We chose to have dinner with some close family friends at De Rican Chef on Holland Road on a Tuesday evening. Service was great! They quickly moved us to a larger table when our party of 5 turned into 8 because of surprise guests! It was a long overdue reunion. A few of us were craving the Pastelon, since we are fans of sweet plantains, but sadly, they didn't have it available that evening. However, our kind server said we could order mofongo with the sweet plantains, so we decided to give it a try. We chose the steak strips and fried pork versions. Everything was delicious! We always enjoy the variety of the menu. Plus, the expanded dining room spaces make the restaurant very welcoming. Our party of 8 was treated well, and we all enjoyed our meals! read more

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We discovered De Rican Chef over 10 years ago and it's one of my daughter and I's favorite restaurants in VB. Since we were in the area and wanted to grab a small bite to eat, we decided to stop in. The staff greeted us as soon as we walked in and the restaurant smelled amazing, so we couldn't wait to grab a drink and order our favorites. We decided to sit at the bar, so we were given menus to look over and the bartender was very nice. I ordered the Spicy Passionfruit Margarita and my daughter ordered the Rican Rum Punch. Both were good but I enjoyed the Margarita much better! Since we weren't very hungry, we chose our favorites which were the Arroz con Gandules and the Relleno de Papa, which is a mashed potato ball filled with savory, ground beef. The food was flavorful and absolutely delicious! They also have a pink sauce, which is a ketchup/mayo mix, but it always pairs so well with the food. Everything was so good, we put in another order of both to take home lol. De Rican Chef never disappoints! After all these years, their food still tastes just as good as it did the first time we went! If you're looking for great, Puerto Rican food, definitely stop in!!! read more

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My husband lived in Virginia for a couple of years before he moved, and for my birthday, he decided to take me to some of the local restaurants he knew I would love. I have to give him credit--he definitely understands my love for food and knows that I'm a little particular about what I eat. Thankfully, every restaurant he chose was a winner! I absolutely love Puerto Rican food, so I was excited to try this place. Everything we ordered was incredibly flavorful and tasted like it was made with love. The restaurant itself was spacious, but it still had such a warm island vibe. The artwork, décor, and layout really brought the feeling of Puerto Rico into the space and made the experience even more enjoyable. The woman who took our order was so joyful and welcoming, which added to the overall experience. The platter of finger foods was fried to perfection--crispy on the outside and deliciously satisfying. The meat was tender and full of flavor, and the rice? That was a true taste of home for me. This meal was comforting, flavorful, and nostalgic all at once. It reminded me of the kind of food that brings people together and makes you feel right at home. My husband definitely knew what he was doing with this birthday surprise, and I'm so glad he introduced me to another restaurant that I can happily say was worth every bite! read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Not my first time here, it was as good as last time! They have a great Happy Hour menu but I had a margarita and shrimp mofongo. No regrets! Plenty of plump shrimp and the garlic sauce was yummy. My friend said her Mojito was good as well, with nice presentation. read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - Shrimp Mofongo with garlic sauce. Mojito. - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

When I'm in town visiting my family, I like to take my nephews out for an ethnic feast. This time we selected De Rican Chef. Restaurant is somewhat sizable, with vibrant decor. Our waiter Ronald was friendly and helped with recommendations. We went with the appetizer sampler that included beef empanadas, tostones, chicharones de pollo and one other delicious item that I forgot the name of. We added morcilla (blood sausage) and yuca fries to the appetizer round. Both were very good. We enjoyed the whole red snapper, churrasco mofongo, and bacalao guisado mofongo. All were excellent but we found the dishes with the mofongo to be our favorites. We ended with flan, tres leches cake, and platanos maduros. All three were great, the platanos were piping hot and high quality! Somewhat surprised that they didn't have coffee available but all in all, a great experience! read more

