7 Dominican restaurants to try in the Bronx

Dominican Republic cuisine is predominantly made up of a combination of Spanish, indigenous Taíno, and African influences.(Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)

By Anthony Payero

(THE BRONX, N.Y.) Dominicans made up the second-largest Hispanic population across the five boroughs, behind Puerto Ricans, according to the 2010 New York City Census Tract. Their presence is surely felt in the Bronx, as their flags wave throughout the borough and their food can be found in any neighborhood.

The Dominican Republic is primarily known for its use of plantains in the kitchen, which are usually consumed in what is known as a "tres golpes" (three hits) which includes a fried salami and egg with "mangú" — a mashed green plantain with butter and salt.

Whether you're in the market for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are numerous Dominican restaurants open daily in the Bronx that will open their doors and welcome you in for what may seem like a home-cooked meal.

These are seven standouts that are worth visiting in the Bronx:

La Estrella Restaurant

Found in Fordham Heights, near the corner of 181st Street and Grand Concourse, La Estrella has served its community for over 20 years. With the smell of rotisserie chicken filling the air, the restaurant is a known weekend hangout spot, especially because of its beer bucket specials. Their full menu can be found on GrubHub, with NewsBreak recommending the Baked Chicken Combo.

Liberato Restaurant

With multiple locations in the Bronx, Liberato is a staple Dominican restaurant in the borough. The Burnside Avenue location is usually crowded, but with a taste of its signature grilled chicken, it is easy to see why. Easily accessible by the No. 4 train, stop by and see what this restaurant has to offer.

Malecon Restaurant

Malecon is one of the best Dominican restaurants in Kingsbridge. Claiming to be the "kings of roast chicken" on their website is bold, but the proof is in the poultry. This spot also has a location in Washington Heights and offers a full drink menu with daily specials. Locals can access this restaurant by taking the No. 1 train to 231st Street, as it sits right below the elevated platform.

Ajo y Oregano

Ajo y Oregano serves an elevated form of Dominican food in the Parkchester section of the borough. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant became so popular it opened a second location in the Bronx, but the original can't be beaten. The restaurant serves its food in little pots reminiscent of the big "calderos" Dominicans are known to cook in. Their chimichurri steak is a must-try, along with one of the natural juices like the passion fruit juice on ice.

El Nuevo Yoly Restaurant

This old-school restaurant has been serving the Morris Heights section of the Bronx for over 15 years. Their menu is not so extensive as others on this list, but they excel at the few things they do make. Their roasted chicken, eggplant and stewed codfish are all standouts worth trying with the favorite side dishes in Dominican food: white rice and red beans.

Campesino Dominicano

Campesino Dominicano specializes in seafood dishes, with a variety of fish and shrimp dishes to choose from. Just a few steps away from Bronx Community College, this is a great place to find a filling, inexpensive meal — something college students can appreciate. The artwork and detail in the presentation of the food make this a must-visit restaurant in the Bronx.

Brisas del Caribe

In the Unionport section of the borough, Brisas del Caribe has long been a favorite for locals seeking Dominican food. With over 2,000 reviews on Google, it is a favorite restaurant of any cuisine for Bronxites. Their fried pork chops, boneless chicken and all-day lunch specials make this restaurant well worth the trip.

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