The Orlando Sentinel reported earlier this week on the opening of a third El Cilantrillo restaurant at 1301 Florida Mall Avenue. Owners Hiram and Dianne Turull opened the first El Cilantrillo location in 2017 in Kissimmee and the second in 2020 on Semoran Boulevard near the Orlando airport, bringing their native Puerto Rican cuisine to Central Florida.
With appetizers like pastelillos, meat pies filled with chicken, beef, trunkfish, or crab, El Cilantrillo prides itself on large portions and a family atmosphere. The menu lists family-style entrees that feed 4-6 guests, including El Cordel, which includes pork ribs, chicken breast, pork longaniza (Spanish sausage), French fries, rice with cilantro and fried plantains.
The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled lobster tail, octopus, salmon and snapper, along with a soup and salad menu. A full wine and liquor bar is available. According to their website, El Cilantrillo’s slogan is “La Casa Del Afrentao,” which translates to “We Love to Eat Big.”
At 6,300 square feet, the new restaurant, located by the entrance to the Florida Mall, will be the largest of the three, with a seating capacity of 200, including indoor and outdoor dining options, as well as a dedicated carry out service space. The Turulls have future aspirations of franchising El Cilantrillo.
The Florida Mall Avenue location was originally slated to open in February 2021, but was delayed due to the pandemic. It will now open on August 12 2021, with a VIP reception scheduled for August 11 according to Hiram.