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Unprofessional and Discriminatory Treatment by Bartender Juan I came here with two of my friends (gay), and we all ordered the same drink, a pitcher of sangria that we shared equally. Out of nowhere, the bartender, Juan, decided to cut off only my two friends, even though we all drank the exact same amount. He told me I was fine to keep drinking, but refused to serve them and asked us to leave. The way he singled out my friends felt unfair, inconsistent, and discriminatory. They weren't acting drunk, disrespectful, or causing any issues. We were all just enjoying our time. Instead of explaining anything professionally, Juan handled the situation with attitude and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. This is not how customers should be treated, and it definitely ruined our experience. We won't be returning, and I hope management addresses this seriously. read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Delicious traditional food! Fresh hot - large portions. We started with the De Rican sampler, a mixed platter of Alcapurria, fried chicken chunks, plantains, and empanadas. I ordered the mofongo with carne frita (mashed plantains with a center filled with fried pork chunks and sautéed onions). It is the largest mofongo I have ever seen. Our table also ordered the burger with Swiss cheese and Pernil, and the pork chop with rice and beans. All large portions from the lunch special are $13 each. The restaurant made us feel as if we were dining on the island: the ambiance, the music, and the amazing staff. read more

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Came to check out De Rican Chef while in VA Beach. They did not disappoint! Everything came out smoking hot and delicious. Food came out quick and my taste buds were satisfied. The sampler came with several traditional Puerto Rican fried foods. The restaurant brings mayo ketchup bottle to your table with your food, which is great with the food. The mofongo was a large portion that comes with rice. The chicken with cheese dish came with rice. I selected the rice with gandules and it was flavorful. read more

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Food - delicious! Great presentation! Big portions Service - Outstanding! Very nice and attentive. Ambience- relaxing. Puerto Rican music playing in the background. Will definitely come back here again to try other things on the menu. read more

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If it involves rice and beans, count me in! This place is pretty chill. They have music and a TV on. There are plenty of places to sit and eat at tables, high tables, and the bar top! The menu is pretty straight forward and simple. I had a passion fruit margarita which was great! They make the passion fruit juice in house! I also had a glass of the passion fruit juice itself! The server was kind, and helpful & even sang me happy birthday! Ha! And also, EMPANADAS WITH PIQUE & sauce! They're so good! Arroz gandules, tres leche, pollo guisado are all my favorites! I did not like the mofongo, it lacked flavor. The only things missing from the menu were avocado and fried plantain! read more

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Good food, but the people working the the front are very nasty and unprofessional. Probably my last time eating at this place

Authentic Puerto Rican food at its best. Everytime I leave De Rican Chef I'm full and happy. Service never disappoints. read more

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Unprofessional and Discriminatory Experience by Bartender Juan I came here with my husband and a friend to enjoy a simple night out, but we left feeling uncomfortable and singled out. We all shared the same drink -- a pitcher of sangria -- and had the same amount. Out of nowhere, the bartender, Juan, refused to serve me any more drinks while still allowing my straight friend to order. What made it worse is that he told me that I was "fine to keep drinking," yet still wouldn't serve me. When we asked for an explanation, the attitude we received made the whole situation even more awkward and unnecessary. The way my husband and I were treated felt inconsistent and discriminatory. We weren't being loud, disrespectful, or causing any issues. We were literally just sitting at the bar having a normal evening. This could have easily been handled professionally, but instead it felt targeted and made us want to leave. Very disappointing experience, and we won't be coming back. I hope management takes this seriously because no customer should be treated this way. Keep in mind who is not going to have fun and laugh all night long after seeing a loved one after a while. read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - This is Juan the homophobic and rude bartender. - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Takeout Review: This place was amazing. I don't even know where to start! The De Rican Sampler was so good. The empanadas were my favorite, I should have just ordered a whole batch to go. Sadly the fried chicken chunks were a little burnt, but no biggie. For mains we got the mofongo relleno de pernil (roasted pork) and pollo (chicken). We opted for the rice and beans (DELICIOUS!) The only reason I am deducting one star is because the mofongo was missing when we got home, and that was what I was looking forward to the most. read more

Ngl I really ain't enjoy the food. Wasn't worth the price either. Had some steak and it was pretty bad, plus a sampler tray thing I believe. The service was alright. Ambiance is your normal restaurant setting. Good drinks. read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I've been coming to this spot for years and it is a must have when I'm passing though Hampton Roads. I decided to grab some pork belly as an appetizer and it was delicious with the perfect texture. It was crispy and most and very flavorful. I saved some to go with my entree and for leftovers. For me entree I got the fried chicken and rice. This definitely hit the spot and I was pleasantly surprised with the portion size. I sat at the bar and can say I had an awesome experience. Highly recommended and I look forward to my next visit. read more

