Spanish cuisine - Santo Domingo

Boga-Boga
Plaza Florida, Armando Rodríguez corner of Bolívar
Tel: 541-4150
Owner: Emilio Montoiro.
The "entremeses bora" (appetizer) include a selection of Serrano ham, chorizo (Spanish sausage), chicken and ham croquettes, and Manchego cheese. Another specialty is the "meat paella."

Cantábrico
Ave. Independencia No. 54
Tel: (809)687-5101
Owner: Adolfo y María Luz San Francisco
Chef: Bartolo.
A rendition of a still life portrait enhances the entrance table with a roasted pig, legs of lamb and pork, wines and flowers. Life-size paintings decorate the green walls. Hearty regional fare based on recipes from the Iberian Peninsula warm the hearts - fresh oysters, lobster creole style, chateaubriand.

Don Pepe
Calle Pasteur and Santiago
Tel: 686-8481
Owner: José María Diez
Chef: José Bolívar Reyes.
Enter a room with gothic design and a display of the freshest land and sea offering. Experience Spanish cuisine at its best. To add a different touch to the menu, management offers a variety of gastronomic festivals throughout the year. Try garlic soup, a very traditional Spanish potage, "arroz con calamares" (rice with squid), and suckling pig Segovia style.

Juan Carlos
Gustavo Mejía Ricart No. 7
Tel: 562-5088
Owner/Chef:  Leda Gil.
The pleasure of good food is heightened by the unequal skills of Doña Leda. Come and sample specialties such as oven roasted lamb, filet mignon in champagne sauce, and filet of fish in Cointreau.

La Mezquita
Ave. Independencia No. 407
Tel: 687-7090
Administrators: Julio César Dechoudes & Waldes Baez
Chefs: Juan Trinidad Luna & Yolanda Beras.
An up-scale restaurant with good Spanish food. Specializing in fish and shellfish. Acclaimed choices are "mero bretona" (red snapper bretone style), "langostinos a la bilbaina" (langoustines in the manner of Bilbao), and the fruit pudding.

Mesón de Castilla
Calle Dr. Báez No. 8
Tel: 688-4319
Owner: Antonio Aragon Corral.
Enter the world of a typical Spanish "meson." Plant-filled clay pots hanging at the entrance wall are gently irrigated by the water emanating from above. Inside, the essence of truly Spanish offerings. Patrons gather to taste the now famous "paella," the "cochinillo" (suckling pig) and "cordero asado" (baked lamb). Dessert comes in a form of "torrijas" (bread slices, soaked in milk, and fried then covered with syrup). As the waiter says, "Every thing is good."

Reina de España
Calle Cervantes No. 103
Tel: 685-2588
Owner: Severiano De La Madrid.
Elegant white tablecloth restaurant inspired in the Spanish tradition. "Alcachofas rellenas de mariscos" won first place at the Dominican Gastronomic Festival, assorted grilled seafood, and a scrumptious chocolate souffle.

Río Miño
Jardines Hotel Embajador
Tel: (809)534-5873
Owner: Mario Carlos and Soraya Rodríguez.
A piece of Galicia in the heart of Santo Domingo. Excellent "rolatines de mero rellenos de mariscos" (red snapper fillets filled with seafood) and "langosta a la crema" (lobster in cream sauce).