EDA'S Latin Food

Nicaraguan restaurant · Manassas ·

EDA'S Latin Food

Nicaraguan restaurant · Manassas ·

Nicaraguan dishes like chancho con yuca, Gallo Pinto

Information

9071 Liberia Ave, Manassas, VA 20110 Get directions

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Eda’s Latin Food Brings Nicaraguan Recipes and Culture to the D.C. Area | Eater DC

"Tucked into an industrial park in Manassas, Virginia, I found a small Nicaraguan restaurant whose counter is decorated with wooden blocks carved and painted to look like nacatamales, a bold window display of plantains, fried cheese, and pollo asado, and hand-painted portraits of the yellow-and-white sacuanjoche and a volcano. Co-owner Damara Downs, a former Managua schoolteacher, runs a classroom-style kitchen where cooks undergo two weeks of training to master homestyle methods: nacatamales made from seasoned corn masa and lard ladled into plantain leaves; queso frito made only from queso fresco so it’s thick, lightly caramelized, and with a soft crunch; and gallo pinto given a rich dark color by day-old white rice and small red seda beans boiled with garlic and fried with oil and onion. Nacatamales and bajo (a party dish of carne, plantains, and yuca cooked in banana leaves) are offered on a special weekend menu and must be ordered in advance — people have come from New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania to buy large quantities — and the menu also includes cultural staples like rojita soda and fritanga plates. More than food, Eda’s stages cultural events (La Gigantona, La Purisima) and functions as a gathering place for Nicaraguans around the Beltway; after opening in 2015 it quickly found ardent local support, weathered a pandemic shutdown with steady community backing, and remains focused on preserving and sharing Nicaraguan culinary and cultural traditions." - Eater

https://dc.eater.com/2021/10/27/22745243/nicaraguan-food-culture-virginia-edas

EDA'S Latin Food

J.T. R.

Google

The best thing was the Milca and plaintain chips (the ones that was not covered in grease). The carne asada didn't taste like real meat. WORST tasting meat I have ever had at a Nicaraguan restaurant. The cacao taste like watered down milk with cinnamon. Plaintains were rubbery. I will not be returning. Definitely not worth the price.

Dylan W.

Google

Best food in ALL of Virginia. Here for work nearby and was getting sick of all the corporate food. Here at Eda's, Everything from the environment to the smells to the music took me back to Nicaragua. If you're hungry and need some good food. Look NO further. You will leave happy from here & without breaking the bank. If I could I'd rate this restaurant 6 stars. Note to the cook(s): You all made this chelé very happy! Makes me miss family from Masatepe. Thank you for your beautiful restaurant and wonderful food!

Mark

Google

I've given this place a few chances before reviewing since it's the only nicaraguan restaurant in the area. The food is always old and not flavorful at all. Everything tastes like it's been frozen and then reheated when ordered. I wouldn't recommend coming here.

Viviana B.

Google

Extremely Disappointing Experience I recently visited this restaurant and was very disappointed with my experience. I ordered a Nicaragüense dish that looked nothing like what I expected based on previous experiences. When I called to express my dissatisfaction, I decided to return the food in person. Unfortunately, the cashier was extremely rude and accused me of trying the food while I was picking it up. This kind of treatment is unacceptable. Arguing with customers is the worst way to handle complaints, and it only added to my frustration. The service was the worst I've ever encountered, and I won't be returning to this place. I recommend looking elsewhere if you value good customer service and authentic cuisine. They did return the money but dealing with this was so inconvenient.

Harland S.

Google

I dined at Eda’s in mid December 2021 with a friend of mine who is Nicaraguan. We shared and enjoyed a Nacatamal, Gallo Pinto, Tajadas Verdes, Cerdo Asada and an Arroz Con Pina drink. All ingredients were fresh and flavorful. Recipes were skillfully prepared and my friend Sonia said the fare was authentic. Eda’s is a small, unpretentious out-of-the way place. Food was served on paper plates with medium weight plastic cutlery. The restaurant is not easy to find making it clearly a destination location and menu prices are reasonable. Orders are taken at the counter and counter service is friendly.

Justin O.

Google

My mother and I stopped in for breakfast a few days ago and she still keeps telling everyone she meets about this amazing breakfast. A+ Food and Amazing service.

