The Ultimate Guide to Latin Restaurants in Philadelphia | American Eats
Even though this city has Spanish-speaking people from all over the world, Mexican eateries have profoundly influenced the culinary discourse in Philadelphia whenever it comes to authentic local Latin flavor. Here are the best Latin Restaurants in Philadelphia with phone numbers for ease of access. We have also included addresses as you may want to experience the ambiance and service first-hand. We conducted our study based on each restaurant’s meal quality, menu diversity, service level, and general atmosphere to ensure that you only get the finest. Most Latin restaurants in Philadelphia provide delivery services, eliminating the hassle of leaving the comfort of home.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Mixto Restaurante
1141 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 592-0363
Though small in size, Mixto is traditional and warm and has become quite popular in Philly for its cuisine and portion sizes. It offers a mix of the Caribbean, Latin American, and Cuban flavors, and you can order online from Mixto via Uber Eats, Doordash, or Grubhub. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and operates till 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.
Start your day with caramelized sweet plantains, one of the best in the area, with rice juicy pork sausages, fried cheese, eggs, and black beans. If you’re up to tasting different things at once, try out the Mixto platter. Tease your taste buds with the tasty chimichurri, seafood paella, churrasco, fried beef (vaca frita), or kibbeh.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Tierra Colombiana Restaurant
4535 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140,
(215)-324-6086 (for delivery) and (215) 324-0303 (for other queries)
Tierra has been in existence for over 30 years and offers takeout, indoor dining, and delivery (for orders worth $40 or more). The restaurant offers a blend of the traditional Caribbean and Latin American flavors. They open their doors daily at 8:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Sample their delicious pork sausage, green olives, Cuban arroz con pollo, or mashed plantains accompanied by shrimp. Tierra’s favorites include the Ceviche de Camarones if all you want is a light meal and the Colombian beef empanadas.
Photo Credit: Facebook
El Merkury
2104 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 457-5952
Once a pop-up shop but now a brick-and-mortar outlet, this restaurant’s food derives inspiration from Mayan cuisine. Its specialty is Central American gastronomy. Sofia Deleon, the proprietor, was raised in Guatemala, her birth country, but has been in the States for over a decade studying food and serving tasty dishes to residents of Philadelphia.
Days find her catering for corporates, and nights find her catering at South Philly’s Garage. Some of El Merkury’s favorites include pupusas (corn-based flatbread with meat) and tostada. For dessert, we had the fresh churros with apple spice ice cream, and it was terrific.
Mi Pais Restaurant
477 Lancaster Ave, Malvern, PA 19355,
(610)-251-0956
Mi Pais has a cozy, homely atmosphere. It is family-owned and began in 2005. The outlets’ recipes have been passed down through generations. They pride themselves in hand-preparing food, giving it a personal touch, and only use fresh ingredients.
They also host events from time to time and are one of the best Latin restaurants in Philadelphia. Among its signature menu items are Hawaiian empanadas, arepas, and Colombian bacon.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Boricua Restaurant
1149 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 269-7934
You can order from Boricua for home or office delivery via DoorDash, UberEats, and PostMates. Currently, there is no dine-in option, but you can order and do a curbside pickup. Opening hours are 11:00 a.m. every day of the week except Sundays when they open at noon. They close early, by 8:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Occasional menu items are chicharrones (fried pork), Platano Maduro (sweet plantains), and other tasty dishes. Daily favorite side dishes include Ensalada de papa (potato salad) and Pollo guisado (chicken). For beverages, their coconut drink is popular.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
10 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-0666
The restaurant’s ambiance is inviting and features vintage Caribbean décor. The setting is open-air, and you can enjoy their tantalizing offerings that draw inspiration from astronomy in various Latin regions while listening to upbeat Latin music. A classic meal here entails grilled seafood, ceviche (raw fish cured in citrus juices), lechón Asado (Cuban roast pork), empanadas, and tres leches (milk cake) for dessert.
Chef-Partner Pernot offers a delectable menu. The restaurant is not open for lunch, but you can enjoy brunch on weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m. Dinner is served daily, from 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. It also hosts private events and is famous for salsa dancing till late at night.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Alma de Cuba
1623 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)-988-1799
In the heart of Philly, you’ll find this award-winning Caribbean oasis that offers Latin-inspired cuisine in a luxury-feel setting. Being in this restaurant makes one feel like they are on a Latin vacation in Havana.
Currently, only the dine-in option is available, with no delivery or pickup services. Among its popular food items that stand out are the swordfish, ceviche served with octopus, and vaca frita (fried, shredded flank or skirt steak) accompanied with tomato escabèche. Their signature dish, smoked marlin tacos, is amazingly tasty.
Photo Credit: Facebook
La Calaca Feliz
2321 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 787-9930
This upscale-casual restaurant offers delicious Mexican cuisine in a pleasantly decorated setting. It is popular with the locals and is termed as one of the best Latin restaurants in Philadelphia.
La Calaca offers offsite catering services so you can enjoy their sumptuous meals during your get-togethers at home or in the office. For these events, the menu is customized to your specifications.
All meals are prepared using contemporary cooking techniques and authentic, high-quality, fresh ingredients. Some popular meals include grilled shrimp tacos, chicken enchiladas, and steak burritos.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Būccann Restaurant and Rum Bar
7254 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149
(267) 686-2961
Būccann Restaurant is a family-owned eatery that serves a fusion of Caribbean cuisine. The food is of high quality. It is popularly known for its tasty beef or chicken empanadas, churrasco (grilled steak with chimichurri), and polla a carbon (marinated, charcoal-grilled chicken). An excellent evening starter as you wind down with your favorite chilled beverage is the alitas bucanero (fried chicken wings in chipotle honey glaze, mano bbq, or buffalo).
Būccann opens daily from noon and closes at 10:00 p.m. However, as operating hours may differ from time to time, you should contact the restaurant directly before showing up. You can order for delivery services via DoorDash.
Final Thoughts
Looking around for a restaurant that won’t disappoint, especially when really hungry, can be quite an ordeal. Whether you’re new to Philly or reside here, use this quick guide to find restaurants that will serve your palate. Enjoy a selection of mouth-watering cuisines in some of the best Latin restaurants in Philadelphia. These top outlets will serve you well and satiate your cravings regardless of whether you’re seeking your old-time favorites or something new.
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