I travel frequently to the RD and will be there again in Feb 2007. Having not spent much time in SD, I need some restaurant recommendations for the Colonial Zone. Thanks in advance.
- Thread starter MissionDoc
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Restaurant recommendations
Chirimoya- You bring up the exact reason for me posting the question in the first place. Most of what I have been told or have found out via research is dated information and not helpful. I'll help set the parameters by saying that I am looking for several places that are in the moderate to high end range that have good food and decent service. Some place that you may take other people if you were dining out and treating them to dinner. Hope this helps.
While you wait for replies you can try this link
Spanish and Italian Restaurants in Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
I also agree that if you do a search on this site you will find recent reviews.
Spanish and Italian Restaurants in Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
I also agree that if you do a search on this site you will find recent reviews.
I would also suggest that you search in the "Best of the DR" forum as it was established to show what the board members consider to be the "Best" in a lot of different areas here.
Rick
Rick
My favorite in the Colonial Zone: Meson di Bari... it's a block off the Conde...turn the corner at the Hotel Mercure...been mentioned here many times. You also can't go wrong with pretty much any of the restaurants along the Attaranza (sp?) the street that runs along Parque Espana, overlooking Alcazar Colon (again, sp?). Most people seem to recommend Pat'e Palo..Ive eaten there, it was great.
Recommend Costelao
My wife and I visited here for our anniversary. Around 50 US for the two, wonderful food and atmosphere. They have a Brazilian feast with 20 meats and sides that you pay by the person. It is in Plaza de Espana, directly across from the Colombus house. You can eat inside or out, we ate on the balcony, with a good view now of the Christmas decorations.:classic:
My wife and I visited here for our anniversary. Around 50 US for the two, wonderful food and atmosphere. They have a Brazilian feast with 20 meats and sides that you pay by the person. It is in Plaza de Espana, directly across from the Colombus house. You can eat inside or out, we ate on the balcony, with a good view now of the Christmas decorations.:classic:
Nostalgia
Ok guys, this doesn't answer the OP's question, but...nine years ago, Judy and I were working in Haiti. We took Terra Bus to Santo Domingo for a retreat. I'll add that having a/c was a wonderful experience after riding the school-bus style overcrowded buses in Haiti.
When in SD, we visited the Colonial Zone. While admiring the historical atmosphere of the place, I looked up, and thought I saw a Wendy's?!?? I blinked, looked again, and said to Judy, "Judy, look! I think we've died and gone to heaven! Let's get a frosty at Wendy's!"
Best Wendy's frosty I ever had. Unfortunately, for us Wendy's fanatics, it's no longer there. Bob
Ok guys, this doesn't answer the OP's question, but...nine years ago, Judy and I were working in Haiti. We took Terra Bus to Santo Domingo for a retreat. I'll add that having a/c was a wonderful experience after riding the school-bus style overcrowded buses in Haiti.
When in SD, we visited the Colonial Zone. While admiring the historical atmosphere of the place, I looked up, and thought I saw a Wendy's?!?? I blinked, looked again, and said to Judy, "Judy, look! I think we've died and gone to heaven! Let's get a frosty at Wendy's!"
Best Wendy's frosty I ever had. Unfortunately, for us Wendy's fanatics, it's no longer there. Bob
I tried to post yesterday but the quick reply feature let me down. A couple of the places I listed have since been mentioned - Pat'e Palo (international, on Plaza de Espa?a), Mes?n de Bari (Dominican, on Calle Hostos), and Costelao (Brazilian, Plaza Espa?a). Also El Museo del Jam?n (Spanish, Plaza Espa?a) and La Bricciola (Italian, Calle Meri?o). All these are moderate to high range.
There are several other international-type places around the Plaza Col?n (the Cathedral Square) - and on that last section of the Conde between Isabel la Cat?lica and Las Damas, but I haven't tried them myself. There are also some more humble but good eateries, like Mimosa (Dominican, on Arz. Nouel), El Rey del Falafel (Middle Eastern, S?nchez esq. Billini) and El Mes?n de Luis (Dominican, Calle Hostos).
