La Dona was a welcome surprise of authentic and delicious Mexican food. We tried the Al pastor and chicken tacos. Loaded with flavor each was a dish we will be back for. The Al pastor was actually grilled to get that charted flavor- something many restaurants fail to do. Plates are of course accompanied by a couple types of red or verde salsas. We had chiles toreados which were cooked and seasoned perfectly. Service was super friendly and attentive. Ambiance is comfortable and clean. A smaller restaurant there is seating for approximately 8 different parties up to six. No outdoor seating. Definitely recommend. Will see you there. Happy eating!! read more

La Doña Cocina Mexicana - Al pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Wow! This place has ruined me for other Mexican restaurants! The flavors were incredible. Not overly salty like so many American Mexican restaurants. Fresh and beautifully presented! I tried the Chili Rellenos and the best ever! Also tried a tamale that was so good too! My friend tried 2 different tamales and loved them. She also got chips and salsa. Best salsa with incredible flavor! We both got the cucumber lime aqua Fresca and so refreshing with a little orchid on top! The place was adorable and the staff were super friendly and attentive. Definitely will go back!!! read more

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La Dona is a family-run restaurant serving authentic and fresh Mexican food. Warning: they do not have a liquor license yet, so if you are hankering for a margarita or Modelo with your food, you'll have to look elsewhere. The restaurant is small and simple, with cheerful Mexican decor. Our server was very sweet and patient as we perused the menu. On to the wonderful food. You start with warm chips and three salsas: tangy red, fiery verde, and interesting (and delicious!) brown, peanut-based. We got the guacamole diablo to go with, and it was fresh, tangy, spicy, and very generous portion. It is some of the best guacamole we've eaten in a long time. We also got queso fundido with chorizo and it did not disappoint. Creamy, gooey with a bit of a tang. So good! For entrees we tried al pastor tacos, quesabirria tacos, and chile rellano. All three were excellent. The quesabirria tacos were the standout: crisp tacos filled with shredded beef and cheese, with a lovely consommé for dipping. The al pastor tacos were very tasty, especially with some of the salsa verde. The only minor complaint is that the pork was slightly dry. We will mention that next time; it wouldn't stop us from ordering them again. The chile relleno are authentic and filling. We are happy to find this little spot and can't wait to go back. read more

This authentic newly opened Mexican restaurant is a great find! Quaint little family owned cozy restaurant with great service and food. The server/owner was very kind and patient as he walked us through all our questions. He explained that his parents were in the kitchen making all the homemade Mexican dishes. The homemade tamales and tortillas may have been they best I've ever tasted. After our meals the owner shared a warm horchata milk drink with us on the house. The restaurant has only been open for a month now but they plan on having brunch on weekends eventually. The goal is to share authentic Mexican cuisine not normally available in some Tex-Mex type restaurants. The dining area is bright and clean and there's a private parking lot available in the front and back of the building. Open 7 days a week. read more

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Yelp for the win......again! I don't think we would have found LA Dona without seeing a Yelp review. What a find! Real, authentic Mexican food,different from the sea of tex/mex places. Bright, fun interior, great service, DELICIOUS fresh food! Oscar, our server/owner, was so proud of his mom putting her heart into the food! They plan on offering brunch soon, which sounds great! What we ate: Tamales: Corn dough wrapped and cooked in corn husks, stuffed with chicken Huevis al gusto: Scrambled eggs with refried beans, rajas de jalapeno, and handmade corn tortillas. Esquite: Corn with butter, chile de arbol, epazote, mayo, cotija cheese, and lime Atole de Arroz: Warm rice drink, cream, cinnamon My rating rationale  +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value read more

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My daughter treated me to a Mother's Day meal at La Dona Cocina Mexicana and it was a very delicious visit! The dine in space bright and not too big. It's filled with colorful festive decor and a great playlist is playing in the background! They have a photo wall setup if you want to take pictures as well. For starters we had queso fundido with steak and my daughter had the guacamole. She loved hers and I really loved the fundido. So good! It was super flavorful. The Elotitos was delicious! It's similar to Mexican street corn. We also had the tacos Dorados and tacos al pastor which was soooo good! Go check them out y'all! read more

