“Gran Electrica’s culinary concept is to provide a unique spin on traditional Mexican foods from all over the country—especially beach and street cuisine.”
I couldn’t tell you the first thing about quantum physics, but there’s an undeniable magnetic force within Gran Electrica, DUMBO’s prized Mexican restaurant. The food. The location. This place just pulls you in.
Gran Electrica’s culinary concept is to provide a unique spin on traditional Mexican foods from all over the country—especially beach and street cuisine. All too often, restaurants east of the Mississippi slop refried beans, heaps of rice, and canned mole over soggy enchiladas and call it Mexican cuisine. Not so at Gran Electrica. Head chef Rolando hails from Mexico and lends authenticity and inspiration to the restaurant’s menu, while the mother-daughter duo of Juana and Miriam hand press each tortilla to perfection every day. Owners Tamer Hamawi, Elise Rosenberg, and Emelie Kihlstrom encourage the chefs at all their restaurants to build strong relationships with local farmers and maintain a “table to farm” system (rather than “farm to table”). Diners at Gran Electrica will appreciate this fusion of locally sourced ingredients with handmade, authentic Mexican dishes. We tried the Fish Tacos and can recommend it with confidence.
“Gran Electrica’s interior dining room walls invoke a Day of the Dead theme, with art inspired by Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada. Skeletons prance about iconic DUMBO attractions...”
Hamawi, Rosenberg, and Kihlstrom have found a truly amazing space nestled in 5 Front Street, known to be New York City’s oldest commercial building. Greeted with a lush, green living wall upon entry, we advise diners head toward the garden dining area outside in the back, where vine-covered brick walls give way to a skyward view of the Brooklyn Bridge arching above. Dark wood furniture compliments the space adding warmth and comfort. This is an impressive, romantic outdoor space that will make patrons swoon.
For days when indoor dining is preferred, Gran Electrica’s interior dining room walls invoke a Day of the Dead theme, with art inspired by Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada. Skeletons prance about iconic DUMBO attractions such as Jane’s Carousel and the Manhattan Bridge, a darkly witty and fun motif.
“it’s perfect for dinner, events—or for just sucking down refreshing grapefruit margaritas on a hot summer night!”
Gran Electrica is DUMBO’s Mexican jewel and definitely worth a visit. Be sure to take advantage of their beautiful outdoor space this summer. Equipped with a full bar, it’s perfect for dinner, events—or for just sucking down refreshing grapefruit margaritas on a hot summer night!