setting, but it's hardly the best.

williamscb13

I like La Palapa (especially what they do with Huitlacoche) and Rosa Mexicano (table side guacamole) and Toloache as well. For South American/Cuban I'll suggest Calle Ocho especially for brunch, and then in Midtown East I'll suggest Maya. They have fantastic Corn coup.

Aduchamp1

New York is not know for its Mexican and Cuban food. I also like La Palapa and a place called Mercadito.

http://www.mercaditorestaurants.com/aveb/menus.php

As far Cuban is concerned, Victor's is the oldest, but we have not been there in many years.

http://www.victorscafe.com/index2.html

Sophie's is a popular lunch spot but a real dining experience.

Fra_Diavolo

In midtown, Pampano has excellent contemporary Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood.

http://www.richardsandoval.com/pampano/index.php

nyc121712

I really like Mexicana Mama Centro, 47 East 12th Street.

starrs

Rosa Mexicano is a chain with locations in many cities. If it's an "okay" suggestion with the Fodor's locals, I will suggest Pio Pio for Peruvian food. They have several locations in Manhattan and I love their food - in particular their Matador Combo. It's also a great deal since several people can share the combo.

williamscb13

I also like Mexicana mama Centro, From what i remember, I think it's an all cash restaurant and tiny. It's closer to home cooking or almost Tex-Mex mexican.

Pampano is the sister restaurant to Maya. both very good.

travelbuff

There is an excellent Mexican restaurant on Broadway (104th-105th) called Papacito. GREAT food, great service, nice ambiance and live music several nights a week. It is also open late at night so a good nite spot as well.

absolutkz

The staff ( most are from Mexico) at Cuba NYC and and Havana Alma de Cuba rave about Toloache. Dinner at Cuba was good; lunch at Havana was even better.

LilyP53

Thanks so much to everyone. There are some excellent suggestions here, and we'll definitely choose one (or two)!

Thanks again!

DebitNM

Try the "made at your table" guac at Rosa Mexicano; it's very good but tell them easy on the salt!

Gekko

Awesome Cuban cuisine: http://www.amorcubanonyc.com/Home.html

lizypatrick32

I've tried some Mexican restaurants there as I love Mexican food and I found Cascabel(1538 Second Ave. (80th St.)
Manhattan, NY 10028) and Fonda(434 Seventh Ave. (bet. 14th & 15th Sts.)Brooklyn, NY 11215). The flavor is the best and staff is also very friendly. Hope you would also love it.