Nelly S.

Google

Food was so good and drinks as well. My belly was happy

Dennis O.

Google

Two days prior I had ordered a "Cacao" drink, it tasted nothing like the real Nicaraguan drink, they used water instead of milk. Didn't have any complaints about the food (other than portions) so went back two days later. As you can see, I spent almost $120 at this place, but yet they refused to let me sample the "Cacao" drink. I wanted to give them another shot at it, maybe this time was done right. Most places let you sample their homemade drinks or soups at your request. It's not only the fact that they didn't want to give me a spoonful of Cacao after all that I spent there, but their attitude just made it even worse. They definitely lack customer service and don't know how to do Cacao, I doubt they are even Nicaraguan.

Joseph O.

Yelp

Legit and delicious Nicaraguan food. Awesome. I drop them a star for not having servers. You must walk to register to order and pick up your own food. You must also pick up your own dishes. The food IS awesome though.

Amir S.

Yelp

This place is a Gem. Their customer service may not be that great but they are kind, friendly if they want to be lol but get your order correct and serve you right. The Ambiance is pretty basic with table n chairs and somewhat Nica themed. Food is excellent. One of the best and only Nicaraguan place in the area known to us. Their food never disappoints and kids, adults everyone loves it. We have been going there for a long time now and always love their food. So far have tried almost everything on the menu and it has been delicious. Only thing is it does get a bit smokey in the place, I am not sure if their kitchen hood fan is strong or not turned on at times. Definitely do recommend it 100%.

Imogen H.

Yelp

I get what you mean. It was alright, nothing to write home about I had a similar experience. It wasn't bad

Georgina R.

Yelp

I visited Edas Latin food in Manassas Va. This was my 3rd. time visiting. every time I've been there is been a huge disappointment everything about their food is wrong. I order the chancho con yuca. every piece of pork was ether dray and hard from the microwave or swimming in a mixture of water and vinegar from the salad the yuca was tasteless. on my previous visit I order an enchilada and i had the same experience the tortilla was very thick and it was fill with very old meat a lot of rice but no flavor at all. I have the feeling that they don't cook fresh. Is an embarrassment to the culinary flavors of Nicaragua. Don't go there.

Elowen V.

Yelp

I totally feel your frustration. I had a similar experience, and it was such a disappointment

Kyle T.

Yelp

The food was great and definitely authentic. I saw others comment on the service, but we were assisted immediately and received our food quickly. We went during breakfast but they were able and willing to make a lunch dish for us. Highly recommend

Freddy C.

Yelp

I've tried Caldo de Carne and was doubting was good but later found a great flavor as well than generous portion Definitely close to Cazuela from Peru

Chris D.

Yelp

My wife and I have started eating here on a regular basis. Being one of the only Nicaraguan restaurants in the area it's great for some fried cheese and carne asada! The Pollo Asada is good too. Inside is not where you go for fine dinning experience for but rather a nice, clean, place to have a Sunday lunch. Loving it!

Khamil T.

Yelp

I was looking for a good Nicaraguan food place. Very disappointed with it. I went there once and Gallopinto was terribly flavorless. Not worth the trip I made all the way there from Alexandria. Cheese is not salty enough as a Nicaraguan would expect and they didn't have any more Carne Asada on a weekend afternoon.

Allan M.

Yelp

Delicious and traditional Nicaraguan dishes. Taste like dishes my grandma used to make us growing up

Hamato Y.

Yelp

Food is delicious and served in big portions. Everything I have tried so far is off the charts!'

Karen P.

Yelp

It's been a long time since I have enjoyed a really good and fresh Nicaraguan food. I'm Nicaraguan and visiting from Massachusetts. This food is really good with the taste of my country. I'm very glad I decided to visit beside the bad reviews. Food and tastes is what matter the most. The lady was very nice as well!!!

Ah F.

Yelp

Ordered beef rolls and chicken dish . Both dishes tasted great . 1 star off as there was no one at restaurant who speaks English so missed opportunity to try any authentic dish I would have tried per their recommendation.

Xochilt M.

