Delicious authentic food. Relaxed ambiance. Good service. No complaints. Large portions, too! read more

"Delicious Honduran food just south of I-85 on Guess Rd in Durham" Came here on a Saturday evening a little after 6pm-- this is the building that used to be "Pad Thai" a few years ago. There's parking out front, but not a ton, and a bit more along the side. Inside, there's a counter by the door with a register and mints (and probably where one would pickup takeout), but you wait to get seated. The place was bright with interesting Central American paintings and lively music. A few tables were taken but it was hardly what I'd call "busy". I ordered the Tajada con carne molida (fried plantains with ground beef) off the "Honduran menu". My dining partner had a creamy chicken mofongo. We also had Jarritos sodas-- I got the pineapple and she had the tamarind. One awkwardness was that the menu didn't have any prices, but I assumed (correctly) that nothing would be crazy expensive that we ordered (though weirdly the tamarind and pineapple Jarritos were different prices). Service was good-- although English was a second language, our server made do, accurately took our order, and was attentive. As other reviewers noted, this is not a speedy place-- I think it was at or maybe over 20 minutes to get our food, but that was fine. Both dishes were really good. The creamy sauce on the mofongo was to-die-for... so yummy. And I enjoyed my plantain/ beef dish-- my dining partner said it was somewhat analogous to "nachos" in a funny way, and she's not wrong. The plantains were pretty stiff-- almost like plantain chips, but still yummy, and the beef and accompaniments were excellent (see photo). The quantity was HUGE-- both of us had enough easily for a second meal. Price wasn't bad-- with the drinks and tax and tip, it was slightly over $50 total. Overall, I'm very happy we tried this place, and I have every intention of coming back. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Tajada con carne molida- ground beef with fried plantains - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Wow. This place was delicious! The 4.9 stars are accurate. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it is fresh and delicious. Went with a friend. I had a dish with a pork chop, shrimp, and plantains. Huge portion. Couldn't stop eating it. Fresh, hot, delicious. The food is authentic. Service was friendly, atmosphere casual. Not fancy, but delicious! read more

La Casita Restaurant - Pork chop with shrimp and plantains. I don't remember what it was called; I call it delicious! - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

What I recommend: The sancocho As a proud Dominican, I can say La Casita is as authentic as it gets. The food tastes fantastic and reminds me of home every single time. It's one of the only places in Durham where you can find true Dominican flavors, and the sancocho especially took me right back to Santo Domingo. The biggest downside is that the food can take a while to come out and it's a little pricey depending on what you order. But when the food hits like this, it's worth the wait. If you're missing home or just want real, authentic Caribbean food, La Casita is the place to be. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Sancocho - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Met a friend there at 9 pm on a Friday. They had their phone stolen the day before returning home from the Caribbean, and I had one I was selling. Not a tech person. We met there because it's a good location between houses and work. A bright smile from the hostess greeted us at the door, even though they closed in only an hour. I have been here several times before and only ordered empanadas (which are amazing!) but I wanted more. This is a Dominican place, and my friend got excited because a former work colleague/roommate was Dominican, and they have actually visited the DR. The dining room is brightly lit, very neat and tidy. 2- and 4-top tables, as well as a few tables along a banquette on the right as you enter. There is also a very small bar to your left (maybe 6 seats.) A futbol match is usually playing, closed captioned. It's the only TV in the place. Few on the staff are fluent in English. Everyone on the staff wants to understand you and get you something you'll love. We gringos have horrible language skills, but we tried. I wanted a sampler plate, and we finally got that across with Apple Translate and Google mostly agreeing. (Una plato con una pequeño de todos cosas) It was too late to get anything like that. I wound up ordering something called a Conoa (I think) which is a deep-fried plantain split open (before frying!) and filled with a hearty meaty cream sauce. I got one with Shrimp, but they also have chicken and other flavors. Ten minutes later, it arrived. It was great, maybe a bit overpriced for what it was, but it was late, my friend got their phone, we made new friends from other places, and all learned about each other. Mission accomplished! read more

La Casita Restaurant - The Shrimp "Canoe". Very tasty. - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

So happy this place exists! A little piece of home. Coming from NYC one of the things I miss is plentiful diversity in food options. Another is home cooking from mom. This place is authentic Dominican cooking! The decor is definitely something you'd see back home down to the type of cups they use. Service was good but the English is not very strong which was fine for us and feeds into authenticity of who's making the food. I ordered the mini mofongo, Bolitas de yucca and cheese and a guava/cheese pastelitos. I am not accustomed to mofongo with white sauce and don't love the sauce but otherwise it was good. And the pastelito was delicious and full of cheese (yes that important). My sistered ordered the mango tres golpe which was amazing!! They even had Presidente beers! I also had the maracaya juice (doesn't have milk) which was also good. I will definitely be back. read more

