Canastas Chicken — Restaurant in Virginia

This restaurant serves excellent eats. I am a huge fan of the lamb chops with chimichurri!!! The quality of the food, the huge portions, and the amazing flavors are sure to put a smile on your face and sunshine in your belly.

The cafeteria like set up really doesn't do the food any justice. You won't be wowed by the ambiance, not one bit, Luckily, any one of their menu selections is a meal that would be best enjoyed from the comfort of your own home, mainly because you won't want anyone to see the way in which you will completely inhale this food and ferociously lick your plate.

I gave Canastas 4 stars because the food is superior, but I must give a fully honest review. For those who are sticklers for sanitation, I did witness a particular employee eating a hand held sandwhich behind the counter while walking back and forth very closely to the buffet. While eating, he tossed his hair, and touched his face and nose several times. He consumed the sandwich uncomfortably close to the open food that would be served to customers. I watched with hawk eyes to ensure that nothing fell from his sandwich into the food trays. He appeared to be no older than 18, so I'm sure he really didn't know any better. He was just walking around eating as if he was in his kitchen at home. I didn't stay to see if he washed his hands before going back to work, but I kinda have a feeling that I...

We had 1/4 Peruvian chicken and anticuchos. The food was good; best anticuchos we’ve ever had in Richmond or Virginia for that matter. The service was ok...

When we arrived, there were no tables available. A couple had just finished, stood up and left. Before we grabbed their table, I notified the lady at the register and asked her politely if she could clean the table for us. She looked confused and gave me a bit of an attitude.

While we were dining, three customers came in without a mask and they had to walk around our table to get in line, making us feel unsafe and uncomfortable. Similarly, two guys working in the food line were not wearing their mask properly and had it all the way down to their chin.

Would I go back? Probably not unless they increase food and health safety measures as we navigate this time of a pandemic. The staff and clientele alike were not respecting social distancing or the business’ requirement to wear a mask upon entry. It’s a shame that some businesses still operate with little or lack of consideration for the health and safety of their customers and employees.

All in all, the food was good but I was put off by...

First time eating here and was looking forward to what they had to offer. I’ll start with their chicken. It’s charcoal broiled and seasoned very well. It’s nice and hot, and packed with flavor thanks to their Peruvian spices and cooking technique. Fall of the bone tender, and a must have when visiting! I had green rice, (was pretty good), and red potatoes. The potatoes weren’t seasoned too well, (nothing a little salt and pepper couldn’t fix), but we’re cooked nicely. I also ordered a small side (8 oz) of fried plantains. The plantains were sweet and provided a burst of flavor to my pallet. They were cooked very well and complemented the chicken nicely. Also a must have when visiting. I meant to order empanadas (chicken and cheese), but completely forgot :(. Someone please let me know how they are! The sides were hefty portions and definitely enough to keep you full for hours! Nice low key restaurant worth a visit! Great for families, date night, or eating alone. Will be back for more chicken, fried plantains, and to order...