Italian cuisine - Santo Domingo

Vesuvio
Ave. George. Washington No. 559
Tel:  221-3333
Owner: Enzo Bonarelli.
Opened in 1954, this grandfather of Italian restaurants also offers a selection of local specialties in an elegant style. "Filete a la criolla" (filet mignon creole style), "pollo guisado" (stewed chicken), and "asopao de camarones" (a thick rice soup with shrimp) are just a few recommendations. Enjoy!

Vesuvio II
Ave. Tiradentes No. 17
Tel: 562-6060
Owner: Gaetano Bonarelli.
Vesuvio's younger brother, same menu and service standards.

Cappuccino
Ave. Máximo Gómez No. 60
Tel: (809)689-8600
Owners: Claudio Paccagnella and Ferruccio Scandola
Chef: Franco.
Relaxed setting among original hand-painted murals by an Italian artist. Carpaccio del buen gustaio (sliced raw beef with arugula and parmesan cheese), penne quattro fromaggi (pasta with four cheeses), aragostine all grillia (grilled langostines).

Fellini
Roberto Pastoriza No. 504
Tel:  (809)540-5330
Owner: Luca Piraccini
Owner/Chef: Ciro Casola.
Creative contemporary Italian "nouvelle" cuisine in a high class setting. Specialties are Black Angus t-bone steak served with endives au gratin and baked potato in sage oil, or breast of Long Island duck in balsamic vinegar sauce accompanied by wild rice and sweet peppers.

La Bricciola
Arzobispo Meriño No. 152-A, Colonial Zone
Tel:  (809)688-5055
Owner:  Franco Riccobono
Chef:  Armando Geri.
The past comes alive in the hallways and patio of this colonial mansion. "Funghi e gamberi" (mushrooms and shrimp), "Medaglioni di aragosta Maxim's" (lobster medallions), and "scaloppini di vitello alla valdostana" (veal scaloppini with prosciutto, mushrooms, and mozzarella) are excellent choices.

Pappalapasta
Calle Dr. Baez No. 23, Gazcue
Tel:  682-4397
Owner: Italo Angeline Liranzo
Chef: Mario Correa.
Dine surrounded by exquisite works of art. The art, however, is projected in the fine plate presentation and the food taste as well. Sample the arugula salad with generous shavings of Parmesan cheese. But the piece de resistance is a 16 oz. imported veal chop, juicy and tender. It is a must!

Rossini
Calle Porfirio Herrera No. 23, (old Piantini-Elite)
Tel: 567-1617
Owner/Chef: Giovani Tiana
Owner/ Manager: Maria Consuelo Padilla.
Natural, healthful, and personalized cuisine, prepared "a la minute," with your approval in mind. The signature item is the risotto Rossini with strawberries. Other excellent choices are the homemade spinach ravioli and the smoked salmon carpaccio. A barbecue is presented on the terrace every Wednesday animated by piano music.

Spaguettissimo
Calle Paseo de Locutores No. 13
Tel: 565-3708
Owner: Frederic Gollong.
Rustic terracotta floors and yellow washed walls add a touch of nostalgia to a countryside atmosphere. Gnocchi in a light tomato sauce and "bruschetta siciliana" (toasted Italian bread with tomatoes and basil) are house specialties. The osso bucco is always tasty. Jazz is presented every Wednesday in an outdoor garden setting.

Toscana
Calle E. L. Ekman No. 34, Arroyo Hondo
Tel:  (809)549-5191
Owner: Alfredo Alonso
Chef: Hector Paulino.
A cozy Old World charm accented by pepper lights. Regional Italian cooking highlighted by fettuccini Alfredo, chicken and spinach canneloni, and prosciutto ravioli.