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We ended up at this spot because someone claimed there were no Dominican restaurants in the area. Boy, did this place prove them wrong! The restaurant is decorated in a fun, colorful way, complete with Dominican flags and paintings. Our waitress seemed to know little English, or perhaps she just found it easier speaking with the Spanish speakers in our group. Either way, I had no trouble placing my order. I ordered the Large Boca Chica Fish, and when everything arrived, there was absolutely no disappointment. Everything tasted amazing with excellent flavor. I was told it was authentic to the food back home in the DR, but all I know for sure is that it was good to the last bite. I could eat here a hundred more times, and I probably will! read more

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Good Food, Great Service, Nice Ambiance ‼ Our Servicer was great and the restaurant was empty, but the food was hot and fresh. Presentation was nice. I had the red snapper, my wife had the beef, flavorful but a little tuff, my daughter had the chicharon de pollo, good pick, an also the empanadas were good . And the prices were good too. All around great experience read more

La Casita Restaurant - They bring your check to the table in this little casita with candy inside. Nice Touch - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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If you are near Duke University, you need to check this place out. It's a very quaint, highly stylized little Latin restaurant with surprisingly excellent food. The atmosphere is friendly, but there were not many patrons (I was the only one). The music was light Latino, not unpleasant at all. The waitress was very friendly and attentive - and I got to practice my Spanish which was rusty at best. I ordered Camarofongo - their take on Mofongo con camarones, a Dominican/Puerto Rican dish made with garlicky mashed plantains mixed with pork, topped with shrimp and a delicious white butter sauce. It was very good, and reminded me of a long ago vacation in San Juan, Puerto Rico. That plus a couple of cold Negra Modelo's left me feeling full and satisfied. I highly recommend La Casita restaurant. You won't be disappointed! read more

La Casita Restaurant - Camarofongo - Classic Mofongo topped with shrimp and butter garlic sauce. Muy Delicioso! - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Ohhhh buckle up, because La Casita's spicy oxtail stew deserves a standing ovation, a slow clap, AND maybe a small parade down Main Street. Here's the vibe: Walking into La Casita in Durham feels like stepping into someone's abuela's kitchen--warm, lively, and full of aromas that make your stomach do that little "hey there..." shimmy. But the real star of the show? The spicy oxtail stew. My goodness. The bowl arrives looking innocent enough... until the steam hits your face and whispers, "Hope you stretched first." The broth is deep, rich, and full of that slow-simmer magic that only happens when someone is cooking with both patience and ancestral approval. The heat isn't a slap--it's a perfectly choreographed dance: a little tease, a little tingle, and then a warm, flavorful hug that says "don't worry, I've got you." The oxtail itself? Fall-off-the-bone tender. Like, don't even bother with a knife tender. It's the kind of meat that makes you pause mid-bite to reflect on your life choices and wonder why you haven't been here sooner. The spices are layered so thoughtfully you'd think someone with a PhD in Flavor designed it. The best part is how everything plays together--spicy, savory, slightly smoky, all soaking into whatever carb vessel you've chosen: rice, plantains, tortillas... honestly, I'd pour it over a flip-flop and still be delighted. If comfort food and bold flavor had a baby, and that baby grew up to be a fearless overachiever who aces every test, it would be this stew. Final verdict: La Casita's spicy oxtail stew isn't just a dish--it's an experience. A flavorful, fiery, soul-warming experience that will have you planning your next visit before you've even finished the bowl. If you're in Durham and you skip it? I'm not saying it's a crime... but it should be. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Spicy Oxtail - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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La ubicación del restaurante engaña por que por dentro está muy bello y bien cuidado. Vine con mi familia por primera vez y quedé encantada con el jugo de chinola y la habichuela definitivamente volveré!! Me gusto mucho la energía de la chica que nos atendió. Bien tranquila y paciente! Whoever is managing this location Keep it up yall doing amazing!! read more

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C'mon Durham, why aren't you all at this place?!?!? Walked in on a Thursday at 1pm and it was empty. Boy was I glad I stopped here. The young lady attending me was very nice, polite, and had a great smile. She recommended the lunch portion of fried chicken, to which I added an order of tostones and a beef empanada as an appetizer. Everything was SOOOOO delicious. The fried chicken was flavorful, juicy, hot and crispy. The beans on the rice were phenomenal. Washed it all down with a cup of mango juice. Don't walk, RUN to this little gem in Durham. The food is incredible! read more

La Casita Restaurant - Fried Chicken Lunch order with red beans and rice, cabbage salad and a side of tostones. - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food was delicious especially the chicken stew with rice and black beans since the chicken was tender and flavorful. Overall, it's a hidden gem for Dominican food in the Durham-Raleigh area. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I forgot to post from the last time we were here. The empanadas are the best! We got ham and cheese and they are really some of the best we have had. We always get our orders to go but we have enjoyed the morir soñando juices, empanadas and rice and chicken dishes. We saw there was a special for Dominican Independence Day so we git the dinner platter. Prices are reasonable and staff is friendly. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Pollo / Chicken - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Great food and drinks. This is authentic Dominican food. You must try. Customer service is great. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Extensive menu, cozy ambiance, friendly service. Everything at other tables looked amazing. My chicharron de pollo with rice, beans, and maduros was expertly prepared, fresh and delicious. Can't wait to return. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Chicharron de pollo, frijoles, arroz, maduros - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

