Guatelinda Restaurant
Nestled in Trenton, NJ, Guatelinda Restaurant is a vibrant eatery that brings the heart of Central American cuisine to the local dining scene. Located at 1234 S Clinton Ave, this establishment has built a loyal following thanks to its rich menu, generous portions, and warm atmosphere. From traditional Guatemalan, Costa Rican, and Mexican dishes to modern Latin-inspired specialties, every plate here tells a story of heritage and authenticity.
A Menu That Celebrates Latin American Traditions
The menu at Guatelinda Restaurant is a testament to diverse culinary influences from across Latin America. Breakfast lovers can indulge in Desayuno Chapin, a classic Guatemalan breakfast, or opt for a tropical twist with Desayuno Hawaii. The signature Gallo Pinto, a staple of Nicaraguan and Costa Rican cuisine, comes in variations featuring grilled steak, shrimp, or a mix of three meats. For those craving hearty plates, the Casados, traditional Costa Rican mixed platters, offer an array of flavors from grilled meats to succulent seafood.
The restaurant also offers Mexican-inspired delights, including tacos, molcajete, and fajitas, along with an impressive selection of seafood specialties such as Mojarra Marinera and Camarones al Ajillo. New dishes like Milanesa de Pollo and Lomito Salteado de Res add a modern twist to the already expansive offerings. House specials like Super Churrasco and Tablazo Mixto showcase a perfect balance of grilled meats and bold spices, making them favorites among regulars.
A Dining Experience Rooted in Comfort and Hospitality
Stepping into Guatelinda Restaurant, guests are immediately greeted with an ambiance that feels authentic and welcoming. The setting is classy yet unpretentious, making it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions. Whether you prefer indoor seating or a more relaxed experience outdoors, the restaurant accommodates all preferences.
Beyond its inviting environment, Guatelinda Restaurant offers takeout and delivery services, catering to those who want to enjoy its flavors at home. The restaurant is also family-friendly, with a dedicated kid’s menu featuring comforting classics like chicken nuggets and hot dogs with fries. For larger gatherings, the restaurant provides catering services, ensuring that its flavorful dishes can be enjoyed at events and celebrations.
Reviews
The food, drinks and service were pretty good, but the waitress did not clean any of the empty plates. The bill also came handwritten without the prices listed on the bill. How much did it come to? Who actually knowsI also asked for vegan tostadas, and my girlfriend explained that I was vegan in Spanish, but they brought me ones with chicken. Simple place.
5/5. Ordered through Doordash. I highly recommend this place. Huge serving for $17. Very flavorful, well marinated barbecue so delicious!
To get to the point, not only is the food delicious but the service is outstanding!! You should def visit if you're in the area. They have parking next door so that's not an issue. Their prices are so reasonable and the flavors, yum!! I got steak and rice and my hubby got steak with shrimp. Both plates delicious! The only thing we didn't love was the jugo de Piña but my Jamaica was so good. I would def return if in that area
My current obsession is Guatelinda! I had this place bookmarked forever and finally decided to pop in for dinner with the hubby, and pretty much think about going every day after. They are located in a neighborhood street in Trenton with plenty of parking and plenty of seating. I love that there are giant pictures of many of the dishes on the menu, as I am not well versed in Guatemalan and Costa Rican dishes....yet! Everything on the menu is EXTREMELY affordable, and is served in very generous portions. My absolute favorite plate is El Plato tipico con carne encebollada (The Traditional Plate with beef and onions); the plate reminds me of the Colombian version of a Bandeja Paisa. It brings a n AMAZING rice with black beans, big piece of thinly sliced steak, 2 fried eggs, avocado, sweet plantains and tortillas, all for $10! The seasoning on everything is excellent, and I always have enough to go home for lunch the next day. I have also ordered the chicken flautas which were crispy and covered in fresh salad and delicious sauces. I made it my meal, but it would be a great plate to share as an appetizer, and the portion of the flautas were much larger than in most places, very filling. Hubby ordered platter with the fish and shrimp, which at first seemed kind of small, but it was very filling. It came with white rice, black beans, tortilla and salad - a healthier version for those watching their waistline. lol So all these amazing things to say and NOT 5 STARS!?!? Well for starters they are CASH ONLY, which my boujie self hates. Also the service is super slow at times, like they take your order quickly and the food arrives quickly....but then they forget about you. So if you need a refill, want dessert, or need the check you will most likely have to get up and find your waitress. Regardless, I highly recommend their food and will absolutely be coming back.
Been coming to this place over 5 years. The food is amazing, good. This time the breakfast was okay the steak was too overcooked and the maduros you can tell they were cooked in old oil. Despite the other plates always taste amazing. It's a typical Latino busy ambiance. The service was quick and the server was nice and polite.