Latin American cuisine is just as one would imagine it to be: delicious and savory, with a spicy little kick in every bite, and heavily influenced by corn-based foods like tortillas, along with beans, rice, salsas and a wide variety of meats. And while it’s not to be confused with Tex-Mex food, this style is still just as tasty and tantalizing!
2024: Long Island Voted El Matador Best Latin American Restaurant!
El Matador
680 Rte 112, Patchogue
(631) 569-5082 – elmatadorpatchogue.com
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Patchogue, El Matador proudly retains its title as the best Latin American restaurant on Long Island, triumphing in this category once more! Specializing in Spanish and Latin American cuisine, they captivate diners with a culinary journey of flavors and traditions. From savory empanadas to succulent paella, each dish is crafted with authenticity and passion, transporting guests to the bustling streets of Latin America. With a commitment to excellence and a legacy of culinary prowess, El Matador continues to delight palates and win hearts, solidifying its status as the ultimate destination for Latin American cuisine on Long Island!
2023: Long Islanders Voted El Matador Best Latin American Restaurant!
El Matador
680 Route 112, Patchogue
(631) 569-5082 – elmatadorpatchogue.com
El Matador Restaurant is family owned and operated; we have created a beautiful environment and atmosphere for our guests to make their new home. With a wonderful staff and exquisite menu El Matador Restaurant is the best place to come together with family and friends to enjoy great food. Executive Chef and Owner Juan Alvarado and Co Owner Emily Alvarado pride themselves in giving every guest the freshest ingredients, spectacular service, and creative cocktails. Executive Chef and Owner Juan Alvarado has 30+ years in the culinary world. He has created a menu that is surrounded by homemade sauces, made to order dishes, and hand cut meats and fish; to taste home cooking in every bite.
2022: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Latin American Restaurant!
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset
(631) 979-7724 – marias211.com
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine opens the senses to something magical that is geared towards sophisticated palates. The Latin American cuisine is anything but ordinary. Classic Latin-Mex cuisine pairs with specialty cocktails in quaint digs with monthly tapas nights. The chefs at Maria’s know how to prepare tasty, gluten-free, and low-fat meals, and Long Islanders have voted Maria’s the best Latin American Restaurant spot for nine years. The bar at this restaurant is fully stocked, so pair your meal with a glass of wine or beer. You won’t need to get a sitter before heading over; kids are more than welcome at this family-friendly establishment. You can even tote your laptop here to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Gather up your group of friends and head to Maria’s, where there’s always a reason to celebrate!
2021: Long Islanders Voted Besito Mexican Best Latin American Restaurant!
Besito Mexican
Multiple Locations
besitomexican.com
As soon as you enter one of Besito Mexican’s multiple locations, you’ll know you are in no ordinary Mexican restaurant. That impression is only confirmed when you take a look at its menu and then sample the food. Although you can opt for traditional Mexican fare including enchiladas (albeit with Besito’s own unique twist), quesadillas or tacos, you may want to instead go for more unique selections from other Latin American countries, including shrimp empanadas. Entrees also include the unique Pescado Veracruzana – pan-seared market fish prepared with roasted tomato salsa, peppers, capers, olives and fresh cilantro. Make sure to leave room for the free churros prepared with cinnamon and sugar. Make reservations or order online for takeout today!
2020: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Latin American Restaurant!
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset
(631) 979-7724 – marias211.com
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine opens the senses to something magical that is geared towards sophisticated palates. The Latin American cuisine is anything but ordinary. Classic Latin-Mex cuisine pairs with specialty cocktails in quaint digs with monthly tapas nights. The chefs at Maria’s know how to prepare tasty, gluten-free and low-fat meals, and Long Islanders have voted Maria’s the best Latin American Restaurant spot for eight consecutive years. The bar at this restaurant is fully stocked, so pair your meal with a glass of wine or beer. You won’t need to get a sitter before heading to this restaurant, kids are more than welcome at this family-friendly establishment. You can tote your laptop here to take advantage of the free WiFi. Gather up your group of friends and head to Maria’s, a local restaurant that has room for large groups.
2019: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Latin American Restaurant!
