EL CID Introduce
For decades, **EL CID** has stood as a beacon of authentic, high-quality **Spanish cuisine** right here in **Paramus, New Jersey**. This establishment is far more than just a restaurant; it’s a Bergen County institution, celebrated for delivering a truly memorable dining experience that transports patrons straight to the vibrant, rich flavors of Spain. After a period of change, the excitement surrounding the restaurant's recent return and reopening under experienced management (the same ownership as the highly-regarded Nanni's in Rochelle Park) has brought this neighborhood gem back to its original glory, much to the delight of local customers. The new iteration of EL CID proudly continues to serve the timeless classics using the **original, beloved recipes** that first made it famous.
Located conveniently in the heart of North Jersey, EL CID offers a versatile menu that specializes in both traditional Spanish fare—like its renowned paellas and robust seafood dishes—and exceptional, **prime cuts of steak**, solidifying its reputation as a leading **Spanish steakhouse**. Diners frequently praise the masterful preparation of every dish, from the perfectly cooked seafood to the richly flavored meats, all served in an atmosphere that manages to be simultaneously **Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale**. Whether you are planning a grand family celebration or an intimate dinner for two, EL CID is a quintessential **New Jersey** dining destination.
The restaurant's commitment to excellence is reflected not just in the food, but in the entire guest experience, featuring **fast service**, impeccable hospitality, and a thoughtfully curated beverage program. If you are a long-time fan of the Bergen County Spanish dining scene, or simply looking for your next extraordinary meal, EL CID is waiting to welcome you back.
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EL CID is situated at a highly accessible location for all of **Bergen County** and surrounding North Jersey areas: **205 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA**. This address places it conveniently close to major routes, making the drive stress-free for both local Paramus residents and visitors from neighboring towns like Ridgewood, Hackensack, and Fair Lawn.
One of the most valuable amenities for New Jersey diners is the ease of parking. EL CID provides a **Free parking lot** with **plenty of parking**, alongside the availability of **free street parking**. This removes the common hassle associated with dining out in busy areas.
Furthermore, the restaurant has prioritized comprehensive **accessibility** for all patrons. The facility is fully **wheelchair accessible**, including a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, **wheelchair accessible restroom**, and dedicated **wheelchair accessible seating**. This commitment ensures that EL CID is a comfortable and inclusive choice for all members of the community.
As a highly popular dining spot, the management recommends making **Dinner reservations** in advance, especially on weekends, to ensure timely seating, as there is often **usually a wait** for walk-in guests.
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EL CID focuses on providing premium, table-service experiences, along with convenient options for busy locals.
- **Dine-in Service:** The primary offering, featuring **table service** within a beautiful, Spanish-inspired setting. This allows guests to fully appreciate the **romantic** and **upscale** atmosphere while enjoying the full menu and bar service.
- **Reservations:** **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** to secure your spot, particularly for **Groups**.
- **Private Events:** Offers private event space, including an intimate **private wine room** for up to four guests, a loft area, and a spacious dining room with its own bar and full amenities, perfect for celebrations or corporate gatherings.
- **Takeout:** The menu is available for **Takeout**, allowing residents to enjoy EL CID’s phenomenal cuisine and **generous portions** from the comfort of their own homes.
- **Dining Times:** Open for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, providing flexibility for patrons, with additional service for **Dessert**.
- **Bar Onsite:** A fully stocked **Bar onsite** offering a vast selection of beverages and an ambiance that is perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a relaxing nightcap.
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The features of EL CID revolve around exceptional food quality, an unparalleled beverage program, and a commitment to customer service that has earned rave reviews across **New Jersey**.
- **Culinary Excellence in Spanish Cuisine:** Renowned for specialties like the classic **Paella** (available in Valenciana, Marinera, and Negra styles), rich **Mariscada** (lobster and shellfish combination), and appetizers like **Shrimp in Garlic** (*Gambas al Ajillo*) and **Escargot**.
- **Premium Steakhouse Quality:** Excels in high-end meats, offering **Kobe Skirt Steak**, **Prime Black Angus Rib Eye**, **Spicy Steak Tips**, and the legendary, rich **Flintstone-style prime rib**—a true standout for meat lovers.
- **Exceptional Beverage Program:** Known for a **Great wine list**, **Great beer selection**, and spectacular house-made beverages, most famously the **red and white Sangria**, which customers describe as "amazing as always." **Great cocktails** and **Hard liquor** are also offered.