Yelp

As soon as I entered this place I felt like I was back home. I have gone to this restaurant multiple times, and I have tried almost everything in the menu. My thoughts as a Nicaraguan: The sopa de gallina con albóndigas tastes like a dream. The quesillo is as good as the ones you would get in Nagarote or La Paz Centro, es riquísimo. I love Tajadas con queso, and this ones didn't disappoint. Gallopinto is good too. If you want to get one that is super rico, go at night, I found that that is when it tastes better. I think this place has bad reviews because people are acostumed to a different kind of service, and food. But I can tell you that this place is a true Nicaraguan experience. Back home it is OK to go order at the counter, and the culture is more layed back so the service is different. This restaurant is Nicaraguan approved.

Ana R.

Yelp

First time here and no one greeted us. I assumed it was a sit yourself and then they'll take your order like a regular restaurant but nope. When I asked that I didn't. Know I had to go to her and order she got smart and just pointed at the sign , like making me feel like I'm the idiot. Anyways I bought food but just cause my kids weee hungry but I'm not coming back. The lady there is rude and very unapproachable.

Jalder V.

Yelp

Desgraciadamente. los nicaragüenses en el área, no tendrán donde más ir a morir. El servicio espantoso, te hacen sentir como que les vienes a pedir. la mujer de la caja, es una gran pedante. viaje desde Washington DC para mostrales a mis amigos la gastronomía Nicaragüense pero la atención, deja mucho que desear. jamás ni nunca volveré, me tendré que aguantar ir a Nicaragua. la señora Eda dueña del restaurante es muy amable pero sus empleadas dejan mucho que desear. Si quieren tener un rato entretenido, no vengan acá.

Elizabeth V.

Yelp

Latin restaurants can be a hit or miss, especially the small ones you typically find in suburban neighborhoods. For anyone saying negative things about service, this is an authentic small restaurant. If you have done any traveling to restaurants in third world countries, you will know they don't kiss your a$$. They know they have good food to offer and asking you questions from behind a counter is actually very normal/ authentic. If you want some damn good food and have ever been to Nicaragua where the kicked back life is breezy, go here. Eda's took on the challenge to be the ONLY Nicaraguan restuarant in the D.C., MD, VA area, and they NAILED the dishes. My dad (a huge foodie like me) is quick to turn his nose up and say mehh but our family noticed the attention to detail and authentic ingredients used in these dishes. Leave your pretentiousness at home.

Ivan M.

Yelp

Awesome flavor tender meats and handsome portions! If you are not familiar with Nicaraguan typical food this is the spot to try it right! Carne Asada and Pork are my favorites with plantains, gallo pinto and fried cheese are a must try

Roberto B.

Yelp

Excellent food, menu changes often, I had de Baho and it was very good. In an effort to keep it's customers safe during th covid pandemic the removed several tables.

Julio S.

Yelp

WOW! Wow! And WOW!!!!...and I don't mean wow, as if I was impressed, but WOW, as this is the worst restaurant I have ever been to. When we walked in, there was only a couple eating there, no one else, place was dead. It was approximately 1:30pm. We sat down, and one employee behind the desk yells, "do you guys want a menu?" I was like, okay??!!! Sure. She tells me "come and get it." Holy crap! I've never seen this before, but okay. Once we were all ready to order she yells, once again from behind the counter, "you ready to order?" We all replied "yes" She then says "come up here to order. DAYAM!!!! Each of us had to walk up to were she was and place our order. Before ordering my carne asada I was very specific with the person I was ordering from. I asked her to please make sure that my steak has no to very little salt. She assured me that the meat was not salty. Once the order was ready our server again, yelled out to us and said "come get your plates your order is ready" I couldn't believe this, a restaurant making their guests come up to the counter to pick up their plates of food! Wow! Once I got my food the meat was SALTY AS HELL! Took one bite and left the rest of the carne asada there. Later on the server sees my plate and noticed I didn't touch the carne asada and from a distance says "Hey boy, is your food okay?" I was just like "ehhhh" couldn't believe she called me a "BOY"!! Wow, she probably through I was from the barrio projects! Haha! Food was crap. Service the worst I have ever seen. THEY CALL THIS PLACE A RESTAURANT???? I wish that I would've read all the negative reviews that they currently have, because if I did, I would've not experienced this horrible, traumatic event. Lol If I could do ZERO STARS I would, but 1 star is the minimum that Yelp allows, bahhh!!!!!

