Luna de Xelaju

- 88-32 Parsons Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary journey that transports them far beyond the hustle of the five boroughs, Luna de Xelaju stands out as a vibrant and authentic destination. Located right in the heart of Jamaica, Queens, this restaurant is a local gem specializing in a wide array of Guatemalan and Latin American cuisine. More than just a place to eat, Luna de Xelaju offers a genuine taste of Central American home cooking, providing a welcoming and warm environment for both neighborhood regulars and adventurous foodies from across the city.

The menu is an extensive celebration of flavor and tradition, meticulously categorized to make finding your next favorite meal easy. Whether you're starting your day with a traditional Central American breakfast, craving a hearty soup, or looking for an impressive dinner spread, Luna de Xelaju delivers. The emphasis is on authentic preparation, generous portions, and flavors that speak to the rich culinary heritage of Guatemala, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in the New York area craving a truly satisfying and culturally rich dining experience.

Unlike many fast-casual spots, Luna de Xelaju provides a comprehensive dining experience, covering everything from Desayunos (Breakfast) to Cena (Dinner), ensuring that whether you stop by for a quick midday bite or a leisurely evening meal, your cravings for authentic Latin American comfort food will be more than met. The restaurant is a true representation of Queens' diverse gastronomic landscape, bringing the heart and soul of Guatemalan cooking right to the streets of Jamaica.

The diversity of the menu extends even to unexpected items like Italian Pizza and various Burger options, ensuring that while their focus is on providing authentic Latin fare, there are options for every palate. However, the true standout remains the authentic Guatemalan fare, which includes an exhaustive list of Antojitos (traditional snacks), Sopas (Soups), and Platos Tipicos (Typical Dishes), making it a true cultural ambassador through food.

Location and Accessibility

Luna de Xelaju is conveniently situated at 88-32 Parsons Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA. This Queens location makes it highly accessible for residents of Jamaica and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as visitors traveling from other parts of New York City. The restaurant’s spot on Parsons Boulevard places it in a bustling commercial area, easily reachable by public transportation—a key consideration for New Yorkers.

For those utilizing the MTA, the restaurant is generally within a short distance of major bus routes in the Jamaica area, and is a manageable distance from subway lines like the E, J, and Z trains, or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at the Jamaica station. Accessibility ensures that a delicious, authentic meal is never far away, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch break or a planned family dinner. While the given address is 88-32, public data also references the adjacent 88-30 Parsons Blvd, confirming its prominent and easy-to-find location in this vibrant part of Queens.

The energy of the Jamaica neighborhood contributes to the authentic atmosphere of the restaurant, placing it right in the middle of a diverse and dynamic community that appreciates genuine, flavorful cuisine. This strategic location makes Luna de Xelaju not only a great local spot but also a worthwhile destination for New Yorkers from all boroughs looking to explore the rich food scene Queens has to offer.

Services Offered

Luna de Xelaju offers a variety of services to accommodate the dining preferences and schedules of New York users. These services ensure that customers can enjoy their authentic Guatemalan and Latin American meals in the way that is most convenient for them.

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant is an ideal spot for a sit-down meal, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both casual and special occasions.
• Lunch Service: Dedicated service hours are offered specifically for lunch, featuring an extensive menu of affordable and filling options, including dedicated Lunch Specials (Almuerzos Especiales) like Churrasco Lunch Special and Pollo Dorado Lunch Special.
• Breakfast Service (Desayunos): Offering traditional Central American breakfast plates, such as Huevos, Frijoles, Platano, Queso, Crema Y Tortilla, available for both morning and all-day enjoyment.
• Dinner Service (Cena): The menu transitions to provide more substantial dinner options, including large portions and special plates perfect for an evening meal.
• Take-Out: Customers can place orders for pick-up, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal at home or on the go.
• Catering/Large Orders: The extensive menu of traditional dishes and large-format options like Picada Especial Luna De Xelaju (serving for multiple people) suggests the capability to handle special events and group orders, bringing the flavor of Guatemala to any gathering.
• Beverage Service: A wide selection of both traditional Central American beverages (Bebidas Chapinas) like Tiky and Uva Roja, and refreshing cold drinks (Bebidas Frias) such as Orchata and Tamarindo, are available.

