Restaurante Rincon Nicaraguense

Small place hidden away on Vermont but it’s getting better and the service has improved. I went 2 times, when it first opened and months after when they had changed owners and menu. It’s difficult to find Nicaraguan food in LA so when I found out about this place I had to try it. The prices per plate are about 8 – 12 dollars but I would recommend getting the Fritanga if you have never had Nica food, its a sampler platter and should get you pretty full.

It’s a mom-​and-​pop place that nobody will ever know about… but I hope someone will!
It’s small establishments like these that makes me wonder about all the other places I will probably never hear or know about. Rincon Nicaraguense is owned by a couple: a gruff salt-​and-​pepper haired man and a cheerful, friendly lady.
One tip: don’t get the steak. My jaw still hurts trying to chew it. I think if I had swallowed, my stomach would still be digesting it a week later.
That said, get anything they have with plantains!!! I LOVE that they actually thin-​sliced fresh plantains before my very eyes, and then tossed the long pieces into the deep fryer, and served them to me as soon as they just crisped up into a hot mess of lovely, golden chips. Amazing.
I also loved all their side dishes: their rice and beans are really good (called gallo pinto), and even their condiments, like the spicy onion salsa (chilero) was full of flavor.
I also got this plantain pie (empanada de maduro) which is a plump, brown nugget with a crispy, caramelized exterior. The insides offer a sweet and creamy shell from the plantains and oozes sharp and gooey cheese in the center. So. Effing. Good.
Another tip: come in the weekend, because they have their special on baho, which is a steaming banana leaf packet stuffed with beef brisket, plantains, and yucca. Rincon Nicaraguense only serves the dish on Saturdays and Sundays, so bring a group of friends over one weekend!