3 Spots for Authentic Caribbean Food in Virginia Beach

For lovers of tropical fare featuring Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin American flavors, we have you covered. From fried plantains to crispy, succulent Cuban sandwiches, here are some of our favorite spots for traditional Caribbean food in Virginia Beach.  

La Yaroa Tropical Restaurant

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Located inland in Virginia Beach, the menu at La Yaroa Tropical Restaurant is bursting with Caribbean, Latin, and often Spanish-inspired flavors. Dishing out what is the Puerto Rican equivalent of comfort food, it’s hard to go wrong with anything here. With traditional staples like Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp, Equipe de Pollo, Maduros and Tostones, and Guava Pastries, the food here is as tasty as it is authentic. Come hungry because the portions don’t skimp, and don’t leave without trying the crispy homemade empanadas and flan.

De Rican Chef

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Serving Virginia Beach for over a decade, De Rican Chef is still dishing out traditional Puerto Rican fare with perfection.  Located inland from the Oceanfront, the menu here offers authentic dishes like Carne Frita, Churrasco and Mofongo, which is a deep-fried green plantain served with chicken, seafood, steak or pork. Try the Alcapurrias, which are fritters of seasoned ground beef wrapped in a thin, soft masa and fried, and finish it off with the unbelievably delicious Tres Leches for dessert.

Carib Shack

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Featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Carib Shack has received a lot of buzz, both locally and beyond, and for good reason. Located in the Chesapeake Bay District of Virginia Beach, this family-owned spot features a Caribbean-style menu of traditional favorites like sweet plantains, Cuban sandwiches, curried bowls and jerk chicken that will transport you straight to the islands. Try the Shack Jerk Chicken, which is marinated in Scotch bonnet peppers and citrus, then stewed in coconut milk with cabbage, carrots and pigeon peas at high heat, resulting in a fork-tender, caramelized dish that will tingle your taste buds.

Cover Image Photo Credit: @_nomarama_