Cibao Invita

Service was efficient and straight to the point. The pernil was WELL seasoned and roasted and the guíneos (boiled green bananas) were also salted appropriately. Overall the portions were appropriate. The other items on the food line seemed okayish, nothing that caught my appetite or would be curious to try. They take a lot of creative liberties with traditional Dominican dishes (and not always for the best). This is a quick service spot you go for the food not for the aesthetics. For context I came in on Sunday before 12noon. After taxes, fees, and tip it came out to be $15. Take a look at the attached pictures for your own opinion.

Ordered a small sopa de sancocho and literally got 2 small pieces of “meat” one was only a bone. I used to like their soup, tastes so different now.

The only place this food would be more authentic would be in my mom’s kitchen. Cibao Invita has the best Dominican food I’ve found so far. The dishes are big and they variety is amazingly large. Whatever you don’t see out they will make it for you. Been coming here weekly for the past 3 or 4 months and I’m never disappointed.

We had an AirBnB in the area for our trip to NYC, and we stopped by. Great food and extremely friendly service. It definitely felt warm and cozy, and it seemed like many locals frequented the place. The food was really great too; large portions for a good price. Nothing super fancy, but its a great place to get a hearty breakfast that tastes like Mom's cooking!

I had an incredible experience at Cibao Invita. The chicharrón was simply delicious crispy and perfectly seasoned. It was accompanied by well-cooked and flavorful cassava, and the pickled onions gave it a tangy touch that balanced the dish beautifully. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and flavorful meal!

First off, the food was ok. Second, the ladies behind the counter don’t seem to want to work. They avoid taking your order as you wait behind the glass. Third, the lady had an attitude because I did not know the “proper” name for the food items. Never that serious. Lastly, charging almost $30 for a platter is insane. The lady provided the cashier my order total $25 (still insane). When he rang up on the order on the register it totaled to $28+. I asked why he said due to credit card fees and taxes. I told him I was paying cash. To automatically charge someone extra fees without confirming form of payment. Seems dishonest. I will not be a returning customer.

Food was amazing... the service was attentive... but price was a lil pricey for me... but overall really good place to eat

To the person that said their food was expensive and the portion sizes was little. I spent $6 on the small soup (but it doesn’t come with corn) and $4 on the rice that I shared with a friend and we were both full. Definitely very reasonably priced! And the food was soooooo goood!!!! And healthy!

I ordered the lunch special for $11 and it was a huge portion!!! Such a great price as well. I had the pernil with rice and beans. It also came with plantains which were sweet & delicious. The pernil was cooked to perfection. My only complaint is I wish the beans were on the side instead of already in the bowl because it made the rice a little dry. Thank you for an affordable & delicous lunch!

I went back and now they have a new owner 100% much better. This place needs to change its name because all the past owners who gave this place a bad rep. They now have excellent food fresh and clean. A very welcoming staff that actually knows English and Spanish. Very sweet, very good people this place deserves stay in business. The new owners really made a huge major improvement. I'll give them five stars only because their food is good and the hundred percent improvement.

Whenever I don't feel like cooking, I come to this place. They offer a variety of dishes to choose from. They serve cafeteria style.Everything is fresh, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. The space is also great for large groups.

Big variety of food on a buffet style , the food is well seasoned , however delivery takes a longggggggggggg time and the place is always crowded to eat in so it makes a bit difficult . It's also extremely loud , so if you want to eat your lunch in peace just take it to go and eat at home or at the office . Food is good tho .

The food was salty, the delivery time was over 90 minutes, and they got the order wrong! They also refused to take back or credit for messing up the order. Stay away from this dump.

Very Clean, good extensive menu. Inside and outside tables. No alcoholic drinks, wich is very "wierd" for a dominican restaurant lol.

Overpriced food. For three side dishes and some rice and beans $40.09 plus tip. Bad service. Rude cashier

Please ask for the price of each item or plate before you pay. NBD but we were charged a different price for the rice and beans vs. Rice with beans , lol. Anyway, the food is amazing. It reminds me of my childhood summer getaways. I've been here a few times and have enjoyed every meal and drink. We ordered tres golpes, tripe stew, rice and beans, and café con leche. Everything we ordered was a home comforting meal. On the way out I saw a passion fruit dessert and didn't get it but it's okay I'll get it next time.

They have a lot food options to choose from in the counter display. I love the tostones which are made to order. I also enjoy their arroz con gandules and the oxtail or pollo guisado. Large portion sizes for the prices. Quick service even when there is a long line.

Good Dominican food. Tried it for the first time tonight. Had their arroz con gandules, ox tails and a stewed pork. Everything was delicious. Not greasy at all. Very flavorful. Saw a few reviews where they said they were overcharged. Not too surprised by this. If you're familiar with Dominican restaurants or even Dominican salons-then you already know the prices vary depending on how they feel that day. Not sure if prices are posted anywhere. But just be sure to ask for prices so you're not surprised in the end. Despite that-would definitely return & recommend

Nice neighborhood restaurant. Great selection of drinks and desserts. Several food options to choose from and fairly good pricing. Fried ribs were fairly dry but good flavor. Stewed ribs were very good and sauce paired perfectly with rice. Potato salad was good, thick. They have beef, chicken or cheese empanadas also. The outside seating is great and the rocks are a great way to avoid having bags flying everywhere (good for entertaining children also).

Buena comida, pésimo servicio al cliente. Si trabajas en un lugar donde tienes cara al público no los puedes tratar como si ellos te están pidiendo la comida gratis ,sí no puedes lidiar con clientes no trabajes en esa área .

They charged me double on two different charge cards saying that the first didn't go through. When confronted about the discrepancy after showing proof of of purchase for my order from both cards, they refused to acknowledge and told me to take it up with my bank. Not giving me the option of same order to compensate or store credit on future order purchase. This is fraudulent and robbery and theft. Not even offer to refund the amount paid for twice even after shown proof from both posted and received from both bank statements. Ripped off. Such a disappointment. Won't be a repeat customer any time soon.

Great line up of Dominican food, and the food are high on the taste meter, and they taste fresh. The food is respectably comparable to (and some even better than) my familiar New Brunswick DR digs. Outdoor eating is quite empty (i.e., safe for pandemic dining) for a Saturday lunchtime. We tried the ceviche-y fish (tilapia?) with lemon over red bean rice, amazingly tasty chicken over yellow rice, and an order of dirty/fried seafood/meat mixed rice that are just superb. I also couldn't resist the blackberry and passion fruit mousse calling me so I gave in to trying both of them (and a flan while I was at it). You can almost inhale the taste of the fruits in them I daresay you shouldn't ever close a dinner here without having one of these! The issues I have "lie" with the incorrect menu and the inconsistent explanation of dish prices by the staff. I originally wanted to order the tilapia over the seafood rice, but once they put in the dirty rice in the container, then they told me that it cannot be mixed with the meat and the rice costs extra (in fact, it costs $10 per container by itself). Which is perhaps fine considering the density and quality of the content that would deem it a standalone rice dish, but I would appreciate knowing this fact ahead of time. Also, I was told that the tilapia costs $10 (one of the staff members pointed to me its $10 price on the menu line), but I ended up being charged $13 for it because of the addition of the rice. The other lunch item, such as the chicken with rice, is $8.50 (thankfully they didn't screw up this one). All the time the staff loudly consulted each other on the prices, especially the tilapia -- am I the first person in its history to order this item? And even after the drama, 2 out of 3 were *still* priced out incorrectly. All in all, it's a delicious gastronomical experience, but it's unfortunate that a restaurant with such potential has to be rated lower because of these pricing inconsistencies. Note: I made the mistake of not reading other yelpers' review before visiting. After my visit, I started reading them and noticed that many 1 or 2-star reviews were due to consumers feeling "deceived" by the staff on prices -- exactly the type of issue I experienced. I hope that the restaurant owner doesn't think that they can sustain a business by getting mere $1-$5 "profit" per dish from the confusion caused on their customers. If this is a true confusion in the ranks and not a "game" they play, they should get their ducks in a row, create a new menu that clearly outlines the pricing method, educate the staff on it until it's crystal clear, test it on some customers, revise and repeat until there are no more perception of this deceptive pricing left. That's my free advice -- you're welcome :-) For now, I give them the benefit of the doubt and attribute all this brouhaha to the lack of consistent education and management of the staff and stick to a 3-star. I hope that this will improve in the future. It's a shame otherwise.

Please!! DO NOT ORDER FROM HERE !!! NO ORDENE AQUI!!!! Nunca mandan lo que pides siempre faltan cosas y hacen la comida y la mandan que ni un perro se la come!!!!! The order is never complete, they never send the right order and they're sloppy!!!!!!!!!!!! Not even a dog would eat what they send!! Please do not waste your money

They are CROOKs!!!! I come here often and this time I didn't purchase any combos. Just sides. They charged me for: 3 rice for $9 1 large advocado salad $20 1 medium Macoroni salad (plain) $8 Total: $37 (NO MEATs) This place makes up their own pricing. I have never paid this much at this place. Absolutely unbelievable!!!! And insulting for a customer who was supporting their business and wants to support small local businesses but they do this to screw themselves over. Next time be sure to ask how much is each item before purchase. EDIT: I went back to the store right after I wrote this review and the owner's son did apologize and refunded me the correct price. I told him, I really don't appreciate for a loyal customer to be purposely overcharged. Let me add, to the above post that I did tell the lady to give me the breakdown of the price and I know she messed up but didn't want to admit to her mistake! The owner's son refunded me the difference and he also admitted that it is something they are trying to work on with "pricing".

Good place with good food I love the white rice gandules and teriyaki chicken! The fried fish is good too. My wife likes their lasagna

Their food is decent but they consistently overcharge! On purpose? Hmmm Check your receipts!

I often go here bc its if not the only, one of the only Dominican spots in Bayonne but it is TRULY ridiculous how long they take. I ordered at 6:29pm to be EXACT. It is now 8:07pm. Ive called 3x. 2x they didn't answer my call it rang until it couldn't anymore and once in between those calls someone picked up and asked me my address and phone number and said she was going to call the driver. Had i know i would've gone to get it myself. It is literally like 20 blocks from me like someone previously mentioned. I ordered that early so that my daughter would be able to still eat a filling meal before bed since i couldn't cook today and now its her bedtime and im going to have to whip something up. To say that im annoyed beyond belief is an understatement. This is not the first time its happened and i keep thinking maybe they just had a busy day. Do not order from here if you actually want to eat.

Vegan Latino food AND amazing cheap prices?! My grandpa came off his flight from Puerto Rico and I took him here and he was like "OMG these beans" and finished everything. Very easy to order in Spanish or in English. I believe it's Dominican food and they killed it! Dominican food tastes very similar to Puerto Rican food and it's hard for me to get authentic food at good prices, especially in Bayonne. Best vegan options: -Beans, yellow rice -Avocado salad on the side -Amarillos/maduros = sweet plantains -Yuca with onions -My mini junk food = kola champagne Highly recommend for a local stop for great

They charge me 13.00 for a piece of salmon in which was no bigger than my palm ridiculous with the prices not worth all the money you have to spend

I've been a customer for years which is why I was devastated when I picked up my order of cheese empanadas and every one of them had green mold inside. I guess the cheese went bad and they decided to use it anyway. I won't be going back ever again.

Whenever I'm not in the mood to cook but I feel like a good stick-to-your-ribs home cooked latino meal (in Bayonne), I go to Cibao. Most of the dishes are pre-cooked and laid out in a buffet line for customers to choose from. Some dishes on the menu like the fried boneless chicken (Chicharron de Pollo) is made to order. Prices are very reasonable, and there are family meals available for under $20. Some of my favorite dishes include empanadas, mangú breakfast, garlic chicken, beef stew, boneless fried chicken, breaded fish, rice with gandules, octopus, avocado, potato, and shrimp salads....There is so much more on the menu I have yet to try. They also make decent coffee and smoothies. There's something here for everyone.

I ordered lunch today and I asked for chicken sandwhich told them what I want on it and the order got to me wrong she never mentioned it also comes with peppers if so I would have told her not to put them like I did with onions asked for ketchup and mayo they only put mayo, asked for one beef empanada one cheese and guava and one cheese she brought me the first two right but gave me chicken not the cheese one and my boyfriend ordered steak again we asked what came on it and she never mentioned peppers and he got them as well which isn't a huge deal we can take them off but also I went to eat the cheese and guava empanada and it was the worst I ever had I can make a better one myself the guava wasn't even melted or looked like it ever melted when it was fried I used to love this place but lately the food does suck and just read there's new owners/management now it makes sense and the fees as well to use a cc and food tax but ok...I rather drive to Jc for some Dominican food

My go-to Latin dish when in Bayonne. Did take out but forgot to take pics bc I was so hungry LOL. What i get: Grilled chicken, arroz moro, and their avocado salad. It comes out to about $15 but boy let me tell you this feeds about 2-3 people!! They give you such a good amount ( esp on the rice) and the food is delicious! It's flavorful and not overly cooked. The rice is soft, full of spices and is the perfect side. Their avocado has red onions and I believe oo&vinegar and its so delish!! Its buffet style so as soon as you walk in you have a tons of options to choose from. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a family style meal - latino style.

My spouse and I came here the other day. I ordered salad and fish and after eating and returning home, I got the effect of a nasty food poisoning. I can't tell you how bad it was, but that left me with a bad impression of this place. I hated that I had to write this review but I don't want anyone to go through the sickness I experienced.

