Ajo y Oregano

- 1556 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10462

Introduction / Overview: Experience the Soul of the Caribbean in the Bronx

For New Yorkers craving the authentic, vibrant, and soul-satisfying tastes of the islands, Ajo y Oregano stands as a culinary beacon in the Bronx. This celebrated restaurant is a trifecta of flavor, proudly representing the best of Dominican, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine. Far more than just a place to eat, Ajo y Oregano is an immersive cultural experience, praised by local patrons for its genuine, welcoming environment that truly embraces the Dominican culture. Named after two essential staples of Caribbean cooking—garlic (ajo) and oregano—the restaurant lives up to its name by delivering intensely flavorful, well-seasoned dishes that are served fresh and hot, embodying the true essence of home-cooked Caribbean food.

The menu is a delightful journey through traditional favorites and innovative adaptations. From hearty **Mofongo** options featuring pork, chicken, or shrimp, to perfectly fried classics like **Pica Pollo** and **Chicharron De Cerdo Frito**, Ajo y Oregano is committed to authenticity. Patrons frequently highlight the generous portions and the fact that the food is always "HOT! Like fresh off the stove," making every meal a comforting and memorable experience. Despite its cozy, intimate setting, it manages to capture a lively and trending atmosphere, positioning it as a must-visit dining spot for both locals and tourists exploring the Bronx.

Location and Accessibility in the Bronx

Ajo y Oregano is conveniently located at **1556 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10462, USA**. Situated on the bustling White Plains Road, the restaurant is deeply rooted within the local community, making it an easy-to-find spot for neighborhood diners. Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed for New Yorkers, featuring a **wheelchair accessible restroom** and **wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring a comfortable visit for patrons with mobility needs. For those driving within the city, the location offers the convenience of both **free street parking** and **valet parking**, alleviating the common New York hassle of finding a spot. While the restaurant is highly popular and may sometimes have a wait ("Usually a wait" is noted), the fast service and flavorful food make it well worth the anticipation, serving as a testament to its local demand.

Services Offered

Ajo y Oregano provides a comprehensive range of dining and hospitality services to accommodate the busy New York lifestyle:

• Full-Service Dining: Enjoy a comfortable meal with **seating** and **table service** during **Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner** hours.
• Flexible Service Options: Offering convenient **Delivery**, quick **Takeout**, and in-house **Dine-in** for all patrons.
• Extensive Beverage Program: A **Bar onsite** serves a full range of alcoholic beverages, including **Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine**, with a highlight on **great cocktails** and **Happy hour drinks**. They also serve **Coffee**.
• Catering for Events: Full **Catering** services are available, featuring large-format traditional Dominican dishes like **Pernil ($70.00)**, **Moro Guandules**, and **Espagueti Dominicano**, perfect for parties and large family gatherings.
• Quick & Comfort Meals: Ideal for a workday break or a late-night craving with offerings for a **Quick bite** and deeply satisfying **Comfort food** options.
• Family and Kids Amenities: The restaurant is very **Good for kids**, providing **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu** (including favorites like Chicken Fingers and Fried Cheese). They also offer a **changing table(s)**.
• Counter Service: For a faster dining experience, **Counter service** is also available.
• Modern Payment Options: Accepting all major **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments** for ease of transaction.

Features / Highlights

Ajo y Oregano distinguishes itself through a strong dedication to its cultural roots and exceptional dining features:

• Dominican Culinary Focus: Specializing in Dominican dishes, the menu showcases authentic flavors with highlights like **Mofongo** (in seven varieties), **Pescado Boca Chica**, and the massive seafood platter **Mar Caribeño ($65.00)**.
• Vibrant Atmosphere and Decor: Customers frequently praise the setting, noting that the environment is "very welcoming," "very Dominican," and the "decor was so cute," creating a **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy** dining space.
• Exceptional Freshness and Flavor: A key highlight is the food’s immediate freshness, described as "HOT! Like fresh off the stove. Delicious and flavorful but didn’t weigh you down. Gracious with portions. Well seasoned."
• Inclusive and Friendly Crowd: The restaurant is explicitly welcoming to a diverse New York crowd, identified as **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**, in addition to being popular with **College students, Groups, and Tourists**.
• Authentic Appetizers and Sides: Must-try small plates include **Arañitas De Platano** and a variety of sides like **Tostones ($7.00)**, **Yuca Frita ($6.00)**, and the Dominican staple **Concon C/ Habichuela ($3.00)**.
• Dessert & Merienda: Offering traditional Dominican sweets such as **Tres Leches ($9.00)** and a modern twist with **Majarete Brulee ($11.00)**, along with popular snack items like **Arepitas De Yuca**.
• Fast and Attentive Service: Despite its popularity, the restaurant offers **Fast service**, and servers are noted to be "attentive but never rushed you," contributing to a relaxed yet efficient dining experience.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Ajo y Oregano is a choice for authenticity, flavor, and a uniquely welcoming atmosphere right here in New York City. For anyone seeking the best **Dominican food in the Bronx**, this is the definitive answer. The reason New Yorkers consistently choose this spot is the unparalleled quality of the food—it tastes homemade, is generously portioned, and bursts with the promised flavor of “Ajo y Oregano.”

It's the ideal destination for a variety of occasions: a comforting weekend **Brunch**, a lively dinner with a large **Group**, or just a casual solo experience. The wide-ranging menu, from the customizable Mofongos to the extensive Entrees like **Churrasco** and **Pechuga Rellena**, guarantees satisfaction for every palate. Moreover, the restaurant's commitment to creating a socially inclusive, friendly, and culturally authentic space—where a mother’s birthday can be celebrated with "great time" and "very legitimate" charm—makes it a truly special establishment. You are not just eating Caribbean food; you are immersing yourself in the vibrant, cozy, and trending culture of the Dominican Republic without leaving the Bronx.

Contact Information

• Address: 1556 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10462, USA
• Phone: (347) 657-1201

Due to its popularity, calling ahead for reservations is highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

Ajo y Oregano

1556 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10462, USA