La Buena Vida - Raleigh

Reviews

• AU

  Alissa Upton

  Jun 20, 2026
  5.0
  So I have been wanting to come for about 6+months now and I finally made it after so long. Thankfully something happened and I ended up here. Fernanda is such a pleaseant bartender. She did such an amazing job on the espresso martini. (Which is also rare for me to order) Shes such a good bartender aside of making us good drinks. Great personality all around. We requested something they normally don’t do, which was cooked oysters. Only because I can’t do raw ones. Raul the chef went out of this world to make that happen and make them with such love. Regardless we will definitely be back for more. For Fernanda and for Raul with his expertise. You have to come and visit for the hospitality good food and great workers like Fernanda and Raul. I’m sure table service would be just as great since I have noticed theyre all great and love to serve people for the great time and service they get. It’s truly a vibe and they have amazing people. We WILL BE BACK FOR MORE!!
• KR

  Kristin Raggi

  Jun 16, 2026
  2.0
  I had heard about this place on Facebook and was very excited to bring my son here for his special graduation lunch. The disappointment started almost immediately. In the past any other Mexican restaurant we’ve gone to we were always able to pay a couple dollars extra to upgrade chimichangas (my son’s all time favorite dish) to shrimp and here we were told they were premade and that wasn’t possible. The one thing he wanted he was unable to get. The chips were seasoned with a weird seasoning and came in two tiny containers for our table of 6. Then even though we were seated by 2:30 we were told before ordering (around 2:45) that lunch was no longer being served, even though the menu said it went until 3:00. Drinks went empty several times, our food came out missing sour cream (blamed on a kitchen error) and my husband’s burger came out a good 10-15 minutes after the rest of our meals. Then at the end as I expected there was an automatic gratuity, what I wasn’t expecting is the server to tell me that’s for everyone and if I want leave extra I can, but it’s not required, and then stare at the screen to see if I would give extra. I think more attention needs to be paid to the service than the pretty bags leftovers are sent home in.I’m sad to say that we won’t be returning here.
• ML

  Myreill Tru love

  Jun 16, 2026
  1.0
  I am extremely disappointed with my experience with La Buena Vida. What started as a simple issue that should have been resolved quickly has turned into weeks of being given the runaround regarding a refund or some form of compensation. I have driven to the restaurant multiple times, sat and waited for a manager on several occasions, and each time I was left without any real resolution. Despite providing proof, receipts, and all the documentation needed, I continue to be treated as if my concerns do not matter. It feels like I am constantly being put to the side and ignored. What is most frustrating is the amount of time, effort, and money I have spent trying to resolve this issue. Customers should not have to repeatedly chase a business for answers when they have already provided everything requested. The lack of communication, accountability, and follow-through has been unacceptable. I wanted to support this business, but the way this situation has been handled has completely changed my opinion. I hope management takes customer concerns more seriously in the future and starts treating people with the respect they deserve.
• GG

  Gio

  Jun 15, 2026
  1.0
  We ended up coming here after my cousin’s graduation with a party of 11. Before arriving, I called ahead to make sure they could accommodate us, especially since we got there around 9:45 PM. They told us it would be fine. Once we were seated, things started off poorly. It took about 15 minutes before anyone came to take our drink orders, and then another 15 minutes before the drinks actually arrived. Some of the food even came out before any of the drinks did. The food service was just as slow. Plates were brought out only 2–3 at a time, and the last meal didn’t arrive until nearly an hour after we had been seated. By then, most of us had already finished eating. We also needed drink refills throughout the meal, but those took so long that when they finally arrived—about 45 minutes later—we were already done eating. I understand that restaurants get busy, but this level of service was unacceptable. The situation could have been handled much better with communication and more attentive service. To make matters worse, my cousin, the graduate we were celebrating, ordered tacos and they arrived cold. Overall, this was a very disappointing experience and not the way we expected to celebrate such a special occasion.
• AS

  Autumn Rose Black Shawl

  Jun 10, 2026
  1.0
  Went to dine in on a Monday. Super cute! Loved they had F1 playing in in the background and the vibes were great. Service was okay, I truly never judge servers but the lady was our host and our server and right off the back it didn’t think of it as attitude but when she kept insisting we eat at the bar and I was like a table is fine. Service was good. We had appetizers then ordered our entrees. No issues, and we ended up ordering our deserts to go since we were already full. The server was great she packed our food and everything which was super sweet. Then when I got home… I had ordered the coconut layered cake and come to find MOLD on my cake. Instant turn off. I was no longer hungry nor did I want to eat any more. My stomach took a whole turn. I truly don’t know if the server did not like me or just couldn’t see the quality of the food. Anyway will not be returning since I’m just horrified this incident even happened. Also emailed and dm’d the restaurant. I received a response but they still have not made the situation right. Just be careful what you order since it’s a very dim lit restaurant. Still waiting for my refund….