Cheerful ambiance, gracious service from an attendant young woman who also seemed to be doing a good deal of kitchen help. The food was well prepared, seemed to have a solid consistent quality to it across all the dishes we tried, and everything was flavorful. We were a bit shocked at how real and fresh the two passion fruit items were--we didn't taste the normal crazy amounts of added sugar. read more

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We came to try out some Puerto Rican cuisine, and it was a relatively good experience. El Cilantro offers a traditional menu with a good number of dish and drink options. This is not a high-end restaurant and more of a casual experience. We ordered the octopus mofongo, the empanadas and the alcapurrias. For drinks, we had the pineapple juice. Out of those, the empanadas and the juice were really good. Other than that, the rest was OK. The service was excellent, and our two waitresses were helpful and professional. The vive felt traditional and colorful. The restaurant is located in a centrally located small shopping plaza with plenty of free parking. If you are not familiar with the area, the GPS will take you straight to it. read more

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They lie about whats in the food. Horrible customer service When you explain there's an issue they ignore you. Food is salty and cold Below is supposed to be a pork pasteles it's obviously chicken read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - A. Chicken pasteles that they say is pork. I paid for pork. This is obviously chicken - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Todo muy rico! Que bueno encontrar una opción boricua. Comimos mofongo con churrasco. Great option for puertorican food read more

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I lived in Puerto Rico for many years- this is the real deal- authentic and delicious! Que riiiiicccco!

Delicipus food from Puerto Rico that has great portions, first class service and an amazing owner!

Luv it Food is Delicious . Finally Puerto Rican real food . The food here is always fresh

this is their steak milanese which they refused to refund me on (her name is Dayane or something similar). But yea the photo says it all - burnt to a crisp, no meat whatsoever inside and its in the trash where it belongs. I'll take the review down after receiving a refund and rightfully so. read more

Ok, straight to the point: the food was amazing! I've been fortunate to have traveled a lot growing up with my parents work, and as an adult I followed that same trend, although in an entirely different industry. However, I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and nothing hits the spot like some great Boricua food! This place is great, the people are friendly, the tables are clean, there is plenty of parking, and if you are feeling like mixing a little bit of Puerto Rico with a little Brazilian "picaña", this is the spot! I've been here numerous times and will continue to do so! read more

Food is good. Rice very salty. Music TOO Load. Owner should lower the Music. This is not Sport Bar. Food is almost puertorrican. read more

The food is over salted, the rice was very greasy and sticky the alcapurria was salty and raw I side. I am Puerto Rican and saying this is not good, there are other places. read more

El Cilantro is a pleasant restaurant with a wide variety of Puerto Rican dishes. I have had a pleasant experience when I have visited this place. I recommend it. read more

Since our "go to" Puerto Rican in Monroe closed we've been hurting for our Mofongo fix and alcapurrias. We've eaten here when it was a Brazilian restaurant and it was meh ok, and now that it's a "Puerto Rican" restaurant it's meh ok. The prices are definitely reasonable and the menu has a lot of traditional Puerto Rican dishes and appetizers. They also have Mofongo and Trifongo. The Mofongo could be wetter or perhaps served with a side of garlic sauce to wet it up. The pernil was good as was the Chicharron. We enjoyed the Alcapurrias and the bacalaitos. The service was ok, I didn't get any Boricua vibes from any of the servers which was noticeable. Puerto Ricans have a magnificent charm about them and it was not present in any of the staff. Perhaps the Rican is in the kitchen, but their are no Boricuas in the front of the house. They didn't have any good desserts, but the Parcha was good. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Bacalaitos - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

The food is amazing. The food and ambiance is beautiful and makes you feel at home! I recommend them