Why don't you take your friends to Paco's Cafeteria, at the end of El Conde?
Night or day, I always recommend the chicken and rice, and a cold beer for about RD$150, and then for dessert, a hooker or a sankie passing by, for another $500 (short-time). Can't go wrong, and your friends can pick their own as they walk past Paco's.
Merry Christmas!
Night or day, I always recommend the chicken and rice, and a cold beer for about RD$150, and then for dessert, a hooker or a sankie passing by, for another $500 (short-time). Can't go wrong, and your friends can pick their own as they walk past Paco's.
Merry Christmas!
irate:On top of the Museo del Jamon is Restaurante El Brasile?o - same owners. The food is incredible and has a great atmosphere. I highly recommend it.
V
V
restaurants
In Santo Domingo don't miss Le Petit Chateau's outdoor dancing show(537-7262), or the El Conoco restaurant (686-0129). You can mostly eat anything at El Conoco's, as they have their own water. Be carefu
El Conuco in Gazcue
Is a very good 'tipico' restaurant just a five-minute taxi ride from Parque de Independencia. It is one block away from the back entrance of the Jaragua Hotel. They have both a menu, and a nice buffet of typical Dominican foods, and (at least for the pm/eves) entertainment of a local nature. The cost is usually about RD$300 or $400 a person, and is an informal setting.
Hours: Daily noon-2am
Address: Calle Casimiro de Moya 152, Gazcue
809-686-0129
Meson de La Cava
Built inside a cave 50 feet below the surface. Located at Avenida Mirador del Sur; this popular restaurant is set underground, inside a cave.
(809) 533-2818
Meson de la Cava is located in Av. de la Salud (between Winston Churchill and Pedro A Bobea). On your right hand if you are going towards W Churchill.
La Bah?a
This unassuming place on the Malec?n serves some of the best and freshest seafood in the Dominican Republic. Rarely in the Caribbean will you find a restaurant with such a wide range of seafood dishes. To start, we suggest trying ceviche (seafood marinated in lime juice) or lobster cocktail. Soups usually contain big chunks of lobster as well as shrimp. Our favorite specialties include kingfish in coconut sauce, sea bass Ukrainian style, baked red snapper, and a savory kettle of seafood in the pot.
Bar-Restaurant Inn of Don Luis
Creole and International food with daily lunch specials $100 pesos or less. The habijuelas are the best. This is one of our favorite places in the morning for a hearty and tasty, typical Dominican breakfast and in the evening for some of the best Pork Chops. Their mondongo is quite tasty also
Contact: 809-689-4640. Luis Diaz, owner
Calle Hostos #201
Museo de Jam?n
Named for the hams hanging from the ceiling (the smell is heavenly).
Price: Moderate Food: great tapas
Contact: 809-688-9644
Located in the plaza in front of Columbus Palace. La Atarazana #17
Cafeter?a Restaurant Dumbo
Dumbo Restaurant is a great place to go any hour. I have never eaten anything bad here. I recommend the Dumbo Sandwich
Contact: 809-687-1204
Directions: Arz Nouel #454 Near the Parque Independencia and BHD Bank, Colonial Zone
Pat?e Palo European Brasserie
This restaurant is located where the very first tavern in the Americas once existed. This restaurant-caf? is named after and decorated for the famous pirate Pat?e Palo. He was known for loving good food and good women, his two great passions. Casual Dining in the bar area, dining room or on the patio served by pirate-dressed waiters. This is a very popular restaurant so if you want to be guaranteed a table make a reservation. The food is some of the best in the capital, and is usually accompanied by live guitar music every Thursday to Sunday from 6 to 10pm. Having dined here many times, we can highly recommend the saut?ed shrimp in coconut-curry sauce.
