Puerto Rican restaurants in Florida bring classic island flavors — from mofongo and pernil to tostones and arroz con gandules — straight to the mainland. Many of these spots are run by families or chefs with deep cultural roots, making them beloved local favorites that attract both longtime residents and visitors craving authentic Caribbean tastes.
Across the state, these eateries serve dishes that reflect traditional Puerto Rican cooking with regional flair, often keeping menus focused on hearty, comforting favorites. Whether you’re seeking a casual bite or a full meal that tastes like it came straight from the island, these Florida destinations deliver.
El Cilantrillo Restaurant – Florida Mall — Orlando, Florida
Start with the aromas that greet you at the door, a mix of sofrito, roasted pork, and sweet plantains. The Florida Mall crowd brings energy, but the plates keep things wonderfully homey and familiar.
Ask for the house mofongo with chicharrón, then drizzle the garlicky mojo until the plantains soak it up.
On weekends, pernil steals the show, its crackly skin giving way to juicy, seasoned meat. Pair it with arroz con gandules and a side of yuca al mojo for balance.
If you love heat, a splash of pique adds a bright kick without masking those island spices.
Service feels neighborly, and portions are Florida-sized, so sharing makes sense. Save room for tembleque or a slice of flan that’s silky and not overly sweet.
Prices stay approachable, making this a reliable stop after shopping or before a movie nearby.
Expect salsa playing softly and kids trading bites of tostones across the table. You will leave with leftovers, plus a plan to return for sancocho on a rainy day.
It’s that kind of spot, consistent and comforting, exactly when you want Puerto Rican classics done right.
El Cilantrillo Restaurant – Semoran — Orlando, Florida
Traffic along Semoran melts away once a plate of carne guisada lands at the table. The stew is hearty with tender beef, soft potatoes, and a sofrito base that tastes slow cooked.
Order pastelillos for the table, crisp pockets stuffed with seasoned beef or chicken.
Mofongo comes out tall and golden, with options like camarones al ajillo or churrasco sliced thin and juicy. Ask for extra ajo if you like it bold.
The pique here leans fruity, so a few drops brighten every bite without overpowering.
Lunch crowds move quickly thanks to a friendly counter rhythm and servers who remember faces. Daily specials rotate, but asopao on cooler days is non negotiable.
It hits that comfort zone right between soup and stew, perfect with a squeeze of lime.
Finish with a café con leche and a shareable tres leches that stays light. Prices feel fair, portions generous, and the vibe casual enough for weekday dinners.
When someone asks for a dependable Puerto Rican go to near the airport, this is an easy recommendation.
Pal Campo Restaurant — Orlando, Florida
There is a celebratory feel from the moment the host greets you, like walking into a family party that never ends. Music sets the tone, and the plates back it up with bold seasoning and clean presentation.
Pernil arrives with that prized crispy cuerito that shatters perfectly.
If you are here with friends, order a sampler with alcapurrias, sorullos, and mini mofongos to cover the cravings. The arroz con gandules tastes like a holiday table, deeply savory with bits of pork.
Churrasco lovers will appreciate the char and chimichurri that leans garlicky.
Cocktails showcase passion fruit and tamarind, bright and balanced instead of syrupy. Ask about weekend live music for added energy.
Staff moves with practiced timing, keeping courses steady without rushing.
Save dessert for quesitos, flaky and warm with a just sweet enough filling. Portions are generous, so leftovers are likely and welcomed.
For birthdays, big family nights, or out of town guests, this spot delivers Puerto Rican flavor with polish and a touch of festivity.
Pal Campo Restaurant Dr Phillips — Orlando, Florida
The Dr Phillips location adds a sleek touch without losing that warm Puerto Rican heart. Expect polished service, thoughtful plating, and a cocktail list that highlights passion fruit and guava.
Churrasco over mofongo is a must, with a sear that locks in smoky flavor.
Seafood fans should eye the salmon with mango salsa or camarones al ajillo over tostones. Both keep the garlic assertive yet balanced.
Arroz mamposteao is a sleeper hit, creamy, peppery, and deeply comforting alongside grilled meats.
Weeknights feel relaxed, making it great for date night or a business dinner that still feels personal. Staff happily guides first timers through classics like asopao or piononos.
Ask for pique on the side to adjust heat to your taste.
For dessert, share a coconut flan and a café con leche. Prices reflect the neighborhood but portions justify it.
Come for the ambiance, stay for the seasoning, and leave planning a return for their weekend special plates.
Made In PR Latin Cuisine Orlando Fl. — Orlando, Florida
Street food cravings meet home cooking here, and that combination makes visits memorable. A tripleta stacked with steak, pork, and ham gets pressed until the bread crackles.
Add papitas and a hit of mayo ketchup for the full effect.
Mofongo bowls come with skirt steak, garlic shrimp, or roasted pork that falls apart easily. Portions lean hearty, so sharing or boxing half is smart.
Pastelón offers a sweet savory balance that wins over anyone skeptical of plantains.
Service runs casual and quick, with staff happy to explain lesser known dishes. On busy nights the music turns up, adding to the lively counter vibe.
Ask about seasonal juices like parcha or acerola for something refreshing.
Finish with a tembleque cup dusted with cinnamon or a warm quesito if you spot them. Prices stay budget friendly, making it a go to for weekday dinners.
Come hungry, leave content, and expect to crave that tripleta again soon.
Casa Vieja – Orlando Florida — Orlando, Florida
Comfort defines the experience, from the friendly greeting to the smell of sancocho simmering. Bowls arrive steaming with tender root vegetables and fall apart chicken.
A squeeze of lime brings everything into focus.
Roasted pork tastes like a holiday spread, with well seasoned edges and juicy center. Pair it with arroz con gandules and amarillos for that sweet salty balance.
Tostones get extra love from a bright garlicky dip that disappears fast.
Service feels like visiting relatives who love to feed you. Daily specials rotate, so ask what the kitchen is proud of.
Portions are generous, prices kind, and leftovers make a stellar next day lunch.
Cap the meal with flan or tembleque, both classic and not too sweet. If you want unfussy Puerto Rican cooking that tastes like home, this is it.
Bring family, come casual, and prepare to linger over that last spoonful of broth.
Dos Bocas Restaurant — Kissimmee, Florida
The menu reads like a greatest hits album, and the kitchen plays every track loud. Alcapurrias arrive crisp with a beef filling that’s rich and peppery.
Mofongo comes crowned with churrasco or shrimp, and the garlic mojo ties it all together.
Arroz mamposteao is comfort in a skillet, creamy with beans and bits of pork. Ask for a side of tostones for dipping in whatever sauce is left behind.
The staff checks in often and keeps drinks full without hovering.
Weekend nights buzz with families and birthday songs. If you prefer a quieter meal, early dinners work well.
Portions satisfy big appetites, so bringing a friend is never a bad idea.
For dessert, split a tres leches and grab café con leche for the road. Prices are fair, and the parking situation usually cooperates.
When the craving for big flavors hits in Kissimmee, this spot delivers every time.
Tropico Mofongo Restaurant — Kissimmee, Florida
Mofongo gets center stage here, and the variations keep things interesting visit after visit. Garlic shrimp, churrasco, or roasted pork are reliable, but try seafood mix for a treat.
The plantains arrive mashed to that perfect balance of soft and structured.
Pastelón brings sweet plantain layers with seasoned beef and melted cheese. It is a comfort dish that wins over newcomers quickly.
Add a side of amarillos for a little extra sweetness on the plate.
Service is friendly and fast, ideal for family dinners before a movie. Music leans upbeat without drowning conversation.
If you like heat, ask for house pique and proceed happily.
Finish with flan or grab a to go order of alcapurrias for later snacking. Prices stay reasonable considering the portions.
You will leave satisfied and probably thinking about your next mofongo combination.
La Jibarita De Puerto Rico — Clermont, Florida
There is a cozy, hometown feel the moment you walk in. The menu reads familiar, but the seasoning makes it special.
Pernil carries deep garlic notes and a satisfying layer of crisp skin.
Arroz con gandules tastes like it simmered alongside the pork all day. Alcapurrias arrive hot and crunchy, perfect with a side of mayo ketchup.
Ask for a cup of caldo if you need warming comfort on cooler evenings.
Service runs personal, with staff offering suggestions based on cravings. Daily specials might include sancocho or bacalao guisado.
Portions hit the sweet spot, leaving you full but not weighed down.
End on a sweet note with tembleque or a simple quesito if available. Prices respect budgets and keep folks returning weekly.
It is the kind of neighborhood spot you recommend confidently to friends who miss island flavors.
Kafé del Puerto Puerto Rican Eatery — Cape Canaveral, Florida
Beach days pair perfectly with a comforting bowl of asopao that warms from the inside out. The broth carries garlic, cilantro, and a gentle heat that sneaks up kindly.
Tostones stay crisp enough to scoop up every last bit.
Roasted pork comes tender with caramelized edges, excellent with arroz con gandules. Add amarillos for sweetness or a side salad for brightness.
If you are catching a launch, this makes a satisfying pre show meal.
Service keeps things moving, and the counter setup works for quick lunches. Fresh juices rotate, with passion fruit often stealing the spotlight.
Ask for pique if you like a fruity, spicy drizzle.
Flan holds its shape and tastes pleasantly eggy, a classic finish after savory plates. Prices are friendly, and parking is manageable even on busy weekends.
Expect a relaxed vibe that suits sandy flip flops and big appetites alike.
La Creacion Bakery — Tampa, Florida
Mornings start sweet here, with trays of mallorcas dusted in sugar and ready for coffee. Quesitos flake into delicate layers with a creamy center that never feels heavy.
If you prefer savory, grab a pastelillo stuffed with ham and cheese.
The café con leche balances strong espresso and velvety milk, ideal alongside guava pastries. Take home a box for the office and watch productivity soar.
The staff keeps the case replenished, so fresh batches roll out steadily.
On weekends, the line moves quickly and the smell of freshly baked pan sobao fills the room. Ask about special orders for birthdays or office events.
Prices are fair, encouraging a few extra treats to tuck into the bag.
Before leaving, snag a tembleque cup or a slice of flan for later. Seating is limited but turnover is quick.
For a taste of Puerto Rico with your morning routine, this bakery hits the spot every time.