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Ordered the pernil with rice and beans. The pernil you can tell was reheated and the skin was like shoe leather, have been coming here for over 20 years and have always been good. Unfortunately after the last two times, will be saying goodbye, very disappointed, but their beans always on point. First disappointment was a delivery, second was yesterday in the restaurant! read more

As vacationing in Virginia Beach this is by far the best restaurant I've been to. The food was fresh and flavorful. The service was great. 15 minutes off the main boulevard it's worth the trip. read more

Excellent food and huge portions. The decor/ambience was minimal, but we were there for the food. Would come again. read more

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I think we might have ordered the wrong food, which is the main reason why I'm giving it 3 stars. FOOD: We ordered the bistec and De Rican sampler. I didn't like the bistec because it was cube steak :/ I should have known, the menu says it but I didn't think twice about it. De Rican sampler is pretty underwhelming, we didn't like anything on it. I did however order the passionfruit mojito and I enjoyed that! SERVICE: Super friendly! 5/5 stars on service. Our server ended up recommending other food we should order next time we go, very nice of him! I think he could tell we didn't enjoy our meal. ATMOSPHERE: Okay, this place is HUGE! The place is clean and they have a fun vibe. Would I come back? I'd be willing to try it again! read more

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I've been to this location multiple times over the last 15 years. They are consistently the best place to get Puerto Rican food. It has plenty of parking and great service. The music is wonderful. It's a great ambiance! I will continue coming back. read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - Chillo Entero - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I've been to this restaurant in Newport News and since moving to Va Beach thought I'd give the location a try. The ambiance was nice family oriented, our waiter was exceptionally nice and attentive. Our food came out esthetically pleasing, HOT, and cocktails were tasty. I'd recommend a visit and saw that have happy hour which I hope to experience soon! read more

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Came here with a friend and got chicharrón. It was good just wish I had more lime and it came all as one piece. Something I'm not used to. My friend said the pollo guisado was gods and it was their first time having Puerto Rican food. I got the chuleta with white rice. It was cooked well. In which I added the beans to the rice myself. The tres leche was so delicious. We went around 4pm so it barely had people on a weekday. So we were waited on quickly. The restaurant is big inside so I think it can definitely fit a lot of people. read more

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Puerto Rican food isn't necessary easy to find so I was glad to have found De Rican Chef Holland. This location seemed to be away from the beach so I assumed that it would have more authentic flavors at a non-overpriced point. The appetizers were great --- something that you would find in Pinones or any of the beaches in Puerto RIco. The alcapurrias with a Medalla *chef's kiss* is something that brings you back to the island and the mains of course is delightful. The mofongo is something that is well balanced regardless of the protein you pick and the arroz con gandules is also a delight to see. There isn't anything bad I would say about the place. Would highly recommend anyone who is missing cocina boriqua. read more

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Once again I'm not disappointed it's my first time coming during lunch and I was in love the empanadas were amazing my food and my friends food was delicious I can't wait to return read more

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Food was so tasty! Service was pretty quick for a Saturday afternoon and our waitress was friendly. The pastelon was sooo good read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - Pastelon, Arroz Blanco Con Habichuelas (White Rice & Beans) - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This restaurant is pretty good! Server was attentive I just wish he knew more about the menu and the food.. cocktails were pretty good.

Celebrated a friend's birthday here and we had a great time. One of our friends is Puerto Rican and was able to suggest meals. The food, service, and ambiance was great! I ordered the tilapia with white rice and beans, belleno de papa -stuffed potato ball as an appetizer, a side of tostones, and mango juice. Everything was delicious My friend's orders were great too. Some had the pernil asado, gumbos, and the mofongo. We all enjoyed read more

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Amazing food and great service too. Everything I have tried on their menu has been ecellent. Highly recommend!