My wife and I discovered this place while we were out shopping in Minh Hill. Wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. I had the Pernil Mofongo and she had the Chicharrones Mofongo. Both were very authentic. Nice portion sizes and very tasty. We had Tres Leches for dessert, which was also wonderful. We'll definitely be returning. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. Made sure we had the best experience. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Pernil Mofongo and Chicharron Mofongo - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Food is amazing, it was my 3rd time visiting and finally it was a new face who greeted me. Much better then the person before who was sort of rude and made me feel like I was a nuisance. This third time was gonna dictate my final review and thankfully for them the young lady who served me was very kind. Food has always been top tier so if you're looking for delicious Puerto Rican food, definitely the spot to try. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Pork belly, Arroz con gandules and platanos maduros. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Good news: Saturday's lunch Feijoada is still on! And generous as always, we ended splitting one portion and taking the other one home. Also Portuguese is no longer the official language, Spanish is. I'm not giving it a fourth star because the casserole was all pork with hardly any black beans in it to give it consistency and the Morcela ( aka Morcilla or Black pudding ) was MIA -luckily we got some in the freezer and that shortcoming will be taken care of. At 2 pm we were the only customers there and I got a little worried but soon people started arriving for take-outs and dine-in. Only one person behind the counter, she was new at it and a bit overwhelmed I'm sure she's going to get caught up real soon. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Finally we do have an AUTHENTIC Brazilian restaurant in town. The menu is not huge but it has all the main dishes you would find in a traditional brazilian restaurant. I have decided to try the burger (because Brazilian burgers are different) and it was indeed pretty authentic. They also do have fresh brazilian salty snacks fried upon order, so it will be very fresh! You will also find a great selection of brazilian deserts, including cakes and mousses. Service was spectacular too, very impressed with this place and I hope it stays this way and it can branch it out around town! read more

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I just loved it! Food felt very homemade, everything freshly made and delicious. We ordered picanha and milanesa. They served us fast, restaurant was clean, the dessert was good. And the food was very delicious My baby eat all her food! ** she's a picky eater** The lady that served us was very nice read more

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Two people go in for the "shrimp in garlic touch". Staff said we could mix the shrimp with the steak (which was the worst cut of meat. 50% of out was a slab of fat). Went to pay and they charged me for two plates of shrimp in garlic and two steak in garlic, not a one mix plate. $15 for each plate and $2.25 for a CAN of soda. For total of $68. Will step foot in this restaurant again and do not recommend! read more

Everything is fresh and delicious! Staff let us sample one of the coconut desserts when it had been made fresh. We also purchased a passion fruit and mango mousse, both decadent. read more

I was here for a business lunch. The place is spotless clean and very cozy! The front desk is so pleasant, welcoming sweet and forthcoming that you will have your best lunch here I guarantee. The the menu is very easy to read and they have pics and promos for the day. Food is freshest and all well put together, I looks so nice on a plate, you wanna take a pic of it. Come here! read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Strogonoff de carne Their very best meal I believe. It is too delicious to be true! - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Yuck yuck yuck yuck!!! I can honestly say this was The absolute worst food I have ever had in my life!! I'm 100% Puerto Rican and grew up eating food from authentic bodegas and cuchifrito stands in nyc along with literally every single family member cooking the same foods found in the this restaurant. The food was terrible!!!! I ordered the pernil... I took one bite and threw it out. It literally smelled like dirty feet. The rice and beans was mushy and had a weird taste and the steak that my husband ordered tasted like it was marinated in pure vinegar. The tostones were so greasy and chewy and tasted like they were reheated. I wouldn't eat here again if it was free. The service /waitress was very nice and sweet so I hope she finds something elsewhere. There was another couple there having lunch and the gentleman (also hispanic) was eating the same dish as me. He didn't eat and said it was terrible. His Wife took a bite and spit it in her napkin. Save your money and go to McDonalds instead. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Bistec empanizado - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Absolutely AMAZING. Cantina Do Brasil is a solid 5 stars! If you haven't been here yet, I highly recommend you drop by soon. I had their Coulotte Steak and Crispy Chicken. Both came with white rice, black beans/pinto beans, a fresh salad/potato salad, and a choice of 1 side! I chose the yucca fries and plantains. And everything was spectacular! The steak was so juicy and full of flavor. The crispy chicken was also so moist and delicious. I really loved their yucca fries as they were so golden on the outside, but fluffy on the inside. And their plantains were not too sweet, super plump, and perfectly cooked. I also got one of their caramel trifles. And it was superb. It had just the right amount of everything. I almost ate it all in one sitting. Was it that good? Yes! In fact, I saw two of their employees taking some trifles home as well. One of them started eating his trifle in the parking lot. LOL! I don't blame him. Lastly, the service here is really great. The lady who took my order was so kind and let me eat inside, even though I placed my order 15 minutes to closing. Thank you! Oh yeah, this place seems authentic too! I saw Brazilian flags and soccer jerseys. The news was on, but it was in Portuguese! read more

Was able to attend the grand opening for Cilantro and had an amazing time! They had pleneros and most importantly, amazing food! This locally owned restaurant serves authentic puertorrican food that makes you feel like you are in the island. I encourage you to stop by and try it. You will not regret it! read more

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WOW!!!! This place is amazing. Brand new Brazilian restaurant in Matthews. The servings are very generous and everything is imported from Brasil, even the rice!! We ordered so much and the bill was way less than I expected. I can not wait to go back. The owners did such a great job here. The staff is so friendly and the atmosphere is beyond welcoming. GREAT PLACE!!!!! read more

