Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rocio's Restaurant

    3.2 (24 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

    Order Rocio's Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

    Rocio's Restaurant Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Rocio's Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Rocio's Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Christian R.

    Small gem, home style cooking. Traditonal plates and lunch specials. Great offer Monday-Friday. Large soup, entree and drink. $9. Cons, tight location, parking availability and bathroom space.

    Beef soup.
    Aparna K.

    Serious cravings for tostones (fried plantains) led me to this hole-in the wall Latin American restaurant.I was not disappointed!Along with the tostones,I also decided to try their lunch special(which comes with a soup and an entree).The beef soup was a highly satisfying broth in generous quantity.It had all the right spices along with plantains and yuca and whatnot. The chicken entree served with rice and salad had fall-off-the bone tender chicken in gravy(though I didnt really care much for the gravy itself).The salad was crunchy and the veggies seemed really fresh.But the star of the meal was the hot(REALLY HOT) green sauce on the table of which I added copious amounts to my soup and rice.It just made everything even better.I am not entirely sure what its made of(green chillies is my best guess) but its really delish(if you are into spicy things). The seating is pretty cramped and this really does not seem to be much of a sit-down place but getting take-out is certainly worth the effort of getting here.I think they deliver too(but havent done that yet).

    "almuerzo" special: Grilled Chicken Breast
    Alex C.

    "Yay! I'm a fan." ok... for several reasons: 1st * -This is only my second Yelp review... but I'm the FIRST to review Rocio's. 2nd * -It's walking distance from my place... 3rd * -It's affordable... 4th * -It's tasty! ...oh! ...and I can bring-in a six-pack from the liquor store across the street! --but the star for that gets cancelled out due to their TINY restroom. Here's the scoop: This little Ecuadorean restaurant is a small (they have 6 tables), hole-in-the-wall, mom-n-pop type place... the kind of place you really only go to if you live nearby. ...but that's only because it's hard-to-find and easy-to-miss (even tho it's on one of the busiest streets in JC... thousands of cars whizz by every day). You almost only know about it if you live in the area. I usually make it into this place 2 or 3 times a month on Sundays to have some soothing comfort food... trying to self-medicate the hangover from an all-night dance party in the city! ...but that's a whooole other story. They have an $8 daily (almuerzo) special that changes... well... daily. Last time I was there, the special consisted of two parts... First they brought me a large bowl of "Sopa de Menestron" (a latin take on minestrone soup). Next...was my plate with a small portion of grilled chicken breast, spanish style rice, and salad. (I posted pics). They have mostly seafood dishes on their simple one-page menu. --ceviches --seafood soups --fish fillets --shrimp dishes --churrasco I've tried several different things and all have had great authentic Ecuadorean flavors and spices. The JSQ area is slowly changing... several new condo buildings and the new Journal Square Towers! ...it's places like ROCIO'S that give a gentrified area FLAVOR and charm, tho... let's keep 'em around. ...sometimes we just need to get off our high-horses (and air-conditioned SUV's --seriously, 'cus you're gonna have to walk here) and try out a place that might be out of our usual taste palate. GIVE 'EM A SHOT!!! -- and put some of that spicey green stuff they have on the tables on your rice!

    a plate of meat and beans

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Best Ecuadorian food you can get by far. Always fresh and home made style food that tastes amazing.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex C.
    19
    24
    22

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel H.
    77
    136
    14

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tessa L.
    16
    115
    13

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mia M.
    44
    171
    79

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trinh V.
    173
    18
    8

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Rocio's Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rocio's Restaurant

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Latin American 5,858 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Perico Speakeasy

    Perico Speakeasy

    4.7(12 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    The food was good. Looks like a happening spot after a certain time. Standing roon only At that…read morepoint

    We had learned that the bar hidden beneath the restaurant, Panela, had changed concepts from the…read moregeneral cocktail lounge, The Sinatra Room, to the tequila- and mezcal-focused, Perico Speakeasy. Since we were big fans of those alcohols, we decided to check it out. The walls of the space were covered in colorful murals with Latin American imagery. There were banquettes along either wall with small tables and ottomans scattered in front of them, providing separate, little areas for each group. Large playing cards were fanned across each table with Jack, Queen, King, and Ace cards each having a menu on its backside. There were bar bites, a spirits list, classic cocktails that could be reimaged with your agave spirit of choice (picture a tequila mojito), and even a custom beverages. The creative drinks were not cheap, coming in at around $20 on average, but they certainly were complex! My La Balacara featured Casamigos Mezcal, spiced pear, Luxardo, orange, ginger, chestnut honey, and a chili tincture. I thought the drink sounded outrageous, but, sadly, all I tasted was that honey, the ingredient of which I was least interested. In fact, the smokiness of the mezcal really did not play well with the chestnut honey, leaving it to taste sort of like licorice. I was not a fan. My companion's El Encanto included Casamigos Cristalino, Lillet Blanc, strawberry-lemongrass cordial, guava, and basil, which sounded herbaceous, but really just tasted like a fancy daiquiri. He enjoyed it, but I found it unimpressive. Our drinks were accompanied by a complementary bowl of spiced popcorn, which was delicious. We had come from an earlier dinner, so the snack was as much as I needed. However, the few larger food items that I saw others order all looked great. While I would go back to Perico to try some other items, I felt like I had had better, more affordable cocktails upstairs at Panela.

