Perico Ripiao Latin Food
The Dominican spot in Kissimmee that made this whole family forget we were in Florida
How We Found It
Look, when you're a Dominican family living on the road in an RV, finding real-deal Dominican food is like finding water in the desert. You get tired of explaining to people what a chimichurri burger is (no, it's not the Argentinian sauce). So when we pulled into the Kissimmee area and saw "Perico Ripiao" on the highway, Melissa and I looked at each other like...
We didn't even question it. We just pulled in. The name alone told us everything we needed to know — if you know, you know. Perico Ripiao is the sound of home.
The Vibe
Walking in felt like walking into somebody's tia's house — if your tia had a liquor license and a DJ on weekends. The place is vibrant, colorful, and loud in all the right ways. Dominican flags, merengue in the background, and the smell of garlic and sofrito hitting you the second you walk through the door.
The menus are shaped like giant Dominican passports. I'm not kidding. The kids thought that was the coolest thing ever. Lily was pretending to stamp hers. Rose just wanted to eat. Liam was vibing to the music. Classic Almonte family entrance.
What We Ordered
Everything. We basically ordered everything. When Dominicans see a Dominican menu, portion control goes right out the window.
The Kids' Verdict
All three cleaned their plates. And if you're a parent, you know that's basically a Michelin star right there. Lily loved the maduros (her plantain obsession continues). Rose went straight for the rice and chicken. And Liam? That boy demolished a chimichurri like he'd been waiting his whole life for one. He basically had.
The Portions
Dominican-sized. Which means you're taking food home. Which means you're eating Perico Ripiao for lunch the next day too. We had leftovers for two meals. TWO. For a family of five. That's how you know it's legit.
What Surprised Us
They're open until 2 AM on weekends. This isn't just a restaurant — it turns into a full-on Dominican spot at night. Live music, drinks, the whole thing. We obviously didn't stay that late (three kids, remember?), but knowing it's there? That's the kind of energy we love.
Also — they do catering, birthday packages, and holiday events. So if you're in the area and want to throw a Dominican feast? They've got you.
The Only Downside
It's in Kissimmee and we live in an RV that moves. Which means we can't eat here every week. That's it. That's the downside.
The Almonte Verdict
If you're Dominican and missing home, go. If you're not Dominican and want to understand why we get so passionate about our food, GO. Bring the whole family. Order way too much. Take the leftovers. Come back next week.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perico Ripiao Latin Food — The Details
Address: 5295 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Phone: (407) 605-0742
Hours: Closed Monday | Tues–Thurs 11am–10pm | Fri–Sun 11am–2am
Website: pericoripiaolf.com
Cuisine: Dominican / Caribbean
Kid-Friendly: Absolutely. Bring them all.
Delivery: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub
Perico Ripiao — where every plate tastes like somebody's abuela made it with love. And a lot of garlic.