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Jalao, New York, NY

Jalao

4.4
4.4
168 Reviews
$30 and under
Caribbean
Welcome to Jalao! An authentic Dominican Republic experience in the heart of Washington Heights.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 28 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Caribbean

  • Phone number

    (929) 688-4684

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Harold Breton

  • Neighborhood

    Washington Heights

  • Cross street

    Amsterdam Ave & 181st St

  • Parking details

    None

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 168 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience. Enjoy the ambiance and the service was amazing.
  2. YohlmanM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The place is really nice and good delicious! People should go.
  3. DMel

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have dined here thrice. I adore this place. The service is friendly and attentive, and the food is wonderful.
  4. EstephanyT

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    The coconut fish was great!! Although my husband order was so bad the white rice tasted stale the beans where over salted and the onion steak was literally a child side portion they served him one piece of sweet plantain and 2 thin slices of avocado definitely not worth the money!! Overall the place is nice the service is ok the drinks a great but the food is a gamble!!
  5. PeterM

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Lively with a great waiter. Sea bass seviche was outstanding. I ordered goat stew with corn grits and it was perfectly rendered. This is a great place and we will be back.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Agradable lugar , con los salones de nuestra hermosa tierra RD.
  7. Peacock

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food5service1ambience3
    Food was AMAZING, and it was a great meal to end our stay in New York. Unfortunately, it was the worst service we’ve had ALL week. We saw our waitress 3 times during the 2.5 hours it took to dine there. She then added a 20% gratuity to our bill (even though it was listed as a “suggested” amount at the bottom). After waiting tables, I know you generally do that if you think you’re not going to get a “good enough” tip. Even though her service was sub par, she would’ve received a better tip had she not added that on there. Disappointed in the service after a lovely week at this hotel.
  8. FrankT

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Love the place, food is good as well as the cocktails but music is too loud, makes the noise level feel like a beer tavern. The wait time was 45 minutes even with reservations.
  9. carlosc

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, and food. A bit on the expensive side.
  10. ELAINER

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    The server was very unprofessional, we didn’t like the drinks we ordered because they were warm even thou it had ice on it, I’ve never had a warm cocktail before. Food was fair but we waited 35 mins for our food. I’d not go back and I do not recommend this restaurant.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant and staff were great.
  12. Arlin

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Food was good, service was terrible. We had to keep calling the server since he didn't bother to check on our table.
  13. GeorgeV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent place!!! Very nice food and music…. Highly Recommended
  14. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I loved the ambiance. I liked my waiter very attentive. I had never been to a restaurant that had such great food and service. It was by far the best restaurant I visited. I also liked the cleaning of your table before you eat and after. I liked that they change your utensils after you eat your appetizer. Overall everything was amazing!😉
  15. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience3
    I expected more from this place. It's not 100% dominican like they said it is. It's more American than Dominican. The food was ok, the rice was not 100% cooked, the fish taste like nothing it didn't have that juice taste like Dominican. Too expensive for the very poor food quality. The service was excellent the lady was cery attentive with us I loved that but once again it is way too expensive for that food quality. Overall it was ok.
  16. TebT

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Watch out for the addition of a “lobster” for $15.00, it’s the tiniest piece of I don’t know what kind of “lobster” , like half of a half of half of a lobster tail. Even with a reservation we waited 30 minutes . They need to get more organized. Food was flavorful , drinks were great.
  17. Joanna

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Lovely place with great drinks and food! We all loved our plates and drinks. The Dominican platter was on the small side for what is was, $75. We also had a birthday on our table that I mentioned on OpenTable but we did not get any mini celebration. I only note it because there were at least 3 other tables that did have a celebration so it made my table’s birthday girl feel left out. By the time we noticed, we already had the check. I’m not sure that I would go back with a group but it is nice for a date, 2 people.
  18. AndyS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    The food was better than the service but the portions are small for the price.
  19. GriselP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Thank you Andy Andy for a great experience . My mother enjoyed celebrating her birthday there ! She is grateful for a memorable birthday.
  20. OJayM