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My wife and I had given up hope for good Brazilian food in Charlotte, but we found it here! Delicious and authentic food. The rice and beans were super tasty as was the farofa, and the picanha flavorful! The service was great, and it was great to hear Portuguese all around us. This will definitely become a go-to for us. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Picanha, rice & beans - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Definitely a place worth trying. It is authentic Brazilian food. All employees are Brazilians what means that your food is being prepared by people that grew up in Brazil. You can't get more authentic than that, only if you actually travel to Brazil. I ordered chicken parmigiana with potato salad to go. The portion was so generous that that I could share with my husband. The chicken was juicy and the food was really well seasoned. I also got a delicious white chocolate cake (ouro branco). When I arrived to pick up my food I was greeted with smiles. The cashier lady is super nice! They also deliver depending on your address. For sure I'll be ordering again and will try to bring my husband along next time. I heard they have special plates on the weekends even the traditional "feijoada". I can't wait to try. It's a really laid back atmosphere with very good customer service. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Chicken parmegiana with potato salad. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Best food in the city and it's grub cooked with love. So come enjoy some good down south cooking. read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Food Truck - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

Great food and great people. One of my biggest pet pieves is showing up to a restaurant and the staff not being friendly. This is not the case here. You enter and they give you the salutation if the day and are very friendly. The food is top notch. In my opinion the best Puerto Rican restaurant in Charlotte. read more

Wow excellent place for food I am on a keto diet and they did an amazing plate for my diet read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

My wife is from Puerto Rico but doesn't cook. I fell in love with the cuisine and this restaurant is by far the best. Lots of options. Very tender chicken. I try to eat there once a week. Hap Welty, Matthews read more

Amazing authentic food with exceptional service. (Not sure if they speak English, but the menu has both English and Spanish) Make sure to try the Passion Fruit milk shake. read more

This restaurant here is all the feels. I love it. It definitely brings me back to Puerto Rico with some of their dishes. The octopus empanada are excellent. I have also had their Brazilian side of the menu which is just as phenomenal. I recommend this place to everyone. My food always comes out great. Thank you for being consistent in your quality of food. read more

Simple, hot, good tasting Brazilian food. Friendly staff and owner. Will plan to visit again.

Dropped in for a coffee frappe. Waited for 10 minutes. Counter attendant seemed very confused. Order up and appeared to be milk, 2 ice cubes, undisolved powder mix, softly shaken, with whipped cream on top...for six bucks. PLEASE EDUCATE STAFF ON HOW TO MAKE THINGS THAT ARE ON MENU AND PLASTERED ACROSS YOUR WINDOW'S IN LARGE LETTERS! Very disappointed read more

I absolutely looooove this restaurant. Not only me (I am Brazilian) , but my husband (American) as well! We love to go there on Saturdays for their delicious feijoada, and usually I grab an order to go for the next day, so I can make it a full weekend of superb Brazilian food. Service is excellent, the side dishes, the dishes presentation, every little detail is made to perfection. Even though we live 30 minutes away, we drive there as often as we can, in order to pamper ourselves with their authentic, well prepared, perfectly seasoned food. We can only dream that one day they branch out and open additional restaurants in other parts of Charlotte area. read more

I was looking for new and different places to grab lunch today with my friend, Ginny. This one popped up and grabbed my attention. So, we met there. First impression was that it was a rather sparse place, probably one that will attract native Latin Americans for the FOOD. In fact, the few occupied tables around us were speaking a foreign tongue, what I assume was Portuguese. The nice lady behind the register, who took our order, could not speak but a few words of English. She used a lot of hand symbols, which made it feel even more exotic and more true Brazilan. She was super friendly and we were able to work it out. Our food came out just as we ordered. I had the grilled chicken plate, which came with rice and black beans and I ordered a side of the sweetened fried bananas. The food was delicious. I thought the chicken could have been just a bit more tender, but it was still tasty. For my drink choice, I had the acai with water. They had a lot of natural juices to choose from - just like what you would find in Brazil. I wish they would have offered iced tea, but that is not a Brazilian staple, like it is for us southerners. This is a fun spot with traditional Latin cuisine. I like to support local restaurants and I hope my Yelp friends will too. They are definitely worth trying! read more

El Cilantro Restaurant - Puerto Rican Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

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Authentic Brazilian food, great atmosphere and warm service. I highly recommend. If you want a good food this is the place.

Fantastic service, great people, even better food!