Bienvenidos a
A taste of Nicaragua,
crafted in Hudson Valley.
From Chef Armando Salinas' kitchen, vigoron, quesillos, paella and the slow-smoked flavors of home. Honest food, bold spirit, every plate.
Armando Salinas
Executive Chef · Owner
Our Story
A life lived through flavor.
Chef Armando Salinas' journey through the culinary world is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as an Executive Chef at Island Oyster and moving through Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, he has worked alongside Steven Yen, each chapter sharpening the craft he learned in the kitchens of Tipitapa, Nicaragua.
At El Nica, that journey reaches your plate. Every dish is a love letter to home, built from scratch with the boldness, soul, and warmth of Nicaraguan cooking.
Bold Heat
Fresh Daily
Chef-Crafted
Signature Dishes
Pulled from the heart of Nica kitchens.
Five plates that capture what El Nica is about, tradition, craft, and unmistakable flavor.
Vigoron
Paella Nicaragüense
Carne Asada
El Nica Platter
Guacamole Nica
The Kitchen
How every plate comes together.
Four principles, followed every single service, from morning prep to last plate of the night.
Sourced With Care
Working with local Hudson Valley farms and Nicaraguan importers whenever the season allows.
Made From Scratch
Sauces, slaws, masa, marinades, hand-prepped daily in our kitchen, no shortcuts.
Wood-Fire Soul
Open-flame technique pulled straight from Nicaraguan tradition for that unmistakable char.
Plated With Love
Every plate leaves the pass with the same care Armando learned in Tipitapa kitchens.
The Shop
Take a piece of Nica home.
Pantry staples from the kitchen, plus apparel and goods that wear the brand. Small batches, made with the same care as the food.
Catering
Bring El Nica to your next event.
Weddings, corporate gatherings, intimate dinners, we craft customizable menus with authentic Nicaraguan flavor and full event planning assistance.
Guests Say
Stories from the table.
Real words from the guests, families and event hosts who've shared a plate with us.
"Our family has only had wonderful experiences at El Nica. Armando is the soulful chef of El Nica and his food is so flavorful, fresh and perfectly cooked. It truly comforts your soul."
Must try: Steak, Sweet Plantain Boat, Tajadas Con Queso
Dine in · DinnerIyra Tarrodaychik
Local Guide
"We came here to try Nicaraguan food and overall really enjoyed it. Highlight: Vigorón. Crunchy slaw, warm shredded pork, crispy pork rinds."
Must try: Tostones Rellenos, Sweet Plantains
Dine in · LunchMiramar Lee Choy
Local Guide · 77 reviews
"The closest Nicaraguan restaurant to NYC I've been able to find and I'm glad it was worth traveling to. We ordered carne asada and cacao drink. Both were delicious. Definitely recommend."
Must try: Carne Asada, Cacao
B. Astorga
Local Guide · 104 reviews
"Absolutely delicious! Everything was so well-seasoned! The steak was juicy and had lots of flavor. AND the quesillo was reminiscent of quesillo I had as a child in Miami. 5/5 highly recommend!"
Must try: Quesillo, Slaw
Dine in · LunchStephanie
Local Guide
"Hands down the best Latin food I've had to date. Everything was done perfectly. Even the coleslaw, which most places overlook, was perfect, fresh & flavorful. Its 5* rating is well deserved!"
Must try: Platter for 2, Rice Pudding, Tamarind Juice
Alex C
Local Guide · 69 reviews
"So exciting to have a Nicaraguan place in NY!! It was so worth the travel to make a day trip out! It reminded me of home."
Must try: Nacatamales
Dine in · LunchCristi Zuniga
Local Guide · 14 reviews
"No frills joint with authentic Central American food! This place is the BOMB. Anything on the menu is great, service is quick. It's a hidden gem 💎"
Dwight Kenneth
Local Guide · 418 reviews
"I loved the food. My family is from Nicaragua, and everyone thought the food was delicious. Will definitely be coming back again."
Must try: Quesillo, Tostones Rellenos
Lunchkeir wynn
Local Guide · 67 reviews
"Amazing!!! It's an authentic experience, quick and friendly service. Typical dishes from Nicaragua are spot on. The quesillo had a twist to it and I loved it."
