Oh wow!! My tastebuds were in heaven! If you want a savory and delicious culinary adventure, you must stop and eat at Chef Rafa’s. There were so many things I wanted to try. For my appetizer, I started with The Volcano Fries which had diced Tri-Tip, bacon, jalapeños, green onions, tomatoes, and their own cheese sauce drizzled with sour cream. For my main dish I had The Philly Rican Cheesesteak with sliced smoked Tri-Tip cooked in creole sauce mixed with bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños smothered with Swiss cheese on a grilled French roll. For dessert, I had a slice of Tres Leches. For my beverage, I had a Malta India. The music and vibes and the ambiance make for a nice atmosphere. The service was excellent and I left happy. My only gripe is that I didn’t get a Puerto Rican Flag ?? on my sandwich that is shown on every one else’s. I wanted to take good pictures. I will be back though.
The food was so authentic and fresh and very yummy. And the waiters where so kind I forgot to get there names. But over all it was such a wonderful dinner.
What a great find. This place is off the beaten path, but not out of the way. The atmosphere is nice and simple. The restaurant was very clean and the staff welcoming. The menu had plenty of options without being overwhelming. Even though, it was difficult to pick one thing since so many looked good. We settled on the volcano fries (I think), and I had the Philly-Rican sandwich while my wife and daughter split the bacon burger (I can't remember the menu name). The fries alone are worth the trip. So good. The flavors really pop. I had to make myself stop eating them to save room for the sandwich. The sandwich was full of flavor as well. I was only going to eat half and take the rest home, but ended up eating the whole thing. I had it a side of testones (?). Also very good. We finished up with a wonderful slice of tres leches cake. I honestly can't wait to come back and try more of the menu. Also, it's nice to have something truly different in the area.
This spot is incredible. Food was delicious, the staff was funny, and the restaurant had a nice layout with the Peurto Rican, Mexican, and American flags hung up. The empanadas were flaky with juicy chicken filling. The Cubano torta was crispy with tender meat and melted cheese. Tostones were just the right amount of crispy and savory. Their pork and rice with gandules were to die for. Not pictured: their tres leches cake which you can buy by the slice and is a great and light way to finish off your meal. 15/10 recommend. This is the best place in Merced, hands down.
Delicious! I had the pernil with arroz con gandules and I left my plate clean it was so yummy! The tostones were a great appetizer and their tres leches cake was a perfect way to end the meal. Very friendly staff and great salsa music playing. I will definitely be returning!
First let me start off with the fantastic food. Never had Cuban based food, for sure never had fried plantains. So happy I tried it, best surprise ever thank you George Hage for taking me there and thank you to the chef Micheal for cooking such delights and master thank you to chef Rafa who’s amazing idea it was to open a restaurant in Merced. A lil pricey but definitely worth the couple xtra bucks spent. The hospitality of Miss Alysa made us feel welcome and at home.
Very friendly service. The food is very delicious, their pork dishes are very moist tender and tasty.
Everything was delicious. The staff is friendly. Don't forget about the tres leches cake for dessert!
Awesome environment with good food that really tastes close to home....I enjoyed the Can can and the shrimp....it's a small spot so limited space when it's lunch hour but they do their best to accommodate. Enjoy
To all that will read this. You have to go to this spot. Service was awesome on behalf of all the staff. You get a welcoming feeling like when you go to the island and you are with your family.the food is so well cooked you know it is made with love. I say WEEEEEPPPPPAAAA . you will be seeing me back. . Many blessings. Come out and support support support.