The Best Dishes From Colombia

For more than 30 years, regulars have been coming for their favorite Colombian & Spanish foods — our famous Plato Montañero, Chorizo, Arepas, and the unanimous must-order Entraña (skirt steak).

We offer excellent daily soups like Sancocho de Costilla, Ajiaco, and Sunday Sancocho de Gallina, plus a variety of seafood, appetizers, and handcrafted cocktails. Visit our Menu page to download the full selection.

Join us for Brunch any day of the week at our Astoria location, or stop by for Happy Hour cocktails Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm. Two Queens locations to serve you — see our Contacts page for addresses and reservations.

There is something deeply comforting about walking into a place that has been serving the same beloved dishes for more than three decades. La Pequeña has become that kind of institution, where the aroma of sizzling skirt steak and slow-simmered sancocho greets you at the door. Regulars return again and again, not out of habit, but because the cooking carries a dedication that is increasingly rare. Every plate tells a story of Colombian tradition, prepared with the kind of care that turns a simple meal into a ritual worth repeating.

The menu draws from the heart of Colombian and Spanish cuisine, balancing robust mountain flavors with the brightness of the coast. The famous Plato Montañero arrives generously layered with steak, chorizo, rice, beans, and sweet plantains, a feast that reminds you why this dish has anchored family tables for generations. Alongside it, arepas and empanadas offer that perfect combination of crispy exterior and tender filling. Each item reflects a commitment to authentic preparation, the kind that does not chase trends but simply honors the way food should taste.

Seafood holds a special place in the kitchen, where shrimp, fish, and shellfish receive the same thoughtful treatment as the land-based classics. Breaded shrimp come out golden and crisp, while grilled fish is finished with sauces that balance richness and acidity. The coconut marinated salmon brings tropical sweetness into harmony with the natural flavor of the fish, and the house garlic sauté brings a fragrant intensity that seafood lovers appreciate. These are dishes meant to be enjoyed slowly, ideally with a cold drink and good company.

A great meal deserves a great cocktail, and the bar program takes that responsibility seriously. Frozen sangria and exotic margaritas sit alongside martinis, cosmopolitans, and playful creations like the blue Hawaiian and kamikaze. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, drawing a lively crowd that knows exactly when to settle in for an afternoon pick-me-up. The cocktail list is designed to complement the food without overpowering it, offering something bright and refreshing whether you are starting the evening or winding down after a long day.

Brunch at La Pequeña brings a relaxed, everyday appeal that sets it apart from the weekend-only crowd. Available any day of the week, it invites you to slow down on a Tuesday morning just as easily as a Sunday afternoon. The combination of savory Colombian staples with lighter, brunch-friendly fare creates a flexible experience that suits solo diners, couples, and larger family gatherings alike. There is no rush here, just the simple pleasure of a well-made meal in a setting that feels genuinely welcoming and unhurried.

No Colombian meal reaches its full potential without a proper finish, and the dessert selection understands that assignment completely. Tres leches cake arrives impossibly moist and just sweet enough, while warm chocolate preparations deliver the kind of sinful richness that makes you forget about sharing. These final bites are not afterthoughts but essential chapters in the dining experience, the sweet punctuation that turns a satisfying dinner into a memory worth revisiting. It is the kind of dessert that reminds you why saving room matters.

The atmosphere strikes a careful balance between casual and special-occasion, a place where a weeknight dinner feels effortless and a celebration feels right at home. The dining room hums with conversation and laughter, fueled by plates that arrive generously portioned and cocktails that keep the mood light. Families gather around tables piled with shared dishes, friends toast the end of a workday, and first-time visitors quickly understand why so many customers become regulars. There is an ease to the experience that is hard to manufacture and even harder to forget.

With two Queens locations, the restaurant has woven itself into the fabric of neighborhood life without losing the personal touch that made it beloved in the first place. Each visit offers a chance to reconnect with flavors that transport you, whether to the Colombian countryside or a coastal evening. The dedication to fresh ingredients, time-honored recipes, and warm service creates a gastronomic experience that feels both familiar and exciting. For foodies and comfort-seekers alike, it remains a destination where passion and flavor share the plate equally.