Rincón Melania – Spanish
Rincón Melania serves as a warm, rustic portal to the Iberian Peninsula, where the air is perfumed with the smoky scent of pimentón and the savory sizzle of traditional tapas. Golden pans of saffron-laced paella and crisp glasses of wine anchor a communal dining experience that celebrates the vibrant, sun-soaked flavors of Spain. This intimate neighborhood nook captures the soulful essence of a Mediterranean tavern, inviting guests to slow down and savor the spirited art of the shared meal.
35-11, Queens Boulevard +1-718-361-1905 https://rinconmelanianyc.com/Rating: 4.6/5 (1108 reviews)
Cuisine: Spanish
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, halal, kosher, mediterranean, pescatarian, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, sugar-free, whole30, paleo, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, weight-watchers, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, atkins, gerd, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, low-fodmap, aip, zone, carnivore, raw-food, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free, pegan
Currently closed
Hours
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 7:45 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise Rincón Melania for its generous portions and authentic Ecuadorian flavors, with standout dishes including the grilled octopus, bolon mixto, and a highly recommended encebollado de pescado. Reviewers highlight the attentive, friendly service and vibrant atmosphere where guests can even dance salsa. While some found certain meat cuts average, the overall value is celebrated, with favorites like the skirt steak, ceviche, and rich chocolate mousse keeping customers coming back.
Menu
Aperitivos / Appetizers
- Maduros con Queso - $7: Sweet plantains with white cheese. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Yapingachos (V) - $6.5: Pan-fried potato cakes. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Bolon de Queso - $6: Green plantain. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Bolon de Chicharon - $7 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Bolon Mixto - $8 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Bolon de Camaron - $11: Green plantain with shrimp/white cheese. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Salchipapa - $9.5: Mini hot dogs with fries. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics
- Calamar Frito - $12: Fried calamari.
- Camarones a la Parrilla - $12: Grilled shrimp. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Pulpo a la Parilla - $21: Grilled octopus with citrus red onions. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Picada - $25: Appetizer sampler. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, Volumetrics, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
Plato Fuerte / Main Dish
Two sides included of your choice.
- Pechuga a la Plancha - $16: Grilled chicken breast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Volumetrics, TLC, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Pollo a la Milanesa - $16: Breaded chicken. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber
- Filete de Pescado Frito - $17: Fried fish filet. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Volumetrics, TLC, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Filete de Pescado a la Plancha - $17: Grilled fish filet. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Carne Asada - $18: Grilled steak. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Costilla Asada - $25: Grilled rib steak. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Salmon al Horno - $24: Baked salmon. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Entraña - $35: Grilled skirt steak. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Camarones al Ajillo - $19: Shrimp in white garlic sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Macrobiotic
- Pargo o Trucha Frito - $35: Fried Red Snapper or Trout. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Pargo o Trucha Sudado - $35: Sauteed Red Snapper or Trout. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
Ceviches
With Tostones or White Rice.
- Vegetariano (V) - $15: Vegetarian - Cherry tomato, garbanzo beans and quinoa. Served with avocado and plantain chips. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Camarón - $18: Shrimp cocktail/ceviche. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
- Pescado - $16: Fish cocktail/ceviche. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
- Mariscos Mixto - $26: Mixed seafood cocktail - shrimp, fish and octopus. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
Tradicionales / Tradicional Ecuadorian
Authentic Ecuadorian cuisine.
- Fritada con Mote - $18: House-seasoned mini pork ribs, served with steamed white corn grains (Mote) our signature yapingacho and green salad. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
- Guatita - $18: Beef tripe stew cooked slowly in peanut sauce, served with yellow rice, sliced avocado and sweet plantain. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Raw-Food, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Chaulafan - $17: Stir-fried rice with chicken, beef, shrimp, egg and veggies. Served with sweet plantain and avocado. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Seco de Chivo - $17: Goat stew slowly cooked in home-made sofrito and beer, served with yellow rice, sliced avocado and sweet plantain. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Churrasco - $25: Pepper steak, served with white rice, French fries, avocado slices and a fried egg. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Pernil - $17: Slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated with Latin spices, served with white corn grains (Mote) topped with crispy pork skin and our signature yapingacho.