Average price: 600 pesos
Specialities: European food
Contact: 809-687-8089
Directions: Calle La Atarazana #25 Colonial Zone
Mes?n de Bari
More than 30 years in business. Popular with the local artists with many unique paintings on site. Speciality: Dominican and Spanish traditional ( recommend Conch Stew and the Empanados-conch y yucca)
Average Price: $250 pesos Delivery service available
Contact: 809-687-4097
Calle Hostos #302 and Salome Ure?a
Amer?ca Restaurante
A great place to have intelligent conversation around the bar over a glass of wine or a fine meal served by very attentive servers. The owner is usually on site. When you sit at the bar the aroma of the Spanish hams curing hanging from the ceilings is heaven.
Price: Moderate/Expensive
Food: Spanish and International
Specialities: Steak all Spanish fare.
Contact: 809-682-7194 Salvador Fernandez, owner
Calle Arzobispo Nouel #201 and Santome
La Mas?a
Is a very good Spanish restaurant, located in Arzobispo Portes # 116, between S?nchez st and Arzobispo Meri?o st. Seafood and paella are their specialty.
Doubles Piano Bar And Cafe
Atmosphere: Very relaxing and comfortable place to dine and drink.
Nice couples place. Romantic
Contact: 809-688-3833 web site: Double's Bar
Directions: Calle Arzobispo Merino #154
Reply With Quote
Ristorante La Bricciola Calle Arzobispo Meri?o #152-A, Zona Colonial,
Peppinos (Pastoriza between Tiradentes & Lope de Vega, next door to Taboo Bamboo) has been written about previously on this site. They are an Italian themed Argentinian restaurant. The normal menu prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food IMHO. THey are running a Monday night special of 1/2 price food and drinks (including alcohol!). They also have the new Quilmes brand of Argentinian beer that remi
After 3 years in Santo Domingo my alltime favourite is Caffee Bellini ( calle Padre Bellini corner Arzobispo Merino , one block behind the cathedral).
It is an upscale italian restaurant with the most romantic courtyard. Absolutely magnificent decoration ( the owners operate an italian design shop as well), fabulous food and the service is extraordinary.
Mes?n de Bari is the best of the best...
bob
In Santo Domingo don't miss Le Petit Chateau's outdoor dancing show(537-7262), or the El Conoco restaurant (686-0129). You can mostly eat anything at El Conoco's, as they have their own water. Be carefu
El Conuco in Gazcue
Is a very good 'tipico' restaurant just a five-minute taxi ride from Parque de Independencia. It is one block away from the back entrance of the Jaragua Hotel. They have both a menu, and a nice buffet of typical Dominican foods, and (at least for the pm/eves) entertainment of a local nature. The cost is usually about RD$300 or $400 a person, and is an informal setting.
Hours: Daily noon-2am
Address: Calle Casimiro de Moya 152, Gazcue
809-686-0129
Meson de La Cava
Built inside a cave 50 feet below the surface. Located at Avenida Mirador del Sur; this popular restaurant is set underground, inside a cave.
(809) 533-2818
Meson de la Cava is located in Av. de la Salud (between Winston Churchill and Pedro A Bobea). On your right hand if you are going towards W Churchill.
La Bah?a
This unassuming place on the Malec?n serves some of the best and freshest seafood in the Dominican Republic. Rarely in the Caribbean will you find a restaurant with such a wide range of seafood dishes. To start, we suggest trying ceviche (seafood marinated in lime juice) or lobster cocktail. Soups usually contain big chunks of lobster as well as shrimp. Our favorite specialties include kingfish in coconut sauce, sea bass Ukrainian style, baked red snapper, and a savory kettle of seafood in the pot.
Bar-Restaurant Inn of Don Luis
Creole and International food with daily lunch specials $100 pesos or less. The habijuelas are the best. This is one of our favorite places in the morning for a hearty and tasty, typical Dominican breakfast and in the evening for some of the best Pork Chops. Their mondongo is quite tasty also
Contact: 809-689-4640. Luis Diaz, owner
Calle Hostos #201
Museo de Jam?n
Named for the hams hanging from the ceiling (the smell is heavenly).
