Philadelphia is rich with Latino restaurants across just about all parts of the city, allowing the city’s vast Latino population to experience a taste of their culture through culinary delights.

Amid the onset of the pandemic, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce launched Dine Latino Restaurant Week to help support the growth and development of Latino-owned restaurants through economic challenges. 

The sixth edition of Dine Latino Restaurant Week will take place April 3-7, 2023, and 26 restaurants will be participating, offering patrons one complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two dinner entrees. 

“As our program continues to grow, we are honored to highlight both new and returning partners that proudly represent the Latino-owned and operated culinary community,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. 

Some of the restaurants from the first installment of Dine Latino that will be rejoining the fray for the latest edition include: Adelita, Casa Mexico, El Merkury, Las Bugambilias, Los Cuatro Soles and Los Taquitos de Puebla. 

The full list of participating restaurants are: 

• Alma Del Mar
• Alta Cocina Restaurant
• Adelita Taqueria and Restaurant
• Arepa Grub Spot
• Boricua Restaurant (All Locations)
• Brazas BBQ Chicken
• Casa Mexico
• Cafe Con Leche
• Taquería Morales
• El Merkury
• El Chingon Philly
• El Provocon
• Queen & Rook Game Cafe
• South Street Souvlaki
• Si Taqueria
• Taqueria Morales
• Las Bugambilias
• Las Cazuelas BYOB
• La Ingrata
• La Roma restaurant
• Los Taquitos de Puebla Philadelphia
• Los Cuatro Soles
• Margie's Cuisine LLC
• H&B Peruvian Ford New York Style Deli
• Izlas
• Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse

“We look forward to this edition, as we uphold our mission to raise awareness, support, and uplift Latino-owned businesses in Philadelphia,” added Rodriguez. 

The Resilience of Philly's Latino Restaurateurs

Since the pandemic, AL DÍA has been diligent in documenting the inspiring and resilient stories of some of the many Latino restaurateurs who will be participating in this edition of Dine Latino. 

For example, Alma Romero took a risk and opened Alma Del Mar in June 2020 after her husband Marcos Tlacopilco’s diagnosis and subsequent recovery from COVID gave the couple a new lease on life. 

Today, Alma Del Mar is a staple and one of the most popular options within South Philadelphia’s Italian Market. 

Hector Serrano, and his sister Jazmin, opened Boricua Restaurant in Northern Liberties due to the lack of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine options in the city. 

Despite receiving advice not to open the restaurant in the middle of the pandemic, they decided to do so anyway in June 2020. The success of the restaurant led to the grand opening of a second location in Port Richmond, less than two years later. 

Perhaps one of the more well-known Latina emerging restaurateurs in the city is Sofia DeLeon, the mastermind behind El Merkury.

Upon coming to the United States from her native Guatemala and becoming a restaurateur, DeLeon has helped put Central American cuisine on the map throughout Philadelphia. 

Her popularity led her to being named the Top Restaurateur during this year’s AL DÍA Top Entrepreneurs Forum and Reception event. 

Other restaurateurs like Alfredo Aguilar of Las Cazuelas, and Wilfredo Baez of Izlas Latin Cuisine, have weathered the storm of the pandemic and have become stronger for it. 

These are just some of the countless stories of the grit, passion, resilience and dedication that entrepreneurial Latinos often have. It's why supporting them during Dine Latino — and year-round — is so critically important. 

Through Dine Latino, GPHCC also provides participating restaurants with access to resources, expert advice, networks, and educational opportunities.

Overall, it ties into the mission of cultivating new opportunities for Latino restaurant owners. 

The Dine Latino promotion will take place during dinner service only, with options for takeout, delivery, and select indoor dining at various participating restaurants.