Juan A.

Yelp

Had never had Nicaraguan food before. was not disappointed. We ordered the churrasco. churrasco is a sort of skirt steak. It was pretty tasty and well seasoned. It came with rice and a green salad. We were hoping for fried yuca or cassava for those of you who don't speak spanish, but were told all they had was boiled yuca which wasn't too bad. Now, all that being said. You better have patience if you do decide to eat at this place. They take their sweet time getting the food and drinks out to you. and the lady that waited on us seemed like she didn't want to be there. She never asked if we wanted our drinks right away or when our food came out. Another lady swapped places with her, and I heard when she asked the people she was taking the order from, if they wanted their drinks now or with their meal. You have to order your food, and when it's ready, you have to go to the counter and get it yourself. same thing with the drinks. While we were waiting for our food, a gentleman asked if he could have his food to go. He was sitting with two other gentlemen. I guess they were tired of waiting. they were told to hold on a minute that it was finally coming out. I have no idea how long they had to wait, but they were there already when we arrived, and it took about 40 minutes for our food to come out. We got served about the same time !!

Oz V.

Yelp

I was told about this place by my nephew so I had to try it. The food is Nicaraguan food and if you are familiar with this type of food you know it tastes great...it's good!! I ordered the Carne Asada which was served with mixed rice and beans (Gallo Pinto) fried plantain and salad. I purchased fried cheese separately. The portions are weak but the food is good. They charge you for every little thing in other similar places the Carne asada comes with cheese as well. Unless they start adding side dishes with the main dishes I would enter come back. My dish was $12.99 the side of cheese was $2-3, the domestic drinks are $1.50-2.00 the imports are $4.00. Save yourself money don't try them they are not tht great.

Carlos T.

Yelp

EDAs... What appeared to be a shining beacon of hope turned out to be the exact opposite. I traveled from Alexandria to EDAs (50 min drive) and was happy that they were in fact still open. However, they did not have a handful of menu items available. I'm talking the faves, arroz del Valenciana, Salpico, etc. This was a big negative, as those are staples of Nicaraguan food. I ordered a Nicaraguan breakfast instead, which was actually tasted authentic and good. I asked the server/cashier if they would be open the day after thanksgiving as my parents were visiting and would have loved to try authentic Nica food. She insisted they would be, however when we drove the 50 min and pulled on the door handle, we were shocked to find out they were in fact, closed. I would have loved to try more of the food they advertised to have in their restaurant, but can't really afford to drive so far and for the joint to be closed randomly.

Shawn W.

Yelp

Don't under stand why people do harsh on this place . The employees were very helpful. The place was clean. And the food tasted very authentic and was cooked to order. Not to mention, very reasonable with pricing. I wish yelp would do more to coo borate reviews so small businesses do not suffer from ignorance when reviews don't tell the truth just to damage a reputation!!

Priscilla C.

Yelp

If you're nicaraguan don't come here because you won't be impressed. If you're not nicaraguan and looking for nicaraguan food, this isn't the best place to go. I brought my friend here because I wanted to introduce him to Nicaraguan food and I was quite embarrassed. With that being said, as a nicaraguan myself, I would never bring a friend here in attempt to introduce them to nicaraguan food. Looking at the menu, they seem to have a good selection of food but when you actually go there, they claim not to have certain dishes available. Like the last reviewer said, I would never go out of my way to drive here again, especially when I can have the same/ better quality food at home.

Michael R.

Yelp

I give this place a One rating only because I needed to so I can post my review. We give it a ZERO! My wife is Nicaraguan and we made the trip from Leesburg. It's not around the corner. They state their hours on Saturday are until 8 pm. We arrived at 640 pm and the place was closed. There were two employees inside and they were shutting it down. I do NOT recommend this place to eat. If a business does not adhere to their advertised hours, it speaks volumes about their overall business practices. We didn't like the area or the warehouse settings. Place did not look clean. Stay away!

K A.

