Caffe Colao Resturant

Caffe Colao Resturant

8901 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23229, United States

+1 804-728-1534

Dominican restaurant
(339)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Richmond at 8901 Patterson Ave, Caffe Colao Restaurant offers an authentic Dominican culinary experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of the Caribbean. This beloved Dominican restaurant welcomes diners craving genuine flavors steeped in tradition and crafted with love.

The menu here is a treasure trove of classic Dominican dishes, each bursting with bold, soulful flavors. Whether you indulge in the hearty Mofongo with Shrimps or savor the rich, comforting layers of Sancocho Con Arroz Blanco, every bite delivers warmth and nostalgia. The Pollo Guisado Stewed Chicken offers tender, juicy meat infused with expertly balanced spices that feel like a gentle embrace around your taste buds. For those who love pork, the Pernil Roasted Pork stands out with its crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat, loved by many patrons who mention its tenderness and juiciness.

Vegetarian-friendly options such as Sweet Plantains Maduro and Tostones Fried Plantains add a delightful sweet and savory contrast to the savory mains. For a touch of decadent sweetness, the flawlessly creamy Flan rounds off the meal exquisitely. Don't miss the Mofongo Con Carne Frita and Bistec Encebollado Steak and Onion which bring in a robust and hearty flavor profile perfect for those with a craving for meat-packed dishes.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Caffe Colao captures the essence of Dominican hospitality. Latin music plays softly in the background, wrapping guests in a joyful, celebratory ambiance reminiscent of a cozy neighborhood eatery in the Dominican Republic. The staff’s friendly demeanor helps build a welcoming environment that, even with some noted service pacing, adds to the charm of an authentic dining experience away from home.

Customers have praised Caffe Colao for its consistently excellent food quality. Hector Estevez, a frequent diner, confidently calls it the best Dominican restaurant in the Richmond area, applauding both the flavors and the attentive staff. Likewise, Narlyn shares that the Pollo Guisado with rice evoked the comfort of grandma’s cooking, making it an especially heartwarming refuge for those feeling homesick. Sam Soto’s family found joy in the succulent pernil paired with tostones, highlighting the careful preparation and satisfying textures.

While some guests like Carmen Milagros NERYS note that service can sometimes feel a bit slow or unorganized, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the food’s authenticity and soulfulness more than makes up for this minor flaw. Dining at Caffe Colao feels less like visiting a restaurant and more like coming home to a place where food is a loving celebration of Dominican culture.

If you’re in Richmond and yearning for a Dominican feast that sings with rich, comforting flavors and genuine hospitality, Caffe Colao Restaurant is a must-visit destination. Prepare your senses for a flavorful journey that feels as warm and heartfelt as a family gathering, making every meal here a memorable story to share.

Contact: +1 804-728-1534

Address: 8901 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23229, United States

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great dessert Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Locals
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Hector Estevez
    4 week ago

    I've been going around Richmond trying to get a good authentic Dominican restaurant and I've found it!!!!! By far the best one in the Richmond area. The food and the staff are excellent!!!! If you are considering getting quality Dominican food don't hesitate twice and visit this place, you won't regret it!

  • Carmen Milagros NERYS
    1 month ago

    The food is delicious here I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately the service is not good they’re slow and not organized, I feel that they’re just not experienced enough to do their job.

  • Narlyn
    1 month ago

    I was feeling home sick and decided to check this place which came highly recommended. It did not disappoint. Every bite felt like a hug, and tasted like it was made with love. I had been craving my grandma’s cooking for weeks, and what I found here was reminiscent of that. The pollo guisado with rice definitely hit the spot, and I will 100% be returning.

  • Sam Soto
    1 month ago

    This restaurant was recommended to go and have delicious Dominican food. We went today and had great food. I had beef stew with rice and beans, my wife had Pernil with rice and beans w/ tostones. My son had the Cuban sandwich ( was a miniature version of what I’m used to) but was good. All the food we had was delicious… I tasted my wife’s pernil which was soft tender and juicy. The Skin could have been a little more crunchy, but tasted good. Yaima (our waitress) was very polite and attended to our every need. I’ve seen some give this restaurant a one star which is not fair to them. I dug deeper into the person who gave them a one star. Come to find out, he gave 5 out of 8 reviews a one star… go figure. I recommend this restaurant for some delicious Caribbean Hispanic food. Prices are slightly over reasonable, but once you taste the food, it will be worth it. Next time I come, I’m trying the oxtail. Thank you Colao Restaurant

  • Jesbell Cariso
    1 month ago

    Hi guys, as you know, I'm all about discovering unknown places to discover new flavors. This time I visited this restaurant to try some simple "pasteles" filled with chicken and cheese. The place offers friendly service and Latin music. I'd been there before, but it was different, with a Colombian theme. Now, it feels a bit like a restaurant in the Dominican Republic. Anyway, when you think of "pasteles" or "pastelitos," a bit like "empanadas," you imagine a medium to large product. However, this time I ordered two, and when they arrived at my table, they were very small. I think if I put them in the palm of my hand, my fingers would be enough. Also, these dishes were no more than two centimeters thick (from my perspective), so I probably won't order such a disappointment again. My friend ordered "Mondongo," a soup with various vegetables that they only serve on weekends. It was delicious, and the concentrated tamarind juice was delicious. I will definitely be back, but not for the "pasteles"

  • Denise Folley
    3 month ago

    I came here to meet up with a friend and it's a cute place! The waiter was really polite and patient with the kids! The oxtail was tender and seasoned well, it paird well woth theor rice and beans. My boufriend loved the his cubano sandwhich. Can't wait to go back!

  • Camay Ramos
    3 month ago

    We saw this place being highly rated on Google and decided to take our family for lunch. It was absolutely delicious. The restaurant was hot (that’s my only complaint). The food was good, the waitress was friendly and we’d come again. In terms of kids meals, they offer three options 1) Chicken Tenders with Fries 2) Spaghetti with Bread or 3) Mozzarella Sticks with Fries. I ordered the Banana Smoothie on a whim bc it just sounded refreshing - oh man, it was so perfect (esp bc I was hot). The special sauce they bring out is amazing (sweet with a little kick of heat at the end). My family enjoyed eating here.

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