El Cid - Paramus

4.5 (59)

$31 to $50

Spanish

205 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652

Make a reservation

El Cid - Paramus

4.5

$31 to $50

Spanish

Paramus

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

Experience the authentic taste of Spain at El CID Restaurant in Paramus, NJ, a family-owned destination known for traditional Spanish cuisine, warm ambiance, and exceptional service. Specializing in classic dishes like paella, filet mignon, fresh seafood, and sangria, El CID offers an unforgettable dining experience perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, and special events. Located conveniently on Route 17, El CID blends old-world charm with modern elegance, featuring a cozy dining room, full bar, and private event spaces. Whether you're craving tapas, succulent steaks, or homemade desserts, our chefs use only the freshest ingredients to bring bold Spanish flavors to every plate. Discover why El CID Paramus is a top-rated Spanish restaurant in Bergen County. Dine in or order takeout today! Visit us online to view our menu, make a reservation, or plan your next celebration.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Spanish, Traditional Spanish
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 1:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 1:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(201) 843-0123
Website
https://elcidrestaurant.com/
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
205 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652
Neighborhood
Paramus
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Sliced Beef Tenderloin$47.00
in Red Wine Sauce on a Bed of Spinach
Rack of Lamb$47.00
on a Bed of Garlic Spinach
Surf & Turf$79.00
South African Lobster Tail and Filet Mignon
Prime Rib$79.00
Prime Sirloin$58.00
Filet Mignon$68.00
Murray's Chicken and Shrimp$36.00
in Mushroom Sauce
Murray's Chicken Madrid$30.00
Lemon & Sherry Wine Sauce on a Bed of Spinach

SIDES

Spinach Sauteed in Garlic$13.00
Spanish Rice$5.00
Spanish Chips$5.00
Vegetables of the Day$7.00
Crispy Garlic$7.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at El Cid - Paramus.

4.5

(59)

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Bergen
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

El Cid in Paramus is celebrated for its "best tail" surf and turf and authentic Spanish paella. Guests rave about "generous portions" and "excellent service." The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and attentive staff make it a favorite for special occasions. While some note inconsistencies, the overall experience remains highly recommended.

59 Reviews

C
Captain Gold
New York City16 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another excellent meal. Surf and Turf .Shrimp Cocktail
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L
Linda
New York City14 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 29, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nothing negative to say! Surf and turf: best tail I ever had. My husband was pleasantly surprised at his delicious Paella. Wonderful that your meal include Spanish rice and fresh vegetables. And don’t forget about the homemade chips! Hard not to eat all of them. Very attentive staff. Can’t wait to go back for the next special occasion.
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C
Charles
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on October 29, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Listen, the truth of the matter is I really don’t wanna give this review because I don’t want everybody going here lol. I want it all for myself. EL Cid is probably one of the finest restaurants you could ever eat at. Everything is extraordinary not one thing is ever bad. The people here are amazing. The owners/manager is an incredible person. The servers are amazing. You are never looking for anyone. The food comes out perfect every time. I love this place. It is my absolute favorite place. Whenever I can, and if I’m in the area, I go out of my way to get there every time. Five stars all day long. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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J
Jeff
New York City5 reviews
3.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Usually have excellent experiences here; this time my steak was very overcooked and service was slow, disjointed and not as attentive as previous visits. Will probably give them another try because as mentioned, we are fans and hope this was an anomaly and did not seem indicative of what they are capable of however consistency is what sets good vs. great restaurants apart.
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A
Andy Gold
New Jersey54 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Just keep up the great work you are doing. Great place good service.
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M
Mitch
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on October 23, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
El cid never disappoints, the new owners have upheld good food quality
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W
William
New Jersey37 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 10, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was not only Amazing but the serving size was very generous. The service was top notch.
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L
Leslie
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 28, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Was very happy with Quality of food a s well as portion size
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J
Jun
New Jersey1 review
5.0
Dined on September 27, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time visiting, wedding annversary. Great food, wine, wonderful staff, nice decor and ambience! From appetizer to dessert, everything was great
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G
Gregory
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on September 20, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. El Cid never disappoints.
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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Spanish, Traditional Spanish
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 1:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 1:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(201) 843-0123
Website
https://elcidrestaurant.com/
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
205 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652
Neighborhood
Paramus
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

FAQs

Yes, El Cid is well suited to date night: the restaurant describes itself as perfect for romantic dinners, and guests report celebrating anniversaries there.

The paella is a standout, the Dinner Menu lists Paella (lobster and shellfish combination), and multiple guests specifically praise the paella marinera and paella preparations.

Smart casual is the guide, polished but relaxed attire is appropriate rather than formal wear.

El Cid, Paramus is often quieter earlier in the evening and at lunch; guests note it “wasn’t too crowded at 6:30” and that early Sunday evenings and lunchtime visits feel relaxed.

Yes, El Cid is family-friendly: guests regularly bring children and celebrate family occasions, and reviewers note that kids’ dishes (for example, chicken fingers and fries) have been served.

El Cid feels like a warm, old‑school Spanish steakhouse with a cozy dining room and full bar, guests describe it as eclectic and intimate enough for date night, with attentive service (the upstairs area can be louder).

Sunday evenings are a standout, guests report enjoying Easter and Sunday dinners, and several visitors note the dining room tends to fill up as the night goes on.

Portions at El Cid are generous, guests frequently describe servings as very large, with many parties taking leftovers home.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

El Cid - Paramus

4.5

$31 to $50

Spanish

Paramus

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

El Cid - Paramus

Make a reservation

El Cid - Paramus

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

APPETIZERS

Shrimp in Garlic$24.00

Clams Casino$20.00

Escargot$16.00

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail$29.00

SOUP & SALAD

Soup of the Day$8.00

House Salad$9.00

FISH & SEAFOOD

Paella$39.00

Mariscada$39.00

Shrimp Enchilados$35.00

Shrimp in Spanish Rice$34.00

Broiled Salmon in Lemon Sauce$36.00

Daily Lobster Specials

MEAT & POULTRY

Sliced Beef Tenderloin$47.00

Rack of Lamb$47.00

Surf & Turf$79.00

Prime Rib$79.00

Prime Sirloin$58.00

Filet Mignon$68.00

Murray's Chicken and Shrimp$36.00

Murray's Chicken Madrid$30.00

SIDES

Spinach Sauteed in Garlic$13.00

Spanish Rice$5.00

Spanish Chips$5.00

Vegetables of the Day$7.00

Crispy Garlic$7.00

Loved For

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

FAQs

Is this a good pick for date night?

What is this restaurant's stand-out or favorite dish?

What is the dress code for El Cid - Paramus?

When is the best time to go to El Cid - Paramus?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What is the best day to go to El Cid - Paramus?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Make a reservation

El Cid - Paramus

Make a reservation