The 4 best Puerto Rican restaurants in Orlando, according to our readers

Are you on the hunt for the best Puerto Rican food in Orlando? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 4 Puerto Rican restaurants in Orlando, based on a readers’ poll survey.

From savory mofongo to crispy empanadas, these eateries have it all. Let’s dive into the rankings and discover where you can find the best Puerto Rican flavors in town.

4. Dos Bocas Restaurant

Starting off our culinary tour at spot number four, we have the delightful Dos Bocas Restaurant. Now, if you’re anything like me, and you begin to salivate at the mere mention of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, then you’ll love Dos Bocas. It’s a place where every bite takes you on a direct flight to Puerto Rico — no TSA security check required. But this restaurant serves up dishes so genuine, you’ll believe you took the trip anyway.

Dos Bocas has mastered the art of Puerto Rican cooking. Each dish is a love letter to the island, promising not just a meal but an experience. And let’s not even get started on their desserts — the coconut creme brulee and flan are so divine, they could solve world peace. Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but they’re definitely capable of ending any dinner on a high note.

So, if you’re wandering around Orlando with a growling stomach and a craving for amazing Puerto Rican food, let Dos Bocas be your destination. Trust me, after a visit here, you’ll be planning your next trip back before you’ve even left the table.

3. 787 Mofongo

Snagging the third spot on our taste tour is none other than 787 Mofongo, where the art of mofongo-making is taken to new heights. Here, the mofongo reigns supreme. A mountain of perfectly mashed plantains is mixed with just the right amount of garlic and oil, and then topped or filled with your choice of tantalizing meats or seafood. It’s like a flavor party where everyone’s invited. Whether you lean towards the classic pork filling or venture into the seafood delights, each bite is an ode to the chef’s prowess and a nod to Puerto Rican traditions.

787 Mofongo’s menu is a parade of Puerto Rican favorites that complement the star dish. From the tangy zest of their carne frita to the comforting embrace of their arroz y habichuelas, every dish is prepared with care and authenticity. And, for the grand finale, wash down your meal with a refreshing pina colada. This creamy, coconut-infused beverage is the perfect counterpoint to the savory richness of the food and provides a mini-vacation in a glass, transporting you to the sandy shores of Puerto Rico with every sip.

At 787 Mofongo, the vibe is as inviting as the food, with a side of friendly service that makes you feel right at home. It’s a place where every visit is a celebration of flavor, culture, and the simple joy of a well-made meal. So, if your culinary compass is pointing towards the best Puerto Rican food in Orlando, make sure to chart a course for 787 Mofongo. It’s a trip worth taking.

2. Mr. Mofongo

Sprinting ahead to snag the silver in our culinary race is the one and only Mr. Mofongo. This spot is where the hunt for the best Puerto Rican food in Orlando takes a delicious turn. With a name like Mr. Mofongo, it’s no surprise that this restaurant elevates the iconic dish to levels that would make even the most discerning foodie nod in approval.

At Mr. Mofongo, you’re greeted by the aromas of home-cooked Puerto Rican fare and an ambiance that whispers a warm welcome the moment you cross the threshold. The magic starts with their appetizers — like the crispy tostones that crackle with each bite, paving the way for the main show.

The star, naturally, is their signature mofongos, a masterful symphony of mashed plantains, garlic, and crunchy chicharrónes, all coming together in a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Whether it’s paired with a side of succulent lechón that’s been slow-roasted to perfection or draped with a velvety curtain of camarones al ajillo, each mofongo serving showcases the chef’s dedication to flavor and authenticity.

Mr. Mofongo’s menu is a veritable treasure map of Puerto Rican classics, guiding you through a maze of flavors that span from the land to the sea. From the heartwarming richness of their carne guisada to the delicate balance of their bacalao salad, every dish tells a story on a platter.

Among Orlando’s Puerto Rican eateries, Mr. Mofongo stands out not just for its food but for its ability to create an authentic experience. It’s a place where every visit feels like a family celebration in a relaxed, kicked-back atmosphere. So, when the craving for Puerto Rican cuisine strikes, remember: Mr. Mofongo is where those cravings go to be joyfully satisfied.

1. Crocante Restaurant

Let the trumpets sound as we roll out the red carpet for Crocante Restaurant, the crowning glory of our quest for the ultimate Puerto Rican feast in Orlando. This shining star in the culinary universe has clinched the top spot in our gastronomic rankings. Why, you ask? Let me paint you a picture of what makes Crocante Restaurant a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for Puerto Rican delights.

At Crocante, every dish is a masterpiece, a culinary sonnet that sings praises of its Puerto Rican roots. Think of their menu as the ultimate guide to all the rich, unexplored flavors of the island. Their mofongo, a dish that has clearly become a beloved staple across Orlando’s Puerto Rican eateries, is nothing short of legendary here. But what sets Crocante apart is their meats. The Roti Kan Kan with mushroom demi-glace is nothing short of miraculous (no wonder it’s in limited supply) and their rotisserie chicken is second to none. 

In the culinary scene of Orlando, Crocante Restaurant stands above the rest for those seeking the authentic taste of Puerto Rico. Whether you’re a homesick Boricua or a curious foodie, a meal at Crocante is a journey to the heart of Puerto Rican flavor that you wouldn’t want to miss. 

So, if your cravings are steering you toward the best Puerto Rican food in Orlando, Crocante Restaurant is where your journey should end. Come for the pork belly, stay for the magic, and leave with memories of a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience (unless you’re a local, then you can go whenever you want!).

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