La Criolla - Peruvian Sandwich & Rotisserie Chicken

- 451 Northfield Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary journey outside the usual borough fare, La Criolla – Peruvian Sandwich & Rotisserie Chicken on Staten Island offers a truly authentic and high-quality taste of Peru. Located conveniently on Northfield Ave, this restaurant brings the vibrant, rich, and comforting flavors of Peruvian cuisine right to the heart of the island. It proudly operates as a local, Latino-owned business, injecting a distinct and much-appreciated cultural flair into the local dining scene.

La Criolla specializes in two celebrated staples of Peruvian gastronomy: the hearty, flavorful Peruvian Sandwiches and the perfectly seasoned, succulent Rotisserie Chicken, known locally as Pollo a la Brasa. The menu is a celebration of classic comfort food, meticulously prepared to deliver an authentic experience. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is welcoming and friendly, perfect for a casual family meal or a satisfying solo outing.

The Sandwich menu is a standout, featuring traditional favorites rarely found elsewhere in a dedicated format. Must-try options include the highly-praised Pan con Chicharron—a delicious pork belly sandwich—the savory Lechon al Horno (roast pork), and the signature Butifarra. These are not your average deli sandwiches; they are complete, flavor-packed meals served on soft, satisfying bread.

Equally compelling is the Rotisserie Chicken offering. Available in various combinations, such as the Combo Clasico or the lavish Combo La Criolla, the chicken is served with classic Peruvian sides like French Fries, Sweet Plantains, White Rice, and the iconic Yucas a La Huancaina. Beyond the main attractions, the menu also features popular Peruvian 'Savory Bites' like Salchipapas and delicious Empanadas (both chicken and beef), alongside healthy options like their specialty Brasa Bowl and various creative salads.

This establishment goes beyond just food, offering a pleasant and inclusive dining experience. It is noted for being family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safe space, ensuring that all members of the diverse New York community feel welcome. With offerings spanning Breakfast through Dessert, it’s a full-service dining destination for any time of the day.

### Location and Accessibility

La Criolla is strategically located to offer easy access for all residents and visitors to the North Shore of Staten Island, a significant advantage in the often-busy New York area.

• Address: 451 Northfield Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303

The location’s key benefit is its ease of access and parking, which is a significant factor in Staten Island:

• Parking: Guests benefit from a highly convenient parking situation, offering a Free parking lot, On-site parking, and available Free street parking, eliminating one of the usual stressors of NYC dining. There is also Wheelchair accessible parking lot space available.
• Accessibility: The premises, situated in a shopping plaza, ensure accessibility for all patrons.
• Neighborhood: The restaurant is located in a vibrant area of Staten Island, making it a great destination for locals and a short, worthwhile detour for others coming from across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge or the Staten Island Ferry via vehicle.

### Services Offered

La Criolla provides a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs of the New York diner, from quick meals to full dining experiences.

• Dine-in Service: Features comfortable Seating with counter service, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal or a quick bite.
• Takeout: Meals, particularly the rotisserie chicken and sandwich combos, are conveniently packaged for pick-up.
• Delivery: Full Delivery service is available, including a No-contact delivery option for maximum safety and convenience across the local area.
• Full Menu Hours: Serving a complete Peruvian menu for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, ensuring flexibility for all schedules.
• Catering: While not explicitly stated, the availability of Whole Chicken and various family combos makes it an ideal choice for catering small gatherings.
• Beverage Options: Offers a diverse selection, including Coffee, Hot Drinks, refreshing Peruvian Slushies (like Purple Corn and Passion Fruit), and a full array of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine.
• Private Dining: A designated Private dining room is available, making it suitable for special events, business meetings, or larger family celebrations.

### Features / Highlights

La Criolla stands out in the New York dining landscape due to its authentic cuisine and thoughtful amenities:

• Authentic Peruvian Menu: Specializes in high-demand Peruvian staples—Pan con Chicharron, Pollo a la Brasa, and Butifarra—offering a unique flavor profile not commonly found in the immediate area.
• Latino-Owned Business: An actively identified Latino-owned business, contributing to the cultural diversity and local economy of Staten Island.
• Signature Drinks: Features unique Peruvian beverages like Chicha Morada (purple corn drink), Pineapple and Barley, and the classic Inca Kola (Glass Bottle), adding to the authentic dining experience.
• Dessert Selection: A wide variety of traditional Peruvian desserts is available, including Flan, Three Milks Cake, Alfajores, and the unique Ice Cream Lucuma, ensuring a sweet end to any meal.
• Comfort and Inclusivity: Offers a welcoming Casual atmosphere with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and a Gender-neutral restroom, reinforcing its commitment to being a welcoming space for everyone.
• Great Value Combos: The rotisserie chicken combos, such as the Combo Clasico ($34.00), provide a complete, affordable, and high-quality meal solution for groups and families.
• Dietary Flexibility: While focused on comfort food, the menu is surprisingly flexible, featuring Salads and various protein-and-vegetable-focused Bowls.

### Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or delivery orders, patrons can use the following contact details for La Criolla – Peruvian Sandwich & Rotisserie Chicken:

• Address: 451 Northfield Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303
• Phone: (718) 350-8777
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-350-8777

### What is Worth Choosing

La Criolla is an essential choice for anyone in the New York region, and particularly on Staten Island, looking for high-quality, authentic Peruvian cuisine. What makes it truly worth choosing is the restaurant’s masterful execution of Peruvian street and comfort food staples that are difficult to find done right in a fast-casual environment.

The overwhelming positive feedback, particularly concerning the quality of the Pan con Chicharron and the consistently excellent service, highlights that La Criolla is a place that delivers on its promise of authentic flavor. Customers note the immediate popularity of the spot, with it filling up quickly—a true testament to the quality of the food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, such as the praised server, Naomi. The minor hiccup of an incorrect sandwich order that was still “delicious as well” speaks volumes about the overall culinary standard.

For New Yorkers, the ease of access and free, plentiful parking is a non-negotiable benefit, removing the typical urban hassle and making it simple to dine in or grab a quick meal. The availability of Breakfast and a full selection of Peruvian desserts and beverages transforms it from a specialty sandwich shop into a full-day culinary destination.

Whether you're craving the deep, savory flavors of Lomito al Jugo, the satisfying crunch of Salchipapas, or planning a group meal around a Combo Clasico of Pollo a la Brasa, La Criolla provides a delightful and authentic taste of Peru without having to leave Staten Island. It is a highly recommended and valued addition to New York’s diverse gastronomic landscape.

La Criolla - Peruvian Sandwich & Rotisserie Chicken

451 Northfield Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303, USA