Picanteria El Austro - Jackson Heights

Delicious Ecuadorian Food, Quito Flavors ! favorite guatita thank youFood: 5/5

Don't bother coming to this restaurant. The food is terrible and overly salty. It's unbelievable how unhealthy the dishes are. Unless you want to risk developing diabetes, I would stay away from this place.

This place has 4 dollar beers and an awesome atmosphere for a hidden Ecuadorian spot.

I have visited this restaurant twice and will not be returning. The first time, I went with someone and they did not have the items I ordered, despite them being advertised outside. My cousin ordered stewed tuna fish with onions and said there was very little fish in the dish. Today, I ordered a special Good Friday soup that I am very familiar with, but it was completely tasteless. It is supposed to have cod fish in it, but there was a piece full of fishbones at the bottom of the container. The beans were overcooked and unrecognizable, and there were noodles in the soup which is not typical. As a gluten-free individual, I could not continue eating it and the taste was not enjoyable.

I can't believe no one has reviewed this place in years! I heard some great things about this small, homey restaurant from some neighbors and stopped by for takeout. We ordered the Bandera (a greatest hits combination plate) and the Bandeja Campesina and were not disappointed! The Bandera is fantastic, every part of it is excellent. It's a combination of chivo guisado and guatita over rice, and a super fresh, succulent shrimp ceviche and wedge of avocado on the side. Guatita is a stewed tripe dish, similar to Peruvian Cau Cau, but with more body and perfect comfort food. Chivo Guisado is the standout, with big satisfying chunks of tender goat braised in a red sauce. The shrimp ceviche was so sweet and tender, and the fresh tomato and onion sauce had the right amount of acid to make it addictive! The Bandeja Campesina here might be the best bandeja in the neighborhood. All of the meats were perfectly seasoned, especially the moist pork ribs.