Stepping into Morena's kitchen is an instant mood-lifter with its beautiful, traditional Dominican inspired decor bursting with vibrant colors everywhere you look. It's not just a treat for the eyes the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and cozy, making it feel just like home, perfect for families. Add to that a full bar stocked with everything from cocktails to wine. Every corner of this restaurant was spot less, you can tell the staff has a great attention to detail. You've got the recipe for a truly lively and memorable dining experience. The aroma alone promised something special. Cocktails Ordered: -Tamarind -Mojito Food ordered: -Tostada de Chivo -Rabo Encendido with rice and beans -sweet plantains The Tamarind cocktail is like a little getaway in a cup. After a 15 minute walk from citi fields this drink was seriously refreshing! It hits all the right notes with a fantastic balance of sweet and tangy that just makes your taste buds sing. Normally it comes with tequila, which isn't really my thing, but a huge shoutout to the server (Jaida) for changing it to vodka. That swap made it absolutely perfect, letting the vibrant tamarind flavor truly shine without any distraction. It's definitely a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious drink. The mojito from the moment it arrives, you can tell it's freshly made. The aroma of mint and lime just jumps out, instantly making your mouth water. Every sip is incredibly refreshing, bursting with that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and the vibrant kick of fresh mint. It's definitely a delicious and perfectly aromatic drink. The tostada de Chivo delivered beyond expectations. This wasn't just a starter it was an experience. Visually, it was a masterpiece a perfectly crisp, golden tostada serving as the foundation for a vibrant medley of ingredients, begging to be devoured. The sheer generosity of the toppings hinted at the rich flavors waiting to unfold. The star of the show, without a doubt, was the Chivo. Slow-cooked to an incredible tenderness, each shred of meat practically melted in my mouth, releasing a deep, savory flavor that was both earthy and subtly spiced. It had that wonderful, slightly gamey quality that makes chivo so unique, but it was incredibly clean and succulent, clearly a result of careful preparation. There was no dryness, just pure, juicy deliciousness. The Rabo Encendido is an experience not to be missed. From the moment it arrives, you cant help but be excited to uncover the depth of flavor under the lid. Paired with rice and red beans that were so rich in flavor. The oxtails, clearly slow cooked with meticulous care, present themselves as a testament to traditional cooking at its finest. The magic truly happens with that complex sauce. It's a symphony of spices and herbs, each note perfectly balanced, creating a robust and savory foundation that elevates the oxtail to new heights. Every forkful reveals meat so tender it genuinely just falls off the bone without any effort whatsoever. And then, the melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's not just tender, it's ethereal. The richness of the oxtail, infused with the intricate flavors of the sauce, creates a dish that is both comforting and incredibly luxurious. This Rabo Encendido isn't just a meal it's a truly memorable culinary journey. The Fried sweet plantains were pure joy! Each bite offers that perfect balance of caramelization and natural sweetness, with a soft, tender inside. They're a simple side that truly shines, adding a delicious, comforting warmth to our meal. Every sip and bite were a harmonious blend of fresh and savory making it an absolutely unforgettable meal that I'd happily go back for again and again. read more

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Really cutely-decorated place with good food! I came for lunch on a weekday and got oxtail with dirty rice (rice and beans) which was a filling portion with delicious broth. However, I have to give Morena's a less-than-great rating due to difficulties with the service and payment. When the server came to take my order, I asked about the lunch special specified on the menu, where it's stated that all main courses are available as a lunch special at a reduced price; I had seen that online and it was a big reason I decided to stop by for lunch. The server directed us to the counter with a hot bar of selected dishes (but not all of the main courses as the menu said) and told us that ordering from there consisted of the lunch special. Fortunately, the oxtail I wanted was there anyway. When it came time to pay, I expected the check to be brought to the table but I had to get up to go to the counter. The server gave me a charge that was higher than the lunch special prices on the menu, more in line with the regular non-special price. I asked to confirm if it was the lunch price (apparently yes) and if I could see an itemized receipt before paying (apparently not). I ended up just paying because I didn't want to make a fuss, but something seems to have gone wrong. Was the menu inaccurate or outdated? Was the server not fluent in English and didn't catch what I asked? Is this something they pull on people who they assume to be from outside the area? I'm not quite sure and I don't want to assume bad intentions, but I unfortunately can't recommend this restaurant based on that spotty experience. read more

Morena's Kitchen - Oxtail with dirty rice (rice and beans) - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

found this Dominican food gem. The food was on another level, absolutely amazing. The service was excellent, especially from Angela, who was always attentive and made sure everything was perfect. The waitresses were also very friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be coming back to try more dishes. read more

