Chef Elsa Ecuadorian

- 15-90 Gates Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a truly authentic taste of South America, Chef Elsa Ecuadorian stands out as a hidden culinary treasure in the vibrant Ridgewood neighborhood. Situated on the border of Queens and Brooklyn, this family restaurant brings the rich, traditional flavors of Ecuador right to your plate. Far from the typical NYC hustle, Chef Elsa offers a warm, casual, and incredibly satisfying dining experience that focuses on genuine, homemade Ecuadorian comfort food.

While the specific format is known to be a food truck with some seating, the quality and authenticity of the dishes elevate it to a must-visit dining destination. Chef Elsa specializes in traditional menu options that are both flavorful and deeply nourishing. Patrons consistently rave about the quality, the generous portions, and the excellent value for the price—with full plates generally running between $12 to $20 depending on the protein chosen. This makes it an ideal spot for a robust lunch, a filling dinner, or a quick, quality bite when you’re on the go in the city.

The menu is designed to showcase the best of Ecuadorian cuisine. You can find hearty, flavorful specials like Carne Asada ($20.00), Fried Fish (Corvina Frita) ($20.00), and the beloved stews such as Seco de Chivo (Tender goat stew) ($20.00) and Guatita (Traditional tripe stew) ($20.00). Chef Elsa also offers lighter but equally compelling options like their famous Ceviche. Customers frequently describe the food as very tasty and authentic, noting that the dishes taste fresh and full of love, making you feel right at home with every bite.

The dedication to providing authentic, high-quality, and affordable meals is what truly sets this establishment apart in the diverse culinary landscape of New York City.

Location and Accessibility

Chef Elsa Ecuadorian is conveniently located at 15-90 Gates Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA. This position in Ridgewood makes it highly accessible for the local community and those traveling from different parts of Queens and Brooklyn. The restaurant often operates from a well-known food truck format in this highly trafficked area, a common sight for many New Yorkers seeking out the best local flavors.

For those looking to dine right away, the setup offers some seating right out front—a classic NYC local dining experience that allows you to enjoy your authentic meal hot and fresh. While dedicated parking is not offered, visitors should note that Paid Street Parking is typically available in the vicinity, allowing for convenience when stopping by for takeout or a quick meal. The location’s visibility and consistent operation make it a reliable and easy choice for getting your fix of delicious Ecuadorian food.

The area is popular for solo dining during lunch and dinner times, and the casual, friendly atmosphere is welcoming to everyone. With its solid presence in the neighborhood, Chef Elsa is a true local fixture, delivering an unpretentious and satisfying dining experience.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their meal immediately with seating options available right outside the service area.
• Delivery: Conveniently receive your authentic Ecuadorian meal right to your home or office.
• Takeout: Fast and reliable service for picking up your order and enjoying it elsewhere.
• Lunch: Serving popular and hearty options, perfect for a midday break.
• Dinner: Offering traditional family-style meals for an evening feast.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Ecuadorian Comfort Food: The menu is built on traditional, time-honored recipes, focusing on the rich and fulfilling flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine, ensuring every dish feels like a homemade meal.
• Signature Ceviche: Customers highly recommend the seafood, particularly the Ceviche de Camarón (Shrimp Ceviche) ($20.00). It is known for its delicious, fresh seafood, well-balanced sauce, and is served with roasted corn and the option of a spicy hot sauce.
• Hearty, Value-Driven Plates: Dishes like the Carne Asada and daily specials (such as the fried fish option) come in good portions that are often enough to share, providing great value with most main plates ranging from $12 to $20.
• Menu Variety: Offering a wide selection of dishes, including Healthy options, Small plates (Rapiditos like Salchipapa ($15.00)), and classic stews like Encebollado ($20.00) and Seco de Gallina ($20.00).
• Payment Flexibility: For maximum convenience, the restaurant takes all forms of payment, which is a significant bonus for a quick-service establishment.
• Family and Kid-Friendly: The casual atmosphere is Good for kids and welcoming to families, making it a great choice for any day of the week.

Contact Information

Address: 15-90 Gates Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA

Phone: (347) 765-9411

What is worth choosing

For New York locals searching for an authentic, unpretentious, and affordable meal that truly captures the spirit of Ecuadorian cooking, Chef Elsa Ecuadorian is the standout choice in Ridgewood. What sets this family restaurant apart is its unwavering commitment to authentic flavor and customer satisfaction. The chef has mastered the art of traditional Ecuadorian recipes, delivering dishes that are full of flavor and hearty enough to satisfy any craving for comfort food. The portions are substantial and the pricing is excellent, providing great value that is increasingly rare in the city.

You are choosing a destination that is popular for lunch and dinner and excels in making you feel welcome in a casual environment. The staff are known for their quick service and careful preparation, ensuring that even delivery orders are wrapped up well so nothing spills—a detail that New Yorkers appreciate. It’s a perfect option whether you are an office worker looking for a substantial midday meal, a local resident craving the best ceviche with a perfectly balanced sauce and a spicy kick, or someone looking to introduce their family to the delicious traditions of Ecuadorian food.

We highly recommend trying one of the rotating daily specials, or one of the traditional stews like Seco de Carne, complemented by excellent side options like the traditional rice and beans or delicious yuca. For those in the Ridgewood area and beyond, the convenience of their delivery service, coupled with the commitment to authentic, high-quality food, makes Chef Elsa Ecuadorian a must-visit local favorite. They truly deliver an exceptional culinary experience, proving that some of the best food in NYC can be found where the heart and tradition are strongest.

Chef Elsa Ecuadorian

15-90 Gates Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA