Kissimmee and Poinciana are home to one of the largest Puerto Rican communities in Florida, and the food here is the real deal. This is my local's guide to the best spots for mofongo, lechón, pernil, alcapurrias, and everything else that tastes like ...
My go-to in Poinciana. The mofongo with steak or shrimp is the real deal, and the papas rellenas are dangerously good. Friendly service and a lively vibe make it perfect for a family dinner.
Borinquen Restaurant & Pizzeria (Poinciana)
Orlando's mofongo paradise, and worth the trip to Kissimmee. Everything's hand-mashed in the traditional pilon and topped with garlic shrimp or tender pernil. Don't skip the alcapurrias.
Chimiking (Kissimmee)
A local favorite on Vineland Road with some of the best mofongo in the Kissimmee-Orlando area. Generous portions, great Latin flavors, and always packed for a reason.
Tropico Mofongo (Kissimmee)
A big, festive spot known for huge portions of classic Puerto Rican comfort food. Great for groups and celebrations. Come hungry and order the pernil, tostones, and arroz con gandules.
El Cilantrillo (Kissimmee)
Their ultimate Puerto Rican platter – pernil, mofongo, tostones, and arroz mamposteao – is exactly what you want. Bold, smoky, authentic flavors and a fun atmosphere.
Grillers Puerto Rico (Kissimmee)
Part bakery, part Puerto Rican kitchen, and all delicious. Come for the quesitos and pan sobao, stay for the mofongo and homestyle plates. A Kissimmee institution.
Melao Bakery (Kissimmee)
A fun little Puerto Rican snack and souvenir shop. Grab warm mini donuts, frituras, limbers, and a taste of the island to take home. Great quick stop with the kids.
Coqui Snacks (Kissimmee)
The name says it – the best taste of Puerto Rican cuisine in the area. Cozy, authentic, and consistent. A go-to when I want real home-style Boricua cooking.
Pal Campo Restaurant (Kissimmee)
For lechon done right. This is where you go for slow-roasted whole pig, morcillas, arroz con gandules, and pasteles. Old-school, no-frills, and completely worth it.
Lechonera El Jibarito (Kissimmee)
A polished take on Puerto Rican and Latin comfort food, just minutes from Kissimmee near Lake Buena Vista. The mofongo and jibarito sandwiches are standouts. Great for a nicer night out.
Sofrito Latin Cafe (Lake Buena Vista)
Another lechonera worth the trip – tender lechon, arroz con gandules, and a warm, home-style vibe. Follow their Instagram to catch the daily specials before they sell out.
Lechonera El Yunque (Kissimmee)
Authentic Puerto Rican food that tastes like a trip back to the island. Generous plates, friendly staff, and flavors that keep me coming back. Try the pernil and the tostones.