Amazing food and service. Growing up in Bergen county. Went to the old owners all the time decided to give it a try and it was nothing short of spectacular. The ribeye was amazing. read more

Food is terrible Service are good Ambiance late 60s early 70s This place had horrible menu Salad is joke, lettuce and 3 slices of tomatoes There is absolutely nothing good on the menu, seafood was horrible, the rice in the paella is flooded with liquid, the Mariscada is horrible. The lobster was so chewy we had to spit it out Why is this place even open. read more

North Jersey Spanish fine dining restaurant that I finally got to try for the first time! Ambiance: Spanish/Portuguese restaurant that is great for a special occasion. Business casual attire, parking available in the lot, and busy on a February Saturday night at 5:30. My party of three had a 15 minute wait, but was told it could be 30-40 so we got lucky! Price: It's pricy, but the quality/quantity is worth the price for the food I ordered. Ordered- Spicy Beef Tips, Beef tenderloin, Scallops over garlic Spinach, and Broiled Salmon in Lemon Sauce. Pros: Magnificent food, and great quantity especially for the price. Not a huge selection but they do a phenomenal job on what they specialize in. The service was friendly and timely. I'd recommend everything that I ordered. My broiled Salmon in lemon sauce was cooked perfectly and the flavors were unique and zesty. Cons: I may only be coming here once a year for a special occasion, but it will be well earned! Overall: Great spot in a great location, looking forward to my next visit! read more

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Outstanding meal! Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared and presented. Lamb chops, paella, surf and turf, garlic shrimp, signature potato chips ... all outstanding. Very accommodating and welcoming as well. We will be back soon. read more

Recently reopened since before Covid. ith new owners. My daughters took me here for my birthday and the food was excellent although menu choices a lot less than the usual but enough choices. We were 7 people and 2 people had the rack of lamb said best they ever tasted. 3 chicken dishes were outstanding , the salmon was great and my shrimp dish was outstanding. the appetizers, garlic shrimp and chorizo were also great. Could have used more help because the place was very crowded and they don't take reservations was about the only negative they have the original decor. Highly recommend. read more

I love the old El Cid and very happy it has reopened. The only thing I can say bad is when I asked to take home my surf and turf, it was put into a cardboard Chinese rice box. Everyone else's food was put into plastic containers. I can only suggest that they put everything in a plastic container. read more

Reopening. Food is very Good. Prices are higher. Portions are noticeabley smaller. Service is average. read more

The food was even better than previously! Juliana our bartender/server was very attentive and very sweet and professional !! I was surprised that a huge family with teenagers was allowed at the bar: read more

So excited that they reopened the service food and now taking reservations were all amazing. I used to frequent this place and cant wait to continue to do so now. Food is fresh and amazing flavor with great sangria! read more

I STRONGLY URGE all of you to not give this disgusting establishment any business!!!! I came here recently with my husband and our two, precious granddaughters. Our night was quickly ruined as a LIVE ROACH was rummaging through her appetizer dish. We were absolutely horrified, and our granddaughters were shaking , crying and the verge of vomiting. We also received terrible service and treatment from staff and owner, no remorse at all from them, just all excuses. Absolutely sickening experience. Avoid El Cid's at all costs. read more

El Cid - ROACH IN MY GRANDDAUGHTER'S RICE!! - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

Food was mediocre. Service was ok. But they couldn't get the order right. I never send food back but I had to, 2 times because they didn't accommodate a food allergy read more

Food service was very slow as if kitchen was understaffed. Only 2 pieces of bread in the basket. Asked for more bread but it never came. Spicy tips were extremely tough and difficult to chew as if they sat in the hot pan for too long before served. Shrimps in the shrimps and rice were overcooked and dry. Disappointed. read more

