🇵🇷 La Yaroa 🌴 Tropical Restaurant & Lounge 🇩🇴 — Restaurant in Norfolk

I have been here many times. I always loved this place…. Always the Yaroa was made so good with chicken. Today it was terrible. The chicken was totally different. I asked why it was different today and the waitress said they changed the recipe 3 months ago “ because they use to make it with real chicken but now they don’t use real chicken”. What?? I asked if they could please make me mofongo instead but use beef since they obviously stopped using REAL chicken. I was told no because I ate some of it already…. I literally ate like 5 bites out of an enormous plate so 90 percent of it was still on my plate. That’s the main thing is they wouldn’t even make me something I actually like so I left without even eating any food but like five bites. My Son had ordered the same thing. They gave me a discount and charged me $23 but the point is they wouldn’t even make me any food that I wanted. So I left hungry. I had just got off a plane from Puerto Rico and was really looking forward to eating here because it was always so great but I probably won’t ever go back now, because I didn’t even offer to make me something that I actually wanted to eat. It tasted gross. The plantains were good on the plate, but not whatever that meat was 🤮🤢 It’s obvious they changed the recipe by buying low quality fake chicken to make more profit. Bad customer service if you won’t make a different dish to please the customer. Plantains don’t cost that much money and the Fake gross chicken they put in the Yaroa Does not cost that much. They could have just made me something different. I wasn’t trying to get free food. This used to be my favorite restaurant. Look on here when I first ate there and you will see my other review praising them. I would have paid for something different a different dish. But they literally refused to make me another...

If you're seeking an authentic taste of the Dominican Republic, La Yaroa Tropical is an absolute must-visit. This vibrant eatery serves up the heart and soul of Dominican cuisine, offering bold flavors that transport you straight to the Caribbean.

From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere feels like home, with colorful decor and the friendly hum of Dominican music in the background. The menu is a celebration of rich, comforting dishes that reflect the country’s diverse influences.

Start with the mangú, a creamy mashed plantain dish, perfectly paired with los tres golpes (fried cheese, salami, and eggs) for a hearty and satisfying beginning. Next, indulge in the sancocho—a savory, hearty stew filled with tender meats, root vegetables, and the comforting taste of Dominican spices. The depth of flavor in every spoonful is a testament to the slow-cooked tradition of this beloved dish.

But the real standout is the mofongo, made with mashed green plantains and served with savory garlic sauce and your choice of protein, whether it's shrimp, pork, or beef. The crispy exterior combined with the rich, garlicky filling is nothing short of addictive.

What truly sets this restaurant apart, however, is the impeccable service. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and eager to share their love for Dominican culture and cuisine, ensuring that your experience feels like a feast in a friend’s home.

La Yaroa Tropical is a true gem for anyone craving Dominican food—each dish is packed with the bold flavors and warmth that make the cuisine so beloved. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, this spot will quickly become a favorite. Highly...

I was looking forward to come here. I even told my team of 18 about this place. I decided to go this evening on a “Scout mission” and try it out. It was a mistake. Arrived at 6:20 pm. I was Asked to sit between two industrial size fans. I brought my one year old with me. They had a high chair. The waiter was nice but not great. I sat with the same almost empty glass of water for 45 mins. I ordered a garlic chicken breast with rice/beans and ripped plantains. A fairly simple dish that doesn’t take long to cook. I asked for an update 40 minutes in as there were only two other tables (4 people) ahead of me. Meanwhile, there is very little going on, the place only had four other filled tables. I was about to leave as my baby looked so hungry. 45 minutes later got my dinner without the fried plantains. It took another 5 minutes for it to be ready (no skills necessary, just fry them but came out burned anyways sigh). Chicken breast was chewy, the beans/rice was good. I fed my kid and went to pay as I didn’t want to have to wait for the waiter for what now feels like an eternity. Again, nice people. Cashier asked me about the service after she noticed I only left 15% tip. I told her it was slow. She said “the kitchen was busy”. I mean...I was there the hole time and there was only two orders in front of me. Don’t buy it.

Very disappointing. I wish I had a better experience as I wanted to recommend this place. I’ll tell my class we should go for tacos instead.

Do...