El Rio Nilo Restaurant

Everything about this place is top tier! The food, ambiance, service. Family owned and friendly. If you haven't gotten to El Rio Nilo and at least tried the yucca fries, what are you even doing with your life? !

I really enjoy the food here! The staff are warm and welcoming. This place not only welcomes you with open arms but also caters to every occasion. I highly recommend this restaurant!

The Food at this establishment is the best food I have had in a very long time. From the presentation, the flavor, and the amazing service, it’s a 10/10 for me! The salmon and the empanadas are my favorite dishes and they are packed with so much flavor. I am not from the area however, every time I am in the area I make sure I make a stop! Give it a try! You will not regret it!

A very good nook and cranny out of the way restaurant that has good service and good atmosphere. Good seating, well lit, Please ask for reyna. She is excellent.

The fact that this restaurant has about 50 reviews and all of them are 5 stars proves that this is the place to go to for authentic Dominican food. I ordered Beef Stew with rice and beans and my fiancé had the chimi burger. The beef was very well seasoned and tender. The rice being made with coconut oil was a pleasant surprise that adds a light aroma and taste to it but it’s not overpowering by any means. The beans were delicious. Most restaurants don’t make the beans this good. The crab empanadas took my taste buds back to Puerto Rico. The morir soñando tasted exactly as it should. Most restaurants don’t make it right or make it watery but thankfully that was not an issue here. The customer service was immaculate. The owner is such a down to earth and humble man and the young lady that took my order is very sweet. We all had a nice chat while I waited for my food. In addition to all of this, they do provide discounts for medical professionals and first responders and I appreciate that very much because it is not common. I look forward to returning and trying the other dishes on the menu.

Ocaris and Nikki are the husband and wife owners of this Afro Latin fusion restaurant. They are very friendly people and chatted with us.

We came because someone was raving about their empanadas. So, of course, we had to stop in to try them, and they were right! Beef, Crab, and Veggie empanadas were all delicious. It's so good you don't need a dipping sauce. Crab was my fav!

Chicharron de Pollo was amazing. I don't like chicken breast because it tends to be dry, but these were tender and moist. The batter is lite but still somehow crispy YUM!

Yellow rice and black beans and Morro Nergo were typical Dominican style, delicious.

Rabo was so good. Not fully Dominican style but a fusion. They were tender falling off the bones.

Blueberry Ginger Refresher is delicious! It's like a Blueberry ginger beer hehehe

The restaurant is so clean, the staff is friendly, and the food is DELICIOUS! This is definitely a new favorite spot!

The empanadas are the best I’ve have ever. The atmosphere & people are great, service is great as well. I will frequent this restaurant at least once a week.

Very nice place, the food was really good. I will recommend this place to my friends and family

The food was delicious! There was a bit of a wait but they compensated with free chocolate cake. Will definitely be returning.

Best Dominican food in North NJ. Friendly service and cool environment. Best red beans around (like my mom/grandma use to make). The white rice is good seems cooked in coconut oil which has a little after taste I like just something to note. Rotisserie chicken is very good and juicy with great flavor. Glad this place opened up near me to give me some authentic Dominican cooking?

The atmosphere is welcoming warm and family oriented. The oxtails are simply delicious. Very tender, robust flavor, and just an awesome dish! Love this place.

What else can be said. Great food, vibes, and outstanding service. This is a hidden gym everyone should experience. 5 Stars. Will be returning for sure!

Excellent food and service. It is a great place. Un lugar muy servicial and acogedor ricooo

First time here
Food was ok. Sancocho soup is
Over price by at least 20 %
Friendly staff.

This place was grate, staff were were the most respectful and friendly i have seen and food was good but has room for improvement. But one of my favorite things was seeing how open the owner to hearing our criticism, I don't think I have ever seen that before. I will most definitely be coming back soon

This cozy, family orientated Restaurant has definitely left a great impression! Hospitable owners, delicious dishes with beautiful presentation. The service we received was amazing and welcoming. Highly recommended

Hospitality Superb.
FOOD. DELICIOUS
Owner was so attentive, made sure we were comfortable
Definitely going back

Excellent typical Dominican food, great customer service, clean and beautiful restaurant. Generous portions at a great price. We will be back!

I'm far from an expert in Dominican cuisine, but I can say I love the food here. The owner has a passion for food that shows. The sancocho is extremely hearty; the chicharron mofongo is decadent; the maduros are surprisingly sweet and tangy all the same; the empanadas have great seasoning. The owner is a friendly guy who loves to talk about food and really seems to enjoy sharing his creations. He enthusiastically offered to customize dishes based on dietary restrictions.

I didn't try the desserts on the visit, but like everything else, these are made from scratch.

There are some lunch specials in the $15 range (you may have to ask). Otherwise, entree prices start at around $20 and go up in the forties for seafood dishes like paella. Portions are generally quite large. While the location used to be a bar, Rio Nilo does not have a liquor license, though they are BYOB.

Overall, highly recommended. Be prepared to bring home leftovers and/or take a nap afterwards.

Amazing food. We had Sanchoco, Beef Empanadas, Rice & beans, Tostones, and Rotisserie Chicken were all amazing. We will definitely come back.

Extremely personable workers. The establishment was very clean and the ambiance was relaxing. The owner personally take care of my mother and I being that it was our first time there. We were able to try their crab empanadas, guacamole, rice, oxtail and more. Their food was great and I would recommend anyone to try! Will be coming back for me.

Decided to try this new restaurant as I love Dominican food. It was awesome! Will be coming back soon.