- Sango de Camarones - $19: Tropical dish, a purée of green plantains, which is then slowly cooked in peanut sauce and shrimp topped with citrus red onions, served with yellow rice and sliced avocado.
- Encebollado de Pescado - $16: Fresh tuna fish, cooked with yuca and Latin spices to create a flavorful soup, topped with citrus red onions. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
- Encebollado Mixto - $25: Fresh tuna fish and shrimp, cooked with yuca and Latin spices to create a flavorful soup, topped with citrus red onions. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Lectin-Free
- Bandeja de Melania - $25: Combination house special - Grilled steak, chicharrón, served with white rice, sweet plantain, one fried egg, red kidney beans and our signature yapingacho. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Cazuela de Mariscos - $35: Seafood casserole: cooked in green plantain purée.
- Bandera - $28: A traditional combination dish, consisting of seco de chivo, gautita and shrimp ceviche, served with yellow rice.
Sopas / Soups
Comes with white rice.
- Gallina - $14: Hen with veggies and boiled egg.
- Fideo con Queso - $12: Noodles with white cheese.
- Caldo de Pata - $16: Cow feet.
- Camarones - $18: Shrimp soup.
- Bola - $17: Green plantain stuffed with beef.
- Mariscos - $30: Seafood soup - comes with Ecuadorean crab legs.
Ensaladas / Salads
- Ensalada / House Salad - $10: With avocado.
- Grilled Chicken - $16: With avocado house salad.
- Grilled Steak - $17: With avocado house salad.
- Grilled Shrimp - $18: With avocado house salad.
- Grilled Salmon - $24: With avocado house salad.
Acompañamientos / Sides
- Arroz Blanco - $2.5: White Rice
- Habichuelas - $3.5: Red Kidney Beans
- Arroz Amarillo - $2.5: Yellow Rice
- Lentejas - $3.5: Lentils
- Papas Fritas - $3: French Fries
- Yuca Fritas - $4: Yuca Fries
- Maduros - $4: Sweet Plantains
- Tostones - $4: Fried Green Plantains
- Ensalada Pequena - $3.5: Small Green Salad
- Vegetales al Vapor - $4: Steamed Vegetables
- Vegetales Salteados - $4: Sauteed Vegetables
- Puree de Papa - $5: Mash Potatoes
Postres / Desserts
- Chocolate Mousse - $6
- Cheesecake - $6
- Flan - $7: Our in-house made flan.
- Higos con Queso - $7: Figs with white cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rincón Melania
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features at least 25 specific dishes and caters to 41 dietary categories including keto, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout menu items include grilled octopus, bolon mixto, encebollado de pescado, skirt steak, ceviche, and rich chocolate mousse.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- The primary concern mentioned in customer reviews is that some diners found certain meat cuts to be average.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- Rated 4.6/5, this restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with salsa dancing and attentive service, making it suitable for lively dates.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Rincón Melania is family-friendly, offering generous portions, a vibrant atmosphere with salsa dancing, and attentive service for communal dining.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This casual neighborhood nook features a vibrant atmosphere where guests dance salsa, offering moderate pricing and generous portions.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic Ecuadorian flavors, generous portions, and a vibrant atmosphere with salsa dancing would most enjoy this moderate-priced restaurant.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Rincón Melania is unique for its authentic Ecuadorian flavors, generous portions, and a vibrant atmosphere where guests can dance salsa.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Rincón Melania accommodates mixed diets with keto, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options like grilled salmon, vegetales salteados, and grilled chicken.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Rincón Melania has an overall rating of 4.6/5, which reflects the positive feedback and high satisfaction shared by its customers.
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