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Tucked away in an unassuming area of town, this little Mexican restaurant is a real hidden gem, easy to be missed unless you know where you're going. The food is fresh and packed with flavor, making you feel like you've stepped right into Mexico. The guacamole, with a nice kick from the Serrano peppers, starts things off perfectly. The quesabirria tacos are rich and delicious, especially when dunked in the clean, tasty consommé. But the real star is the tacos al pastor--marinated pork with a sweet and salty balance, paired with grilled pineapple, all on a corn tortilla that holds everything together beautifully. Add on a splash of some of the tangiest and spiciest green salsa I've ever had and the flavor profile of all of the dishes transforms into a whole new range of flavors. The service here is friendly and attentive, making sure you have everything you need without hovering. The vibe is authentically Mexican, with lots of Spanish being spoken by both the staff and the diners. It's refreshing to eat somewhere that stays true to itself and doesn't try to be anything more than what it is. If you're looking for an honest, flavorful meal, this place is definitely worth checking out. Definitely worth a visit over all of the big box bland Mexican eateries that have become so prevalent these days. read more

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This place was so good I ate here every night I was in town for a zouk dance festival. The owner/waiter started calling me honey! I loved everything I got here but the taco al pastor plate was my favorite, along with the mango cheesecake. Everything was fresh and so tasty, and the prices low. I also love the cozy, beautifully decorated interior and the people who work here are so friendly. read more

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Wow! When you first open the door, you can tell you're in for an amazing experience; not just food - experience. To say the decor is beautiful artwork is an understatement. It's all gorgeous! The host and server, Daniel, is a gem and is happy to talk about the origin of their menu and what makes them different. Surprise, it's everything. His mom is the amazing chef. The attention to detail in every presentation, the unique menu, the presence of every distinct flavor, it's truly a gem I hope RVA will support. A+ and can't wait to try everything on the menu. read more

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We had a great experience at La Doña Cocina Mexicana for dinner. We went for an impromptu dinner after I had heard about this restaurant on our local facebook group. The owner Daniel is from Guerrero in South Mexico. The food is flavorful and made with a lot of care. We had our 10 month old babies with us and they seated us right away and took our order for our apps and babies' food right away. They were very accommodating with our request. The owner's mother made fresh corn tortillas with queso fresco. The tortillas were pink in color (beet mixed with masa during making the dough). For app we had guacamole, it was fresh and bursting with flavor. The menu was new and different to me. Our server Oscar and the owner Daniel helped us decide what to get. We got picaditas with chicken and one of each sauce - green tomatillo, red tomato and guajillo pepper! The shredded chicken was tender and well cooked (My babies approved). My favorite sauce was the guajillo pepper. Just the right amount of heat! Quesadillas fritas with mexican potatoes was the star for me! Think a fried corn tortilla filled with oaxaca cheese (stringy and moist), onions, potatoes and served with consommé which the owner recommended we pour over the quesadillas before eating. It was crunchy on the outside and soft potatoes on the inside. A flavor and texture bomb. Our server Oscar checked on us numerous times and made sure we were comfortable. I am glad to have experienced their culture and family recipes! And will certainly be back! read more

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The best Mexican food in the city, hands down. Well-decorated interior that's kept clean. Amazing service. Friendly and helpful. read more

Authentic, delicious, fresh. Great customer service. Quaint decorative space but enough room for our family to enjoy. We'll be back! read more