We came in for a quick lunch and got the Mofongo and Oxtail soup, the portions are so generous and delicious. The tostones came with a full basket and tangy dipping sauce. The servers were so nice and helped ice my knee from an inconvenient injury. Thank you! The decor also transports you to the island, and the chicharrone was glistening. read more

I will start by saying how cute this place is! Randomly walked in after a NYCFC game and was sat right away. Their decorations are set up so you feel like you're in DR. And I loveeeeeee that! The bathroom was so cute too! The mirror border was literally a bunch of old phones lol The servers also give you a homey vibe too! It was so cute! The kitchen was "open concept" so you can see the cooks. They were two older women and it was the cutest thing. Gave Tia vibes! As for the food. My plate was okay! It was good but didn't wow me. The flavor was good and all but something was missing. I had the pescado a la parrilla and my friend had the rabo. The rabo was 10/10!!! But the pescado was ehh. The rice and beans though BOMB. The margaritas were great too! Maybe it was just the way they seasoned the fish. But I still recommend this place and say give it a shot! read more

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This little gem in Corona, Queens was a delight! We went for breakfast & enjoyed the food and the friendly hospitality & service! My hubby tried the "Tres Golpes", Buttery smashed plantains, 2 fried eggs, Salami, Cheese and Onions...I had the same, skipping the cheese & onions. Delicious! Topped it with Dominican "Cafe con Leche". We will be going back!!! By the way, if you can, visit the bathroom - the decor is worth a look!!! read more

Morena's Kitchen - Café con leche - Dominican Near Me - New York, New York

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Found this cute hidden gem on Tik tok my man was craving some good Dominican food. We ordered for appetizers the yaroa which was delicious. For our main course I had the rabo with arroz Moro and my man had the bistec with white rice and red beans we had a side of sweet plantain and potato salad. Let me just say we literally felt like we was eating at Tia house. Everything was amazing. The staff super friendly. This is a family owned business. For dessert we had the tres leches and the hibechulas con dulce not sure if I'm spelling it right but that was first time trying it and it was really good. I will definitely be back to try more things on the menu. Hands down this will be me and my man's new date night spot. read more

Within walking distance of Citi Field, this clean and well-maintained restaurant is a good pregame dining option. My buddy and I stopped in for just that reason. The servers were very friendly. He had the oxtail with rice, and I had the shrimp with rice, which came with a salad. We shared an order of tostones and many Presidente beers. All were very good. And the walk to Citi Field helps burn off those calories. We will return next game. read more

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Food was delicious the staff was very attentive & courteous. I would definitely recommend this place for dinner or lunch...

This spot is so good I'm tempted not to tell anyone. This place offers quality food at low prices. The food here offers better quality than pricier options. Their team treats everyone with sincere interest. I want to try every dish they've created. read more

I recently visited this place I ordered a bunch of food and I have to say everything was out of 10 the service was amazing the staff were very nice and attentive and let not start about the food, I haven't had Dominican food this amazing and delicious for a very long time. The only bad thing about this place is that it's very far from me other than that this will be my number 1 spot going forward. read more

An absolute must-try for authentic Dominican flavors! This new family-owned spot in Queens serves up phenomenal home-cooked Dominican dishes that'll have you feeling like abuela is in the kitchen. The service was amazing and the ambiance with lmusic creates a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a Dominican food lover or trying it for the first time, this place is a flavor explosion you need to experience! You won't regret it!! read more

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I got a small chicken soup . It didn't have a single scrap of meat in it. Literally nothing but skin, bones , and fat.

Awesome food, awesome service, and a beautiful restaurant. The owner and her family treated us very well and all of the dishes we ordered tasted great. We came after a Mets game and we are delighted to know that this restaurant is in the area. read more

This spot has got it all, but these oxtail rellenos were insanely delicious. Think about them often, highly recommend! read more

Yesterday my son and his family took me out for my birthday. We went to this restaurant call Morena's kitchen it was our first time there and it won't be the last, the services there was very good, and the drinks and food was great, the ambiance of this place was like being part of the family and that make me feel good to eat at a place like this. So if your ever around Roosevelt Ave and a 111 street stop by Morena's kitchen you will love it for real Authentic Caribbean Dishes. read more

Nice ambiance, warm service and best dominican food I ate outside of DR. All reasonable priced and they have about 3-4 parking spots reserved which is great considering they are on a busy street. read more