Price: Moderate Food: great tapas
Contact: 809-688-9644
Located in the plaza in front of Columbus Palace. La Atarazana #17
Cafeter?a Restaurant Dumbo
Dumbo Restaurant is a great place to go any hour. I have never eaten anything bad here. I recommend the Dumbo Sandwich
Contact: 809-687-1204
Directions: Arz Nouel #454 Near the Parque Independencia and BHD Bank, Colonial Zone
Pat?e Palo European Brasserie
This restaurant is located where the very first tavern in the Americas once existed. This restaurant-caf? is named after and decorated for the famous pirate Pat?e Palo. He was known for loving good food and good women, his two great passions. Casual Dining in the bar area, dining room or on the patio served by pirate-dressed waiters. This is a very popular restaurant so if you want to be guaranteed a table make a reservation. The food is some of the best in the capital, and is usually accompanied by live guitar music every Thursday to Sunday from 6 to 10pm. Having dined here many times, we can highly recommend the saut?ed shrimp in coconut-curry sauce.
Average price: 600 pesos
Specialities: European food
Contact: 809-687-8089
Directions: Calle La Atarazana #25 Colonial Zone
Mes?n de Bari
More than 30 years in business. Popular with the local artists with many unique paintings on site. Speciality: Dominican and Spanish traditional ( recommend Conch Stew and the Empanados-conch y yucca)
Average Price: $250 pesos Delivery service available
Contact: 809-687-4097
Calle Hostos #302 and Salome Ure?a
Amer?ca Restaurante
A great place to have intelligent conversation around the bar over a glass of wine or a fine meal served by very attentive servers. The owner is usually on site. When you sit at the bar the aroma of the Spanish hams curing hanging from the ceilings is heaven.
Price: Moderate/Expensive
Food: Spanish and International
Specialities: Steak all Spanish fare.
Contact: 809-682-7194 Salvador Fernandez, owner
Calle Arzobispo Nouel #201 and Santome
La Mas?a
Is a very good Spanish restaurant, located in Arzobispo Portes # 116, between S?nchez st and Arzobispo Meri?o st. Seafood and paella are their specialty.
Doubles Piano Bar And Cafe
Atmosphere: Very relaxing and comfortable place to dine and drink.
Nice couples place. Romantic
Contact: 809-688-3833 web site: Double's Bar
Directions: Calle Arzobispo Merino #154
Reply With Quote
Ristorante La Bricciola Calle Arzobispo Meri?o #152-A, Zona Colonial,
Peppinos (Pastoriza between Tiradentes & Lope de Vega, next door to Taboo Bamboo) has been written about previously on this site. They are an Italian themed Argentinian restaurant. The normal menu prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food IMHO. THey are running a Monday night special of 1/2 price food and drinks (including alcohol!). They also have the new Quilmes brand of Argentinian beer that remi
After 3 years in Santo Domingo my alltime favourite is Caffee Bellini ( calle Padre Bellini corner Arzobispo Merino , one block behind the cathedral).
It is an upscale italian restaurant with the most romantic courtyard. Absolutely magnificent decoration ( the owners operate an italian design shop as well), fabulous food and the service is extraordinary.
Mes?n de Bari is the best of the best...
bob
High End
Previously mentioned restaurants are great. If you want high end I would recommend Sofitel (somebody help me with the sp ) . Set in a courtyard in the ZC it is tranquil and not, in my opininon, hotel food. All of the times I have been there they have had a quartet playing beautiful mood music.
I have had champage by the glass-crisp-chilled and fairly priced for the quality and service. Followed by a carparccio (beef) with greens, capers and dressing. Then-tuna 1x, chicken another, and steak another.
A wine glass full of stawberries with fresh whipped cream.
There is an attendant in the street at the entrance- kinda like a doorman or security in this case I guess--I went there with a driver and he had a space for him to park and wait as it is a very narrow street with not too much parking.
