Rincón Melania
Rincón Melania is a hidden gem in Long Island City
An Ecuadorian kitchen rooted in Latina resilience,
started by powerhouse Latina: Lucila Melania Dutan.
In a city that often overlooks immigrant women’s labor, Rincón Melania stands tall as a sacred space - food with memory, community and love.
A Story of Resilience
Lucila’s story is one of persistence. She came to New York City from Cañar, Ecuador, part of the first wave of Ecuadorian immigrants who laid roots in Queens. For 20 years she ran Rincón Latino in Sunnyside, and built a devoted following, but it closed in 2011.
In 2018 she launched Rincón Melania which she runs with the help of her family, including her son Nestor Jazmani Dutan. Every dish at Rincón Melania is rich, comforting and made with corazon.
Check out their crispy bolón de queso (a green plantain dumpling stuffed with cheese), the citrusy freshness of ceviche de camarón, and the nourishing caldo de gallina. Or try their slow-roasted pork, pernil, deliciously made with garlic and spices.
Whatever you order, you will belly and spirit will be filled contently in this Queens-based Ecuadorian oasis.
Where to Find Them
Rincon Melania
35-19 Queens Blvd
Long Island City, NY
(718) 361-1905
Insta: @rinconmelanianyc
A hidden gem in Long Island City, this Ecuadorian restaurant serves up delicious ceviche, hen soup, and more!
