Madina Pollo Reina — Restaurant in Herndon

If you don’t feel like reading my long review, just do yourself a favor and GO HERE! You won’t regret it! Best food in all NOVA/DMV!

I came here after I saw an Instagram post of their chocolate cake. The post left me drooling and I knew I had to make a stop there even though I live 2 hours away. I clicked on their page and the food looked mouthwatering. The pics were the selling point for me.

They are located in a brand new shopping center in Herndon Virginia. Easy to find and very clean looking area with ample parking.

I walked in and wow, the esthetic and vibe of the place is beautiful! I thought it was a franchise but lo and behold it’s a family business and this is their only location. The layout is very spacious and with COVID, the tables and chairs are spaced perfectly. The floors are stunning, the vibrancy of the fire red counters are such a nice touch, as well as the easy to see and creative flaming menus. Visually 10/10

The Manager of Madina Pollo Reina, Mike, is OUTSTANDING. He provided me with a first class experience when dining at Madina Pollo Reina. I have been to Hispanic chicken joints before and always felt uncomfortable as I don’t speak the language or don’t know what dish has what type of ingredients. But Mike was so well spoken and so helpful in explaining every detail of the menu, what’s popular, what he recommends, and what kind of sides they offered. I didn’t feel uncomfortable ordering or unsure, and for that I thank you! You’re an incredible asset to the place! I hope the owners read this, you make the place so warm and welcoming! He gave me a sample of one of their drinks and it was nice to sip on while I waited for my order to arrive. 10/10 customer service.

I ordered the Lomo Saltado, and 1/2 a chicken with a side of corn and yuca. And MY GOD! The best chicken dinner I've had in a very long time! Everything was cooked to utter perfection. This sounds kooky, but you can tell they are passionate about what they do because you can taste it in the food. It’s not some sloppy meal thrown on a plate. It’s made with love. The chickens flavor was penetrated deep in the meat which is something I’ve never experienced. The skin was crisp to perfection and wonderfully wonderfully seasoned. The yuca was creamy on the inside, and crunchy on the outside. To die for. The corn was buttery kernels that’s had been sautéed, they complimented the chicken perfectly. There were 3 different sauces, all were delicious in their own right. I recommend the green with the chicken, the yellow with the yuca, and the red if you’re feeling super spicy 🌶. The lomo Saltado was absolutely hands down a flavor bomb! The meat is high quality cuts and it wasn’t rubbery or gamey. It was tender cuts of meat, accented with potato, tomato and red onion. It was piping hot and a complete home run! Both dishes were excellent, so much flavor and the chicken was fall off the bone and juicy. Portions were more than enough. Food 20/10

I ended up getting the chocolate cake which was so chocolatey and decadent. Definitely one of the best I’ve ever had. I didn’t expect a chicken place to have such an amazing dessert. Seriously guys! AMAZING! I also tried an Argentinian or Peruvian cookie the elfahores cookie, man if I wasn’t watching my weight I would’ve bought them out! They melt in your mouth and are such a great cap off to the meal. The caramel is such a rich smooth consistency. I devoured my dessert. 10/10 hands down! Amazing!

Overall my experience has been anything short of perfection. This is my new go to! My only qualm if I had to choose would be more of a selection of desserts. 2 just isn’t enough!

A must go to place if you are in the area. Family owned, the service was non par. Thank you for a memorable dinner experience.

Keep up the great work Madina Pollo Reina! You have a new follower for life!

Also there was a female employee restocking the cooler, if you’re reading this,...

When my husband and I saw an ad today for a new Peruvian chicken place in Herndon, we knew we had to go ASAP. As soon as we entered, I noticed that the place was really clean which is always a plus when you’re going to a more casual dining location. Plus you have a clear view of the charcoal chicken roasting which not only looks great, but smells delicious!

The menu had a variety of choices for Peruvian chicken, in addition to other popular Peruvian dishes, such as Lomo Saltado. I ended up getting a quarter chicken with two sides (all the chicken comes with two sides) and my husband got the Lomo Saltado which comes with rice and your choice of one side. We saw a bunch of other great stuff on the menu like tacos, wings, and other small bites. They also have Afghan kabobs which surprised us, but is a plus for families who may want different types of cuisines and not have to go to different places to pick up food. Everything is 100% halal.

The chicken I got was hands down the moistest Peruvian chicken I’ve tried in the area and was well seasoned too. The best part of having a juicy piece of meat for dinner? Having a juicy meaty side! The glutton in me picked beef stew as the side to my chicken which was equally well seasoned and tender. Meat with more meat-why not!? The stew was so good, it really deserves to be its own entree. Other great side options included chicken teriyaki, fried rice, beans, salad, coleslaw, veggies, potatoes etc. I tried my husband’s Lomo Saltado which also did not disappoint and came with hand cut fries mixed in the juicy steak goodness. Portion sizes were just right 👌🏼

We didn’t try the desserts or drinks here, but it is worth noting that this place carries fresh tamarind juice and my all time favorite-horchata. We’re definitely coming back to this place. Recommendations to the owners: Keep up the great work! Would love to see more desserts like some alfajores, flan or churros. Your food is delicious and congratulations on the launch! 🎉🙌🏼

Atmosphere/Cleanliness: Casual-10/10 Food-9/10 Price-10/10 (the wing prices especially are...

Located off Alabama drive in Herndon, this gem hidden away in a semi residential and commercial area in the community is Madina Pollo Reina. I was looking forward to eating in this location when I discovered in Google Maps. It's relatively a medium sized eatery that can't seat a decent size group. Decorated in a red and white theme with the company's logo, with efficient table placements and chair. As you walk in you can see the freshly prepared foods under an overhead display with the current menu. I decided to order the orange chicken with rice and my drinks. As I waited, the business associate was prepping the tables for customers that wood be coming in. I was personally really to beat the lunch crowd. I like to soak in the atmosphere of the restaurant and outside activity to gauge the business during its low to high volume traffic. Once, I received my order I observed the packaging of my meal, which was nicely prepared in compact plastic and Styrofoam containers. The food was perfectly heated to a temperature I could immediately begin to eat without worry of burning myself. The orange chicken was good and the rice was cooked with the consistency I am familiar with. I was surprised with the portions as each chicken bite was large, crispy and covered evenly with the orange flavored sauce. Overall, a great place to dine in our order out. You week not be disappointed with the orange chicken platter. I...