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El Castillo De Jagua Restaurant is a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of New York’s Lower East Side, offering an authentic taste of Dominican and Caribbean flavors that transport you straight to the islands. Specializing in Dominican, Caribbean, Latin American, and Spanish cuisine, this cozy and inviting spot at 113 Rivington St is a haven for both locals and visitors seeking genuine, home-style cooking with a lively yet welcoming atmosphere.
Step inside, and you’ll immediately feel the warmth and nostalgia that permeates the space. This is a place where every dish tells a story, bringing together rich cultural tradition with bold, layered flavors. Signature dishes like the Sancocho Gde beckon with their hearty, slow-cooked broths, blending tender meats and fresh vegetables into a soul-satisfying stew. The Bistec Encebollado captivates with perfectly marinated steak smothered in sweet caramelized onions, while the Arroz Amarillo delights with its vibrant golden color and fragrant spices.
For those craving the perfect Caribbean comfort food, the Dominicano Sandwich stands out—it’s a delectable combination of moist roast pork, melted fried cheese, and sweet fried plantains, all packed inside a freshly baked bread. The Chicken Mofongo, a classic Caribbean dish, balances crispy fried plantains mashed with garlic and served alongside perfectly seasoned chicken. Don’t overlook the incredible Adobo Wings, which arrive gloriously golden and crispy, tossed in the restaurant’s signature adobo seasoning and paired with a refreshing green mojo mayo cilantro sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.
The seafood offerings and other grill items also impress, catering to diverse palates with authentic flavors that are hard to replicate. And if you have a sweet tooth, indulge in the heavenly Guava Tres Leches Cake or savor the rich and moist Florentine Cake, both exquisite closers that highlight the restaurant’s care in crafting every detail.
Beyond the dishes, the customer experience here is truly exceptional. Guests like Miannette Suarez share how the staff's kindness and attentiveness made her feel at home—going so far as to help with a better knife for her avocado, evoking a heartfelt feeling of genuine hospitality. Many diners rave about the warm, family-like atmosphere where the food tastes like something grandma made, rich with memories and comfort. The staff’s professionalism and friendly demeanor ensure every meal feels special, with thoughtful touches that make you want to return for more.
Whether you’re looking to revisit the flavors of your homeland or embark on a new culinary adventure, El Castillo De Jagua delivers a feast for all senses. From savory stews to fresh juices like the tangy passion fruit drink, it’s a lively culinary escape that never compromises on authenticity or heart.
Next time you find yourself in the neighborhood craving a true taste of the Caribbean and Dominican Republic, this charming spot is an absolute must-visit for authentic, soul-warming dishes served with pride and passion.
I ordered the chicken soup, the Dominican version of the cubano sandwich and a chicken mofongo. All the food tasted amazing! The waitress was helpful and kind. I brought my own avocado and she got me a better knife. (where I live the avocados do not taste right and are the ones with the bumpy skin) I was feeling homesick and this place cured me.
This spot has a nostalgic atmosphere to me. The food was great, felt like my grandma made my dish. What’s a Spanish meal without a side salad tho? Iykyk! I would definitely come here again! If you want white rice don’t go at the end of day like I did! White rice was out but that’s all good, food still slapped! If you’re in the LES you should definitely EAT HERE for authentic Spanish food!
This is such a great spot for lunch. There were so many great sounding options it was difficult to decide, but ultimately I decided on the Dominican sandwich and it was amazing! Such a delicious combo with tender pork, fried cheese, and sweet plantains. Definitely hit the spot!
I had a wonderful lunch experience today. This was my first time tasting Dominican food. I would highly recommend this restaurant! The staff was friendly and professional. My food was fresh, hot, and delicious. I'm so happy that I tried something new today! Thank you!
Amazing authentic Dominican food! I was nervous to bring my bf here as he was born and raised in the DR and can be so judgemental of food. We both absolutely loved it. Everything had so much flavor. It was so good! A really nice atmosphere and the service was great.
Truly a neighborhood gem. Visited here many times and never disappointed. Great prices and consistently great prices. I usually get the chicken chunks (boneless) but I had the chicken mofongo instead, my friend ordered the cheese monfongo. My mofongo was great, wasn’t expecting to have two nicely fried pieces of chicken as a garnish, I also like that the mofongo portion wasn’t huge and comes with a side of salad (great for such a carb-heavy dish). Great flavors, but would’ve loved to taste a bit more garlic. The consumé that comes with the mofongo adds all the flavor you need. Service was okay, atmosphere is nice and it’s great that they accept card and cash.