My husband would frequent El Cids at least twice a month before it closed for 2 years. I would always bring my kids and their spouses whenever they visited.I was thrilled to hear it reopened and kept the same ambiance and menu.While I miss the previous wait staff the servers were pleasant and competent. That's the good news. The bad news, prices have increased, sometimes by 100%. For example, a large pitcher of Sangria used to be 22$, is now 42$ and not worth it because it contained very little booze, delicious, tasty, but you might as well be drinking fruit juice. So my husband ordered a Martini. Two tiny pieces of generic bread with two pats of butter. That's diner mentality. No salad with the entree. That would cost you an additional $22.00, for iceberg lettuce and tomato. Don't think so. The "saucer" of yellow rice (for two) was bland and dry.The chips were tasteless and seem stale. The good news; my husbands crabmeat app. Was brimming with crabmeat and well prepared, as were his scallops, my lambchops, which had always been my favorite were not exactly the same, while they were cooked to my specifications, (medium rare) they were not the least bit juicy, They weren't bad, but they weren't the way they use to be. My husband got a Spanish coffee, I the flan for dessert and the tab came to $257.00, with a $50 tip it was a $300 meal for two people. To put it in perspective, the last time we ate there the bill came to $120.00. Here's my recommendations for the new owners: Include a salad with every entree, it won't break the bank, work on your yellow rice, should be fluffly and moist and tasty, other inexpensive food item, better bread and whipped , fresh butter, duh. And just for kicks and giggles, actually add some booze to the Sangria OR lower the price. The Bad news, I won't be coming back anytime soon and certainly not with my family causes it's just too pricey. read more

frequent this place but it will be the last. there were 8 guys sitting a table or two away being extremely loud - they should've been at a sports bar. I mentioned to the waiter that the party is super loud and if he can ask them to quiet down it is a restaurant - he says no let me talk to the owner. the owner or manager comes by I repeat the same he basically says no and I tell him don't worry about it I'll tell them myself. $68 fish $68 filet small place be more cordial and cater to your guests! read more

steak was outstanding the wine by the glass is is $16 and it's not an expensive vintage not a big selection either heck a cocktail is $14 to $16 the escargot was better at the original El Cid read more

Service was excellent, but the food was not anywhere close to what it used to be, at significantly higher prices. I ordered the salmon, which used to be outstanding, but was dry enough to choke on. The chips, for which they now charge, we're over cooked and tasteless. The rice in the seafood dish was too greasy, and the seafood in it was skimpy. This had been my family's favorite restaurant for years, and we were thrilled to see them opened again, but are sorely disappointed thus far. read more

I'm between a 3 1/2 and 4. It was easy to get a table on a Wednesday night but we were basically sat right in he entrance and were constantly bumped by staff and other patrons. I didn't think the staff were that friendly, one of our table mates asked about a drink menu and they made us feel like we were asking something crazy. There are no complaints about the food. Big portions, and everything came out the right temperature. I think I'd be hesitant to try it again, it was expensive and I am not sure the service reflected that. read more

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Attentive service, delicious food! I ordered escargots, seafood paella, and flan for dessert. Generous portions, paella was loaded with seafood. I loved the food! Low-key ambiance, but comfortable and clean. read more

Really under rated restaurant. We sat at the bar and ordered a red sangria and white sangria which was very delicious. We also ordered appetizers, which was the garlic shrimp and the steak tips. Very delicious!!! We were served by Jim and he was very friendly and made us feel very welcome. We will definitely come back with friends! read more

Food is top notch service was excellent. Just an all around good time. We will be going back very soon.

Glad the restaurant reopened. Staff is attentive. We went for lunch and ordered off the lunch menu. We had the Spicy Tips and Shrimp Pasta. Both were cooked perfectly and sizeable portions at great prices. We will be going back again soon. read more

Was a Great place in its day. Gave it 2 shots and 2nd visit after soft opening worse then first. Pallea was like soup and small portion gave my friend food poisoning. The portions got smaller and some items and prices up 50-60% ( though a reasonable increase is acceptable but not these prices for what is served. Another guy at bar who always used to be an ElCid regular in day said same comments. Won't be going back any time soon. read more

I had not been to El Cid in years, but not much had really changed! The old school Spanish restaurant still had the same character and historic feel, while the menu maintained all of the classics. While my last visit had been a dinner many years ago that had involved a packed restaurant and a long wait at the bar, this lunch trip left our group as one of only a handful of patrons. When we arrived, the rest of our group had already started on the warm, crusty bread and some cocktails. I grabbed a glass and joined in on the sampling of the red sangria, which was perfectly balanced and not too sweet. I would have loved if they had included chunks of fresh fruit in the pitcher, however. When it came time to order our meal, our inept server came to our table 3 times to clarify the order. I mean, write it down, dude! Meanwhile, I had inquired about the Shrimp Casserole on the lunch menu and was told that it was essentially a seafood stew. It sounded terrific, so I ordered that. Meanwhile, the 2 members of our party who were seated across from me both had ordered the lunch portion of the Seafood Paella. During one of those times when the server came over to clarify our order, I heard him say something about "3 paellas", which was wrong. I flagged him down later to confirm that I had not ordered the paella, but the casserole. He said he knew that. Then, the food came, and what they continued to insist was a "casserole" looked 100% identical to the paella my dining companions had received. Rather than fight about it, I just ate the paella. It was a dish that I liked; I was just trying not to eat so much rice for lunch. Despite the mix-up, the dish was fabulous! The cooked seafood was done to the perfect texture (not too chewy, etc.) and imparted so much flavor into the yellow rice. After we were all stuffed and packed up our leftovers, a different server, who clearly felt our frustration, gave us a complimentary, sliced tartufo to share, which was a delicious gift. El Cid offered a jovial atmosphere and expertly done Spanish dishes, but their service left a lot to be desired. read more

Finally this place is open again. the food is good. Probably a little different but still good. will go back again!

Never disappoints. Fast and friendly service. Large, some huge, portions and quick efficient service. Honestly, the huge prime rib is too big. Go with the "small" one, it's still too big to finish unless you're a gavone. read more

El Cid - Paella - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

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First time back at LC closed in my opinion, they should've stayed closed. I took my family for my wife's birthday was mediocre at best. I would diner food. We had my five-year-old grandson we asked for plain grilled chicken. three tiny pieces of chicken on the plate and they the same price for chicken dinner. Over $500 and it wasn't worth it never go back. read more

It's back and as good as ever people. Same menu and same monster prime rib. Like it never closed

If you like lobster this is your place! They have the most amazing lobsters, and all different sizes! If you like steaks this is also your place! I've been coming here for years and absolutely LOVE the spicy tips. You can get them as an ap or dinner with veggies and rice. They are hands down my favorite thing to get here. But the lobster is a very close second. It's always hard to choose which to get and most times I get both lol. The stuffed scallop ap its also very good, and presented it a giant shell, very cool. The shrimp cocktail is very good.. these shrimps are gigantic!. In my experience here, ive never had anything that I didn't enjoy. We usually sit at the bar when we go, nice and relaxed atmosphere. One of my top favorite eats in the area hands down!! read more

Very expensive but the food was good. The waiter said the owner cut the dessert menu and refuses to print them too. They are all Italian desserts. Will not be returning. read more

If you like great food, HUGE portions and reasonable prices el cid is your spot. The chorizo app, garlic shrimp and steak rid bits are my favorite ! The surf and turf is my go to main. But the twin lobster special, (lol you get 3) is really good but a lot of work. I have had the swordfish and the scallops and they never disappoint not to mention they are enormous portions. The sides and salad are always good. Never had room for the desert ! read more

El Cid - Surf and turf - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

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This steak was amazing! Dinner was excellent. The portions are large, quality and value are outstanding read more

El Cid - Prime rib - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

El Cid is a place that you have to "hear about", otherwise it is easy to pass on the street. There is usually a wait for a table since the secret is definitely out and everyone knows about it. Great Spanish food, large portions, fun fun fun. Very Best Sangria anywhere. Best prime rib ever and the lobsters are perfectly prepared any way you like them. My husband always gets the paella and there are always leftovers to take home. I have heard that the owners started this restaurant over 35 years ago and are from Spain. They brought wonderful recipes and great service. Terrific for a casual party upstairs. read more

El Cid - yummmmm - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

If there was a negative score I would give it. Arrived after making reservation the owner or manager I spoke to said we don't make reservations and we would have to wait . Guy was rude and obnoxious and dirty . 4 customers were outside complaining about food and service place is so.mis run ..STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS ... SPEND YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE read more

I was looking forward to coming here since I heard they were reopening. They started off ok other than making you feel rushed to order. Appetizer was barely done before dinner came out. And after dinner is when it went downhill. They took my friend's food to wrap up and never returned with it. Waiter never even came to ask if we wanted any dessert until a good 30 mins later. Still no question of dessert so I stated we were still waiting on the leftovers to be wrapped for over 30 mins. Finally the food comes back wrapped up. Another 15 mins goes by when I had to ask possibly the manager that walked by for our check. He then went to the waiter at the next table and told him to get us our check. No one asked how anything was. One thing that my friend and I noticed, the tables that didn't get good service, happened to be tables of just women. If it was all men or men and women , many would check in with you. When there is a table of just females, they couldn't be bothered to come back. read more

HOLY COW!! This is probably one of THE BEST (!!) restaurants that I have been too. Tip #1 Make sure you get here when they open or else... you will wait! BUT its worth it... Also, its packed prepare to wait for a parking spot. Tip#2 The food is AMAZING!! I cant stress this enough. Its pricey $$$$ but worth every single penny. Its probably better to share a meal for two people (or be prepared to take home a doggy bag)! The service was great, people were great! I cant wait to go back... read more

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Wow! Looks like I'm the first person to Post on this place since the year and a half COVID hiatus. Not much has changed but the standard small COVID menu geared toward making money. The foods the same. The 400lb Gavones feeding here rave that "This is the Biggest Piece of Meat ever" . There is a reason for that. Big Meat = Old Cows ! Duh. Gotta laugh at New Money Bergen County. Anyway Enjoy! read more

El Cid - Ribs - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

Been coming for years and years. This was a great spot to come with friends on any day of the week. Would love to feast on the prime rib that is def picture worthy. The sangria is homemade and absolutely delicious! I could never get enough of this spot! Used to really enjoy sitting by the bar until a table opened up and having a great dirty martini. I'm really hoping they decide to reopen when covid is finally all said and done. It would be an absolute shame if they remain closed. read more

Came here for dinner on a recommendation, and all I can say is wow. Personally I was a bit torn between 3 and 4 stars. I came mainly for the prime rib, and I can honestly say, I have never had meat that big. When I ordered the menu stated $59 which seemed a little high for prime rib..until the monster came to the table ( see attached picture and you will understand) You definitely get your bang for your buck here. One portion could easily feed three people. The reason for the three stars was the taste. I get that you are serving a huge piece of meat and I am getting my dollar per pound, but where is the seasoning..? Pieces that big need to be marinated at least. The seafood platter which was shrimp and lobster was too salty. But for me a big issue was that the Sangria was definitely watered down. Overall it is an experience and I suggest going with a large group and sharing. Definitely a solid 3 star restaurant...would have to improve on the cooking in order to get another star read more

El Cid - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

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What else! Another great meal at the El Cid. The appetizers were great as usual and the seafood along with the prime rib were perfectly cooked. The only thing was the old prime rib was scaled considerably smaller and I understand not everything stays the same. The sangria was the usually flavorful with plenty of fruit. read more

El Cid - The El Cid front door - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

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Come hungry, leave stuffed and prepare to have leftovers! This place is not for light eaters. Their portions are huge and hearty! Enjoy your meal at the large u-shaped bar or in the decent sized dining hall (extra seating upstairs) with a cozy old school setting. As far as service goes, I have never had any stand-out issues. I've heard good things about thier sangria, but have yet to try it. What I have tried, is their margarita made with Avión Silver. Delicious and a must try! Moving on to food, the Chorizo is a must. Cooked well done, lots of flavor, a tad oily, with all of that making it the perfect compliment to the bread or Spanish rice. During my first visit, I ordered the Twin Lobster. Three 1 1/2 pound lobsters served on a silver tray. No joke, I surprised myself in eating the entire 4 1/2 pounds, sparing only a few bites for my date who had the Surf & Turf. On a return visit, I had the Stuffed Lobster (bursting at the "shell seam" with goodness) and tried a taste of the Paella Marinera (over flowing with shellfish). Both were delicious and repeat orders in my book. I'm not big on dessert, so my go-to is the lemon sorbet, which serves as a great palate cleanser! Tip: To answer the burning question of do they take reservations, as of today, they accept them during the week for parties of 7 or more, but do not take them on the weekends. read more

El Cid - Twin Lobster = 4.5 lbs of deliciousness! - Spanish Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

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