Recommended to me for some good mofongo and it didn't disappoint. Also ordered the octopus ceviche which was okay... basically octopus pieces drenched in Italian dressing with 6 tostones. Still good but not like the ceviche I've had before. Mofongo was plated well. Never seen that before. And portion size was huge! Service was excellent and very friendly! Surrounded by PR vibes from the decor to music! Definitely recommend. read more

De Rican Chef - Holland Rd. - Carne guisada mofongo - Latin American Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Best Puerto Rican restaurant in Virginia!! We have been going to this restaurant over 19 years and I have always enjoyed delicious authentic Puerto Rican plates just like if we were in the island. Their mojitos are amazing!! Their rice with pigeon peas and pernil is outstanding and any mofongo you order is absolutely delicious! My favorite is the one with churrasco and chimichurri. For dessert flan is the way to go! We highly recommend this restaurant. We have been to the one at Holland Road and also Norfolk. Both are consistently good. read more

As a Puerto Rican, finding authentic flavorful Rican food is hard but this place left me impressed and excited to come back for more! 5/5 experience. Tasted like I was back at my grandma's kitchen table read more

La comida y el servicio son excelentes. Nos sirvieron la comida fresca, calientita y muy sabrosa. Considero que la comida tiene un sabor muy auténtico de Puerto Rico. read more

I don't often write reviews but this is warranted. Ordered yuca fries and there was a black hair fried into one of them. The most disgusting takeout experience I've ever had. read more

OMG the pasteles were perfect! I had such a craving and was worried they might not have any. But they did!

Very unassuming on the outside but De Rican Chef is anything but ordinary, bland, or unsurprising... Everything I ordered to go was delicious EXCEPT for the tres leches cake which was dry even soaked in all that leches because I think it stayed in the plastic container in the fridge too long... a fresh batch would have been excellent! The other items I ordered were: shrimp empanadas (there are 2 empanadas in an order), beef and cheese empanadas, Dorado (grilled Mahi Mahi with Fresh pineapple, tomatoes and pickled onions toppings and rice (with beans and pork). Everything was fantastic - the shrimp empanadas were juicy, the Mahi Mahi was spiced right and the toppings were fresh. The rice reminds me of Mexican yellow rice but much better. Since it was takeout, I can't tell you about the service but the ambience was lively with music playing on the PA system, decorations were nice and there was a crowd already forming even when it was only 5pm! read more

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This place has gone way downhill in terms of flavor and service. I had chicken mofongo and the chicken pieces tasted like chewy cartilage. What previously was packed with garlic tasted like a bland chicken broth. My husband had shrimp and they were small and flavorless. So disappointing, especially for how much they've raised the prices. The bartender ignored making our drinks to flirt with some girls at the bar, so we didn't get our cocktails until our food came out. And to make matters worse, they were not even busy! I feel bad writing this because this place used to be one of our favorites. read more

We are visiting for the weekend and found this gem. Food service and ambience were perfect. Service Friendly staff who greet you very warmly and have us so many suggestions. The food was delicious. Appetizer - empanadas chicken and cheese and meet and cheese. They were both so good. Food- mofongo with fried chicken Mofongo with pernil Arroz con gandules fish with shrimp Habichuelas The mofongo was moist, the meet was so flavorful and the rice was so so good. Drinks The pasión fruit was fresh Pasión fruit mojito was really good Desert The cheese flan very good Cherry on top was the coquito! Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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Really great service for a large group except for the fact that they did not have our open table reservation that I had made a few days prior. It was okay though because we went at lunch and it was pretty quiet at the time read more

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I waited five days to write this review. First and foremost, I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and had been to this particular restaurant in previous years. It was always good and their mofongo was particularly good, especially with the "extra garlic" they always added. Well, that was then. We came here for dinner and I had mofongo with "pernil" and it minus well has been bread with water because neither the mofongo nor the pernil had any flavor. In fact, the pernil may have been boiled. It was awful. My wife had the mofongo with "carne frita" and, just like mine, the mofongo had no taste whatsoever. Her "carne frita" on the other hand did have flavor but, unfortunately, it was curry. CURRY!!!! I mean, you just cannot make this up! We left dumbfounded and ended up doing a late night run to subway as we ate very little of what we got and were hungry later that night. I really dread leaving this kind of review but it really was awful. read more