Features / Highlights

What sets Luna de Xelaju apart in the competitive New York dining scene is its commitment to both breadth and authenticity. The menu is a highlight in itself, showcasing an extraordinary variety that ensures there is always something new and delicious to try.

• Authentic Guatemalan Specialties: The restaurant is a premier spot for true Guatemalan comfort food. Essential dishes like Pupusas, Tamales de Chipilin, and Chuchitos are all available, making it a go-to for those seeking genuine Central American flavors.
• Extensive Soup Selection: The menu features a vast range of comforting soups (Sopas) perfect for any time of year, including substantial choices like Caldo De Patas (Tripe Broth), Caldo De Mariscos Soup (Seafood Soup), and the classic Caldo De Pollo Soup.
• Hearty, All-Day Breakfast: The Desayunos menu is robust and available throughout the day, featuring traditional plates with eggs, beans, plantain, cheese, and tortilla, such as Huevos, Frijoles, Paltano, Queso, Crema Y Tortilla, providing a perfect start or mid-day refuel.
• Specialty Platters and Dinner: For a more substantial feast, the Platos Especiales and Platos Tipicos offer magnificent options like the Plato Luna De Xelaju, La Gran Parrillada, and Bandeja Paisa, which are excellent choices for sharing or for an incredibly satisfying meal.
• Diverse Culinary Offerings: Beyond the Central American core, the menu expands to include a full range of Seafood (Comida de Mar), Burgers (Hamburguesas), and even a section dedicated to Italian Pizza, showcasing the restaurant's ability to cater to diverse tastes within a single dining experience.
• Traditional Desserts and Beverages: The experience is rounded out with authentic drinks like Orchata, Tamarindo, and warm desserts like Tres Leches and Arroz Con Leche, providing a sweet end to any meal.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order for the best Guatemalan food in Jamaica, Queens, here is the essential contact information for Luna de Xelaju:

Address: 88-32 Parsons Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA

Phone Number: (718) 657-3366

Please note that while the provided address is 88-32 Parsons Blvd, other publicly available sources also cite 88-30 Parsons Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432. The phone number provided is the most consistent and reliable way to contact the restaurant for inquiries, reservations, or to place a take-out order.

What is worth choosing

When navigating the extensive menu at Luna de Xelaju, New York diners should focus on the dishes that highlight the restaurant's Guatemalan heritage. These are the items that offer the most authentic and memorable dining experience.

A top recommendation is to start with the Antojitos. Specifically, you must try the Pupusas, a traditional Central American dish of thick corn tortillas stuffed with savory fillings, or the Tamales de Chipilin, offering a taste of authentic Guatemalan preparation. These small bites are perfect for sharing or as a starter.

For a deeply satisfying and traditional meal, choose from the Almuerzos Especiales (Lunch Specials) or Platos Tipicos. The Churrasco Lunch Special is a fantastic choice for meat lovers, offering a classic Latin American grilled experience. Another must-try is the Hilachas Lunch Special, a shredded beef stew in a flavorful tomato sauce, a true staple of Guatemalan cuisine.

Don't overlook the soups. The Caldo de Mariscos Soup is perfect for seafood enthusiasts, while the classic Caldo De Pollo Soup offers unparalleled comfort. If you are adventurous, the Caldo De Patas (Tripe Broth) is an authentic and hearty option.

Finally, to complete your meal, select one of the traditional desserts like Tres Leches, a deliciously moist cake, or a warm Atol de Elote, a sweet, thick corn-based drink that serves as a perfect cultural closer. By focusing on these traditional specialties, you will experience the best of what Luna de Xelaju has to offer—a rich, flavorful, and authentic slice of Guatemalan culture right here in Queens, New York.

Luna de Xelaju

88-32 Parsons Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA