Who We Are
Welcome to Eli’s Latin Kitchen!
Discover the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Latin America at Eli’s Latin Kitchen. Nestled in the heart of Hawthorne, our restaurant is a celebration of culinary heritage, bringing you an authentic taste of Latin cuisine with a modern twist.
Eli’s Latin Kitchen was born out of a passion for food, culture, and community. Our founder, Eli, has gathered inspiration and recipes that tell the story of Latin America’s gastronomic soul.

Experience Eli's
At Eli’s Latin Kitchen, we believe in using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and memorable. Our menu features a delightful array of traditional and contemporary Latin dishes.
Explore a world of flavors with our House-Made Empanadas. Try our hearty Breakfast Empanada with scrambled eggs and savory sausage, or the exotic Guava Indulgence featuring cream cheese and guava puree. Our menu also boasts diverse entrees such as the rich Carne Guisada and succulent Pernil, each served with rice and beans. For lighter bites, enjoy crispy Nachos or Eli’s Wings, and complement your meal with a refreshing smoothie or a sweet treat from our dessert selection.

Meet Eli
Eleazar Martinez, known as Eli, hails from Honduras and has spent three decades as a distinguished chef in New York City’s vibrant culinary scene. A graduate of the New York Restaurant School, Eli excels in Asian and French cuisine. Now, he has returned to his cultural roots by launching Eli’s Latin Kitchen at the renowned Gourmet Express Market in Hawthorne, NJ. Focused on preserving Latin Caribbean flavors, the establishment is celebrated for its delectable empanadas and Eli’s family recipe for rotisserie chicken. Visit us today to discover why everyone calls Eli’s Latin Kitchen the best spot for empanadas and rotisserie chicken in New Jersey!

What People Are Saying
Stephen Varelis I come here at least once a week. Food is always good and never disappoints. Portions are great for the price Flavio Valdivia Very friendly owner! Enjoyed my lunch from Eli’s Kitchen. Would recommend others to check it out! Natasha Ayoub Great experience! The service is excellent! The food is delicious! The owner is a gem! I highly recommend the empanadas best I have ever had! Ribhe Huzien I started coming here about 2 months ago and the food and service is so amazing that I comeback at least once a week. The food is absolutely phenomenal, and the man behind the counter is the absolute sweetest. Highly recommend! Michael C Great empanadas try the chicken and cheese! Always great Ethan Foulke Best empanadas in north jersey Damian Wolyniec Great food and great service!