All and all a very pleasant experience.
One or 2 blocks away as I recall from another poster's rec. La Briccola-also great and a little less expensive.
john
Previously mentioned restaurants are great. If you want high end I would recommend Sofitel (somebody help me with the sp ) . Set in a courtyard in the ZC it is tranquil and not, in my opininon, hotel food. All of the times I have been there they have had a quartet playing beautiful mood music.
I have had champage by the glass-crisp-chilled and fairly priced for the quality and service. Followed by a carparccio (beef) with greens, capers and dressing. Then-tuna 1x, chicken another, and steak another.
A wine glass full of stawberries with fresh whipped cream.
There is an attendant in the street at the entrance- kinda like a doorman or security in this case I guess--I went there with a driver and he had a space for him to park and wait as it is a very narrow street with not too much parking.
All and all a very pleasant experience.
One or 2 blocks away as I recall from another poster's rec. La Briccola-also great and a little less expensive.
john
Restaurants
Try The Museo De Jamon In The Colonial City But Most Of The Restaurants I Know Are Right Outside It (minutes Away).....reina De Espana, Palacio De Jade (super Chinese), Vesuvio's, Meson De La Cava, Cantabrico....a Few Are For Tourists But They Are Just Fine. Enjoy Yourself You Cannot Go Wrong In Sd. Worked And Lived There For 10 Years And It Was One Incredible Ride. The Country Is Great, Its People Greater. Do Me A Favor? Bring Me Back A Presidente Beer.
Thanks And Enjoy
Neil
Try The Museo De Jamon In The Colonial City But Most Of The Restaurants I Know Are Right Outside It (minutes Away).....reina De Espana, Palacio De Jade (super Chinese), Vesuvio's, Meson De La Cava, Cantabrico....a Few Are For Tourists But They Are Just Fine. Enjoy Yourself You Cannot Go Wrong In Sd. Worked And Lived There For 10 Years And It Was One Incredible Ride. The Country Is Great, Its People Greater. Do Me A Favor? Bring Me Back A Presidente Beer.
Thanks And Enjoy
Neil
I have always found Meson de la Cava over-rated and over-priced. You went there more for the unique ambiance than anything else.
Is the Palacio de Jade still open? I did like the Chinese food better there when I lived in SD than everybody's stated favorite, the Palacio de los Mariscos (on Sarasota). Also, my kids used to love to spot the fish in the pond outside the front door. But last time I ate there (2003) it looked run-down and when I was in 2005 and asked about, my SD-based relatives told me it had closed, but I didn't have the opportunity to confirm that.
Is the Palacio de Jade still open? I did like the Chinese food better there when I lived in SD than everybody's stated favorite, the Palacio de los Mariscos (on Sarasota). Also, my kids used to love to spot the fish in the pond outside the front door. But last time I ate there (2003) it looked run-down and when I was in 2005 and asked about, my SD-based relatives told me it had closed, but I didn't have the opportunity to confirm that.
I think it's still open, but it has gone downhill IMO. We used to live nearby in 99/00 when it was still very good, but last time I was in there it looked shabby and neglected. The water in the 'moat' was full of litter last time I looked.
We like the Dragon House (one branch on Ave. Duarte, and one on Gustavo Mej?a Ricart). The Duarte branch is nearer to the Colonial Zone, but it's not the safest of areas.
We like the Dragon House (one branch on Ave. Duarte, and one on Gustavo Mej?a Ricart). The Duarte branch is nearer to the Colonial Zone, but it's not the safest of areas.
restaurants
the new china town,just up the hill on Duarte from colonial zone has a few very good and reasonable chinese restaurants now open....and very nice on the street now as the sidewalks are all new and very wide,and most venders have been removed from the street.
bob
the new china town,just up the hill on Duarte from colonial zone has a few very good and reasonable chinese restaurants now open....and very nice on the street now as the sidewalks are all new and very wide,and most venders have been removed from the street.
bob