Low-key place with a rustic vibe serving classic Puerto Rican dishes like pastelillos & shrimp stew.
Fran Nieves
This is the 2nd time I have been here. The first time I had the steak and onions and I did not enjoy it, Puerto Rican steak and onions is supposed to have a slightly vinegar taste and it was missing that .
This time I went with many people and everyone enjoyed their food except me and 2 other people. I had the chicken breast stuffed with sweet plantains and wrapped in bacon, the chicken was really dry and the bacon over powered the whole dish, I ate none of it . I did eat my rice and beans and salad. When the waitress noticed at the end that I didn’t eat it I explained it was dried and she said I should of told her in the beginning before I ate the rice and beans , so had to pay $40 for it. Also I got a side of veggies and as the flavor was great, the veggies were mushy in a sauce I did not enjoy that. My niece had the monfongo with shrimp, it’s supposed to come topped with a garlic sauce but the sauce was lacking a lot of garlic smh. My husband has the steak stuffed with sweet plantains and he didn’t care for it. My sister got the salmon she loved it, my brother got a seafood salad with monfongo he loved his fish. My grandmother got the shrimp soup and loved it, another niece got the grilled chicken and she loved it especially the sauce that came on it.
Service was good, nice atmosphere and presentation Food was expensive $40-45 a plate(the only included side is a salad, have to pay extra for each side , rice and beans should be one side, but it’s not). I honestly don’t think it’s worth the money. We cook traditional Puerto Rican food at our homes and love to go out to eat not only Puerto Rican food but any Spanish food and this wasent it.
… morePaul Arroyo
El Cilantrillo in Orlando, FL is one of those rare places where the food is excellent—but the service is what truly steals the show. From the moment we sat down, we felt genuinely welcomed, like regulars instead of first-time guests. The vibe is warm, authentic, and full of heart.
Ricardo deserves special recognition because his service was nothing short of exceptional. He was friendly, attentive, and sincerely cared about making sure our experience was perfect. Not the scripted kind of “good service,” but the real kind—easy conversation, great recommendations, and spot-on timing. Ricardo checked in often without hovering, remembered details, and made the whole meal feel relaxed and personal. That level of hospitality is rare and unforgettable.
The food absolutely delivered as well. The menu offers a great selection of authentic Puerto Rican dishes, making it tough to choose. The mofongo was fantastic—perfectly seasoned, beautifully textured, and packed with flavor. You can taste the care and tradition in every bite.
What makes El Cilantrillo special is how everything comes together: authentic food, a welcoming atmosphere, and service that feels truly genuine. Thanks to Ricardo, this wasn’t just a great meal—it was a great experience. If you’re in Orlando and want incredible food paired with next-level, heartfelt service, El Cilantrillo is a must-visit.
… moreI EY
Visited here a week ago and man was I not disappointed, everything tasted fantastic, my wife, and I ordered some of our favorites that we haven’t seen on the menu in a while, I got pechuga relleno de maduros everything tasted fantastic, my wife and I ordered some of our favorites that we haven’t seen on the menu in a while. I got the pechuga relleno de maduros with a side of mofongo and a side of fries (by the way the fries here are like crack, so crispy and addicting) The Mofongo was a little dry, but nothing a little mayo ketchup couldn’t fix, It was also just a basic Mofongo. It wasn’t like one of their entrée ones. I’m sure those are way better lol. My wife got bistec empanizado And that was incredible, it’s one of her favorite things. Overall, we both enjoyed our dishes. We were so full that we want dessert, but we just couldn’t do it so maybe next time we’ll definitely grab the Tres leches cake!! Highly recommend, I can’t wait until their new location opens on Chickasaw. That’s just down the road from us.
… moreTerri Ryant
Found my new favorite spot! The food is 10/10 and the service is top-tier. Honestly the most authentic Puerto Rican meal I’ve had in a while. Also, do yourself a favor and get the coconut mojito!
… moreAnna Clayton
What a delight! We visited on a Tuesday and it was packed! The food was phenomenal and so was the service! A little slow on the drinks and appetizers but the food was worth it! We ordered sorullitos, tostones rellenos de camarones and plenty of mofongo to feed an army. We also ordered drinks and my husband had the Churrasco with rice. We tried the cilantro rice snd masposteao… everything was delicious. Highly recommend you get pne dish with mofongo and one with rice because it is a lot of food! We had the garlic sauce on our mofongo.
… moreSamantha Elizabeth
The atmosphere is amazing! We where seated fast. The staff was awesome and so friendly. All the food we ordered was delicious and came out so hot! Definitely a place to stop in. This is now added to a favorite list
… moreGenesis Rosario
Cilantrillo is one of my favorite restaurants in Orlando. As someone who’s family comes from Puerto Rico, this is one of the closest spots I have been to that remind me of the island. Food is always on point at this particular location, service is always top tier, Ricardo in particular is an amazing server!! 10/10 would recommend.
… moreKatherine Mero Parrales
The food was delicious. We ordered a signature dish that was exactly as described and advertised, but the service wasn’t the best. We arrived to find empty tables, yet they still told us to wait outside. We asked the other waitress for recommendations since it was our first time, and she said, “That’s what the menu is for; what it says is what’s in the dish.” I found this rather rude. I mention it so they can improve that aspect of customer service next time. Otherwise, the food was delicious.
… moreDiane V
Excellent atmosphere, vibe and food just amazing! I was longing for mofongo and bacalaitos and these did not disappoint! In fact the mofongo is quite huge and beyond impressive. Super delicious as well! The servers are fantastic and extremely friendly. Totally recommend this Puertorican restaurant!
… moreMike TAvidian
El Cilantrillo on Semoran offers a dining experience that feels vibrant and full of life. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere had an upbeat yet welcoming energy that made the visit enjoyable right away.
What stood out most was the depth of flavor in the food. Each dish felt carefully prepared, delivering a satisfying blend of bold and comforting tastes. Nothing felt overly heavy — just well-balanced and thoughtfully made.
The environment encourages you to relax and enjoy the moment, whether you’re dining casually or spending time with friends and family.
Service was attentive and genuinely friendly, keeping everything running smoothly without feeling rushed.
Overall, El Cilantrillo provides a lively and flavorful experience that leaves a lasting impression.
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