- **Ambiance and Service:** Combines an **Upscale** yet **Casual** feel. Patrons consistently highlight the **Fast service** and the genuine hospitality from the staff and management, making every visit a special event.
- **Menu Versatility:** Offers a wide range of **Offerings** including **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Hard liquor, Healthy options, and Wine**. The menu includes both rich indulgences and thoughtful **Healthy options** and **Vegetarian options**.
- **Group and Family Friendly:** Excellent for large **Groups** and accommodating to families, offering **High chairs** for younger guests.
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To book your reservation for an unforgettable Spanish dining experience or to arrange a takeout order, please use the following contact details for the **Paramus, NJ** location.
**Address:** 205 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
**Phone:** (201) 843-0123
**Mobile Phone:** +1 201-843-0123
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For residents of **New Jersey**, choosing EL CID is choosing a culinary legacy. The combination of authentic, high-quality Spanish cooking and an elevated, premium steakhouse experience is an incredibly compelling draw. It’s the only place in the area where you can find a generous plate of **Paella de Mariscos** alongside a meltingly tender **Kobe Skirt Steak**. This dual specialty is why customers remain so devoted; they are guaranteed a spectacular meal whether they crave the fresh, complex flavors of the sea or the rich, savory taste of prime beef.
What truly makes the experience worth choosing are the unique, standout dishes. The **Spicy Tips**—tender pieces of steak with a flavorful kick—have been described by long-time patrons as "just as good as I remembered," proving the new management's dedication to original quality. The fresh **seafood**, including perfectly cooked **Broiled South African Lobster Tail** and the exquisite **Chilean Seabass a la Chef**, stands testament to their quality sourcing. Then there is the legendary **Sangria**, which is prepared in-house and noted for being a perfect, fruit-forward complement to any meal. This focus on signature dishes and exceptional ingredients ensures that every dollar spent here translates into a memorable flavor experience.
Furthermore, the atmosphere and service elevate the entire affair. The team, often featuring the manager, Paul, personally checking in on tables, creates a level of attentive, **impeccable service** that makes diners feel truly valued. This highly **Romantic** yet **Upscale** setting is ideal for celebrations, making it the default choice for Bergen County locals celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or simply enjoying a great night out with **Groups**. In a market saturated with dining options, EL CID's history, its recommitment to original recipes, its superior beverage program, and its versatile high-end menu make it the definitive destination for authentic, high-caliber Spanish dining in **North Jersey**.
EL CID Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
EL CID Photos










EL CID Location
EL CID Reviews
lobsterprime ribsurf and turffilet mignonchipsgarlic shrimpleftoversspinachchilean sea basssteakhouse
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We had a large group dine at El Cid, a spot many had gone to years ago. We were excited to try the food again after all these years, and it did not disappoint. The service was some of our best, especially for a large group of our size. Every dish that came out was made to perfection. The steaks and seafood were perfectly cooked with flavor you could smell in the air. We left full and deeply grateful that this neighborhood gem has reopened with the same charm it has always been known for. Thank you for a fantastic time, El Cid!
May 31 · Alexandria QuintanaMy fiancé and I have been waiting for El Cid to reopen and we’re so happy they finally have! This restaurant has been a staple for us, and the new management has brought it back to its original glory!The red sangria was amazing as always. The service was impeccable, with multiple servers checking in on us throughout the meal and clearing plates, refilling drinks, etc. The manager, Paul, was very friendly and personally came to the table to make sure we were enjoying our experience.I’ve been dreaming about the spicy steak tips and they were just as good as I remembered! The escargot came in a delicious sauce and the Kobe steak was like butter! Though management has changed, the food is as good as ever and we’ll definitely be back!
July 10 · Christina LLocal Favorite! ...you can find us there at least once a week!! Delicious Food, Cozy Atmosphere, Best Bartenders! What more could you ask for. Love You El Cids!
July 31 · Margaret RicciHighly recommend this restaurant. Surf and turf was great. The filet mignon cooked perfectly and was delicious. The lobster tails with the surf and turf were great. Garlic shrimp and escargot appetizers were fantastic. The rest of my table got the Chilean sea bass, Kobe skirt steak, while lobsters and everything came out really good.
March 09 · Danny ChongI recently had a party here and it could not have turned out better. Every single person went out of their way to tell me how amazing the food was, and how efficient the staff and service was. Needless to say, we’re so happy they’re open again and I’m already planning my next party here.
June 30 · Jamie Wojdyla
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