For my birthday this fall, I made my way to Astoria for a celebratory meal at Mi Cielito Colombiano, a neighborhood restaurant bringing the vibrant flavors and traditions of Colombian cuisine to Ditmars Boulevard. With a menu centered on fresh ingredients, generous portions and comforting classics, it was the kind of place that makes a meal feel like an occasion.
Mi Cielito Colombiano serves authentic Colombian cuisine. Our menu is crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors to bring you a true taste of Colombia.
I went all in on the seafood, starting with the Jalea de Mariscos, a fried seafood platter featuring tender shrimp. It is my absolute favorite dish anywhere I go and this spot was no exception! I followed it up with the Pargo Rojo Frito, a whole fried red snapper served with rice and tostones. This dish was so enormous and fun to eat with my family. It cultivated a warm family-style feeling during our meal.
I also tried the Lomo Salteado con Arroz, sautéed beef served over rice, for a taste of the restaurant's heartier traditional offerings. This epic trio of entrees was enough for my family to enjoy. To drink, I ordered a refreshing guanabana juice, made with soursop while others ordered margaritas, made right at the bar adjacent to seating for quick service. We rounded out my birthday meal with a chocolate lava cake.
For anyone looking to explore the menu, there are plenty of Colombian favorites worth knowing. The Bandeja Cielito is a standout for those who want a little bit of everything, bringing together grilled steak, chicharrón, chorizo, egg, arepa, avocado, rice, beans and sweet plantain on one generous platter. Other popular options include Camarones al Ajillo, shrimp in garlic sauce served with rice and fries, and Bistec Encebollado, steak sautéed with onions alongside rice, beans and sweet plantain.
Located at 45-01 Ditmars Boulevard, Mi Cielito Colombiano offers a taste of Colombian hospitality in the heart of Astoria. Whether you're stopping in for a casual meal or gathering around the table for a celebration, it's a spot to keep in mind when craving traditional Colombian cooking.