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Very cute little restaurant along Horsepen rd., nestled right next to Mexico restaurant. We met the owner who greeted us warmly and we sat down to eat. The ambiance is cute with lots of flowers everywhere and a bright interior. The menu is very short but offers a lot of decent choices to eat, but I will say the first thing I noticed right out of the gate is that everything is a little pricey and the whole menu is a la carte. Most of the entrees are around the 12.50 mark and go up from there, but are offered without rice or beans and even the tacos came with no salsas on the side. The guacamole was very fresh and tasty and the esquites (think elote) was just sort of ok. We got al pastor tacos and chicken tostadas. They were served beautifully but again, no salsas were offered with the food and we had to ask. I will say the salsas were quite tasty but the food was overall a little bland and dry. I can't say enough things about the owner who was lovely and I wanted to like this so much more than I did. I would go back if I felt I either got great value or exceptional food, but I felt both left me feeling slightly lacking. I think most people would find this restaurant pretty exceptional, but with so many new and great Mexican places popping up, I feel like there has to be something a little more. read more

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Authentic delicious Mexican food, excellent service and decorated with so much color. I frequent as much as possible and am never disappointed. read more

Wow! Just wow. Not the same as the others. Not really sure it is Mexican, at least by Richmond's standards, but it made me think and feel like I was back in time in Arizona and Mexico. The consumme I will be stealing for home. The beans were great. Try this place. The service was spot on. The food was spot on. And it is right down the street. Just needs a license for beer. Treat yourself. read more

I went to La Dona Cocina Mexicana today with my sister. One of the best meals I've had! We had one if the corn appetizers, diablo guacamole (it had us sweatin'), enchiladas, quesedilla fritas, fried plantains, and Tres Leche cake. The restaurant is so cute, clean, the staff was nice, and absolutely delicious!! read more

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I don't want to tell you about La Dona because I want it to be a secret place just for me to throw down but I also want the world to know how amazing this place is so they stay in business forever! So I'm going to say it loud for the people in the back...THIS IS THE MOST AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD IN RICHMOND!! Everything about this place is 5 STAR. Quaint, cozy atmosphere. Friendly service. A little nook for insta selfies. But the food!!! Guacamole made to order with FRESH, HOMEMADE tortilla chips. Delicious aqua fresca made with real fruit. Tamales as good as the famous Tamale Lady in San Francisco. Tried the fried quesadillas with consommé. The server recommended pouring it in the bowl and it was pure magic! The chicken plate was also delicious. Can't wait to go back and try other items! read more

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This is THE BEST Mexican food that I have ever had and the owner is a sweetheart! can't wait to go back! read more

La Doña Cocina Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Best Mexican food in Virginia. Best spot for date nights. My wife and I eat here about once a week, can't ft enough of the truly amazing Guac, queso biarria tacos, and the salsa verde. Truly a unique richmond hidden gem and a must try. Staff is super friendly, the food is fresh and made in house, love the floral atmosphere. You can tell this restaurant is truly a labor of love and more than just a business. read more

Great food and service. Loved the atmosphere. I had a fried quesadilla with sort of salad on top and soup. Way different than I had at other restaurants. Excellent. Will be back. read more

Fabulous guacamole, just like Rosa Mexicano in NYC. Chunky flavorful and comes with homemade chips and salsa. Daniel was great. We will be back! read more

Ok! I need all your attention here please! The food, it's the most authentic sazón there is in Mexican cuisine, I'm saying real authentic flavor of the Mexican cuisine, sorry Tex mex fans, the service it's just awesome, it's a family own restaurant so they greet you and treat you as family, what service better than that, the ambience it's cozy, full of colors with its original cultural decor! Come and check it out for your self! The best in RVA read more

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Hands down the best authentic tacos I've had in a while. Looking for good, quality tacos? This is the place to go

This place has become my favorite mexican restaurant. It's like no other, no tex mex bs but AUTHENTIC Mexican food with a twist. Everything is amazing and has so much flavor The presentation is beautiful without compromising taste and quality. The tortillas are hand made everyday and the coffee comes from Mexico. I love everything I've tried from here, from breakfast to dinner and desserts. read more

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We went last night. Wow. Fantastic and authentic food. Hand made corn tortillas for my delicious tacos.