Yelp

They have quesillo, nacatamales and enchiladas which is very hard to find in the DC area. The food was ok, I wouldn't go out of my way to drive here. My father in law cooks way better and has taught me well. The worst was the carne asada. They didn't marinade it with the typical seasonings like mojo and sour orange juice.

Faby L.

Yelp

We are driving around Manassas around lunch time we didn't know where to go to eat we just knew we want it to try something new since my daughter dad is from Nicaragua she really want to try some nicaragüense food we used yelp so this restaurant pop . The food was amazing my child and her boyfriend love it and they said from now on this would be their favorite spot to eat ... I was very satisfied with my order ...

Chiquis B.

Yelp

Toooooo pricey! Its not even a fine dining restaurant! The place doesnt look decent. And they dont even serve "free" water. They must serve a pitcher of cold water as a courtesy for their super expensive food!

Roger C.

Yelp

My friends just ate there tonight. They said it was excellent. Great prices.Too much to eat there, so they took the leftovers home. I live less than 2 miles away, so I now have a new place to try. I'll update after I go.

Arielka L.

Yelp

Like the previous reviews have said, I would definitely not come out of my way to come eat here. Terrible service! Apart from never having anything, the girls never write down what's been order. You have to keep reminding them to bring you what's been order, even something as simple as your drink. Definitely giving Nicaraguans a bad name!

Sal M.

Yelp

The food taste good but the customer service is HORRIBLE. I called to ask if I could order some food. Apparently she was having a hard time hearing me and she just hung up on me as I was speaking to her. Keep it up and you'll find yourself closed in a few months because of your lack of customer service. Just look at the recent reviews on Yelp.

Shannon C.

Yelp

We drove all the way from Fairfax and was not disappointed. Delicious! Will definitely come back!!

@eater

390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

Eda’s Latin Food Brings Nicaraguan Recipes and Culture to the D.C. Area | Eater DC

https://dc.eater.com/2021/10/27/22745243/nicaraguan-food-culture-virginia-edas

EDA'S Latin Food

J.T. R.

Google

Dylan W.

Google

Mark

Google

Viviana B.

Google

Harland S.

Google

Justin O.

Google

My mother and I stopped in for breakfast a few days ago and she still keeps telling everyone she meets about this amazing breakfast. A+ Food and Amazing service.

Nelly S.

Google

Food was so good and drinks as well. My belly was happy

Dennis O.

Google

Joseph O.

Yelp

Amir S.

Yelp

Imogen H.

Yelp

I get what you mean. It was alright, nothing to write home about I had a similar experience. It wasn't bad

Georgina R.

Yelp

Elowen V.

Yelp

I totally feel your frustration. I had a similar experience, and it was such a disappointment

Kyle T.

Yelp

Freddy C.

Yelp

I've tried Caldo de Carne and was doubting was good but later found a great flavor as well than generous portion Definitely close to Cazuela from Peru

Chris D.

Yelp

Khamil T.

Yelp

Allan M.

Yelp

Delicious and traditional Nicaraguan dishes. Taste like dishes my grandma used to make us growing up

Hamato Y.

Yelp

Food is delicious and served in big portions. Everything I have tried so far is off the charts!'

Karen P.

Yelp

Ah F.

Yelp

Xochilt M.

Yelp

Ana R.

Yelp

Jalder V.

Yelp

Elizabeth V.

Yelp

Ivan M.

Yelp

Roberto B.

Yelp

Excellent food, menu changes often, I had de Baho and it was very good. In an effort to keep it's customers safe during th covid pandemic the removed several tables.

Julio S.

Yelp

Juan A.

Yelp

Oz V.

Yelp

Carlos T.

Yelp

Shawn W.

Yelp

Priscilla C.

Yelp

Michael R.

Yelp

K A.

Yelp

Faby L.

Yelp

Chiquis B.

Yelp

Roger C.

Yelp

Arielka L.

Yelp

Sal M.

Yelp

Shannon C.

Yelp

We drove all the way from Fairfax and was not disappointed. Delicious! Will definitely come back!!

EDA'S Latin Food

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Eda’s Latin Food Brings Nicaraguan Recipes and Culture to the D.C. Area | Eater DC

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Eda’s Latin Food Brings Nicaraguan Recipes and Culture to the D.C. Area | Eater DC