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset
(631) 979-7724 – www.marias211.com
Maria’s opens the senses to something magical that is geared towards sophisticated palates. The Latin American cuisine is anything but ordinary. Classic Latin-Mex cuisine pairs with specialty cocktails in quaint digs with monthly tapas nights. The chefs at Maria’s know how to prepare tasty, gluten-free and low-fat meals. The bar at this restaurant is fully stocked, so pair your meal with a glass of wine or beer. You won’t need to get a sitter before heading to this restaurant, kids are more than welcome at this family-friendly establishment. You can tote your laptop here to take advantage of the free wifi. Gather up your group of friends and head to Maria’s, a local restaurant that has room for large groups. It’s all served at an affordable price.
2018: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. marias211.com
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine is the place to go for a divinely delicious dining experience that has consistently helped it secure the top spot in this coveted category. Yes, Maria’s has been recognized as the Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island yet again! From terrific tapas to great guacamole, Maria’s makes meals magical as they go beyond normal expectations to treat their customers to something truly special. Just thinking about their shrimp sautéed in garlic sauce is enough to make us want to say “manana” to everything and sit ourselves down at their table, where we know their friendly staff will be waiting for us!
2017: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. marias211.com
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine is the place to go for a divinely delicious dining experience that has consistently helped it secure the top spot in this coveted category. Yes, Maria’s has been recognized as the Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island yet again! From terrific tapas to great guacamole, Maria’s makes meals magical as they go beyond normal expectations to treat their customers to something truly special. Just thinking about their shrimp sautéed in garlic sauce is enough to make us want to say “manana” to everything and sit ourselves down at their table, where we know their friendly staff will be waiting for us!
2016: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Rd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. marias211.com
For Latin American food that borders on the amazing, Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine offers a divinely delicious dining experience that has been recognized as the very best Latin American restaurant on Long Island. From terrific tapas to great guacamole, Maria’s makes meals magical as they go beyond normal expectations to treat their customers to something truly special. Just thinking about their shrimp sautéed in garlic sauce is enough to make us want to say “manana” to everything and sit ourselves down at their table, where we know their friendly staff will be waiting for us!
2015: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island!
Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Rd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. marias211.com
For Mexican fare that goes beyond guacamole, treat yourself to Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine. From special tapas nights to amazing Latin American cuisine that is anything but ordinary, Maria’s goes that extra mile to please its customers’ palates. Try the shrimp sautéed in garlic sauce and the fried green plantains served with guacamole and sour cream. Maria’s is pure Mexican magic that borders on the unbelievably delicious.
2014: Long Islanders voted Maria’a Mexican and Latin Cuisine in Nesconset Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Rd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. marias211.com
2. Café Buenos Aires
23 Wall St., Huntington. 631-603-3600. cafebuenosaires.net
3. Havana Central
Multiple Locations. havanacentral.com
2013: Long Islanders Voted Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine in Nesconset Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Rd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. www.marias211.com
2. Bahia Social Club
832 W. Beech St., Long Beach. 516-442-1338. www.bahiasocialclub.com
3. Pollo El Paisa
989 Old Country Rd., Westbury. 516-338-5858. www.polloselpaisali.com
2012: Long Islanders Voted Pollo El Paisa Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Pollo El Paisa
989 Old Country Rd., Westbury. 516-338-5858. www.polloselpaisali.com
2. Café Buenos Aires
23 Wall St., Huntington. 631-603-3600. www.cafebuenosaires.net
3. Maria’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine
211 Smithtown Rd., Nesconset. 631-979-7724. www.marias211.com
2011: Long Islanders Voted Meson Ole Best Latin American Food on Long Island!
1. Meson Ole
Multiple Locations. 631-737-3346. www.mesonole.com
2. Casa Luis
1033 W. Jericho Tpke., Smithtown. 631-543-4656. www.casaluis.us
3. Pollos El Paisa
989 Old Country Rd., Westbury. 516-338-5858
2010: Long Islanders Voted Cabo the Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island!
1. Cabo
3A N. Park Ave. Rockville Centre 516-255-0065
2. Meson Ole
Multiple locations. www.mesonole.com
3. La Finca
170 Broadway, Hicksville. 516-935-0951. 516-586-5900. www.lafincarestaurante.com