Literally a hidden gem. First time coming to this restaurant and boy their food did not disappoint everything is authentic and the atmosphere feels nice.they have fresh flowers at the tables. If you want different then what you usually eat then come here! their salsas taste different then anything I've ever ate before 10/10.i will definitely be coming back read more

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If you're looking for real authentic Mexican food, this is the place! Family owned with a true home made feel. The food is delicious and full of flavor. If you haven't tried it yet, you need to ASAP! The service was great. Everyone was very friendly, attentive and helpful. read more

Authentic Mexican. Nothing short of WOW. Not sure what else to say. If the tamales are available you need to get them.. this place literally feels like you are in a beach cafe in Mexico. Will be coming back for sure! read more

What a discovery! We just found our favorite Mexican restaurant. Food is authentic, fresh, and so delicious. Service was impeccable. Cute decor. Our favorite food was the tamales. The Tres Leche dessert was superb. Planning our return trip already. read more

Amazing food and phenomenal service from Daniel and his family. They just opened and you should totally check it out for real Mexican food! read more

La Doña Cocina Mexicana - Collection of delicious tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Food was decent, but the service was lacking. Our server was overwhelmed because they didn't have any help. The place was full so I wasn't too upset with waiting so long but the experience would have a lot better. It's a nice cozy little spot with beautiful hand drown paintings. I would give it more stars if I didn't have to wait so long. read more

Amazing food and service. Authentic Mexican food and such a cute vibe. They need more customers for sure! I know I'll be back read more

La Doña Cocina Mexicana - Quesadilla fritas - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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New to the RVA scene, a very authentic Mexican restaurant that reminds me exactly of the restaurants in parts of Mexico that are actually part of someone's home, with a seating area off the kitchen instead of an entry room or living room. The flavors at La Doña pop in every drink and food option. We had the very fresh homemade guacamole and the queso with steak and a chicken tamal for appetizers. We tried to eat politely but the flavors and freshness were just a little greed-inducing. Our main courses were equally amazing and mouth-watering. The tacos, the chilaquiles, the little round things that start with P ... you can't go wrong here! The service was excellent with extremely reliable recommendations and thorough explanations. And at the end, a sublime piece of tres leches to share. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a trip to Mexico without leaving the River City. read more

Cheerful, pretty decor and absolutely delicious food. My friend and I both had vegetarian dishes and they were excellent. Friendly, reasonably priced. read more

We stumbled upon this lovely place when looking for authentic Mexican cuisine in Richmond, and we hit the jackpot. The atmosphere was upbeat, bright and friendly. Daniel, the owner, spent ample time explaining the menu, the concept behind this family owned restaurant, and answered all of our questions. The best part...the food! Incredible. We had fresh guacamole (possibly the best I've ever had), tacos dorados, alambre, mango cheesecake (pictured), and a traditional Mexican coffee. It was one of the best meals I have had in a very long time, and it was so reasonably priced. There is no doubt we will return for many more meals. Highly recommend! read more

La Doña Cocina Mexicana - Mango Cheesecake - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Ageee with all the reviews, so good. The whole family loved what they got. We'll be back. Hope they get a liquor license soon, I bet their margaritas will be amazing. read more

The best Mexican food in the city super authentic. The hot sauces are actually hot . A must try don't delay hurry and go . Ask Danny for the tamales . And take a selfie . read more

Outstanding. Classic Guacamole alone is worth the trip! Chicken enchiladas with GREEN sauce was fantastic. Great atmosphere & service. Fresh ingredients.... Try something new at La Dona! read more

Food is fantastic, service is so so nice, the vibes are spotless. Get the steak or the enchiladas or the guacamole or really anything on the menu. read more

Have driven past this place a few times and decided to finally check it out...and I now have a new favorite restaurant! The food is fresh, authentic, delicious, and clearly made with love. They have 20 some salsas to specially complement each item on the menu. We were greeted by Daniel, who treated us like family. The interior is bright and colorful. It was an experience to eat here and I can't wait to come back! read more