Must try: Quesillo
Dine in · LunchAngela Morel
Google Reviewer
"Absolutely phenomenal. Really nice folks cooking the food. I ordered the Carne Asada, their signature dish. Every single item on the dish tastes phenomenal. SO GOOD."
Must try: Carne Asada
Dine in · LunchJustin DeMuro
Local Guide · 104 reviews
"The food was really good and fresh. I got the Carne asada with the purple slaw. Super tender and seasoned just right. Super sweet and really fast service."
Must try: Carne Asada, Purple Slaw
Dine in · Dinnerakane stewart
Google Reviewer
"Our family has only had wonderful experiences at El Nica. Armando is the soulful chef of El Nica and his food is so flavorful, fresh and perfectly cooked. It truly comforts your soul."
Must try: Steak, Sweet Plantain Boat, Tajadas Con Queso
Dine in · DinnerIyra Tarrodaychik
Local Guide
"We came here to try Nicaraguan food and overall really enjoyed it. Highlight: Vigorón. Crunchy slaw, warm shredded pork, crispy pork rinds."
Must try: Tostones Rellenos, Sweet Plantains
Dine in · LunchMiramar Lee Choy
Local Guide · 77 reviews
"The closest Nicaraguan restaurant to NYC I've been able to find and I'm glad it was worth traveling to. We ordered carne asada and cacao drink. Both were delicious. Definitely recommend."
Must try: Carne Asada, Cacao
B. Astorga
Local Guide · 104 reviews
"Absolutely delicious! Everything was so well-seasoned! The steak was juicy and had lots of flavor. AND the quesillo was reminiscent of quesillo I had as a child in Miami. 5/5 highly recommend!"
Must try: Quesillo, Slaw
Dine in · LunchStephanie
Local Guide
"Hands down the best Latin food I've had to date. Everything was done perfectly. Even the coleslaw, which most places overlook, was perfect, fresh & flavorful. Its 5* rating is well deserved!"
Must try: Platter for 2, Rice Pudding, Tamarind Juice
Alex C
Local Guide · 69 reviews
"So exciting to have a Nicaraguan place in NY!! It was so worth the travel to make a day trip out! It reminded me of home."
Must try: Nacatamales
Dine in · LunchCristi Zuniga
Local Guide · 14 reviews
"No frills joint with authentic Central American food! This place is the BOMB. Anything on the menu is great, service is quick. It's a hidden gem 💎"
Dwight Kenneth
Local Guide · 418 reviews
"I loved the food. My family is from Nicaragua, and everyone thought the food was delicious. Will definitely be coming back again."
Must try: Quesillo, Tostones Rellenos
Lunchkeir wynn
Local Guide · 67 reviews
"Amazing!!! It's an authentic experience, quick and friendly service. Typical dishes from Nicaragua are spot on. The quesillo had a twist to it and I loved it."
Must try: Quesillo
Dine in · LunchAngela Morel
Google Reviewer
"Absolutely phenomenal. Really nice folks cooking the food. I ordered the Carne Asada, their signature dish. Every single item on the dish tastes phenomenal. SO GOOD."
Must try: Carne Asada
Dine in · LunchJustin DeMuro
Local Guide · 104 reviews
"The food was really good and fresh. I got the Carne asada with the purple slaw. Super tender and seasoned just right. Super sweet and really fast service."
Must try: Carne Asada, Purple Slaw
Dine in · Dinnerakane stewart
Google Reviewer
Hungry? Order today.
Ordering directly on our website is coming soon. Until then, you can already order pickup or delivery through our partner apps.
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Pick an option to order through our partners.
FAQs
Questions, answered.
Menu, shop, ordering and more, everything people ask us, in one place.
Ask a question- Yes, many antojitos and sides are vegetarian, and several mains can be adapted gluten-free. Just mention it when you order.
- Absolutely. Tell us spice level, allergies or swaps, Chef Armando reviews every special request personally.
- Nicaraguan cooking is flavorful rather than fiery. Heat comes on the side, ask for our house hot sauce if you like it bold.
- Steam straight from frozen for about 45 minutes. Don't unwrap until you're ready to plate, the banana leaf holds in the flavor.
- Our classics stay year-round, and Chef Armando adds seasonal specials. Follow us on Instagram to catch them.
¿Tienes hambre?
Come taste the real Nicaragua.
Order online, dine in, or call us to book your table. We can't wait to feed you.
Wed – Sat 12–8 PM · Sun 12–6 PM