5 Stars!....Across the board & more, if I could give it!! Outstanding Dominican cuisine in a friendly, comfortable environment. Excellent service too. The food is the real deal here and the taste is very authentic. Took me back to my many trips and business visits in the DR. From the Mofongo, Empanadas....to the Oxtails, Churrasco, Chicharrones...to the Sancocho Soup & Latin-Caribbean version of Pollo Frito (Fried Chicken).....Everything was cooked to perfection. I highly recommend the Sancocho soup with Rice on the side. The taste, seasonings, and flavors ranged "bells of heaven" with each bite. I couldn't get enough of it. A feast and food moment at its best! The fresh squeezed juices are well worth a try too and the price. Hands down!....The best Dominican restaurant in Raleigh-Durham!! And, so glad to see the food landscape changing and shift in the diversity of cuisines/offerings coming to this southern region of the US --which has always had a long history of being known mostly for BBQ and southern comfort food-eats. A special shout out to Erica for helping us understand everything on the menu and making us feel like family. I stamped this place as a "Foodie-Experience" and worth a try! Will definitely be back on my next visit to the area. read more

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From el patio to Durham! Authentic Dominican food. Very traditional, nice people, and tasty.

The food was delicious. The service is improving, they are new so please be patient. But they're attentive and friendly. The ambiance is fantastic! The decoration of the inside is top notch. Everything very authentic. We will definitely come back and try other dishes. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Decor - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Great service and the food is amazing! I would recommend anytime! Location and the building itself, make you feel at home "La casita" and the decor is amazing as well to give you that feel!!! read more

What a lovely colorful place we found in Durham with nice music Delicious food, we ordered the Mofongo Solo y empanadas ham and cheese. The coffee delish!! Super friendly customer service makes you feel like you travelled to DR. Thank you! For your kind and friendly service! read more

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Food was authentic... from a Dominicans taste buds. Service was kind and attentive. Ambience was decorated with a Caribbean vibe. 45 minute drive was worth it. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Trifongo with chicken in yummy cream sauce. - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Solid Dominican food! Caldo de res was top notch. I had a bit of a cold and it did the trick. GF had the fried chicken. Solid. They're drumettes so don't think you're getting a quarter of half chicken but the flavor is great. The aioli is a great complement as well. Restaurant is still pretty new so they may run out of items during your visit. But I hope they succeed. You don't come across authentic Dominican food in North Carolina, let alone Raleigh. I'll be back... read more

La Casita Restaurant - Sancocho - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food was amazing, the best mangú I ever had! Un pernil delicioso, y también el pollo guisado. The service was delightful, the staff and the kitchen took good care of us. The area around looks a little sketchy, but the place is well taken care of and super clean. We'll be stopping at La Casita again even if we are only driving through town. read more

I have been at La Casita several times and plan to visit again. I am from PR and can say the flavors of their cuisine are legit! This food has authentic Dominican Republic flavor. Try the mofongo, empanadas, stewed chicken and fried pork. Delish! Highly recommend! read more

My food was very good, the service was excellent, and they have indoor and outdoor dining. I like the ambiance. read more

La Casita Restaurant - Mofongo crispy chicken. - Dominican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Food is great and the atmosphere is vibrant. A great place for hang out with friends. Not for quiet people. The tripe soup is delicious. Steak is great. We tried the mofongo. Good prepare is not super fast but cooked very well. Definitely a go place read more

10/10 el mejor restaurante dominicano que e comido en la área de Raleigh-Durham. The area is beautifully decorated. Don't judge it from just passing by it. The employees were so friendly and made me feel like we were welcomed. I will be thinking about this food until the next time I come back! The taste brought me back to my mothers and grandmothers kitchen. Definitely come by! ALSO GRAB THE PASSION FRUIT JUICE read more

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Excellent experience all around -- good food, outstanding service, comfortable atmosphere. Will dine here again when visiting Idyllwild.

Excellent food and very good service. I loved the very cozy place. The drinks were very good. It has a very familiar atmosphere, you feel at home. I would like to try the entire menu. I will be back very soon. Very typical Dominican food and a very wide and varied menu. read more

The chicken was extremely dry! I ordered the roasted chicken and rice and beans. I wasted my money!

Very nice place! Great decor, friendly service, excellent food! there are dishes available that do not appear on the menu - ask the server. read more

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La comida deliciosa y Un sabor tipico dominicano.Buen servicio y un ambiente agradable.