I just moved to the area and came from an area where I had endless amounts of Latin restaurants to choose from Cuban, Mexican, Colombian, Dominican etc. Given the lack of diversity in Bayonne, this place happens to be the ONLY decent Caribbean restaurant closest to me, so for convenience, I have been going there at least once a week since I moved to Bayonne and have never been disappointed. Tips for newbies: For those who complain about the wait staff having an attitude because you do not speak Spanish, just point to the food and keep it pushing. I dare say you might be a bit paranoid. Try living in someone else's shoes and very slowly trying to learn a language in a new country with limited time because you are on your feet behind a hot counter serving food for 12-14 hour days. Walk all the way to the back of the line to view the entire selection until you figure out what you want. They do a great job of keeping order and asking who is next working their way from the back to the front of the line. This is a no fuss, mom and pop spot, the food is always flavorful, fresh, portions are huge and the prices are justified given the quality and quantity.

Delicious! If you're looking for good, Spanish (well, Dominican) home-cooked meals, this is the place. It's cafeteria-style but don't let that put you off. You can get a wide variety of great good here. The rotisserie chicken is fresh and flavorful, the rice choices are very good, and the tilapia was a nice surprise. My son had the king fish and loved it. My husband enjoyed the roast pork, and said he'd definitely recommend a return visit. A full meal will cost you approximately 7.95, which is great when you're on a budget. If you're looking for a quick snack, the empanadas are only 1.00 each and are chock full of chicken or beef. My guilty pleasure is to order the chicharrones, which are really great. They have a nice assortment of Spanish sodas, too. The restaurant recently opened a bar in the back, but it's separate from the restaurant so that you can definitely bring the kiddies. I decided to order food for a party this past Sunday, and everything was delicious, inexpensive and delivered hot and on time. I couldn't ask for more!

I had very high hopes when I strolled in here with two friends on a Monday afternoon. I've had a lot of incredible experiences with Dominican food, including two incredible restaurants in the neighborhoods where I've lived in Jersey City and Paterson. The selection in the hot food counter was easily the largest I've ever seen, on the scale of a midsized Chinese food buffet. Many of the options looked pretty enticing, with dishes featuring rice, pastas, meats, seafood, vegetables. Great if you like options; difficult if you're indecisive and unfamiliar with Dominican food. I had to primary beefs with this place - service and quality. Although the restaurant was not particularly busy (I've heard of lines going almost at the door), it took a few minutes of me standing in line before one of the staff came over to take my order. That would have been fine, if the way in which the staff member did it did not make me feel like I were inconveniencing her and every item I requested were a burden. The quality of the food was also mixed. Rather disappointingly, the meat that I ordered, roasted ribs, was thrown into the microwave for a minute before it was served. And one of the biggest benchmark sides for me in a Dominican restaurant, maduros (fried sweet plantains), were soggy and slimy, rather than crispy on the outside with a semi-soft bite. I would have given this restaurant two stars, if it weren't for the fact that I've heard such great things about it from others. If you are in Bayonne and craving Dominican food, give this place the benefit of the doubt, but, given the other options I have for incredible Dominican food, I for one will not be coming back.

I've heard many mixed reviews about this place. 1) the food isn't great and 2) the prices are expensive. I DO NOT agree with either. I usually go here early in the afternoon for lunch. There is always so much to choose from. I stick to what I like and what I know. You can't really mess up baked chicken, pernil, rice, beans, ribs, sancocho etc.... Those are the things I usually get. The food is always fresh, never tastes reheated. I don't think I've ever been overcharged. In life, you get what you pay for. Lower your expectations and stop complaining.

Stopped in for breakfast to-go. The man behind the counter was pleasant. Took my order. I had a western omelette with home fries and toast. It was definitely delicious. I'm not a big fan of Spanish food. So me saying it's delicious it's a BIG thing!!!! Very clean and would definitely recommend!!!

Highway robbery...how is it that you guys are charging $9 for soup and not even give rice on the side. I have never been to a restaurant that does not serve bread or a side of white rice with soup. Ever since they sold the place their prices have gone higher and that is not cool because of the hard times that we are all going through.

Not good. Decent none the less. Beans just taste like tomato sauce. Prices are decent but you are getting what u pay for - kind of ... Definitely better options

Wow is my first word...I walk in and they have a buffet style set up with massive choices of Spanish food...buffet style set up BUT THIS IS NOT A BUFFET....parking on the street, numerous table seating but I didn't know where to start I just kept glancing and glancing until a gentleman at the counter asked me what i wanted (that many choices of Latin cuisine) ....I usually get pernil, chicken done in many ways , oxtails...so I wanted to try something different HERE...I started myself with rice and beans....than here's the kicker...I went with goat meat stew in a nice sauce...and a healthy helping of potato salad...#winning...all this with a bottle of soda for $14.50...did I mention the food was amazing, I got done and caught the only itis...sat there after I ate for about 15 min before I left...good food does that to you lol

I have been to this restaurant many times and found that they deliberately counted more money when they became bloated. It was very dishonest and the attitude of the service staff was very bad. The food was good and some were not good. It's disappointing to deceive incorrectly

Just waited 2 hours for my delivery! About a month ago everything started changing. I order multiple times a week, but i wont any more. I heard Cibao has new owners, service is slow!! Delivery's take for ever!! The other Dominican Restaurant on broadway is going to be real happy. Cibao sucks.

Im glad I found this place....I came here looking for some mangu and fried cheese, and I must say my belly is happy. The service is good and so is the food. This is my new happy place.

Overpriced, food was not warm enough, forgot one of our orders, food can taste better and overall I will not be returning. Family didn't enjoy the food.

Ordered from here today . Food presentation was horrible . Looked like delivery guy even picked at my chicken . Stew sauce all over the bag..food was all cold . Never again

My coworkers and I went to this place for lunch. We have had breakfast here and it is delicious every time we order. today, i have to say some had a pleasant time while others couldn't enjoy their food. It was a bit pricey compared to other Spanish restaurants I have gone to for lunch. They over charged avocado. The goat meat was not seasoned or cooked well. My coworker bought a tres leche dessert and it was spoiled. The restaurant needs more organization because we didn't know who was next to order and add more lunch specials.

This was my first time at Cibao Invita and I have been there twice after already! The food selection is amazing. The portions are great. The prices are low to me. Love the food. Very casual atmosphere. Spanish food was very authentic, spicy salad was great. There really is a good amount of food options and not just solely Spanish food.

I don't recommend this place at all the personal are quite rude the food is a little nasty. My son am I went to eat lunch the bean were old and expired and the roasted chicken were old too and got sick from it when I complained about it they completely ignore me and still charge me for the meal and when I didn't leave no tip the waiter cuss me out

I have been eating there for 15 years, but never again. I stopped by on Thursday 9/2/21 about 8:30pm, near closing. I got chicken stew, yellow rice, kidney beans and a side of yucca. Well, I was poisoned. I was sick as a dog and missed work On Friday and Saturday, barely made it Sunday only because I didn't want to lose my job. Couldn't even keep 2 sips of water down for days. I was so dehydrated that I could barely stand. I'm not exaggerating one bit. It's now a week later and the nausea is only now starting to subside. The food must have been left out from the morning or overnight? It was biohazard Only giving a star because I have to and because they were playing what is now my favorite song. Lol

Best spot in Bayonne for Latin food! Especially if you have no idea what you want, everything is right in front of you on the steam table. Def must try for an authentic feel

The food is amazing here. Unfortunately the staff leaves a lot to be desired. Not only are they rude but they're also obnoxious. And I just found out that they do not accept Credit cards or debit cards over the phone anymore. Apparently they have not received them in over a year. Really? I have not paid in cash at any location whether dining in , Carrying out or ordering for home delivery in over 10 years. Suffice to say, although I love the food, I cannot stand the staff and I will not order from them again. Nor will I eat at the restaurant.

The food is good However the service sucks!!!!! Not only do you have to wait on a line like at a school cafeteria but you have to deal with the mean lunch ladies aka their waitress. I never had such snobby wait staff, they really think they are to good to help you. I really liked the food but totally not worth their attitude.

This place is amazing. They have EVERYTHING ! When I say everything I mean any dish you can make (Spanish food of course). So so so so good! I come here at least two every two weeks ! Haha Customer service is great and food tastes even better ! They a variety of many different sodas I totally recommend this place !! One lunch can feed 2-3 people. So don't eat with your eyes !

Visited this restaurant a few weeks and I will never return again. Overall this restaurant has potential as the food was good, however the service was awful. The women behind the counter are extremely rude , seem to hate their job, and act like they are doing you a favor by serving you food! I am a paying customer and I expect to walk into a restaurant & be treated with respect. Quality service is something that this establishment lacks. The owners of Cibao need to replace the sucky snobs behind the counter & hire friendly smiling workers.

This place is a must if you are in the area !!!! I live in CT and when I come to NJ this is on the list to come eat here . The rice and pork shoulder is amazing they definitely have something for everyone . From Spanish/Dominican food to burgers and BLTs they have it all .