    Photos
    Perico Speakeasy
    Perico Speakeasy
    Perico Speakeasy

    See all

    Noches de Colombia - Chocolate Mousse Cake Slice Closeup $6.76 (04/08/25). @NochesDeColombia #JerseyCity #ColombianFood #FoodPorn

    Noches de Colombia

    2.9(200 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Really really wanted to enjoy my meal. Have been here in the past and have had good experiences,…read morebut today the customer service was TERRIBLE. Once the lady heard us speak English she treated us different this was crazy to me. The food came out quick and was good but the service was so poor that the good meal was irrelevant. DO BETTER NOCHES DE COLOMBIA.

    (Tookout 04/07/2025 MO @ 2:30pm and 04/08/25 TU @ 1:30pm): Not night but day when I finally checked…read moreout this Colombian eatery! In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, I made my way to Noches de Colombia. Established by a family who migrated to the United States in 1997, their small test American dream project in New Jersey came to life. They realized that variety of food and love were the keys to a quality restaurant experience. The restaurant was the ideal hang-out for the local community and offered the perfect combination of music, conversation and TVs for the quintessential soccer fans around the world. As this was right next to "squirrel park" where the lil black beast loved to take walks, I constantly saw this business. Would I plan to share "futuro noches con comida de Colombia" with my friend!? PURCHASE Filete Empanizado w/2 Sides Frijoles Negros & Arroz Amarillo ($18.75): A ginormous piece of thick fish folded in half to fit the takeaway container, this was perfectly deep-fried while the inside meat was steamy and supple, it was served on a bed of hearty potatoes-au-gratin. The sides were homemade, flavorful, and enough as a meal on their own. The portion sizes were off the charts and provided for multiple meals. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=juHQRjwkcffynHUk-v61qA New York Steak Con Camarones w/2 Sides Frijoles Negros & Arroz Amarillo ($28.03): A little surf-n-turf action, it was a huge slab of medium-cooked meat with a nice outside crusting and moist inside on a bed of various veggies along with a handful of medium-sized plump shrimp. The same comments regarding the sides and portion size noted above. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=Nncz_IGb5IZ1Owbp90yMNQ Yuca Frita Side 5pc ($4.16): Lightly-fried fat sticks, these were hearty, filling, and yummy! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=7y6ZCiMz-giO01MUWaWRJA Pistachio Cheesecake Slice ($7.50): A thick but soft slice with a lovely pistachio aroma and taste only on the top. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=ugZNuGr_714odSFDhkahcQ Carrot Cake Slice ($6.50): Creamy, thick, and plenty of carrot throughout, this was a wonderful slice! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=kVnHux6vBt36nWEkZ_iV2g Dulce De Leche Strudel ($3.25): Filled with sweetness! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=dVnp8kxYLvejpI7ZNKPa2A Spinach Pastry ($3.65): Spinach-packed and healthy! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=BCsjKrWp41fQVoUnym6tEg Pollo Pastelino ($2.90): Packed with shredded pollo! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=PgXoh_lmjbqKS5uhaxJHrA Carne Pastelino ($2.90): Beef galore! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=Ls5WOWGAX9wW_XlOB_hqiA Chocolate Mousse Cake Slice ($6.76): Chocolatey goodness with a mouse on top! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=Z4glOIEXsrmiKiB51MXK_A SERVICE It was lunchtime as we were greeted by the women at the front counter. They easily took our walk-up order, the entrees took about 15 minutes while the desserts/pastries were immediately available. Unfortunately, the personalities of the staffers weren't the friendliest, so don't be offended - gracias. PARKING (Street; N/A this instance) This was an easy flat 10-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, the only option was the plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A tidy interior layout with display/order counters at the entrance, a quaint bar area, and the rest of the floorplan covered with booths/tables. Colorful paint and pictures covered the walls. Decent natural lighting came through the many windows and doors while electric recessed ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs at the bar while music (and TV volume) played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=Mjuiz-_VduPLwL3kUb1wZQ ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Noches de Colombia's Jersey Heights location was awesome and would definitely return! From large portions, tasty food, reasonable prices, varied menu, and the service was efficient. And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible (regional in this case). I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $90.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

    Photos
    Noches de Colombia - Inside

    Inside

    Noches de Colombia - Chocolate Mousse Cake Slice $6.76 (04/08/25). @NochesDeColombia #JerseyCity #ColombianFood #FoodPorn

    Chocolate Mousse Cake Slice $6.76 (04/08/25). @NochesDeColombia #JerseyCity #ColombianFood #FoodPorn

    Noches de Colombia - Storefront (04/08/25). @NochesDeColombia #JerseyCity #ColombianFood

    See all

    Storefront (04/08/25). @NochesDeColombia #JerseyCity #ColombianFood

    Rocio's Restaurant - latin - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...