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Worst restaurant I’ve been too so far! The manager as he appeared to be was standing by the door, did not greet the guests as they came in. We waited for an hour before someone finally came over and said anything to us or even give us water. The restaurant was not at full capacity so I’m not sure why the staff took so long to come to our table. Nonetheless, he did make his way to greet and help the other table that came wayyyyyy after us. He saw that we were upset and he didn’t care to provide any hospitality. It was absolutely disgusting, this restaurant need training on inclusion and diversity and overall hospitality training. Not a great place to dine! We ended up going to another restaurant that provided exceptional service 10/10 Santiago beer Garden
  21. YarlenyE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Me encanto este lugar, la comida riquísima y un buen servicio espero volver.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food & drinks ! Perfect enough to listen to music and hear your conversations will dining ! Drinks are really good for price !!
  23. Alex

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Certainly loved visiting Jalao! The service was a bit slow, but nonetheless the staff is great and the food was amazing!
  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    The food was ok, I was expecting a lot more not only for the price but because the menu and food pictures truly looked so good. For the price And reviews I would’ve expected much better taste. I had the Ossobuco with guandules Rissoto and it lacked flavor. My husband’s oxtails were good in taste so I added some of his sauce to my meal to give it better taste. He just said he expected a larger serving for the price. The Moro de guandules tasted as if it had some kind of curry spice put into it which none of us expected or enjoyed. The pastelon de berenjena was bland in flavor. The ribs were ok but in this case there was too much going on with the chinola sauce and other flavors. I would only go back if I’m with a group of people that would like to go try it. Wouldn’t really go back on my own. I was also a bit confused with our service. About 5 people came to service our table but I’m guessing that’s just how they do things.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Went to brunch here for the first time and the food was more than delicious! I will definitely be back. Thank you!
  26. KMLB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    AMAZING food and atmosphere. One of the best meals we’ve had in ages, we were all blown away. Service was a little slow, but worth it.
  27. Alex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is very friendly and the food is amazing. How ever, the drinks were not as good as I expected. The food was very tasty and full of flavor. The portion of food is more than enough to get you satisfied.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food and great service. A solid addition to the neighborhood!
  29. RosanysO

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So far one of the best places I have been to in Washingtonfranchise. Awesome food&drinks Awesome service from our waiter Frank aka frenchie. I recommend him as your waiter.
  30. PamelaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was one on the best culinary experience that we had on a long time... We really love the quality and flavor of the food ,the best service and good music.. 100% recommended
  31. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    Service is slow!! Even though i had a reservation I waited 30 minutes to be seated. Food took over 30 minutes to come out even though my items were raw. I put into the notes I was celebrating an Anniversary they didn’t acknowledge the notes at all.
  32. OdalysN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It has the best vibe for an authentic Dominican cuisine! Had a great and wonderful time!
  33. JenniferG

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food, service and ambience was great! The drinks were a bit pricey. Overall I recommend this place.
  34. CynstephliladanyCeballos

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great! The ambiance the food. We were able to meet the chef. Truly humble man very happy. Food is a bit pricy but with inflation what to expect every penny spent well worth it.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fue una noche espectacular, la comida buenísima, el ambiente muy agradable y el servicio 10/10!! Todos muy amables y atentos en especial María que nos atendió excelente y con muy buenas recomendaciones!
  36. Lissvilla

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food super good and the presentation Amazing. The service was really good and the decorations, music and vide was really good. The prices are a little hight but worthy. The only thing I didn’t like is that the tables that have a couch, are super low. I would recommend Jalao and come back soon
  37. RoxannaC

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    If my 1st time there, the place is nice and very good atmosphere, prices a bit high, but I was served very well and the food a lot of decoration, but the flavor must be taken care of more, Dominican food is distinguished by how varied and tasty it is!!!
  38. lauras

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lo recomiendo, la comida muy buena el servicio excelente.
  39. MrChuy

    New York Area

    175 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    175 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delightful food, endearing service, and engaging atmosphere. It’s a charming, New York take on Dominican cuisine.
  40. Maria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    😆😆😆muy bueno lugar perfecto para cenar en pareja y tomar en el happy hours

FAQs

Jalao is rated 4.4 stars by 168 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 28 times today
Google Map for Jalao

2420 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033-7327

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Amsterdam Ave & 181st St

  • Neighborhood

    Washington Heights

  • Cuisines

    Caribbean

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    None

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Harold Breton

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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